Published in August 2008

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

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Louis Jadot 2005 Pinot Noir (Clos de la Roche)

Cellar Selection

Price $138

This is a powerhouse of a wine. It is driven forward by immense tannins as well as by superrich fruit that still keeps itself in check by a velvet texture. There is spice, acidity, some toast and vanilla, and finally a sunburst of warmth. — R.V. (8/1/2008)

points

Louis Jadot 2005 Pinot Noir (Charmes-Chambertin)

Price $134

A complete wine. As it starts in the mouth, there is a feeling of everything in its place. The tannins are initially soft, dusty rather than dry; then the dark plums, red berries and so-sweet strawberries come into play. And finally, they all come together in a climax of richness and freshness. — R.V. (8/1/2008)

points

Domaine des Lambrays 2005 Pinot Noir (Clos de Lambrays)

Cellar Selection

A beautiful, pure wine that combines freshness and intense richness. It seems to float while still giving a huge mouthful of plums, coffee and sweet, juicy tannins. A straight line of pure flavor all the way to the finish. — R.V. (8/1/2008)

points

Clos de Tart 2005 Pinot Noir (Clos de Tart)

Cellar Selection

Price $319

A beautiful wine, smooth, polished, with rounded corners. Its intense fruit is balanced and harmonizes well with the sweet tannins, the layers of wood and the red berry flavors. Certainly powerful, it impresses equally with the pleasure it will give in 7–10 years. — R.V. (8/1/2008)

points

Louis Jadot 2005 Pinot Noir (Corton-Pougets)

Cellar Selection

Price $95

A supremely integrated wine, its richness and beautiful fruit just part of a story that starts with intense aromas and segues on the palate into a balance of tannins, dark red fruits, enveloping acidity and a beautifully orchestrated finale of berries, spice and aching freshness. — R.V. (8/1/2008)

points

Betz Family Winery 2005 Père de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $55

The fragrance is almost otherworldly; sweet, dense and lightly lifted. This is a sinewy wine, that begins with compact power and focused, tart red fruits—predominantly raspberry and currant. At first juicy and tart, with hours of breathing time the wine broadens out into a wider spectrum of Cabernet fruits; cassis, blackberry and black cherry. — P.G. (8/1/2008)

points

Hanzell 2005 Ambassador's 1953 Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley)

Price $180

This very expensive release is one of the rare examples of Chardonnay that absolutely requires bottle age. Dry and leesy now, with a mineral compactness, it shows a rich core of baked peach, spiced apple, butterscotch and smoky honey. As it warms in the glass, it develops great flavor and textural complexities. Should come into its own by 2009, and improve for many… — S.H. (8/1/2008)

96-100

points

Springbank Marsala Wood Expression 9 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky

Price $110

Following aeration nicely evolved fragrances of malt, peat, cigarette ashes, bacon and sautéed sesame seeds are evident. Entry is fruity sweet, jammy, and balanced; at midpalate the luscious tastes include black grapes, plum preserves, cassis, mint, and vanilla cream. Concludes sweet yet balanced since the high acidity keeps the sweet fruitiness in check. — P.P. (8/1/2008)

2010 Bogle Old Vine

What a delicious Zin this is. Sourced from the warm climates of Lodi and…

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