Published in March 2004

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

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Cockburn's 1927 Vintage Port (Port)

Served alongside the 1912 and the 1935, this was by far the darkest and reddest-colored of the flight. Rich berry aromas soar from the glass, graced by notes of toffee and coffee. The alcohol is well integrated, almost hidden in the masses of rich, chocolaty fruit and supple, velvety mouthfeel. Shows great length on the finish, which picks up gorgeous hints of… — J.C. (3/1/2004)

points

Cockburn's 1955 Vintage Port (Port)

Slightly deeper and richer in color than the 1947, featuring rich cassis aromas, violets and dried spices. It’s wonderfully rich in the mouth—expansive and mouthfilling, yet not lacking at all for nuance or complexity. Tannins are resolved, but the wine is still sturdy and holding well. Drink now or, based on the strength of the ’27, hold up to 20 more years. — J.C. (3/1/2004)

96-100

points

Coeur de Lion 1963 Calvados Pays d’Auge

Price $310

Apple peel-like scents greet you early-on; further time in the glass reveals much deeper, more profound aromas that resemble milk chocolate, cream and cotton. Taste is clean, acidic and sap-like, then at midpalate the flavor turns slightly sweeter as if the apples were harvested a day before full ripeness. Simply one of the best vintage Calvados I’ve sampled. — P.P. (3/1/2004)

96-100

points

Château de Laubade 1941 Bas Armagnac

Price $460

Semisweet aroma leaps forward emitting toasty, almost smoky fragrances of campfire, charcoal, pipe tobacco, blue cheese and rancio. Taste is elegant, refined and supple, showing mature tastes of oak, marshmallow, honey, oloroso Sherry, black tea and coffee. A seamless six decade-old jewel. — P.P. (3/1/2004)

points

Vall Llach 2000 Celler Red (Priorat)

Cellar Selection

Price $88

This one is up there with the very best of the region. It’s downright purple, with a powerful, classy, dense nose that exudes pine, lemon peel and loads of blackberry and plum. The flavor profile is a splendid mix of boysenberry, cherry, fennel and black pepper. And the finish is driving and spicy, a wonderful blend of cola, chocolate and berries. A dazzling wine. — M.S. (3/1/2004)

points

Folie à Deux 1999 Bowman Vineyard Zinfandel (Amador County)

Online Exclusive

Price $26

A beautiful Zin, among the best ever, with its near perfect balance of fruit, alcohol and tannins. Gorgeous flavors burst on the palate, black cherries, blackberries, cassis, white chocolate, espresso and cinnamon, to name a few. The wine is totally dry, but so ripe, it tastes sweet. Completely addictive, a joy for lovers of dry, balanced Zins, and a triumph for… — S.H. (3/1/2004)

points

Villa Creek 2001 Avenger Red (Paso Robles)

Price $20

The first-ever wine from this West Side property, and a very great wine it is. A beautifully balanced Rhône blend with aromas of raspberry, cherry, sweet wood smoke and vanilla, it is extracted and jammy, but complex. Layers of oak, chocolate, cherry, cream and spices cascade across the palate. The finish is long and spicy-sweet. — S.H. (3/1/2004)

points

Domaine de la Janasse 2001 Vieilles Vignes Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Price $110

Here is a wine that shows the serious side of Châteauneuf. While the fruit is certainly huge, what is equally apparent is the restrained power and the rich, concentrated tannins. This is a style of wine that would appeal to a Zinfandel lover. — R.V. (3/1/2004)

2010 Andeluna Altitud

This is a high-quality Malbec with fleshy berry aromas that veer towards…

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