Published in April 2004

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

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Herzog 2001 Special Reserve Syrah (Edna Valley)

Price $30

This is beautiful Syrah, a joy to drink. It pours dark and glyceriney, and while it’s a bit mute in aroma, it explodes in the mouth, with flavors of cassis, spicy plum, chocolate, roasted meat, vanilla and smoke. Hard to describe the smooth mouthfeel, or the fancy aftertaste. For all the flamboyance, it’s a dry, controlled wine, assured of itself and in perfect… — S.H. (1/1/2002)

points

Diamond Creek 2000 Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $175

Rich, ripe aromas of black cherry, spice, vanilla and smoke lead the way here. On the palate, it’s dark and sleek, with blackberry, tar, more smoke, licorice, cassis, raspberry and herb notes that give it great complexity. The tannins are ripe and smooth, supporting the wine with fine, lush structure. — J.M. (4/1/2004)

points

S.E. Chase Family Cellars 2001 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

Price $36

Another top-notch wine from this relatively new producer. This vintage is packed with complex, ripe black cherry, blackberry, plum, spice, toast, vanilla, coffee, chocolate and herb flavors, all supported by smooth, supple tannins. It’s lush and long to the end. — J.M. (4/1/2004)

points

Fisher 2001 Coach Insignia Chardonnay (Sonoma County)

Price $32

This very complex wine is a blend of grapes from various parts of the county. It shows a myriad of flavors ranging from tropical tree fruits to limes and crisp, green apples, and has been well-oaked. The texture is creamy and opulent. Don’t chill it too much, because you’ll lose some of the high-end nuances. — S.H. (4/1/2004)

points

Diamond Creek 2000 Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $175

Smooth and elegant, with a fine tuned core of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, cedar, spice, coffee, chocolate, herbs and licorice notes. Tannins are firm yet delicate, supporting a long, bright finish redolent of cocoa, vanilla, toast and tangy berries. This is an elegant wine, neatly balanced and downright delicious to the end. — J.M. (4/1/2004)

points

Signorello 2000 Padrone Red (Napa Valley)

Price $75

Massive and brilliant, a distinctly Napa Bordeaux blend made succulent by its deep, rich flavors of blackcurrant, cassis and sweet black cherry. The tannins are soft and modulated, and crisp acidity gives the mouthfeel a clean feel. This is a wine to ooh and aah over, and is a special success for the vintage. — S.H. (4/1/2004)

points

Signorello 2001 Las Amigas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Price $32

There’s an amazing density to this wine, which has a molten quality to the mouthfeel. It’s as if the cherry, raspberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors were dissolved in mercury. On the other hand, the tannin-acid structure is a wonder. Intricate and dry, this single-vineyard beauty feels easy and silky. — S.H. (4/1/2004)

points

Patz & Hall 2001 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Price $70

What a price, but what a wine. For starters, it’s huge in cherry compote flavors, drizzled with sweet mocha, vanilla and powdered sugar. That makes it sound like a dessert wine, but it’s dry, with rich, ripe tannins and firm acids. What it lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in sheer decadence. — S.H. (4/1/2004)

2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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