Published in Mid December 2008

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

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Signorello 2005 Padrone Proprietary Red Wine (Napa Valley)

Price $110

Marks a welcome return to the magnificence of the 2002, although more recent vintages haven’t exactly been slouches. The ’05 is amazing, a densely structured, deeply flavored Bordeaux blend that’s mainly Cabernet Sauvignon. Shows classic notes of cassis, currants and black cherry liqueur, while 70% new oak adds enticingly rich layers of sweet toast and smoky… — S.H. (12/15/2008)

points

San Vicente 2005 Red (Rioja)

Editors' Choice

Price $65

Talk about a wine that makes you take notice. This is simply great modern Rioja. The nose is creamy but honest, with black fruit, mocha and finely tanned leather. The palate gives the whole range of berry and tree fruits, with expansive tannins and just enough core acidity to make it stunning. Ultra stylish and delicious; another huge success for the Eguren family… — M.S. (12/15/2008)

points

Karl Erbes 2006 Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese * * * Goldkap Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Editors' Choice

Price $53

Rich and sweet yet without excessive weight, Erbes’ three-star auslese goldkap features beautifully delineated aromas and flavors of dried apricots, ripe peaches and pineapples as well as great minerality and freshness. The finish is virtually endless. Imported by Chapin Cellars, LLC. — J.C. (12/15/2008)

points

Dr. Loosen 2006 Erdener Prälat Auslese Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)

Editors' Choice

Price $75

Wow. This gorgeous dessert-style auslese explodes from the glass in a cavalcade of sweet fruit and spice. Honeyed peaches and dried apricots are most prominent, but shadings of cinnamon and allspice give complexity, while crisp acids provide impeccable balance on the long finish. Delicious now, this wine should easily evolve for up to 40 years. — J.C. (12/15/2008)

96-100

points

Etter Williams Fine Eau de Vie de Poire

Price $72

The bouquet is perfectly balanced between smells of pear, subtle baking spice, and natural acidity, all wrapped in a stony aroma. The entry features genuine pear juice and peel tastes; the midpalate is acidic and pear-flavored. Finish is dashingly clean, austere, razor crisp and first-rate. — P.P. (12/15/2008)

96-100

points

Germain-Robin Single Barrel Viognier Brandy

Price $140

The nosing passes find lovely aromas of spice, orange rind, orange blossom and black tea leaves. The delicious entry is honeyed and remarkably fruity (baked banana, peach, pear); the midpalate is silky, semisweet, with melded flavors of peach, pear, grapefruit and caramel. The finish is round, ripe, savory and altogether splendid. — P.P. (12/15/2008)

96-100

points

Jacopo Poli UvaViva Italiana di Poli Immature Grape Brandy

Best Buy

Price $34

The wonderful bouquet is delicately sweet with ethereal aromas of orange blossom, green melon and peach stone. Entry is sweet, supple and properly acidic; the midpalate offers integrated earthy (flowers, grass) and fruity (orange peel, melon, white grapes) tastes. Ends gently sweet and delicately ripe. Fabulous. — P.P. (12/15/2008)

96-100

points

Jacopo Poli Moscato Immature Grape Brandy

Price $55

Mesmerizing perfumes of orange blossom and honeysuckle emerge from the glass; following aeration the aromas become a mix of orange, citrus, peach and tangerine. Entry is lusciously fruity, peachy and orange marmalade-like; the midpalate is gently sweet with ripe fruit flavors that highlight the orange, citrus and tangerine components. Finish is succulently ripe… — P.P. (12/15/2008)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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