Published in July 2009

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

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Domaine de Chevalier 2007 White (Pessac-Léognan)

Cellar Selection

Wonderfully aromatic, this sure-to-be legendary wine offers richness, ripeness, and pure yellow fruits, peaches and apricots, all alongside a structured strain of chalky minerality. It is a wine for long aging, the wood spice just becoming integrated, the fruit still in its first vibrancy. But even now, it fills the mouth with generous fruits, and a great finish of… — R.V. (7/1/2009)

points

Kendall-Jackson 2006 Highland Estates Trace Ridge Red (Knights Valley)

Price $125

Dark, viscous and monumental, this Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend detonates on the palate with black currants, chocolate and cedar concentration, wrapped into the most perfect tannins. Outstanding, and should age for many years. Only 277 cases of this wine, which was grown on steep hillsides, were produced. — S.H. (7/1/2009)

points

Hartford Court 2007 Stone Côte Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

Price $60

The vineyard is in the interior part of the appellation, toward Carneros, and the wine displays the firm, acidic minerality of that cool, foggy region. It has fantastic limpidity. The oak is remarkable for the purity of vanilla and smoky honey, while the underlying flavors of Meyer lemons, pineapples, nectarines and kumquats are decadently good. A masterpiece of… — S.H. (7/1/2009)

96-100

points

Los Arango Reposado 100% Agave Tequila

Price $60

Displays pleasant green vegetable (asparagus, kale) aromas right upfront along with a background agave brininess; further air contact stimulates a creaminess that’s oily and sinewy. Palate entry is long, satiny, with vibrant tastes of chili pepper, salt and steamed asparagus; midpalate is full-weighted, juicy, sweet, toffee-like and oily. — P.P. (7/1/2009)

points

Franz Hirtzberger 2007 Singerriedel Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Cellar Selection

Price $126

One of Austria’s great wines, this intense expression of an imposing vineyard explodes in the mouth. Its perfumed, floral character quickly gives way to a taut, tight mineral structure, a coiled spring with its white fruits, citrus and bright acidity all waiting to race out as the wine ages. Keep for at least five years. — R.V. (7/1/2009)

points

Franz Hirtzberger 2007 Hochrain Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Price $74

A Riesling that hovers deliciously between Alsace and the German Rheingau. It has the richness of Alsace, but the structure of the Rheingau. And it brings more, because the tight soils of the Hochrain vineyard, with its stony subsoil, brings an intense minerality, which is surrounded by opulent apricot and pineapple fruits. A great wine with enormous potential. — R.V. (7/1/2009)

points

Hartford Court 2007 Hailey's Block Pinot Noir (Green Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

This is from a block of younger vines made from Dijon clones within the larger Arrendell Vineyard. The wine is quite full-bodied and robust, almost rustic, which is mainly due to the powerful, young tannins. With explosive berry, currant and mocha flavors, this powerful wine should hit its stride in mid-2010. — S.H. (7/1/2009)

points

Hartford Court 2007 Land's Edge Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $50

A blend of various vineyards from the far or “true” Sonoma Coast, and also Hartford Court’s highest-production Pinot Noir. Always beautiful and balanced, the ’07 in particular is remarkable for its silky tannins and overall seamless quality. Really excites for the complexity of currant, cola, licorice and cedar flavors. Now through 2013. — S.H. (7/1/2009)

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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