Published in Early December 2007

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the Early December 2007 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Sort By:

R.L. Buller & Son NV Calliope Rare Tokay (Rutherglen)

Cellar Selection

Price $120

Thick, dark brown and looking as much like molasses as wine, Buller’s Calliope Rare Tokay has a soy-like meatiness to it, a leathery note that adds complexity to its notes of treacle and rancio. Almost too sweet and syrupy, with an endless finish. — J.C. (2/1/2011)

points

Harlan Estate 2004 Red (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $350

The price is prerelease; it will soar on the aftermarket. This is very great Harlan. It pours dark and saturated, and the tannins are big and sturdy, not aggressive, but sweet and finely ground. Still, they give a hardness to the immaculately ripe fruit that mandates cellaring. The flavors of currants, blackberries, plums, chocolate and cedar are lush, deep and… — S.H. (12/1/2007)

points

Schloss Johannisberger 2006 Trockenbeerenauslese Goldlack Riesling (Rheingau)

Cellar Selection

Price $486

So incredibly thick and sweet it's almost chewy in texture, with aromas and flavors that feature a fascinating interplay of fresh and dried apricots, peach and citrus, kept lively by healthy acidity. The finish lasts for minutes; the wine should age well for decades. — J.C. (12/15/2007)

points

Château Léoville Las Cases 2001 Red (Saint-Julien)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $190

A classic in development, a wine that will last for decades. It is certainly powerful, but already the shape is finalized, with its plums and berries settling down with perfumes, acidity, just enough tannins and a warm, welcoming richness. A great argument for the superiority of 2001 over 2000. — R.V. (12/16/2007)

points

Campbells NV Isabella Rare Tokay (Rutherglen)

Cellar Selection

Price $97

Dark amber in color and going greenish at the rim, the basis of this wine is clearly old stocks going back well over 60 years. It’s full-bodied, unctuous and superrich, oozing with molasses and rancio character, but balanced by citrusy notes. The finish is incredibly sweet and long, coating the mouth with coffee-like essences that linger for minutes. — J.C. (2/1/2011)

points

Campbells NV Merchant Prince Rare Muscat (Rutherglen)

Cellar Selection

Price $97

A deep mahogany in color, the Merchant Prince Rare Muscat boasts dense date, fudge and molasses components balanced by rancio, citrusy accents and even some floral notes. Despite being incredibly sweet and sticky, there’s a freshness to it that keeps it from being overwhelming. — J.C. (2/1/2011)

points

Lancaster 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $65

Lancaster burst on the scene with enormous buzz, perhaps before they had really earned it. Steadily but surely, they’ve built up the wine, and the ’04 is the best ever. It’s a gorgeous Cab, softly complex, rich in cassis, cherry, spice and oak flavors anchored with warm, earthy tannins. In fact, the earthiness stands it in good contrast to Napa Valley, making it… — S.H. (12/1/2007)

points

The Maiden 2004 Red (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $150

The ’04 Maiden is very close to Harlan Estate in quality. The Maiden is a touch less elegant; but it is such a wholesome wine, so succulent in blackberry, cassis, licorice, and roasted cedar. The tannins are so regal—even the slight prickle of acidity works for polish. So beautiful now, it’s hard to know when to suggest drinking it, but this should easily be a… — S.H. (12/1/2007)

2009 Va Piano

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…

(Sponsored)