Published in September 2010

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

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Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Price $41

Dark honey color, lushly aromatic, fragrance like a bouquet of wildflowers: honeysuckle and clover. Viscous and luxurious on the tongue, it offers bold flavors of dark toffee, lots of oak, and finishes with bitter almond and a touch of raisin. Mellow; hardly any bite when chilled, which makes it highly sippable, almost like Cognac. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

points

Lynmar 2007 Five Sisters Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $100

This important Pinot Noir is expensive, but it is absolutely worth a search. It’s not a single-vineyard wine, but a blend of various blocks from the cooler southern part of the valley. Oak, to the tune of 70% new, is very strong in char and vanilla, but way stronger is the fruit itself, which is exemplary and stunning. Raspberries, cherries and strawberries just… — S.H. (9/1/2010)

points

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 20 Years Old

Price $100

Dark, spicy-sweet, deep vanilla aroma, and unlike many Bourbons, it tastes just like it smells. Medium to heavy body, with a mellow, lingering finish. Great sipper on a blustery night. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

points

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Price $30

Complex and addictive. Scents of cinnamon, hazelnuts, and dried fruit precede big flavors: cinnamon spice, raisinated and plummy, like Madeira or Sherry. Long finish, with a bit of a bite. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

points

Stonestreet 2006 Christopher’s Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

Hard mountain tannins characterize this Cab, which was grown above 2,000 feet in the Mayacamas. It’s hugely deep in blackberries and black currants, with notes of dark chocolate and violets. Meanwhile, 100% new French oak adds an elaborate layer of smoky caramel and char that’s entirely in keeping with the wine’s volume. Impressive and flashy, but immature, this… — S.H. (9/1/2010)

points

Quilceda Creek 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $125

This feels slightly softer in the mouth than the massive 2006, but carries the density and gravitas that one associates with Quilceda Creek. Wonderful balance, with a deeply detailed set of flavors that gather strength as they move through the palate. Mixed berries, threaded with chocolate, lingering with black cherry, cassis, smoke, cedar, lead pencil and more. — P.G. (9/1/2010)

96-100

points

Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Price $35

Aromas are sweet and fruitcake-like, with faint cigar smoke. Restrained, subtle flavors of orange peel, cinnamon and leather ride a medium-to-heavy body. The finish is extremely smooth, with a touch of anise. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

points

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Bourbon

Price $45

Lively, complex and deeply aromatic, with hits of Christmas spice, orange blossom and vanilla. It’s spicy on the tongue, with lots of woodsy vanilla and orange. Medium body, this would rock a Bourbon-based Sazerac. — K.N. (9/1/2010)

2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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