Published in Early December 2008

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

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Louis Roederer 2002 Cristal Brut Sparkling

Price $289

This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits—grapefruit, crisp red apple—balance with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. The one problem is that it is much too young, the result of the demand from the market for the next vintage. Age this wine for at least four years. — R.V. (12/1/2008)

points

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

Pol Roger 1998 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut Sparkling

Price $275

Even at 10 years, this is still just setting out. While it doesn’t have the immensity of the 1996, it has a great intense grapefruit, pear and fresh apricot series of flavors that come through with toast, ripeness and a suggestion of almonds. 7–8 years aging. — R.V. (12/1/2008)

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)

points

Quilceda Creek 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $115

Still young, chewy and textural, this stands as a classic Washington 2005 red—lusciously laden with mixed red and black berries, generous and deep; dense and jammy. The mixed berries, red licorice, cherries, layers of butterscotch, toffee and caramel are beautifully integrated and linger seductively into the finish. It has some initial alcoholic heat, but the… — P.G. (12/1/2008)

96-100

points

Bushmills Malt 16 Year Old Irish Single Malt Whiskey

Price $60

The smashing bouquet features delightful notes of toasted wheat bread, oatmeal, black raisins, trail mix, roasted chestnuts, bacon fat, sweet butter, ruby Port and prunes. Entry is peppery, moderately sweet and smoky; midpalate features succulent tastes of dark chocolate-covered cherries and strawberries, honey and smoked nuts. Finishes elegantly and clean, with… — P.P. (12/1/2008)

2010 Pence Ranch Westslope

This is sourced from the winery's steepest and most wind-exposed blocks…

(Sponsored)