Published in October 2005

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2005 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Alvaro Palacios 2003 L’Ermita Red (Priorat)

Price $440

Super pricey but this is a knock-your-socks-off wine with a gorgeous bouquet that shows not even a hint of syrup or jam. The palate is like a nova; it bursts with plum, blackberry and cinnamon. No harshness, not too tannic, and splendid on the finish, where toast and chocolate appear and stick around for a long time. It’s 80% old-vines Garnacha and 20% Cabernet… — M.S. (10/1/2005)

96-100

points

Cointreau Liqueur

Price $32

A sophisticated orange pulp bouquet which after aeration turns much more dry peel-like. The palate entry is intensely orange peel-like yet more sweet than bittersweet; the midpalate stage is deeply orangey, sweet and sublimely juicy. Finishes ideally citrusy/tart/astringent, then turns lithe and sweet. The benchmark for all orange flavored liqueurs/triple secs… — P.P. (10/1/2005)

points

Clos Mogador 2001 Tinto Red (Priorat)

Editors' Choice

Price $75

The 2002 is the current vintage (reviewed in June), but this wine is superior and is just now entering its prime; call it red nectar with a cement foundation. Mogador offers the purest Priorat fruit going, and the ’01 is ethereal, with chewy blackberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors along with horsehide, black pepper and tobacco on the finish. Imported by… — M.S. (10/1/2005)

points

Mount Veeder 2001 Reserve Red (Mount Veeder)

Cellar Selection

Price $80

This fabulous mountain Cabernet blend is hefty in tannins, but it’s so delicious and balanced, it’s totally drinkable now. Massive black currant flavors penetrate the palate and last forever on the finish. Oak adds smoky, spicy complexities. Cellar a case of this wine through 2015 or so, opening one bottle a year to experience its evolution. — S.H. (10/1/2005)

points

O'Shaughnessy 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)

Editors' Choice

Price $54

Dark, full-bodied and rich, with well-detailed black currant and cocoa flavors and a flamboyant but balanced coating of new oak. Impresses not only for its power, but for the soft luxury of its mouthfeel. Beautiful now, and perhaps best over the next 5 years to capture in its youth. — S.H. (10/1/2005)

points

Paloma 2002 Merlot (Spring Mountain)

Cellar Selection

Price $51

Tasted in a rather tannic flight, this baby was even more tannic. It pours inky black, and reveals nothing in the aroma, save for grapes and oak. Yet there are powerful signs of a magnificent future, especially the long, sweet finish of blackberry syrup. Great now with robust fare, but should hold through the decade. — S.H. (10/1/2005)

points

Flora Springs 2002 Rutherford Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $100

Showing the best structure of Flora Springs’ impressive quartet of ’04 vineyard desigated Cabs, this is a firm, well-sculpted wine whose pedigree stands out, but it needs time. It’s a big, tannic, closed wine, dry and astringent. But there’s a gigantic heart of blackberry fruit, and I would be surprised if this wine doesn’t turn into a real beauty by 2010. — S.H. (10/1/2005)

points

Sanchez Romate NV Cardenal Cisneros Reservas Pedro Ximénez (Jerez)

Best Buy

Price $15

This reserve-level P.X. sets the gold standard for excellence in sweet sherry. The lovely bouquet straddles the line between unadulterated sweetness and impeccable slyness. The flavors of fig, chocolate, caramel, browned butter and cinnamon are amazing. So chewy and thick, but balanced by firm acids. Brilliant. — M.S. (10/1/2005)

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

Rich flavors of cherries, persimmons, cola, anise and oak flood the…

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