Published in June 2009
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the June 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
De Bortoli 2008 db Selection Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (South Eastern Australia)
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- $9
De Bortoli produces a wide range range of wines, but this is not one of the company’s best efforts, even considering the price. The aromas are confected, and the flavors bear a resemblance to cherry pie filling with a rubbery edge.
— J.C.
(6/1/2009)
Fra Guerau 2007 Rosé (Montsant)
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- $16
Harsh and burnt-smelling, with beet-like flavors and too much body weight. One could argue that it gets better as it airs out, but nobody should have to wrestle with a rosé just to get something likable from it. Past its prime with nowhere to go.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Condado de Oriza 2007 Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)
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- $10
An aggressive wine with very little charm or character to back up its edgy verve. The nose is skunky while the palate tastes of pickled red cabbage and sharp berry flavors. A weak product reflective of a cool, nongiving vintage.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Recorba 2007 Red (Ribera del Duero)
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- $12
Murky and dusty, with additional nutty, dirty aromas. Not much to say here; the wine is heavy and battles you all the way. The fruit is muddled and tart, and overall the wine is devoid of character.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Lions Peak 2002 Late Harvest Viognier
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- $25
Shows sugary flavors of apricots, grilled pineapples and vanilla that have a troubling vegetal edge.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Sawyer 2007 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Rutherford)
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- $19
Dull and vegetal. Tastes like canned asparagus juice, with a squeeze of citrus.
— S.H.
(6/1/2009)
Ribas del Cúa 2004 Crianza Mencía (Bierzo)
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- $20
A gaseous, barnyardy wine from several vintages ago. It’s tart and scratchy, with thin herbal flavors of red fruit and tomato. Doesn’t seem worth much these days.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Abad Dom Bueno 2007 Godello (Bierzo)
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- $17
Eggy, sulfuric and gritty on the nose, with acrid, burnt-field aromas. The palate runs toward grapefruit and bland citrus, and the finish is dull. Barely an acceptable effort given the norm these days.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
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