Published in September 2009
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the September 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 952
Sequana 2007 Sundawg Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir (Green Valley)
- $50
This distinctive Pinot Noir’s source is a tiny vineyard in cool Green Valley; the winegrower is James MacPhail, whose own MacPhail Pinot Noirs are so good. The wine itself is totally dry and silky and firm in acidity, yet soft in fine tannins. You might call it noble. It’s eruptive in cherries, sweet smoky bacon, raspberry granola and oaky sandalwood. Gorgeous…
— S.H.
(9/11/2009)
Clos de la Coulée de Serrant 2007 Chenin Blanc (Savennières-Coulée de Serrant)
- Cellar Selection
- $90
It is not easy to describe one of the majestic wines of France. This 2007 is still a wine in the making. All the elements are there: the intensity of dry fruits, the richness of spice and white fruit jams, opulent and austere at the same time. It is an extraordinary wine, with freshness, sweetness, dryness and acidity all just about perfectly balanced. Give it at…
— R.V.
(9/1/2009)
Leonetti Cellar 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $85
This full-throttle Bordeaux blend is big, tight, and a bit hard but dense and concentrated. Here are blue and black fruits, layers of smoke and bitter chocolate, yet a lifted, floral scent is also there. In the finish it feels chewy and substantial, with threads of cedar, cinnamon and caramel woven among the darker, smoky notes. Give it plenty of breathing time.
— P.G.
(9/1/2009)
English Harbour 25 Year Old Reserve Rum 1981 Vintage
- $395
This gorgeous, classical rum aroma offers vivid scents of vanilla cake frosting, brown sugar, honey and fresh orange blossom. Palate entry is fruity sweet and ripe as much as it is confectionery-like; midpalate features harmonious and multilayered tastes of candied plums, Raisinettes, candied yellow fruit, ripe peach, honey and gentle sweetness. Fabulous.
— P.P.
(9/1/2009)
Domaine Huët 2007 Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec Chenin Blanc (Vouvray)
- Cellar Selection
- $45
More off-dry than medium sweet, this is a fabulously concentrated wine. It has honey, spice, lemon and sweet pear flavors, which give it a bright, vivid character in its youth. Expect it to close up for 3–4 years, before emerging again as a wine with elegance, balance and complexity.
— R.V.
(9/1/2009)
Williams Selyem 2007 Vista Verde Vineyard Late Harvest Gewürztraminer (San Benito County)
- Online Exclusive
- $40
Even after a big dinner, there’s room for this amazingly rich dessert wine. With residual sugar of 15.3%, it’s extremely sweet, but vibrant acidity gives it nerve and zest. Shocks the palate with massive flavors of apricot essence, peaches, crème brûlée, honey and vanilla bean. Tantalizing and exotic.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Piña 2006 Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
- $85
This outstanding wine shows the best features of Howell Mountain. It’s gigantic in concentrated flavors of blackberries and black cherries, cocoa and cedar, with hints of wild herbs and even flowers. And although it’s tannic, there’s a mellow mouthfeel that permits drinking now. But it should age well through 2018.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Sineann 2007 Block One Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $72
The Block One Cab from the Champoux vineyard (in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA) is one of Washington’s gold-plated, old vine sites, and the wineries who get that fruit are equally special. Power, texture and pure pleasure combine here, a seductive mélange of black cherry, cassis, plum, coffee, chocolate and spice. Tannins are ripe, fine-grained, and have the…
— P.G.
(9/1/2009)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 952
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