Published in Mid December 2010
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the Mid December 2010 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Allagash Black
- Best Buy
- $8
Dark mahogany color in the glass with glimmers of garnet when held up to the light. Pours with a fluffy cream-colored head that stays a long time and leaves gorgeous sticky lacing behind when it finally falls. Cigar box, roasted malt, molasses, pine tar and sweet spice like clove and nutmeg flood the nose and palate. The mouth is medium weight, not too overpowering…
— L.B.
(12/15/2010)
Southern Tier Mokah Imperial
- Best Buy
- $10
So enticing and delicious, you could just stick your nose in a glass of this for hours with a silly grin on your face the whole time. Intense mocha aromas coupled with chocolate ice cream, soft molasses and French toast transition to more of the same in the mouth, which is so insanely creamy and fulfilling like carbonated Yoohoo. Roasted cocoa nibs, espresso and…
— L.B.
(12/15/2010)
Castello di Ama 2006 L’Apparita Merlot (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- $169
L’Apparita is a divine and delicate expression of Merlot with rich layers of black cherry, blackberry, spice, mocha, cedar, exotic spice and polished stone that are seamlessly woven together. The wine hits the palate with the softness and richness of the world’s best Merlots and leaves a fading impression of fruit and spice that can be counted in many long…
— M.L.
(12/15/2010)
Hall 2007 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $80
One of the richest Cabernets of the vintage. Amazingly soft and velvety in the mouth, yet there’s a solid grip of acidity and tannins that balance the richness. The flavors are extraordinary, ranging from blackberry and cherry-pie filling through currant liqueur and milk chocolate to leather. So decadent now, it’s hard to resist, but should develop for 4–6 years.
— S.H.
(12/15/2010)
Dutton-Goldfield 2008 Dutton Ranch - Rued Vineyard Chardonnay (Green Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $45
This vineyard has proved itself for so many years that it’s practically a guarantee of greatness. This 2008 is a real stunner. It’s so rich and exotic, so balanced and dry, so clean. Dazzles with pear, pineapple, lychee, roasted hazelnut, crème brûlée, buttered toast, honey and spice flavors, wrapped into a creamy smooth mouthfeel. Brilliant and compelling. Drink now.
— S.H.
(12/15/2010)
Poggio al Tesoro 2007 Dedicato a Walter Cabernet Franc (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- $90
An impressive wine from an impressive vintage, this Tuscan expression of Cabernet Franc opens with opulent fruit notes of blackberry, prune, plum and ripe cherry backed by clove, pepper, leather and cigar box. The tannins are firm and silky and the fade is long and velvety.
— M.L.
(12/15/2010)
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia 2005 Masseto Merlot (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $460
Fruit was picked later than normal and the Masseto Merlot does indeed show mature aromas of black cherry, ripe blackberry, earthy iron and polished stone. The intensity and purity are amazing and the wine is sophisticated, soft and very rich on the finish. It is already showing beautiful evolution in the glass.
— M.L.
(12/15/2010)
Paul Hobbs 2008 Ulises Valdez Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $70
An awesome Chardonnay that gives everything you want in richness, yet frames it in a structural integrity rare in California. Dazzles with tropical fruit, green apple and pear flavors, with a brilliant overlay of oak that adds buttered toast and spice flavors, not to mention sturdy oak tannins. But it’s the zesty acidity, like a squirt of lime juice, that really…
— S.H.
(12/15/2010)
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