Published in October 2004

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2004 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Joseph Phelps 2001 Insignia Red (Napa Valley)

Price $125

A triumph. Aged nearly two years in all-new French oak, this massive wine stuns with its superb balance. Manages the elusive challenge of reining in hugely ripe black currant, cherry and oak flavors and sweet tannins while keeping the palate impression soft and alluring, almost feminine. Just gorgeous right out of the bottle, but should develop effortlessly through… — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Staglin 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Price $110

One of the best Rutherford wines of the vintage. Dramatically concentrated, everything’s on steroids, but controlled and beautiful. Very ripe and plush, oaky and young, fabulously expressive. Flavors are of black currants, sweet cherries, vanilla, smoke. A perfect expression of youthful brilliance and ageworthiness. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

M. Cosentino 2001 M Coz Meritage (Napa Valley)

Price $120

This fabulous wine stuns in every respect. It’s sweet in black currant, plum, mocha and oak flavors, yet retains a balanced dryness. A stiff backbone of acidity provides life and zest, but the intricate tapestry of tannins has a soft, aged feel. Voluptuous in the mouth; will age and likely improve beyond 2010. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Plumpjack 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Price $58

Really first rate, fat, fleshy, flashy and sensual. Hard to exaggerate the beauty of the currant and cherry fruit, so ripe, polished and pure, and the sweet finesse of the tannins. In a few years the inherent structure will kick in, tightening the wine and guaranteeing it a long life. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Hewitt 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Cellar Selection

Price $75

An inaugural release from Chalone Wine Group, and an important one. Possesses the hallmarks of greatness, from the subtle but complex mingling of cassis, cherry, herb, tobacco, mint and dark chocolate flavors to the fabulously ripe, sweet tannins. Big and sturdy yet nuanced, this wine is gorgeous now and should last many years in the cellar. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Shafer 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $52

Shafer makes it look so easy to produce these lush, massively textured Cabs. This baby has polished flavors of cassis and cherry so rich that they practically overwhelm the powerful tannins. It will certainly be succulent now with a juicy T-bone but is clearly a cellar candidate. However, age will rob it of the robust, juicy fruit of youth. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Rudd 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Cellar Selection

Price $75

Classic Oakville, detailed and refined, powerful in fruit and tannins; assertive and authoritative, yet manages to be graceful and elegant. A fulfilling wine, balanced and harmonious. Clearly has the stuffing to enjoy a ripe old age. Drink now through 2015. — S.H. (10/1/2004)

points

Poggio Antico 2001 Madre Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese (Toscana)

Editors' Choice

Price $64

One sniff delivers heavenly aromas of liqueur, plum and licorice. This 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet represents the Super Tuscan concept at its best. The fruit is dynamite, the oak front and center, and the aging potential great. Hold for about five years then unleash an avalanche of class and flavor. — M.S. (10/1/2004)

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

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