Published in May 2002

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the May 2002 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Sort By:

Hourglass 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $75

A gloriously concentrated wine, filled with black cherry, plum, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, raisin and herb flavors. Plush, velvety, complex, elegant and voluptuous all the way to its long, long finish. Unfortunately, only 48 cases were made. The good news is that we’ll see as much as 800 cases for the 2000 vintage. Cellar Selection. —J.M. — J.M. (5/1/2002)

points

Fife 1999 Old Yokayo Ranch Vineyard Syrah (Mendocino)

Editors' Choice

Price $35

From warm western slopes over Ukiah Valley, a powerhouse combining audacious fruit with impeccable balance. Concentrated flavors of red and black berries, chocolate, white pepper, bacon, tobacco and coffee are rich, yet with only 13.5 percent alcohol, the wine is balanced and gentle. The mouthfeel is stunning. Editors’ Choice. —S.H. — S.H. (5/1/2002)

points

Feudi di San Gregorio 1999 Serpico Aglianico (Irpinia)

Editors' Choice

Price $57

Complexity is the key in this Aglianico-Merlot blend. A hefty richness from the Aglianico combines with a velvety softness from the Merlot, which also supports the midpalate. Flavors of fresh blackberries executed in a modern style couple with dried spices and smoke. Editors’ Choice. — C.S. (5/1/2002)

points

Argiolas 1997 Turriga Grenache (Sardinia)

Cellar Selection

Price $50

Caramel, floral and dried herb on the nose fuses elegantly with what follows in the mouth—juicy raspberry, plum and spice. Finishes in a crescendo of fruit and tannins that will only get better with time. Cellar Selection. — C.S. (5/1/2002)

points

Shafer 1999 Relentless Syrah (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $46

Incredibly intense, with dense, focused, vivid black cherry, berry, spice, cassis, herb and licorice flavors. Lush, supple textured, round and elegant, it¹s quite peppery, nonetheless, and framed in ripe, meaty tannins. Named for the relentless efforts of winemaker Elias Fernandez, the wine is silky smooth and long at the end. An outstanding first Syrah from… — J.M. (5/1/2002)

points

Fife 1999 L'Attitude Red (Mendocino)

Cellar Selection

Price $20

A Rhône blend, and the wine that best exemplifies the Châteauneuf-style blend that inland Mendocino is hoping will put it on the map. This is magnificent stuff, lusty and full-bodied, with mixed berry flavors that are dominated by the aroma of white pepper. It’s dry, with complex, dusty tannins and a round, smooth mouthfeel. Lighter than Cabernet but denser than… — S.H. (5/1/2002)

points

Eaglepoint Ranch 1999 Syrah (Mendocino)

Price $24

From longtime growers, now vintners, on the western slopes of the Mayacamas comes this impressive and huge wine. It’s dark as night, with brilliantly complex aromas of berries, leather, sage, smoke and white pepper. It’s also mouth filling, and has so many facets, it’s hard to keep track. The depth of flavor is stunning, while dusty tannins provide structure. A… — S.H. (5/1/2002)

points

Von Strasser 1999 rainin Vineyard Chardonnay (Diamond Mountain)

Price $45

Crisp yet smooth and velvety on the palate, this complex, elegant wine is loaded with layers of pear, apple, mineral, vanilla, coconut, spice, apricot and lemon notes. Really gorgeous, with a finish that is clean and luxurious. —J.M. — J.M. (5/1/2002)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

(Sponsored)