Published in Mid December 2003

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

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Martell XO Suprème Cognac

Price $120

Aromas are ripe and melony, then turn deep with subtle hints of walnut, butter cream, oak and marzipan—a sensational bouquet. Right from palate entry the fruit concentration is perfectly balanced by a resiny, cheesy oakiness that blossoms at midpalate along with succulent tastes of raisins, vanilla and butterscotch. Finishes stately, almost chunky. The touch of… — P.P. (12/15/2003)

points

Hourglass 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $85

This is gorgeous. Smooth, rich, ripe and loaded with complex flavors. Black cherry, blackberry, plum, cloves, coffee, spice, chocolate, licorice, anise, menthol and eucalyptus all weave a kaleidoscope of taste for a tantalizing, heady and satisfying wine. Velvety tannins frame it all, leaving it long and lush at the end. Just when you think it’s over, a new wave of… — J.M. (12/15/2003)

points

Laurent-Perrier NV Grand Siècle La Cuvée Brut Sparkling

Price $90

Mature, with a touch of scrambled egg and burnt sulfur on the dry bouquet. This one runs lean and crisp, with green apple and a hint of lemon on the palate. That said, there’s still laudable depth of flavor and complexity. Overall the impression is largely of citrus. Imported by Laurent-Perrier. — M.S. (12/15/2005)

points

Charles Heidsieck NV Reserve Brut Sparkling

Price $40

A big boy with almost fleshy fruit. The flavors push into exotic, tropical richness yet retain spicy citrus-rind highlights. There is nothing clumsy, despite the ripeness; the finish seems to extend almost infinitely and keeps zinging you with surprises—marshmallow, marzipan, cookie dough, etc. An added bonus: the back label clearly indicates when it was bottled… — P.G. (12/1/2006)

points

L'Aventure 2000 Syrah (Paso Robles)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

The opening aroma is muted in fruit, dominated by white pepper and a landslide of new oak. You have to slosh it around the mouth to experience the depth and range of fruit, which is big and extraordinarily rich. Tannins are dry and complex. This is a wine obviously meant for the cellar, and it should glide through the next five years and turn into a very… — S.H. (12/15/2003)

points

Caymus 2000 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $136

A bright-edged wine, redolent of Bing cherry, raspberry, blackberry, anise, spice, cedar and herb flavors. Tannins are powdery, firm and ripe. They frame the wine in a toasty embrace, ending with a plush finish. Consistently a benchmark from the heartland of California Cabernet. — J.M. (12/15/2003)

points

Tormaresca 2000 Bocca di Lupo Aglianico (Castel del Monte)

Editors' Choice

Price $28

How smooth is this luscious bruiser—a combination of 90% Aglianico and 10% Cab Sauvignon? Pull out the knife and fork and find out. The color is splendidly opaque, and the palate is packed with cherry, cassis, mint and menthol. The finish is chewy, with mouth-coating tannins. Very pretty and wall-to-wall in terms of structure. From Antinori’s Puglian operation. — M.S. (12/15/2003)

points

Deutz 1996 Blanc de Blancs Brut Chardonnay

Price $78

Blasts off with warm, enveloping aromas of toasted brioche, evolving into baked apple and spice flavors. Lush, creamy and rich on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Perfectly balanced for near-term consumption. — J.C. (12/15/2003)

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

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

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