Published in March 2008

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

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Avignonesi 1995 Occhio di Pernice Prugnolo Gentile (Vin Santo di Montepulciano)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $210

Thick as molasses and dark as caramelized brown sugar, the wine oozes out of the bottle releasing concentrated aromas of butterscotch, toffee, honey, licorice, coffee, resin and maple syrup. Grapes from the Montepulciano area are dried in a ventilated room and the wine ages over 10 years in tiny oak barrels resulting in thick, dark concentration. Don’t pair it with… — M.L. (3/1/2008)

points

Talley 2005 Rosemary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir (Arroyo Grande Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $70

This is a great 2005 Pinot Noir, the best ever from Talley. The wine somehow combines huge ripe fruit with delicacy. It floods the mouth with profound currant, cherry pie, licorice, cola, raspberry, cocoa and vanilla smoke flavors, yet feels light and silky, and is thoroughly dry. That’s the magic of Pinot Noir. You can enjoy this small production wine now, and it… — S.H. (3/1/2008)

points

Shafer 2003 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $200

Solidly in the Hillside Select model, this vigorous young Cab is dramatically ripe and powerful. The flavors of red and black currants, milk chocolate, figs and smoky vanilla erupt in the mouth, making the tastebuds jump with joy. However, there is also the structure, among the greatest in California Cabs. The acidity is fine, but the tannins are stupendously rich… — S.H. (3/1/2008)

points

Biondi-Santi 2001 Riserva Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)

Cellar Selection

Price $400

Immediately, you know you are before a great Brunello with bright fruit aromas backed by forest floor, balsam notes, bramble, blue flowers, red apple and mint. The presence of wood is all but invisible and the wine sings true to its territory and tradition. The wine’s natural acidity and intensity promise a long and glorious aging future before it. — M.L. (3/1/2008)

96-100

points

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 1990 Non-Chill Filtered Islay Single Malt Whisky

Price $110

Aroma is delicate and grainy sweet; additional time brings out more peat fire, cigar tobacco, seaweed and ocean breeze. Palate entry is sap-like in its gentle sweetness; by midpalate, my palate is enchanted as lush, but pointed tastes of sea salt, gentle pipe smoke, peat and pineapple converge. Finishes smoky and salty. Wonderful. — P.P. (3/1/2008)

96-100

points

Bowmore 18 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky

Price $85

The nose has loads of chocolate-covered cherries and orange peel, honey, Sherry, s’mores, cocoa, black coffee and dark fudge. All these fragrances are present in the mouth. Ends luscious, sweet and generous. — P.P. (3/1/2008)

96-100

points

Highland Park 12 Year Old Orkneys Single Malt Whisky

Best Buy

Price $40

The aromatic profile is assertive yet welcoming, sweetish yet cereal dry, and oaky yet floral and a touch briny; the quintessential 12-year-old malt bouquet. In the mouth, the integrated flavors come in waves of toasted walnut, dark caramel, toasted marshmallow and barely perceptible seaweed. — P.P. (3/1/2008)

points

Ojai 2005 Fe Ciega Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

Price $56

This wine is as fine as anything from Santa Rita Hills. Although it’s young and tight now, its future is assured by the brilliant combination of audacious fruit and classic structure. The blackberry, currant, cherry, anise and clove flavors are wrapped into rich, silky tannins, and brightened with crisp acidity. Best now, with decanting, and for the next 6–8 years. — S.H. (3/1/2008)

2005 Gershon Bachus Aquilo North Wind Special Edition Robbins Vineyards

At nearly eight years of age, this Napa-based Cabernet has just been…

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