Published in October 2011

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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Kracher 2008 Zwischen den Seen Nummer 9 Trockenbeerenauslese Welschriesling (Burgenland)

Opulent honey and lemon aromas waft from the glass in this superrich but so balanced wine. The acidity is an essential element, cutting through the sweet orange, honey and ginger flavors. A gorgeous wine. — R.V. (10/1/2011)

points

Westmalle Tripel

Price $6

A classic Belgian tripel that is truly the benchmark of the style. It pours a hazy golden color with a thick off-white head that shows serious staying power in the glass. The aromas are fairly intense with fruity notes of banana and stone fruit at the forefront and supporting aromas of sweet spice, yeast and a touch of candi sugar. The full and creamy mouth offers… — L.B. (10/1/2011)

points

Fattoria Petrolo 2008 Galatrona Merlot (Toscana)

Price $134

Each new vintage of Galatrona proves, year after year, the enormous potential of Italian Merlot. This is a soft and beautifully decadent wine with plush and perfectly ripe aromas of black cherry, light spice, chocolate and tobacco. The smoothness, richness and persistency is simply unbeatable. — M.L. (10/1/2011)

points

Franz Hirtzberger 2010 Singerriedel Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Cellar Selection

Price $144

A supreme wine, the embodiment of Wachau Riesling. The steely character with its parallel acidity is beautifully integrated into grapefruit and perfumed white fruits. A taut, nervy texture adds tension to a wine that will age 10 years or more. — R.V. (10/1/2011)

points

Kracher 2008 Zwischen den Seen Nummer 11 Trockenbeerenauslese Scheurebe (Burgenland)

Price $103

A beautiful wine that is almost like nectar. It has extreme freshness, while the acidity is a wonderful contrast. Such concentrated orange flavors and a smooth texture while there is a great citrus edge. — R.V. (10/1/2011)

points

Qupé 2006 Bien Nacido Vineyard 25th Anniversary X-Block The Good Nacido Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)

Price $100

A gigantic wine, one of the most powerful Syrahs in memory. Shows fabulously rich tannins from stem fermentation, sweet, spicy and earthy. The aromas and flavors are of mushrooms, grilled meat, blackberries, cherries, cola, black pepper and smoky cedar. Extraordinary depth and complexity, a very great California Syrah. Could soar off the charts in the next 2–3 years. — S.H. (10/1/2011)

points

Castello Banfi 2007 Excelsus Red (Toscana)

Price $81

The 2007 Excelsus is a gorgeous super Tuscan expression (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) that shows quality and superior fruit on all levels. Castello Banfi has really hit a home run with this vintage. You’ll encounter persuasive aromas of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco, curry leaf and deep renderings of exotic spice. The wine’s texture is exceedingly… — M.L. (10/1/2011)

points

Franz Hirtzberger 2010 Hochrain Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)

Price $103

A beautifully perfumed wine is give shape by its great swathe of minerality, its intense acidity. The fruits range from citrus to white peach, a gallery of delicious flavor. Like any great Riesling, it needs years to mature. — R.V. (10/1/2011)

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

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

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