Published in Mid December 2004

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

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Dr. Pauly Bergweiler 2003 Bernkasteler Badstube Eiswein Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Price $175

Absolutely incredible eiswein, with finely etched flavors of pear and pineapple that flow across the palate like fruit syrup borne on light-footed acids. Stunningly sweet, but with great balancing acidity and a finish that lingers for minutes. — J.C. (12/15/2004)

96-100

points

The Glenlivet 1966 Cellar Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Price $2000

The initial aroma emits luscious notes of light toffee, milk chocolate and cocoa bean; following aeration a bouquet of dried red fruit, candied walnut, nougat and faint vanilla bean evolves. Palate entry is smooth and smolderingly warm; at midpalate tastes of mature oaky spirit underpin surface flavors of cedar, resin, caramel and a dash of plum eau-de-vie… — P.P. (12/15/2004)

96-100

points

Zuidam Dry Gin

Price $30

Wonderful beginning aroma of dried citrus zest/rind; following aeration the bouquet turns steely, spicy and earthy. The palate entry is tart, sublimely orangey and borderline sour; at midpalate the angelica, juniper and cardamom take charge, mingling perfectly with the orange rind. Ends silkily with flashes of orange zest and juniper. First class. — P.P. (12/15/2004)

points

Wenzel 2001 Saz Ruster Ausbruch White (Burgenland)

Price $120

Apricot and orange marmalade scents presage this wine’s viscous sweetness, but the wine also boasts incredible precision and clarity to its flavors. Dried apricots, honey and citrus all come together in a complex swirl that never seems too heavy or cloying. Finishes with a hint of bergamots (the flavoring in Earl Grey tea). A blend of Furmint and Gelber Muskateller. — J.C. (12/15/2004)

points

Maximin Grünhäuser 2003 Abtsberg Beerenauslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Price $167

Heavily botrytized, this thick, unctuous wine virtually oozes with dried apricots and spiced applesauce aromas and flavors. So much going on it’s hard to adequately describe, with a long, sticky finish. — J.C. (12/15/2004)

points

Paraiso Vineyards 2001 Wedding Hill Syrah (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Price $45

One of the best Syrahs I’ve ever had from this appellation, and right up there with California’s best. Deep, dark and complex, it offers dramatic helpings of plum sauce, leather, blackberry, chocolate, coffee and oak flavors that don’t stop. The tannic structure is a wonder. Completely dry, yet with a fruity sweetness, it’s totally drinkable now and for the next… — S.H. (12/15/2004)

points

Simi 2001 Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Price $33

This fabulously complex wine shows how you can merge power and nuance with the most complex and satisfying results. Cherries, dried herbs, vanilla and toasty oak, with ripe, lush tannins and great balance. Shows an exciting finesse throughout. Hard to exaggerate the quality. A perfect companion at the table. — S.H. (12/15/2004)

points

Andrew Will 2002 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine (Red Mountain)

Cellar Selection

Price $55

Gloriously structured, this extraordinary effort blends 44% Merlot, 28% Cab Franc, 18% Cab Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot into a wine that reveals itself in sculpted layer upon layer of scent and flavor. Citrus peel, plum, wild berry, red currant and spice are set upon a base of rich mineral and rock, with precisely cut tannins. Hold 8–10 years. — P.G. (12/15/2004)

2010 Pence Ranch Westslope

This is sourced from the winery's steepest and most wind-exposed blocks…

(Sponsored)