Published in October 2010

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2010 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Viña Sastre 2006 Pesus Red (Ribera del Duero)

Cellar Selection

Price $750

If there’s any such thing as the perfect Spanish red, Pesus is it. A blend of 80% Tempranillo with other grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine sees 200% new oak, resulting in a thick, dark, tannic beauty that bubbles over with toast, cola, mint, chocolate and spice aromas. The mouth is sheer heaven; a mile deep in terms of berry flavor and more, but… — M.S. (10/1/2010)

points

Viña Sastre 2005 Regina Vides Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)

Price $195

From vines that are between 80 and 100 years, this is a marvelous example of top-notch Spanish red wine, regardless of region and grape variety. Hails from four vineyards, and the product is dark, concentrated, sultry, masculine and impressive. Giant black fruit flavors, texture, richness, coffee and cola make it truly special. Drinkable now; best in 3–5 more years. — M.S. (10/1/2010)

points

Absolut Citron

Price $24

Features a bright, pleasantly familiar orange-lemon lollipop scent and fresh, clean and brisk flavors, with most of the lemon in the finish. Balanced, with the right amount of alcohol bite. A sure classic for vodka tonics. — K.N. (10/1/2010)

points

Aalto 2006 PS Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)

Cellar Selection

Price $115

A beautiful but enormous style of red wine with char, leather and saturated black fruit aromas. There’s also some lemony oak that will shed itself with time. Overall, it’s rich, delicious and a real fruit bomb with chocolate, vanilla, caramel, coffee and mocha, all of which are reflections of the oak aging it sees. PS stands for s seleccionados, and it’s really an… — M.S. (10/1/2010)

points

Hangar One Mandarin Blossom

Price $35

The deep, sweet orange and honeyed-floral fragrance is the first signal this vodka will be special. The flavors are clean and brisk, followed by a strong bite and honey and tangerine notes. It finishes sweet, with faint floral and vanilla notes coaxed out over ice. — K.N. (10/1/2010)

points

Altesino 2004 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Cellar Selection

Price $80

This stunning wine boasts loads of character that peels off as aromatic layers of cherry, cassis, soapy wild flowers, violets, earth, cola and church incense. There’s a sweet spice element of cinnamon and nutmeg and all the flavors last long on the finish. It’s tempered, elegant and smooth overall. — M.L. (10/1/2010)

points

Stonestreet 2008 Upper Barn Chardonnay (Alexander Valley)

Price $65

A monster Chardonnay, massive yet balanced. Shows fantastically ripe pineapple, golden mango, lemon chiffon pie, buttered toast, crème brûlée and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened with crisp, clean acidity. Almost a food group in itself. Reserve this for your boldest, most upscale fare, like lobster. — S.H. (10/1/2010)

points

Rudi Pichler 2008 Wösendorfer Kollmutz Reserve Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)

Cellar Selection

Price $97

This is the third vintage of Rudi Pichler’s Reserve from the Kollmutz Vineyard. It shows an extra richness over the already concentrated Smaragd, a powerhouse of intensity, spice, mango, oregano and lemon verbena crispness. The balance is already there, now the wine needs to mature. — R.V. (10/1/2010)

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

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