Published in Mid December 2007

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

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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

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

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

Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) 2006 Berncasteler Doctor Beerenauslese Goldkap Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Cellar Selection

Price $160

The wonderful minerality imparted by the Doctor vineyard is somehow able to keep this intensely sweet, rich wine from being heavy or cloying. Dried apricot notes mark the nose, followed by scents of mango, peach and pineapple; this wine virtually gushes with sweet tropical fruit and honey, yet maintains a wonderful sense of balance throughout. — J.C. (12/15/2007)

96-100

points

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Price $20

The vibrant juniper and licorice flavor and a pretty, slightly floral, rosewater finish is braced up with a peppery spine. Give this gin some time to open up for optimal aromatics—the reward is a citrusy zing. Good value. — K.N. (4/1/2011)

96-100

points

Tanqueray No. Ten Batch Distilled Gin

Best Buy

Price $22

The huge bouquet initially offers citrusy aromas that evolve to include harmonious notes of pineapple, grapefruit, allspice, pine sap and beeswax. The palate entry highlights the orange/lemon peel and the angelica components while the midpalate features more of the juniper and earthy cassia. Concludes zestily and savory. — P.P. (12/15/2007)

96-100

points

Van Gogh Gin

Price $25

The bouquet features earthy, dry notes with hints of lemon grass, orange peel and cedary juniper. This Dutch-style gin takes flight at palate entry as the citrus presence comes on strong; at midpalate the root and seed elements come to the fore in a lovely oily texture. Finishes long, medium-weighted and off-dry. — P.P. (12/15/2007)

2009 Penascal

This Tempranillo is rubbery and leathery smelling, with roasted berry…

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