Published in April 2009

Price $130

Tasted in a big lineup of St. Helena Cabernets, Spottswoode’s magnificent ’05 stood out. It’s a massive powerhouse, explosive in black currant, cherry pie, plum, chocolate, anise and cedar flavors that are detailed and precise. However, the wine, which was blended with a little Cabernet Franc, is graceful and balanced. Drinkable now due to its softly refined… — S.H. (4/1/2009)

96

points

Flora Springs 2005 Rennie Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

An extraordinary wine, among the greatest Cabs in Flora Springs’ long history. One hundred percent varietal, and made from a single clone, it shows fabulous density and serious weight, with dramatically rich blackberry, currant and cedar flavors anchored by a firm minerality. For all its power, the wine is balanced and elegant. An ager, it will drink well for at… — S.H. (4/1/2009)

96

points

Gaja 2005 Sorì San Lorenzo Nebbiolo (Langhe)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $445

You cannot not love this wine: layered and intense with extraordinary integrity of fruit, it offers supple flavors of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and chocolate. It’s dense, succulent and penetrating with polished tannins and long persistency. The palate becomes coated with opulence and richness: 5% Barbera is added. Drink 2015–2030. — M.L. (4/1/2009)

96-100

points

Delamain Le Voyage Grande Champagne Cognac

Price $7000

The fabulous bouquet features wonderful scents of white chocolate, marshmallow, dried apricot, tropical fruit, English toffee, buttercream, chocolate covered orange rind, marmalade, and the beginnings of rancio. Palate entry is resiny, beany, and moderately oily; midpalate includes tastes of caramel, treacle, prunes and very old Sherry. Ends elegantly yet… — P.P. (4/1/2009)

96-100

points

Coole Swan Superior Dairy Cream Liqueur

Best Buy

Price $25

Delightful aromas of vanilla, double cream, egg cream, nutmeg, plus some beeswax and cocoa. Palate entry features succulent tastes of cocoa, white chocolate and Irish double cream; midpalate is thick, rich, gently sweet, ideally spicy (mostly cinnamon) and a touch grainy. Concludes luxuriously textured and dashed with holiday spices. Delicious. — P.P. (4/1/2009)

96-100

points

Crispin’s Rose Liqueur

Price $85

The remarkable, fabulous bouquet smells of a room filled with (genuine) roses at their peak bloom; aeration allows a beguiling sap-like, pollen-like sweetness to emerge. Palate entry is delicate, concentrated, flowery and sweetly rosy; midpalate offers layer after layer of gentle, stately rose tastes. Ends moderately sweet, with a slight metal-like edge. Spectacular. — P.P. (4/1/2009)

96-100

points

Joseph Cartron Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne

Best Buy
Online Exclusive

Price $26

The perfect crème de cassis bouquet features concentrated black currant skin aromas and extreme tannic acid. Palate entry is super tannic and astringent and focused on the black currant juice and skins; the midpalate is perfectly balanced between the ripe fruit, acid, tannin and sweet tartness. Concludes thick, incredibly tart and astringent, and utterly luscious… — P.P. (4/1/2009)

96-100

points

Aqua Perfecta Kirsch Eau-de-Vie Cherry Brandy

Price $40

The sublime bouquet offers authentic, ripe scents of red cherry; aeration stimulates deeper red cherry fruit and juice smells. Palate entry is delicate, elegant, intensely fruit stone-like and astringent; midpalate features the flowery taste of unaged distillate that complements the cherry fruit tastes. Finishes grandly and firmly, with a welcome touch of oiliness. Wow. — P.P. (4/1/2009)

Published in April 2009

Spottswoode 2005 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)

Flora Springs 2005 Rennie Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)

Gaja 2005 Sorì San Lorenzo Nebbiolo (Langhe)

Delamain Le Voyage Grande Champagne Cognac

Coole Swan Superior Dairy Cream Liqueur

Crispin’s Rose Liqueur

Joseph Cartron Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne

Aqua Perfecta Kirsch Eau-de-Vie Cherry Brandy

2009 Penascal