Published in Mid November 2008

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

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Jacopo Poli Sarpa di Poli Grappa

Best Buy

Price $29

Smells of ripe grapes, grape must and lead pencil in the initial whiffs; air contact stimulates baking spices, black currants, jasmine, pepper and paraffin. Entry is crisp, tart and intensely ripe; midpalate highlights black grape to maximum concentration. Finishes bittersweet to sweet. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Jacopo Poli Barrique 1993 Single Vintage Grappa

Price $61

Fruitcake, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey aromas are followed by baked banana, pineapple and vanilla soda smells. Entry is concentrated, Sherry- and honey-flavored, and spiced; midpalate taste profile expands to include baked fruit (nectarine, peach), clove, fruit pastry (Danish, prunes, black raisins). Finishes with integrated flavors. Could sell for $100 per bottle. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Glenmorangie The Nectar D'Or Extra Matured Range Sauternes Cask Non-Chill Filtered Northern Highlands Single Malt Whisky

Best Buy

Price $75

Smells of smoky, burnt nectarine, apricot and buttery scents that are toasty, nutty and heavenly. Entry is chewy, viscous, concentrated and intensely honeyed; the midpalate is waxy, mildly spicy, jammy, nutty and utterly decadent. Finishes with panache and grace. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Highland Park 18-Year-Old Orkney Islands Single Malt Whisky

Best Buy

Price $79

Opening aromas are of sea breeze, cigar smoke, oak and malted barley; air contact releases light caramel, fudge, cocoa bean, burnt candle wick and heather. Entry is the most complex of any whisky; midpalate soars on oak, spirit and grain tastes. The greatest distilled spirit of this generation. Buy whatever you can find. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Highland Park 25-Year-Old Orkney Islands Single Malt Whisky

Price $230

Smells smoky, along with nuances of sea salt, flowers, cookie batter and light toffee. Entry is oily, oaky and richly salt-and-peppery; the midpalate is where all the components merge into a crescendo of elegant and potent maritime single malt flavors. Along with HP 12, 18, and 30, the finest whisky product line. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Macallan 30 Year Old Fine Oak Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Price $700

Smells of chocolate-covered orange, dry malt and oak; aeration stimulates dry breakfast cereal, lanolin, beeswax and palm oil aromas. Entry is layered by sweet grain, oak barrel, vanilla wafer, toffee and fudge; midpalate gives off wave after wave of integrated spirit, grain, wood and acidity. A perfect Speyside single malt. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

96-100

points

Frapin Extra Grande Champagne Cognac

Price $491

Mature fragrances of dried peach, oak, wood resin and vanilla extract delight; further aeration stimulates toasted scents of almond, fruit compote, dried fruit pastry and moss. Entry is oily, silky, fruity and spicy; midpalate highlights honey, vanilla, dark caramel, fudge, coffee bean and old oak. Wow, what a beauty. — P.P. (11/15/2008)

points

Astrales 2005 Red (Ribera del Duero)

Editors' Choice

Price $60

This is a huge and impressive step up from the 2003 Astrales, which was fine but not at this level. Here we’re talking about color, bouquet, palate feel, intense flavors, finish, you name it. It’s pure, ultratasty, chocolaty, smooth and pleasurable. Astrales is the complete package and a wine to watch. — M.S. (11/15/2008)

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

(Sponsored)