Published in June 2007

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

Sort By:

Joh. Jos. Prüm 2005 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Gold Cap (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Cellar Selection

Prüm has hit a grand slam in 2005, with every bottling we’ve tasted coming in at 90-plus points. This offering has the house’s trademark yeasty, leesy scents, but also layer after layer of dense, slaty fruit balanced by crisp acidity. It’s a bit sweet for most dishes, but pairing it with foie gras or mild cheeses will allow it to shine. Should evolve gracefully for… — J.C. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Latour 2004 Red (Pauillac)

There are tannins, structure and power, but also supreme elegance. The 2004 acidity comes through in the sweet cassis flavors, supported at the back by dry tannins. Currently, the wine is closed up, losing some of its fresh fruit, but this is a moment in its slow evolution towards a classic Latour. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

points

Beringer 2003 Nightingale Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

Price $40

The warm vintage rewarded this dessert wine, yielding incredibly ripe fruit. Barrel-fermented, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc was picked at 35% of sugar, and has a residual sweetness of 12.1 grams. The wine is tremendous in apricot jam, pineapple tart, vanilla custard and crème brûlée flavors, with gorgeously balancing, clean acids and a rich, honeyed finish. — S.H. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Pétrus 2004 Red (Pomerol)

Cellar Selection

is a classic. Vintage 2004 has given beautifully ripe Merlot, perfectly poised, but also showing the dryness and power. It is hugely intense, structured, bringing in blackberry flavors, fresh acidity and complex wood, perfumed and rich, concentrated. The aging potential? At least 20 years. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Cheval Blanc 2006 Barrel sample Red (Saint-Émilion)

96-98 Barrel Sample Dark chocolate and mocha flavors, very dark and intense, this is a big, concentrated wine, flavored with bitter cherries and structured. Certainly a great Cheval Blanc. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Mouton Rothschild 2006 Barrel sample Red (Pauillac)

96-98 Barrel Sample The best Mouton for several years. It has great power, great structured Cabernet fruit, and dense, almost dusty tannins. The flavors are concentrated, dense, dark. Power and style. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Lafite Rothschild 2004 Red (Pauillac)

Yes, there is power to this wine. But more than that, it exudes authority; a dense and solid wine with an impressive presence and texture. It has a velvet mouthfeel: the tannins are dusty and mineral, alongside fruit flavors of ripe black plums and dark figs, leavened with fresh acidity. The potential, of course, is there: 20 years if you can wait. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

points

Château Margaux 2004 Red (Margaux)

If one of 2004’s enduring characteristics is its freshness, then Margaux epitomizes this. It is so deliciously fresh and floating, with great black currant and blueberry fruits, pointed up by spice, mint and a sense of elegance and poise. There’s no doubt about its aging potential either: just feel that heart of firm tannins. — R.V. (6/1/2007)

2010 Mira Stanly Ranch

Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez left Robert Mondavi to do his own thing, and…

(Sponsored)