Published in October 2008

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2008 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Louis Latour 2006 Chardonnay (Montrachet)

Cellar Selection

Price $400

It’s the complexity that dominates this wine from what is arguably the greatest Chardonnay vineyard in Burgundy. All the fruit elements are wrapped up in a tense, tightly strung structure, and then surrounded by superrichness. Acidity adds to the mix, a pure, green plum fruit character. All in all, a great wine. — R.V. (10/1/2008)

points

Arista 2005 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

Price $54

Showing the superb structure of the vintage and the spectacular way this great vineyard can ripen Pinot Noir, this polished wine is not only delicious from the get-go, but ageable. Floods the mouth with lush black cherry, red currant, cola, sweet oak, anise, vanilla and cinnamon spice flavors that go on and on. A memorable wine that should slowly gather steam and… — S.H. (10/1/2008)

points

Stonestreet 2004 Christopher’s Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

This mountain Cab, blended with a little Petit Verdot and Syrah, is grown at 2,400 feet in the Mayacamas Mountains, which provide the east wall of Alexander Valley. The wine is known to be an ager, and the ’04 should develop for many years. It’s a tremendous wine, the equal of almost anything from Napa, which, after all, is just a geographic boundary away… — S.H. (10/1/2008)

points

Louis Jadot 2006 Chardonnay (Montrachet)

From the grandest of Burgundy’s white vineyards, this Le Montrachet sums up the 2006 white vintage. Its structure, freshness and richness rolls the wine around the mouth, offering citrus, bitter orange and yellow fruit flavors. Toast flavors round the wine, leaving a hugely satisfying aftertaste. — R.V. (10/1/2008)

points

Louis Latour 2006 Chardonnay (Chevalier-Montrachet)

Cellar Selection

Rich and mineral at the same time, this deliciously powerful wine is open and generous. The structure is equally impressive, a steely core of minerality and tense stone fruits. The wood shows through with spice, but remains discreet. Age for many years. — R.V. (10/1/2008)

points

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2006 Chardonnay (Corton-Charlemagne)

Like so many producers and négociants, Bouchard Père has a slice of the action in this famed Grand Cru. Its interpretation is generous, going for the inherent richness from the terroir. This is a magnificently ripe wine, definitely opulent, with the generous wood enhancing the very ripe fruit. In all this splendor, it is good to find a delicious edge of acidity. — R.V. (10/1/2008)

96-100

points

Chauffe-Coeur Hors d’Age Calvados

Best Buy

Price $40

The complex bouquet offers layers of scents of very toasty, baked apple, pie crust, spicy and resiny, rancio notes, walnut meat, butterscotch and hard cheese. Entry tastes like caramel-covered apple, baked apple with cinnamon, and honey; the sweetness increases at midpalate as the flavor becomes succulent, creamy and buttery. Hint of rancio in the finish. Wonderful. — P.P. (10/1/2008)

96-100

points

Chinaco Extra Añejo Lot 71 100% de Agave Tequila

Price $251

The nosing passes find zesty scents of jalapeños with deeper aromas of dill pickle, relish, textile, oaky vanillin, salt and brine. Entry is sweet, salty, peppery, and oily; midpalate features creamy, oily and tangy flavors that coat the tongue. Ends earthy, sweet, satiny, concentrated and oily. A classic extra añejo. — P.P. (10/1/2008)

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