Page 6 | Published in October 2010 - Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide

Cellar Selection

Here’s a beautiful Brunello Riserva that comes at you in full force thanks to its compelling aromas of spice, cherry, currants, mesquite wood and cola. There’s an immediate and direct manner to the aromatic approach, but it’s layered and complex at the same time. — M.L. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Lang & Reed 2005 Right Bank Red (Napa Valley)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $60

This is a big, elaborate wine, the kind that feels lush and important in the mouth, and it fills a vital niche in the Napa lineup. Based on Cabernet Franc, which is the winery’s specialty, it’s lighter and more elegant than a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fruit veers toward cherries, not black currants. It’s extraordinarily rich, and grows more interesting as it… — S.H. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Poggio Antico 2004 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Cellar Selection

Price $178

This is a particularly elegant wine that emphasizes harmonious aromas of black fruit, spice and polished mineral. Poggio Antico is an excellent producer and this Riserva shows the best of Montalcino tradition. — M.L. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Silverado 2006 Solo Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)

Cellar Selection

Price $90

Not ready to open now, it’s just too tannic, although the flavors are so ripe and lush, they erupt right through the numbing astringency. Floods the mouth with ripe red stone fruits, berries and currants, as well as earthier notes of herbs, carob and minerals. The oak is strongly sensed, but entirely in keeping with the wine’s volume. Cellar this very fine wine… — S.H. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Abacela 2009 Blanco Dulce Viognier (Umpqua Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $30

This late-harvest Viognier is so dense, so lush with aromas, that it defies description. Flowers, candied fruits, caramel, vanilla, English breakfast tea, even a bit of tobacco—this is one of those wines that just keeps on going. Fascinating, rich, yet vibrant with excellent acidity, this is a wine that any dessert wine lover should experience. — P.G. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Rainer Wess 2009 Reserve Riesling (Wachau)

Cellar Selection

Price $49

Intense concentration, the wine powers across the palate, its texture packed with broad white and yellow fruit flavors as well as beautiful acidity. Age for 3–4 years. — R.V. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Schmelz 2008 Dürnsteiner Freiheit Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Cellar Selection

Price $56

Crisp, steely, deliciously perfumed wine. It shows a tight mineral character balanced by the fresh white currant and grapefruit flavors. The acidity and structure are important, promising good aging. — R.V. (10/1/2010)

94

points

Alzinger 2008 Steinertal Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Price $62

So steely and mineral-driven, this is an intensely crisp wine, with concentrated fresh apple flavors over a texture that shows pear skins and orange zest. Acidity and spice combine on the finish. — R.V. (10/1/2010)

Published in October 2010

Poggio Nardone 2004 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Lang & Reed 2005 Right Bank Red (Napa Valley)

Poggio Antico 2004 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Silverado 2006 Solo Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)

Abacela 2009 Blanco Dulce Viognier (Umpqua Valley)

Rainer Wess 2009 Reserve Riesling (Wachau)

Schmelz 2008 Dürnsteiner Freiheit Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Alzinger 2008 Steinertal Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

2010 Mira Stanly Ranch