Published in February 2008

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

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William Fèvre 2005 Les Clos Grand Cru Chardonnay (Chablis)

Cellar Selection

Price $95

Big and powerful, this is the grandest of the grand crus. It has both a dense structure and overwhelming fruits. With minerality, spice and balance, this is a very complete wine. There is only a hint of the richness to come. Hold for 10 years at least. — R.V. (2/1/2008)

points

Joseph Phelps 2004 Insignia Red (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $200

Tasted in October, 2007, the wine was mute, offering little aromatically except for teasing notes of blackberries and oak. That shyness extended to the taste, where strong, hard tannins provide an almost impenetrable coat of armor to what’s inside. But right down the middle of the palate is a deep, intensely powerful stream of perfectly ripened cassis that’s all… — S.H. (2/1/2008)

points

Williams Selyem 2005 Precious Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $85

This is among the lightest in color of Williams Selyem’s ‘05 Pinots, and also the most delicate in texture. But yields were very low, and the wine has a fantastically concentrated taste of wild raspberries, as well as crisp, stimulating acidity. Despite the elegance, it’s enormously complex, with tiers of oak-influenced cola, herb tea, pomegranate, vanilla and… — S.H. (2/1/2008)

96-100

points

Appleton Estate Reserve Rum

Best Buy

Price $27

The first nosing passes find tight notes of molasses and walnut; aeration time releases bigger scents of nutmeg and spiced apple. The palate entry is wonderfully warm and spicy; at midpalate the taste turns cocoa- and vanilla-like, creamy and honeyed. Concludes creamy and delicious. — P.P. (2/1/2008)

points

William Fèvre 2005 Valmur Grand Cru Chardonnay (Chablis)

Cellar Selection

Price $85

This is the epitome of great Chablis, with minerality, initial austerity and coiled power. It is a dense, tense wine, structured with both toasty tannins and green fruits that shine out of all this concentration. Age for 7–10 years. — R.V. (2/1/2008)

96-100

points

Absolut Pears Pear Flavored Vodka

Best Buy

Price $19

The pear scents of the bouquet are very inviting. The palate entry is clean, ripe, fruity and keenly pear-like; at the midpalate the taste turns softly ripe and sweet. Finishes elegantly and with a last minute thrust of pear that’s vivid, crisp and authentically pear-like. An outstanding flavoring job. — P.P. (2/1/2008)

96-100

points

Finlandia Grapefruit Flavored Vodka

Price $18

The fresh, citrusy, acidic, juicy, just-squeezed grapefruit is unbelievably attractive and genuine. The palate entry is engagingly grapefruit-like, juicy, tart and ripe; by midpalate the grapefruit flavor is so authentic tasting as to be more like an infusion. Finishes as seductively as it began. — P.P. (2/1/2008)

96-100

points

Origine Platiné Grand Reserve Caribbean Rum

Price $36

The complex bouquet first offers intensely fruity and spicy fragrances; aeration and swirling brings out scents of textile, horseradish and pepper. The palate entry is oily and lusciously bittersweet; the oily texture gives way to succulent tastes of cocoa butter, nut meat, cinnamon and vanilla cake frosting at midpalate. Finish is elegant, with ideal viscosity. — P.P. (2/1/2008)

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