Published in June 2009
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the June 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Failla 2007 Phoenix Ranch Syrah (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $42
This is a tremendous Syrah, in every sense of the word. It’s too young to drink now, although most of the 4,800 bottles produced will be opened too soon. A pity, because the tannins are bigtime, and the fabulous core of blackberries, blueberries, violets, dark chocolate and pepper will easily sustain this wine in the cellar. Best after mid-2010 and for an…
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Oakville Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)
- Editors' Choice
- $45
This ageworthy Cab merits comparison with some of its far more expensive Oakville neighbors. Dry and balanced, with ultra-refined tannins, it shows complex flavors of creme de cassis, minerals and cedar. Just beautiful. Noteworthy for listing all its ingredients on the back label. Drink now through 2012.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Poggio Antico 2004 Altero Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
- Cellar Selection
- $115
The wine’s beauty and intensity are impossible to match. There’s enormous complexity of aromas here with chocolate, black tar, spice, blackberry, forest currant and tobacco. You’ll pick up toasted oak tones as well, but they are carefully balanced within the naturally supple and smooth essence of this standout Brunello.
— M.L.
(6/1/2009)
Two Hands 2006 Bad Impersonator Single Vineyard Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
- $50
This intensely flavored Barossa Shiraz features notes of sweaty leather, stewed plums, black olive and coffee beans. It’s full-bodied and creamy in texture, with ample but soft tannins that glide easily over the palate. The concentrated fruit and long, complex finish suggest that it can be consumed now and over the next 10 years.
— J.C.
(6/1/2009)
Spring Mountain Vineyard 2004 Elivette Red (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $100
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the winery’s estate vineyard, this is an immaturely tough, hard wine, even at the age of 4-plus years. The rugged mountain tannins are drily intrusive, but the vast core of black currants strongly suggests aging. Already throwing some sediment, it should be better after 2009 and beyond.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Sherwin Family 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain)
- Cellar Selection
- $90
Shows the tough, gritty tannins of this mountain appellation, indicating a wine that needs serious cellar time. It’s very lush, with sunshiney-ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, milk chocolate and anise. So rich and balanced, it should easily throw sediment and develop bottle complexities through 2018.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Marqués de Murrieta 2005 Dalmau Red (Rioja)
- Editors' Choice
- $165
Dalmau strikes again in 2005! This icon wine from Marqués de Murrieta strikes all the right chords. The nose is round, toasty, warm and exotic, with huge berry and plum aromas sexed up by well-applied, fined-grained wood notes. It’s lush but balanced, with mineral, violet and bitter chocolate nuances adding complexity. Husky in size, but maintains its form and balance.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Hourglass 2006 Blueline Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $125
Shows lots of smoky woodspice on the nose, and then turns decadently rich in the mouth, with waves of cassis, dark chocolate and cedar, exotically spiced with anise, cardamom, cinnamon stick and black pepper. Despite the volume, this Cab is polished and elegant. Now through 2012.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
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