Published in August 2009

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

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Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)

Price $123

Features intoxicating pastry, blueberry, cola and coffee aromas in front of a minerally, terroir-packed palate of soft black fruit, chocolate, fine herbs and other character-aiding touches. The mouthfeel is fabulous and the finish of Swiss chocolate and integrated spice is as smooth as silk. Drink now through 2011. — M.S. (8/1/2009)

points

Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Argentino Malbec (Mendoza)

Price $123

This blend from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards is the best Malbec on the market today. There’s raisin, mineral, licorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is like a Mack truck on ice skates, meaning it’s both huge and elegant. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten black fruit is awesome. Drink now through 2013. — M.S. (8/1/2009)

points

Goldschmidt 2005 Single Vineyard Selection Game Ranch Plus Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Price $150

With this bottling Goldschmidt runs with the big Oakville dogs. Classic, a dry, tremendously concentrated and oaky Cab with massive flavors of blackberry tart, cassis, anise, cocoa and cedar. So soft, you can drink it now, but the complex tannin structure and balance permit it to age for many years. The source is a tiny vineyard west of the Silverado Trail. — S.H. (8/1/2009)

points

Hartford 2007 Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $55

The vineyard is in Fulton, a cool part of the southeastern valley heavily influenced by fog, and the vines are about 100 years old. This is great, classic Zinfandel. It should be in a museum. Despite high alcohol, it has a silky, Pinot-esque suppleness, balanced with crisp acids, and is profoundly rich in Zinny flavor. Currants, mushu plum sauce, anise, crushed… — S.H. (8/1/2009)

points

Abeja 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $80

Mostly old (1972) Bacchus vineyard fruit is 100% Cabernet, and only the second reserve Cabernet ever produced by Abeja. It’s dark, juicy, dense, smoky, layered and tight. Pepper, bacon, coffee grounds, graphite and black cherry roll through the palate, buttressed with lots of firm, smooth, polished and delicious tannins. A truly glorious bottle. — P.G. (8/1/2009)

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Betz Family 2006 Père de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $58

This is taut, muscular, toasty, young and tight; the fruit is concentrated, pure and evocative, with earthy flavors that add notes of soil, spice and mineral. The most complex of all the Betz blends, in this vintage it includes 84% Cabernet Sauvignon—far and away the dominant flavor. The fruits unfold in a rich panoply of reds and blues; the tannins are rich and… — P.G. (8/1/2009)

96-100

points

Black Bowmore 1964 42 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky

Price $4500

The fabulous bouquet offers scents of prunes, dried pears, dried apricots, paraffin, distant sea breeze, low gauge peatreek, chocolate-covered cherries and dark fudge. Palate entry is long, unabashedly sweet and dried fruit-like; midpalate is firm and balanced, with plump and still vibrant tastes of dark fudge, dark caramel, old honey and Sherry. Finish is… — P.P. (8/1/2009)

96-100

points

Averna Sambuca Liquirizia

Online Exclusive

Price $29

The scrumptious bouquet features alluring nutty, toasty scents of aniseed and licorice and browned butter. Palate entry is luxuriously textured, herbal, and sweet, without being cloying; the fabulous midpalate features melded and harmonious flavors of licorice, oil and leafy herbs. Finishes elegant, lush, with a sensational tangy zest. — P.P. (8/1/2009)

2010 Andeluna Altitud

This is a high-quality Malbec with fleshy berry aromas that veer towards…

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