Published in July 2005
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the July 2005 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
La Serena 2000 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Editors' Choice
Pure violet in color, with a nose packed full of creamy oak, sweet plum and blackberry. This is your prototypical modern-day bruiser. The palate offers a powder keg of sweet, chewy fruit, yet the acidity is right there corralling it all. Properly applied oak cuddles rather than overwhelms the fruit, while the full tannins make it a lion heart. Fabulous for a 2000…
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Castello Banfi 1999 Poggio all’Oro Riserva Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Cellar Selection
- $150
Smooth and lush, with a ton of berry, cherry and smoke character. Supremely ripe and full, with chocolate and spice mixed into the prime cherry/berry palate. This is a wine for anyone who simply loves wine; maybe it isn’t ultra-complex but there’s no arguing about its polish and style. It’s incredibly round and likable. Imported by Banfi Vintners.
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Il Poggione 1999 Riserva Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- $80
Strong as a cement block, with aromas of charcoal, leather and intense plum/berry. Still, in the mouth it’s luscious. In addition, there’s a sublime spice element playing in the background that only makes it more complete. Finishes with the essence of fruit cake and marzipan. A pleasure. Imported by Paterno Wines International.
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Uccelliera 1999 Riserva Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Editors' Choice
- $90
Wonderfully toasted up front, with baked, but not cooked, fruit aromas. There’s also plenty of coffee, earth and leather to the bouquet. Initial live-wire flavors settle to reveal marzipan and dried stone fruits, while the sly finish is so complex that the wine ultimately registers as a different breed. Drinking this is like navigating a maze. A Marc de Grazia…
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Gaja 2001 Sperss Refosco (Langhe)
- $200
Lots of spice, with black pepper and leather notes leading the way, followed by a core of plum, black cherry and earth flavors. Structured for the long haul, it’s dense and firm right now, but you can sense the enormous potential. Drink 2015–2030 and likely beyond.
— W.E.
(7/1/2005)
Gaja 2001 Conteisa Red (Langhe)
- $205
Elegantly perfumed, with touches of cinnamon, ground pepper, and dusty earth accenting notes of black cherries and chocolate. On the palate, there’s powerful plum and black cherry flavors, but also a strong minerality that adds an extra dimension to this compelling wine. Soft enough to begin drinking around 2010, it should keep for a couple of decades after that.
— W.E.
(7/1/2005)
Iron Horse 2002 Corral Vineyard Chardonnay (Green Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $32
A deeply satisfying and intense Chard, for its wealth of well-ripened tropical fruit, pear, key lime pie, vanilla and toast flavors and the refreshing acidity that makes the wine clean and lively. The long, complete finish is impressive. Defines the sunshine and chill of its appellation.
— S.H.
(7/1/2005)
Morgan 2001 Tierra Mar Syrah (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- $35
Stunning concentration and intensity in this Syrah, which is a blend of Rosella’s and Paraiso fruit. Offers huge flavors of chocolate, blueberry, cassis, flowers and minerals. Lush and dense; flatters now, but should soften for some years.
— S.H.
(7/1/2005)
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