Published in October 2009
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 1,131
Qupé 2005 Bien Nacido X Block The Good Nacido Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $95
Fantastic, fabulous, a stupendously good Syrah that shows off Bien Nacido at its most perfect. Totally dry, with sturdy but ultra-refined tannins, it displays massive waves of blackberries, black currants, blueberries, smoked meat, violets, sandalwood and black pepper. Just beginning to find its groove, it should develop for many years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2009)
Sequana 2007 Sundawg Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)
- $50
This distinctive Pinot Noir’s source is a tiny vineyard in cool Green Valley; the winegrower is James MacPhail, whose own MacPhail Pinot Noirs are so good. The wine itself is totally dry and silky and firm in acidity, yet soft in fine tannins. You might call it noble. It’s eruptive in cherries, sweet smoky bacon, raspberry granola and oaky sandalwood. Gorgeous…
— S.H.
(9/11/2009)
Au Bon Climat 2006 Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
Chardonnay doesn’t get much better than this. Bursts with grilled pineapple-infused crème brûlée, peach pie, butter-sautéed banana, passion fruit and butterscotch flavors, dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar. Yet all that opulence is balanced by perfect acidity. Totally gorgeous.
— S.H.
(10/1/2009)
Joseph Drouhin 2006 Marquis de Laguiche Premier Cru Chardonnay (Chassagne-Montrachet)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $114
Drouhin has the exclusivity on the Marquis de Laguiche domaine, which is producing great white wine. Here, minerality and citrus acidity are layered over beautifully judged wood. The wine is rich but crisp, white berries mingling with pears and a delicious finishing spice. Age for 5–6 years. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
— R.V.
(10/1/2009)
Martell Cordon Bleu Grand Classic Cognac
- Best Buy
- $85
The wonderful bouquet offers scents of walnuts, dried flowers, dried pears and white raisins. Palate entry is languid, oily, buttery and decadently rich; the silky, rich midpalate exhibits complete flavor integration with prune and raisin tastes. Finishes extended, smooth as satin, medium-weighted and a bit caramel-like. Love it.
— P.P.
(10/1/2009)
Martell Creation Grand Extra Cognac
- $299
The nosing passes find aromas of cherries, strawberries, blueberries, white chocolate, prunes and black raisins with subtle hints of oak. Palate entry is full-weighted, long and nougat-sweet; midpalate is multilayered with aspects of dried fruits, pastry fillings, brown butter and dryness. Concludes extended, but dry and cocoa bean-like. Supremely satisfying.
— P.P.
(10/1/2009)
Laubade 1982 Bas Armagnac
- $150
The initial bouquet offers wonderful aromas of pipe tobacco, nougat, almond paste and old, well-worn leather; aeration sees the nuttiness take precedence and a brown-butter element emerge. Palate entry is keenly nutty, moderately sweet, cocoa butter-like, and a touch oaky or resiny; midpalate adds a touch of toasted marshmallow. Full-throttle finish in terms of…
— P.P.
(10/1/2009)
Laubade Extra Bas Armagnac
- $300
Nosing finds luxuriously mature aromas of old library leather, dried yellow fruit, nougat, cocoa paste, oak, honey, candied orange and even some black pepper. Palate entry is full-weighted, sweet, concentrated, nutty and buttery; midpalate adds rancio, honey, earth and apricot nectar. Concludes sweet, tobacco-like, mildly smoky and marshmallow-like. Flat-out delicious.
— P.P.
(10/1/2009)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 1,131
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