Published in September 2003

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

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M. Chapoutier 2000 Le Méal Syrah (Hermitage)

Cellar Selection

Price $317

If the gorgeous notes of brown sugar, graham cracker and black pepper on the nose don’t reel you in, what’s in the mouth will. Its blackberry core is juicy without being overblown; black olives, earth, leather and even a little raspberry flesh out the flavor profile. Has a velourlike texture in the mouth; its tannins are soft enough to age well, but age it… — W.E. (9/1/2003)

96-100

points

Glenmorangie 1981 Sauternes Wood Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky/Northern Highlands

Price $300

Spent its last 2 1/2 years of maturation in Château d’Yquem barrels. Striking harvest/honey gold color. Ambrosial and earthy scents of banana cream, pistachio, almond and maple take the olfactory sense to higher planes of pleasure; another eight minutes sees the fruit component go wild, offering rich aromas of baked pear, baked apple, maple syrup and English toffee… — P.P. (9/1/2003)

96-100

points

Murray McDavid Mission Range Highland Park 1979 Orkney Single Malt Whisky

Price $150

Fino Sherry gold/straw color. Initial scent exhibits delicate notes of honey, oloroso Sherry and tobacco leaf; aeration stirs up succulent aromas including ashes, oaky vanillin, poppy seed and sweet malt. Palate entry is buttery, slightly herbal, lightly peated and oily; by midpalate, the oiliness takes control of the texture while the lightly peated tastes… — P.P. (9/1/2003)

96-100

points

Aspall Dry English Draft Cider

Bright gold color topped by a rim of silver fizz; large, splooshing bubbles. Initial nosing passes detect a fine, narrow, very tart green apple bouquet; later sniffings pick up notes of honey wheat bread and apple peel. Palate entry is light, gently effervescent and tart; midpalate stage is agile on the tongue, acceptably sour (but not biting) and refreshing… — P.P. (9/1/2003)

points

M. Chapoutier 2000 Les Granites Syrah (Saint-Joseph)

Price $97

One reviewer calls it subtle and another calls it big-boned, and really, Les Granites is a bit of both. Its dusty, chalky tannins make for a glorious mouthfeel; underneath, there’s a host of juicy berry flavors that grip the midpalate and linger long on the finish. Closes with ripe tannins, and some espresso and black pepper. — W.E. (9/1/2003)

points

Leonetti Cellar 2000 Reserve Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Price $95

It simply says “reserve” on the label, but the blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cab Frank and 10% Petit Verdot. Soft, plush and forward, it envelops the palate in rich red fruits and sweet spice, then finishes with the layers of flavorful oak for which Leonetti is famous. Sophisticated, brilliant winemaking. — P.G. (9/1/2003)

points

Schramsberg 1996 Reserve Sparkling (Napa County)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

Re-release. What a pretty bouquet on this 7-year-old wine! It is delicate but assertive, with flavors of dried hay, bread dough, vanilla, rich cream, smoke and peach. The mouthfeel is dry and a bit scoury in acidity, with a biscuity vanilla flavor. Still seems young. Best left in a cool cellar for another seven years. — S.H. (9/1/2003)

points

Williams Selyem 2000 Vista Verde Vineyard Late Harvest Gewürztraminer (San Benito County)

Online Exclusive

Price $32

Honey, spice, apricot, fig, citrus, cinnamon, clove, litchee and apple flavors are all couched in a silky, viscous and vivacious blend. Sweet and rich, but bright and fresh on the finish. Really a fine dessert wine. -J.M. — J.M. (9/1/2003)

2009 Va Piano

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…

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