Published in June 2004

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

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Bushmills Irish Cream Liqueur

Best Buy

Price $19

Opening aroma rings with lovely, sweet scents of cinnamon, candied walnut and double cream; with time the bouquet accentuates the nuttiness and the cream in the most congruous manner imaginable. Palate entry is satiny smooth, delectably creamy and properly spiced; at midpalate, the creaminess takes on a bittersweet cocoa quality that’s utterly spectacular… — P.P. (6/1/2004)

96-100

points

Sylk Cream by Drambuie

Best Buy

Price $22

First nosings offer stunning scents of citrus rind, malt whisky and light cream; later sniffings accentuate the fruity, honeyed, malty aroma of the whisky and add flowers and whipped egg white. Palate entry speaks of malt whisky, always taking care not to overshadow the honey or cream; at midpalate, the floral/blossom-like honey quality is more pronounced, becoming… — P.P. (6/1/2004)

points

Fuligni 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $82

Anyone who loves great Sangiovese should snap up this star-quality wine. Always a personal favorite, the ’99 doesn’t disappoint. It’s lively and electric, with structure equal to the Tuscan fort in which it was tasted. As for flavors, look for overflowing blackberry, cola, mocha and more. A wine that can probably last for 15 years. — M.S. (6/1/2004)

points

Palazzo Rosso 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $36

The smoky bouquet is sleek and sly, with genuine leather and floral notes. It’s very classy and already into its development. The fruit is pure and dark, and the finish is what some might call “monster,” which is a good thing. A winner with all the right stuff. Hold three to four years before drinking. — M.S. (6/1/2004)

points

Siro Pacenti 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

A stunningly complete, cool-as-can-be modern wine with great color, lush plum and berry fruit, and very little of the earth and leather notes that some Brunello-istas may be seeking. However, if you like texture, sublime flavors of chocolate and charcoal, and perfectly integrated oak, this is for you. Consider drinking in 2005 or 2006. — M.S. (6/1/2004)

points

Schramsberg 1997 Reserve Sparkling

Price $60

If you read the review of Schramsberg’s J. Schram, you’ll get a sense of this wine. It’s nearly identical, but less refined, a bit rougher by comparison. Still, it’s a very fine wine, youthful and sharp in acids, but balanced and controlled. Very tight, and clearly needs time. 2006 and beyond. — S.H. (12/31/2004)

points

Canalicchio 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $75

Rock solid, with a pure nose that exudes leather, coffee, charred beef and lots of prime red fruit. From the plum and cherry flavors riding the surface to the wine’s deepest depths, there’s nothing not to like. As a whole, this one is Brunello like it should be: lively, racy and fun. Hold for several years for best results. — M.S. (6/1/2004)

points

Castello de Camigliano 1999 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $58

Stately and complex, with fabulous structure and purity of fruit. The nose builds to an alluring peak, offering leather, cherry tomato and plum along the way. In the mouth, the wine is strong and balanced, while at the end thick legs cling to your glass as it fades away like silk. — M.S. (6/1/2004)

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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