Published in September 2008

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

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Keller Estate 2005 Precioso Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $150

Irresistible is the word that comes to mind to describe this Pinot, which is available only in magnums. The vintage was California’s finest ever, and the wine shows spectacularly ripe red currant, cherry, tangerine zest, licorice and beef jerky flavors, with just the right touch of smoky oak. Yet the structural balance of acidity and fine tannins gives it the… — S.H. (9/1/2008)

points

Clarendon Hills 2005 Astralis Syrah (Clarendon)

Cellar Selection

Price $350

Astralis has become one of Australia’s top collectibles, and Roman Bratasiuk’s 2005 version is once again top-shelf stuff. It’s full-bodied and rich without being over the top, balancing dark-chocolate-covered blackberries and blueberries with more complex savory notes (spice, grilled meat). While it’s a big, hulking wine at first, the finish shows great elegance… — J.C. (9/1/2008)

points

Kynsi 2005 Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $45

An enormously opulent wine, brimming with gobs of red cherries, currants, mocha, clove, cinnamon and pepper flavors. Impresses for the lushness and integrity of the structure. Brilliant wine, just gorgeous, a real crowd-pleaser. With its recent track record, Kynsi enters the front ranks of California Pinot Noir producers. — S.H. (9/1/2008)

points

Alma Rosa 2006 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)

Editors' Choice

Price $20

Starts with an opulent, inviting aroma of smoky honey, vanilla, tangerines, Meyer lemons, yellow apricots, green apples and minerals. In the mouth, the flavors are very similar—an explosion of fruits, spices and toast. Just a tremendous wine, but for all the volume and complexity, it’s completely balanced. — S.H. (9/1/2008)

points

Textbook 2005 Mise en Place Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Cellar Selection

Price $44

The wine is fantastic, albeit tannic. It’s not a gushy one to open tonight. The tannins have a dry astringency, but even so, you can taste fabulously ripe blackberries, black cherries and currants. This wine should begin to come into its own next year and hold for many years. — S.H. (9/1/2008)

points

Keller Estate 2005 Precioso Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

Price $150

Available only in magnums, this Chard consists of a single barrel from the estate vineyard, which is in the Petaluma area, a very cool region. The wine is very fine. It’s equal parts ripe green pears, Meyer lemons and smoky oak, with a firm, steely underpinning of minerals. Should age well for a Chardonnay, especially in the big bottle. — S.H. (9/1/2008)

points

Domaine Philippe Delesvaux 2004 Sélection de Grains Nobles Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon)

Cellar Selection

Price $75

Supersweet, but never cloying, with acidity, pear skin tannins and delicate sweet brown sugar and honey flavors. It is a great example of how Loire Chenin manages to keep its balance and freshness while still offering long-aging botrytis character. Keep for at least 10 years. — R.V. (9/1/2008)

points

Concha y Toro 2005 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon (Puente Alto)

Price $69

This comes across as the best Don Melchor that Concha y Toro has produced, and at $69 it should be. It’s very ripe, with oak sitting atop pure cassis and plum aromas. The palate is sweet, juicy and packed with dynamite blackberry and black plum flavors. Dark, chocolaty and long on the finish, with ripe tannins. Drink now or hold for five years. — M.S. (9/1/2008)

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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