Published in May 2005

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

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Fort Ross Vineyard 2001 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $34

Aromas offer less than ripe rhubarb, mint and cola alongside riper cherries and cocoa, but in the mouth, it explodes in sweet fruit and smoke. Light in body, delicately acidic, yet incredibly complex. A beautiful Pinot. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

Swanson 2001 Merlot (Oakville)

Price $32

From a winery that seldom stumbles, a lush, sexy Merlot. Its cassis, unsweetened chocolate and oak flavors are wrapped in chewy tannins that make your tongue stick to the gums. It’s a young, dramatic wine. Drink now, with roast duck or pork tenderloin. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

Nigl 2002 Privat Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal)

Price $50

From his tiny valley above Krems, Martin Nigl seems to produce effortless wines with all the right intensity of flavor and richness. This Privat (which, for him, is the equivalent of a reserve wine), is intense, concentrated and packed with spice, pepper and yellow apples. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines. — R.V. (5/1/2005)

points

Keegan 2002 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $38

Smoky char, vanilla and buttered toast flavors flood the mouth. But dried citrus peel, tropical mango and ripe peach hit midpalate, taking over and lasting through the finish. Very dry and very crisp, this is a beautifully balanced, subtle, food-worthy Chard. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

Hess Estate 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $20

This is a good wine that can hold its own among some far more expensive bottlings. It’s ripe in currants and cassis, and well-oaked, with elaborate tannins. The mouth impression is of elegance, intensity and balance. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

Gary Farrell 2002 Westside Farms Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $34

Intense in lemon drop, buttercream and smoky, buttered toast, with very high acidity, this is a Chard of elegance and power rather than flamboyance. It finishes with a clean note of minerals and gunmetal. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

Kahn 2002 Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

Price $42

Shows more of a cool-climate influence than the regular Syrah with white pepper aromas and thick tannins. Has a rich melange of blackberry, plum, coffee and tobacco flavors that finish long and harmonious. — S.H. (5/1/2005)

points

A. Christmann 2003 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Auslese Riesling (Pfalz)

Price $40

Rich, unctuous and low-acid, this Auslese impresses for its weight and sucrosity. Aromas and flavors of marmalade, honey, dried apricot and baked apple finish long and sweet. Despite the relatively low acids, it should age easily for at least the next decade. Imported by Classical Wines. — J.C. (5/1/2005)

2010 Gauthier Rockin H Ranch Vineyards

Lots to like in this dry, smoothly tannic Pinot. It has complex berry…

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