Published in Mid December 2005

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

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Quilceda Creek 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cellar Selection

Price $80

Amazing density; the aromas billow up from the glass and weave together sinuously, taking you on a magic carpet ride before the wine even hits your mouth. This wine has the power of a monster California Cab while retaining the subtlety of a first-growth Bordeaux. It is just a massive blast of dark fruit, incredible viscosity, silky textures and soft herbs, pepper… — P.G. (12/15/2005)

96-100

points

Booker’s 7-Year, 11-Month Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. B96-L

Price $50

A first-rate, multilayered bouquet that includes notes of cocoa, cigar tobacco and paraffin with aromas of caramel corn, cotton candy, oak and tapioca. The palate entry features tastes of spice, buttered corn, bacon fat and cream; the midpalate displays traces of butterscotch, nougat, sap, maple and vanilla. Finishes spirity and biscuity. Add water to reduce the… — P.P. (12/15/2005)

points

Freemark Abbey 2001 Bosche Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $65

One of the best Cabs of the vintage. It’s still a young wine, all primary black currant and plum fruit flavors and toasted oak, with complex notes of coffee and mocha. This wine is extraordinarily rich and finely balanced, displaying power, elegance, finesse and an unreal depth of fruit along with great length. Drink now through 2015. — S.H. (12/15/2005)

96-100

points

Glenmorangie Tain L’Hermitage Wood Finish Northern Highlands Single Malt Wh

Price $200

Limited availability. The nosing passes find aromas of hard wood and worn leather with succulent notes of oak resin, nut loaf, light toffee and citrus. The palate entry is focused, winey and lusciously sweet; midpalate adds bittersweet flavors of caramel, nougat, candy bar and sap. Concludes elegantly, sweet, integrated and tight. — P.P. (12/15/2005)

points

Laurent-Perrier NV Grand Siècle La Cuvée Brut Sparkling

Price $90

Mature, with a touch of scrambled egg and burnt sulfur on the dry bouquet. This one runs lean and crisp, with green apple and a hint of lemon on the palate. That said, there’s still laudable depth of flavor and complexity. Overall the impression is largely of citrus. Imported by Laurent-Perrier. — M.S. (12/15/2005)

points

Leonetti Cellar 2002 Reserve Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Price $95

If any wine can elevate Leonetti’s stunning Cabernet to yet another level, it is this astonishing blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 17% Petit Verdot, all from estate vineyards. Sweet plum, blueberry and blackberry fruits are seamlessly married to layers of different flavored chocolates. Silky and supple, it uses oak as a sensual enhancement, but the… — P.G. (12/15/2005)

points

Fielding Hills 2003 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $28

A phenomenally brilliant effort from this emerging superstar winery. The Merlot is enhanced with 17% Cabernet, 5% Syrah and 2% Cab Franc. You wonï¿½t find Merlot from anywhere else in the country that shows so much supple power and structure. Vibrant fruit is polished to a fine luster with perfectly applied oak ï¿½seasoningï¿½ that adds toast, butter, coconut… — P.G. (12/15/2005)

points

Hanzell 2001 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $85

At four years of age, this Pinot is just hitting its stride. It has a youthful side in the still fresh cherry and raspberry fruit and vibrant acidity. But it’s turning mellow, as the oak melts into the alcohol, lending a soft, creamy infusion of vanilla bean. It’s so good now, it will be hard to keep your hands off it, but it should hold for another three to five years. — S.H. (12/15/2005)

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

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

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