Published in October 2003

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2003 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Domaine Romanée Conti 2000 La Tache Pinot Noir

Cellar Selection

Price $400

Truly glorious and incredibly seductive in the nose, with a complex but also subtle swirl of fruit, herbs and spice. Bold, sleek and velvety on the palate, with a distinct core that is pleasingly redolent of fresh-picked grape stems, but surrounded by ripe raspberry and cherry flavors. It evens out with hints of leather, toast, crème brûlée, rose petals, citrus and… — W.E. (10/1/2003)

96-100

points

Shakers Vodka

Best Buy

Price $33

Shows attractive, bittersweet vanilla extract, cracker and cocoa bean-like aromas. Palate entry is beany, bittersweet and intensely vanilla extract-like; by midpalate, the bittersweet, almost honey or molasses-like taste profile soars on the tongue. Finishes semisweet, intense. — P.P. (10/1/2003)

96-100

points

BRN Sea Wynde Pot Still Rum

Best Buy

Price $38

Initial whiffs detect seductive fragrances of paraffin, molasses and oak; an extra seven minutes releases semisweet to sweet aromas of maple and brown sugar. Palate entry emits sweet, lightly baked tastes of maple and almond butter; by midpalate, the succulent tastes of cream, cinnamon, clove, oak resin approach rancio-like proportions. Aftertaste is long, fruity… — P.P. (10/1/2003)

points

Penfolds 1998 Grange Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon

Price $205

Though the nose on this wine is still somewhat closed, it’s still remarkable. Individual notes (apart from eucalyptus and toast) aren’t discernible; instead, it’s an intense, penetrating sensation that fills the nose. Vanilla and coffee flavors are sumptuous foils to rich blackberries on the palate, which is muscular and plush as all get-out. Finishes long, with… — D.T. (10/1/2003)

points

Domaine Romanée Conti 2000 Richebourg Pinot Noir

Price $375

Exquisitely perfumed. The wine starts off with cherry and spice, including a strong cinnamon component. It’s packed with elegance and finesse, yet reveals a rich panoply of flavors: raspberries, bing cherries, spice, plum, allspice, vanilla and thyme come to mind, all beautifully integrated into a classy, seamless whole. — W.E. (10/1/2003)

points

Domaine Romanée Conti 2000 Romanee-Conti Pinot Noir

Price $1200

Made to last, this DRC is still holding back. Right now, it’s the biggest but not the best of the 2000s, showing dark earth and rich black cherries, along with notes of each, kirsch and a hint of alcoholic warmth. Turns increasingly floral and rose-like with air. — W.E. (10/1/2003)

points

Kathryn Hall Vineyards 1999 Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

A beautiful, classic wine that showcases the balance and harmony of Rutherford Cabernet. Has a feminine character in the soft, pliant tannins and sumptuous mouthfeel, but there’s nothing shy about the currant and olive flavors and the long finish. Big, impressive, and flashy. — S.H. (10/1/2003)

points

Domaine Romanée Conti 2000 Le Montrachet Chardonnay

Price $1000

Supple, rich and elegant, with a silky-rich texture that’s backed by a classy core of balanced acidity. Explosive aromas of toast, grilled nuts and caramelized peaches burst from the glass, while the palate is more about charm and finesse than raw power in this vintage. — W.E. (10/1/2003)

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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