Published in the Year's Best 2007

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the the Year's Best 2007 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Salon Le Mesnil 1996 Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay

Price $350

The latest release from Salon, this just explodes in the mouth with mineral, steel and flint. The tiny mousse has flavors of yeast and just a touch of toast. It is rich, but so austere and structured. Like many Salon Champagnes, this will age for 20 years or more. — R.V. (12/31/2007)

points

Bründlmayer 2006 Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Riesling (Kamptal)

Cellar Selection

Price $62

The old vines on the steep slopes of the Heiligenstein vineyard give one of Austria’s greatest wines. This is one of those Rieslings that will last indefinitely, a powerful, concentrated blend of white fruits, perfumes, peaches, very tight and closed now. Racy acidity and minerality shoot through the richness. Give this 10 years at least. — R.V. (12/31/2007)

96-100

points

Château de Laubade 1978 Bas Armagnac

Price $135

The nosing passes find smells of chocolate -covered red cherries, old saddle leather, sweet-tart hints of grapefruit, kiwi and dried apricot. The palate entry is lush, fruity and intensely honeyed; the midpalate is creamy and concentrated on caramel, toffee and maple tastes. Ends silky, semisweet and nutty. A stunning B-A worth twice the price. — P.P. (12/31/2007)

96-100

points

Château de Laubade 1967 Bas Armagnac

Price $175

This luscious bouquet offers notes of roasted pork loin, bacon fat, sawdust, with a touch of smokiness. The palate entry is cocoa sweet, intensely oaky, vanilla-like and honeyed; at midpalate the smoke from the nose reappears in tandem with a delicious chocolate covered apricot taste. Fabulously plump. — P.P. (12/31/2007)

96-100

points

Bocchino 10 Year Old Grappa Riserva della Cantina Privata

Price $115

The nosing passes find earthy grape must, sour apple and yeast-like aromas that nicely complement the assertive spirit. The zesty but balanced palate entry is lusciously toffee-like; at midpalate incredibly tasty notes of orange peel and grapefruit take charge. Finishes concentrated, fruity and citrusy. Delicious. — P.P. (12/31/2007)

points

Gloria Ferrer 1997 Carneros Cuvée Sparkling (Carneros)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

This is the winery’s most expensive bottling, a late disgorged bubbly that has now seen a decade of age. It shows the elegant polish of the ’97 Royal Cuvée, but is superior even to it in richness. The creamy smoothness is the star attraction, but so are the subtle citrus, raspberry, brioche and vanilla flavors. Impeccably dry balance guarantees that this beautiful… — S.H. (12/31/2007)

points

Duckhorn 2004 Estate Grown Merlot (Napa Valley)

Price $85

A blend of four vineyards, this is an extremely impressive Merlot. It dazzles with rich, ripe black currant, cherry liqueur, raspberry, milk chocolate, smoky oak and spice flavors that are complex and go on and on through the finish. Beyond that is the texture, so refined and elegant, combining power and subtle elegance. Just a gorgeous, sensual Merlot. Drink now–2010. — S.H. (12/31/2007)

points

Sineann 2005 Block One Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (OR))

Cellar Selection

Price $72

Fermented to a plus-size 15.4% alcohol, this rare wine from one of Washington’s oldest and best Cabernet vineyards shows what a gifted winemaker can do with great fruit. The play of flavors, mixing red and purple fruits, toasted nuts, mocha, caramel, bark and earth, is exceptional. The detail is extraordinary for a wine with such high alcohol. The acids and tannins… — P.G. (12/31/2007)

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

(Sponsored)