Published in May 2003

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

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Bowmore 25 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky

Price $160

A new recipe, one that employs a higher proportion of Sherry-influenced whisky. Initial sniffings are briny, salty and cotton candy sweet; aeration adds scents of pastry, baked pear and butterscotch. Palate entry is rich, almost jammy and peppered with salty/winey flavors; midpalate explodes with deep tastes of maple, honey, brown sugar and toffee. Finish is long… — P.P. (5/1/2003)

96-100

points

Domenis Kosher Amaro

Price $50

Organic. Bouquet is delicate, lightly bitter and elegant and doesn’t hammer one’s olfactory sense into submission; there’s gentle orange peel, orris root, anise, bark and angelica; the best amaro bouquet I’ve ever evaluated. Palate entry is mellow, semisweet, not in the least bitter and botanical; midpalate shows exceptional balance, with a taste emphasis on orange… — P.P. (5/1/2003)

96-100

points

Douce Provence Poire Williams & Cognac French Liqueur

Best Buy

Price $25

Pale flaxen color. Opening whiffs pick up lightly spiced fragrances of pears and white raisins; together, the pear and cognac provide an elegant, delicate bouquet that’s soft, fruity and understated. Palate entry is tart immediately, then quickly turns semisweet as the pear influence overtakes the brandy component. Aftertaste is semisweet, ripe, fruity and… — P.P. (5/1/2003)

96-100

points

Lindemans Peche Peach Lambic

Mildly turbid, dusty orange color; white foam. It owns the most enticing bouquet of any lambic I’ve tasted; ripe peach, sweet fruit pulp fragrance. In the mouth, the peach flavor is acidic and tart at entry, then it turns succulent, ripe and sweet, but never plump or cloying. Finishes long, clean, crisp and intensely peach-like. Unbelievably true to the fruit source. — P.P. (5/1/2003)

points

Geyser Peak 1999 Reserve Alexandre Meritage Red (Alexander Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $45

The quintessential Alexander Valley Cabernet, always dependably soft, fruity and complex. This year is one of the best ever. Plush and velvety, with endless nuances, it’s like sipping the essence of black cherries steeped in kirsch. Dry, with just enough oak to add smoke and spice. Editors’ Choice. —S.H. — S.H. (5/1/2003)

points

Page 1999 Red (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $58

Sleek, smooth and complex. This impressive wine is supported by firm, ripe tannins. The flavors range from cassis to licorice, coffee, blackberry, plum, spice and herbs. It’s all couched with muscular elegance and backed by sweet oak. Long and lush at the end. Cellar Selection. —J.M. — J.M. (5/1/2003)

points

Allegrini 1998 Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)

Cellar Selection

Price $65

Black as coal and a true powerhouse. The nose dishes out tons of bacon, chocolate, caramel and prune-like fruit. Then comes the regal but complex palate that is much like the liquid version of fruitcake: there’s liqueur, raisins and dark chocolate in abundance. A rich, smooth mouthfeel solidifies it as a dynamite wine. Cellar Selection. — W.E. (5/1/2003)

points

Cecilia Beretta 1998 Terre di Cariano Red (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico)

Editors' Choice

Price $30

Anyone who says the 1998 vintage is a step down from 1997 hasn’t tasted this excellent wine. The nose is rich and simultaneously complex: soy, marzipan, leather and poached cherries are all there. The palate is quite a treat: There’s snappy, acid-driven fruit as well as hints of orange peel, brown sugar and coffee. — W.E. (5/1/2003)

2010 W.H. Smith

How can a wine be softly appealing and yet brisk in acidity at the same…

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