Published in September 2003
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the September 2003 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
M. Chapoutier 2000 Chante Alouette White (Hermitage)
- $84
More forward and modern than De L’Orée, this bottling is clean, overtly fruity and ultimately very stylish. Butterscotch notes start it off, followed by peach, melon and apple flavors. Overall there’s undeniable fruit quality here. The finish is round, substantive and long, and here you’ll find notes of honey and white pepper. For a Northern Rhône white, it’s…
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
Perrin & Fils 2000 Perrin L'Andéol Rasteau Red (Côtes du Rhône Villages)
- Editors' Choice
- $16
Muscled up and powerful, with graham cracker aromas and deep, saturated black fruit. For a Southern Rhône red, this has all you could ask for. The palate is sweet, ripe and meaty, with oozing black plum and berries framed perfectly by simple yet tasty oak. And the finish is snappy and lively, yet tannic and rich. The full package, with size and stature. Editors’ Choice.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
Signorello 1998 Las Amigas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)
- Online Exclusive
- $50
Released at the same time as the ‘99, this wine shows a very different profile, beginning with meaty, bacon fat aromas along with tomato, and leaner in the mouth. But it’s not austere or earthy. It has some pretty black raspberry and spice flavors, wrapped in silky tannins. In a way, it’s a more balanced wine than the riper ‘99 because it doesn’t have that fruit…
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Tohu 2001 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)
- $25
Quite purple, with sweet cherry, dried herb and flower petal aromas. The palate is smoky and modestly complex, with a fine mix of cherry and chocolate. The finish grows deeper and darker, emphasizing tar and espresso. Medium in body, but packing punch. The feel is fresh yet firm.
— W.E.
(9/1/2003)
Testarossa 1999 Pisoni Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- Online Exclusive
Dramatically rich and stuffed with black raspberry, spice, tomato, cola and espresso flavors, it’s smooth and silky in the mouth. The fruity ripeness on the palate, not to mention the sweetness of well-toasted oak, lends it a honeyed feel right through the peppery, candied finish.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Testarossa 2000 Palazzio Pinot Noir (Monterey)
- Online Exclusive
- $32
From the cool, wind-sheltered western highlands of Salinas Valley, a wine that combines sumptuous, massive fruit with delicacy of body to produce an outstandingly drinkable Pinot. It has ripe red raspberry and spice flavors in a dry package with silky tannins. Possesses irresistable elegance and finesse.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Pegasus Bay 2001 Pinot Noir (Waipara)
- $48
A perennial favorite, this year’s Pegasus Bay is no disappointment. Wisps of dried herbs add complexity to the black cherry aromas, with barrel-imparted hints of vanilla and dried spices buttressing the richly fruity flavors. Add a full, supple mouthfeel and a long, mouthwatering finish, and you’ve got all the ingredients for world-class Pinot Noir.
— J.C.
(9/1/2003)
Elk Cove 2001 Windhill Pinot Noir
- $32
Smoky aromas kick start things, and then comes a blast of tar, char and pure red fruit. The deep, structured, properly acidic palate is pure and healthy as can be, with cherry, raspberry and chocolate flavors coming together perfectly. And the rich, oaky finish is just as it should be. With zest, style and class, this is a fine domestic Pinot.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
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