Published in June 2009

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

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Müller-Catoir 2007 Breumel in den Mauren Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling (Pfalz)

Cellar Selection

The smoky, minerally aspects of the site show through even a thick veil of botrytis. This is intensely honeyed, filled with dried apricot and candied pineapple flavors, yet not without nuance. Incredibly sweet, but as balanced as a wine this unctuous can be, with a long, mouthwatering finish. — J.C. (6/1/2009)

points

Hall 2006 Exzellenz Red Wine Sacrashe Vineyard (Rutherford)

Cellar Selection

Price $150

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is like a neutron star, with massive power packed into a concentrated mass. Just huge in black currants, black cherries and chocolate, almost as thick as molasses, yet dry and firm and minerally. Vast weight and authority. Needs time. Will last 15–20 years. — S.H. (6/1/2009)

points

Pride Mountain 2006 Vintner Select Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $85

What a fine, beautiful wine this is. Shows every graceful aspect of a modern Napa Cab, from the perfectly ripened fruit to the unbelievably fine tannins and application of oak. Thrills the mouth with decadently rich black currants, crême de cassis, milk chocolate, anise and cedar flavors, but never loses an impeccable sense of balance and control. Best now, even… — S.H. (6/1/2009)

points

David Arthur 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $95

Here’s an important new Cabernet that instantly takes its place in the increasingly crowded Napa pantheon. It’s extraordinarily rich in black currants, chocolate, anise, pepper and cedar flavors that are wrapped into perfectly ripened tannins. Feels lush, plush and smooth in the mouth, and should age effortlessly for a decade or more. — S.H. (6/1/2009)

points

Rubicon Estate 2005 Rubicon Red (Rutherford)

Cellar Selection

Price $145

Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with no Merlot or Cabernet Franc for the first time, the ’05 Rubicon tastes bigger and more impenetrable than any previous vintage. It’s thick and heavy at this time, with furry tannins and undeniably ripe flavors of blackberries, black currants, cherries, violets, chocolate and cedar, and a tang of melted minerals. Desperately… — S.H. (6/1/2009)

points

Müller-Catoir 2007 Bergergarten Trockenbeerenauslese Muskateller (Pfalz)

Floral, musky and spicy, this is almost a little Gewürztraminer-like on the nose. The flavors of dried pineapple are incredibly intense, giving a bright, piercing edge of acidity to the sweet finish. At almost 300 g/l residual sugar this is really sweet, but the acids are super-high as well (18.5 g/l TA), making for a balanced wine—albeit one with the volume… — J.C. (6/1/2009)

96-100

points

Joseph Cartron Crème de Cerise de Bourgogne

Best Buy

Price $26

The wonderful bouquet emanates aromas of ripe black cherries. Ripe and gently sweet tastes of perfect cherry crème flavor mingle harmoniously with the natural acids and tannins at palate entry; the midpalate is genuinely not in the least cloying; ripe, but not overly sweet. Delicious. — P.P. (6/1/2009)

96-100

points

Boulard Millésimé Vintage 1981 Calvados Pays d’Auge

Online Exclusive

Price $207

The nosing passes find mature aromas of buttered toast, nougat, baked apple pastry and oak. Palate entry features beautifully spiced and fruity tastes of cinnamon, apple strudel and brown butter; at midpalate tastes of egg cream, dark toffee and treacle are added. Ends gracefully, warm in the throat, lightly smoky and oaky. — P.P. (6/1/2009)

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

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