Published in July 2002

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

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Terre Rouge 1999 Sentinel Oak Vineyard Pyramid Block Syrah (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Price $35

Hang onto your hat; here’s a very great Syrah. The aromas are hiding, now suggesting plum and blackberry, now black pepper, now freshly baked rhubarb pie. In the mouth, it knocks out with grace and power. It’s soft as silk, but complex and layered, and the richly tannic finish suggests aging potential. Not too long, though. — S.H. (7/1/2002)

points

Hartford 1999 Dutton Ranch-Sanchietti Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

Pure, seductive Pinot aromas combine floral, rose-petal aromas with dark fruit and brown sugar. Rich flavors of blackberries and boysenberries cascade across the palate in a fall of velvet. Moderate acidity makes it approachable now, but there’s enough tannin to preserve it for a few years. A wine that can stand up to steak but still retains a sense of Pinot… — W.E. (7/1/2002)

points

Havens 1999 Hudson T Reserve Syrah (Napa Valley)

Price $45

From a vineyard near Carneros, this inky, dark wine bursts with blackberry, clove and smoke aromas. Fantastic concentration of fruit; deep, plush and opulent. The depth of flavor is enormous, yet it’s so supple and balanced. Very fine now. Try it with game. — S.H. (7/1/2002)

points

Jaffurs 1999 Stolpman Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

Price $32

Incredibly rich, with ripe cherry, plum, spice and herb notes at the fore. It’s all framed in luscious, broad tannins that are firm but velvety. Long on the finish. — J.M. (7/1/2002)

points

Ledson 1998 Merlot (Sonoma Valley)

Price $34

This is one of the most interesting Merlots of the vintage because it combines fruity ripeness with herbal and vegetal notes to create a complex wine. Blackberry and cassis, a bit of stewed tomato and mushroom, grilled meat, green olives and roasted coffee beans only begin to describe it. Dry and harmonious. — S.H. (7/1/2002)

points

Hartford 1999 Hartford Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $34

From the old vineyard in back of Don Hartford’s house, this 15.7% alcohol Zin is big—but it’s no brute. It’s full of dark, rich blackberries, layered with chocolate and black pepper. The velvety texture carries through the long finish, picking up hints of black licorice. Editors’ Choice. — W.E. (7/1/2002)

points

Hartford 1999 Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $34

Spicier than the other Hartford Zins, with the accent on black pepper and clove. Brambly blackberry and chocolate provide a solid foundation for spice complexities. Hints of crushed nettles provide yet another layer of flavor, and the wine finishes with zippy acids and peppery spice. — W.E. (7/1/2002)

points

Terre Rouge 1999 Syrah

Price $22

What an interesting wine. It drinks like it really comes from someplace, which is to say, it has terroir. It smells earthy and peppery, with a perfume of cassis. It’s soft in tannins and acids, but utterly delicious. Hard to exaggerate the lip-smacking quality and fantastic finish. — S.H. (7/1/2002)

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