Published in Early December 2010

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

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Krug 1998 Clos du Mesnil Chardonnay

Cellar Selection

Price $1400

A wine that has created its own universe. It has a unique, special softness that allies with the total purity that comes from a small, enclosed single vineyard. The fruit is almost irrelevant here, because it comes as part of a much deeper complexity. This is a great wine, at the summit of Champagne, a sublime, unforgettable experience. — R.V. (12/1/2010)

100

points

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2007 Masseto Merlot (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $460

A perfect wine from a classic vintage, the 2007 Masseto (100% Merlot from a 17-acre vineyard of the same name) opens with an unabashedly opulent bouquet of delicious blackberry, cherry, chocolate, vanilla, exotic spice and cinnamon. Masseto excels both in terms of quality of fruit and winemaking and delivers plush, velvety tannins and an extra long, supple finish… — M.L. (12/15/2010)

points

Moët & Chandon 1996 Dom Pérignon Oenothèque Brut Sparkling

Cellar Selection

Price $385

A magnificent Champagne, one that is light, delicate, yet packed with character. It is beautifully balanced, with a bone-dry character, just softened by the toastiness that is developing. Expect this to age for many years. — R.V. (12/1/2010)

points

Le Macchiole 2007 Messorio Merlot (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $320

Here’s a “wow” wine you won’t easily forget. Messorio is all Merlot, and happily delivers the softness, richness and overall opulence that we love in this noble grape variety. What elevates this particular expression and vintage is the true elegance and sophistication evident here. This is a huge wine, but it’s not exaggerated and the finish is as long and smooth… — M.L. (12/15/2010)

points

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2007 Ornellaia Red (Bolgheri Superiore)

Cellar Selection

Price $200

The 2007 Ornellaia is a masterpiece blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a tiny element of Petit Verdot. The intensity and purity are outstanding and the wine delivers beautiful notes of chocolate, black cherry, leather, cedar and spice. It’s a big, modern expression that closes long with luscious softness and opulent fruit. Hold 10 years or more. — M.L. (12/15/2010)

points

Château Haut-Brion 2007 White (Pessac-Léognan)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $800

The palate opens slowly, offering an initial citrus character, followed by wood and then, finally, wonderfully rich, but taut fruit. There is still a toast character here, with apricots and pear on top of the citrus, but it is still only just developing. In 10–15 years, it will be a magnificent wine. — R.V. (12/15/2010)

points

Le Macchiole 2007 Paleo Cabernet Franc (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $125

Paleo (a pure expression of Cabernet Franc from Coastal Tuscany) is a drop dead gorgeous wine with amazing intensity and purity of aromas. You get it all here: Bright berry notes, drying mineral, exotic spice, cooling acidity and firm, satisfying structure. It’s a rich, velvety and beautiful wine that will award you a memorable drinking experience now or in 10… — M.L. (12/15/2010)

points

Le Macchiole 2006 Messorio Merlot (Toscana)

Cellar Selection

Price $320

Messorio (a 100% expression of delicious Merlot) is a wine that has already reached elite cult status and for very good reason. The opulence, richness and overall pleasure factor are unbeatable and the wine is sophisticated, elegant and balanced at the same time. The long fade is characterized by vanilla, chocolate, espresso, cherry and blackberry. — M.L. (12/15/2010)

2010 Écluse Lock Vineyard

California Cabernet simply doesn’t get richer or riper than this. It…

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