Published in Mid November 2006

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the Mid November 2006 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Grgich Hills 2003 Violetta Dessert Wine White (Napa Valley)

Price $75

This Chardonnay and Riesling blend tastes TBA—totally botrytis affected—which it was, resulting in an intensely concentrated sweet wine. With 10% residual sugar, it has apricot nectar flavors and a dessert pastry, lemon chiffon thing going on. Always one of California’s top dessert wines, the ’03 is completely delicious. — S.H. (11/15/2006)

points

Andrew Will 2002 Annie Camarda Syrah (Red Mountain)

Price $58

An extraordinary Syrah, from Ciel du Cheval grapes. It’s supple and silky, yet retains classic fresh raspberry, cherry and boysenberry fruit that’s bright and crisply defined by natural acids. The panoply of flavors is seamlessly woven into chocolaty tannins, with a final kick of gravelly minerality. — P.G. (11/15/2006)

points

Quilceda Creek 2003 Merlot

Price $65

Oaky, toasty and spicy, this thick, massive Merlot is packed with berries, cherries, plums and chocolate. The Cab Franc adds meaty tannins to the beautiful blueberry, blue plum and blackberry fruit. A sweet, supple Merlot with hints of coffee, black tea and earth. Makes you wish Quilceda made more of it. — P.G. (11/15/2006)

points

Delas Frères 2003 Les Bessards Syrah (Hermitage)

Cellar Selection

Price $146

Incredibly rich, velvety-textured and long, this is a great example of Hermitage from a superripe vintage. It’s dense like fruitcake without being excessively heavy, and boasts such a panopoly of nuance as to be spellbinding, ranging from spice and herb to black olive and espresso. Wow! Drink now–2025. — J.C. (11/15/2006)

points

Marchesi Antinori 2000 Guado al Tasso Red (Bolgheri Superiore)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $80

This wine towers over others in terms of excellence. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah and other varieties (that sees 14 months of barrique) is the epitome of grace and elevates wine drinking to almost spiritual heights: The nose is horizontal, wide, vast and infinite with extraordinary tobacco, leather with fine cherry at its core and… — M.L. (11/15/2006)

points

Longoria 2004 Fe Ciega Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

Editors' Choice

Price $43

Firm in acids, with some tannins, yet not at all hard. This is a magnificent, masculine Pinot Noir. It floods the palate with cherry pie, cola and mocha flavors, Asian spices and a sweet, smoky, buttery phyllo pastry quality. So technically perfect, with such structure, it seems guaranteed for the cellar. Drink now through 2010, but who knows how long it will last. — S.H. (11/15/2006)

points

Leonetti Cellar 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Price $70

Here you will find classic Bourbon barrel-vanilla flavors, but with bright, polished fruit showing through. This is firm and substantial—very clean winemaking—crisp, tight, polished and silky. Already it’s showing layers of berries, currants and blueberries. — P.G. (11/15/2006)

points

Matthews 2004 Hedges Vineyard Syrah (Red Mountain)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

A step beyond the immense 2003, this actually supercedes the sheer massive power of that wine with a sleeker, more elegant structure. Classy, bright, lifted scents lead into a peppery, red-fruited Syrah annotated with citrus oil. Tart, young, clean and delineated, it is Matt Loso’s immaculate, concise winemaking at its best. This can go a long way; it continues to… — P.G. (11/15/2006)

2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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