Published in February 2009

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the February 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Mount Eden 2005 Estate Bottled Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Editors' Choice

Price $48

A massive Chardonnay, with tremendous grilled pineapple, peach pie, buttered cinnamon toast, butterscotch, caramel and vanilla flavors, with a firm, earthy minerality. Feels fat and glyceriney in the mouth, providing a decadent palate experience, but acidity contributes to the firm, elegant structure. It should age effortlessly for at least six years, changing and… — S.H. (2/1/2009)

96-100

points

Herradura Silver Blanco Suave 100% de Agave Tequila Natural

Best Buy

Price $55

The bouquet is marvelously animated with vibrant herbal and earthy aromas of dill, green pepper, mace, hemp and tilled earth. Entry is intensely herbal and earthy, and keenly peppery; at midpalate the acidity fuels the flavor push of brine, dill, soil, textile and light spice. Concludes as peppery and forceful as it began. A world-class spirit. — P.P. (2/1/2009)

points

Talbott 2005 Diamond T Estate Cuvée Audrey Chardonnay (Monterey County)

Price $75

Gigantic in volume, even for Talbott, whose Chardonnays always are big. Just explodes with caramel and pineapple brulée, peach custard, vanilla cream, cinnamon-buttered toast and honey. Almost a food group in itself, this massive wine easily merits its high score, but it will swamp most foods an ordinary Chardonnay would go with. Lobster with butter is one solution… — S.H. (2/1/2009)

96-100

points

Old Raj Gin

Price $50

This is the lower-proof version of the classic Old Raj. Lovely, complex gin bouquet offers aromas of coriander, juniper, anise, orris root, ground pepper, lemon peel, lead pencil, earth and tree bark. Palate entry is creamy, fruity, spicy and minty; midpalate offers layers of botanical complexity over the core juniper taste. Finishes with a wonderful rush of mint… — P.P. (2/1/2009)

96-100

points

Herradura Añejo 100% de Agave Tequila Natural

Price $65

The bouquet features wonderful aromas of caramel, cream, pastry dough and nutmeg with a background hint of honeyed peanuts. Entry is spicy and full-bodied; the midpalate displays a trace of vanillin that supports the more vibrant flavors of brine, salt, green vegetable and green pepper. Finishes clean, a touch smoky and delicately spiced. A classic añejo Tequila… — P.P. (2/1/2009)

points

Corison 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $75

This wine is so balanced it hits the palate as impeccable and gorgeous. The flavors, of currants, cherries, vanilla and sweet oak, are only part of it. It is so dry, so richly structured in tannins and acids, so pure through the long, spicy finish, that it easily deserves its high score. Will age well for up to a decade. — S.H. (2/1/2009)

points

Château Climens 2004 White (Barsac)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

This wine is well balanced, rich and unctuous, the sweetness and denseness so carefully blended with acidity, orange zest and dry botrytis. It is a gorgeous, ripe wine, intense but retaining its freshness. — R.V. (2/1/2009)

points

Talley 2006 Rosemary’s Vineyard Chardonnay (Arroyo Grande Valley)

Price $50

Talley’s Rosemary’s typically is one of the greatest, most dependable Chardonnays in California. The 2006 upholds that distinguished tradition. It’s dry and balanced, with a mineral undertone that grounds the flamboyant pineapple custard, lemondrop and lime pie flavors. Feels ultra-distinguished and elegant despite the richness. Now through 2010. — S.H. (2/1/2009)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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