Published in October 2011
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Qupé 2007 Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
- $40
A massively rich, ripe, flamboyant wine. Huge in blackberries, cassis, smoked meat, leather, cocoa, pepper and sandalwood flavors that go on and on. Full-bodied, powerful, a hedonist’s Syrah. Near perfect balance of tannins and acids, with integrated oak. Dramatic and ageable, it should develop over the next six years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Clendenen Family 2007 Le Bon Climat Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $50
Seriously good, brilliant in tart acidity even after the malolactic fermentation was completed, giving it a racy grip. Rich in pineapple and lemon tart flavors, yet crisp and elegant. A real beauty that will develop bottle complexity over the next six years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Franz Hirtzberger 2010 Axpoint Smaragd Grüner Veltliner (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $78
The essence of Grüner Veltliner is present in this magnificent wine. It is rich, the spice of the fruit translated into lychee exoticism. The acidity is always present, giving shape to this luscious (but dry) wine.
— R.V.
(10/1/2011)
Kracher 2008 Nouvelle Vague Nummer 8 Trockenbeerenauslese Chardonnay (Burgenland)
- Cellar Selection
- $103
When it becomes a sweet wine, Chardonnay’s natural richness shows immensely. This wine has orange and crystallized orange flavors along with intense concentration. A smooth texture is given just the right lift by acidity.
— R.V.
(10/1/2011)
Kracher 2008 Nouvelle Vague Nummer 10 Trockenbeerenauslese Traminer (Burgenland)
Devotees of Kracher wine argue whether the classic Zwischen den Seen or the modern Nouvelle Vague style is more impressive. In this case, the perfumed Traminer lends itself perfectly to a touch of wood. It gives the wine a rounded texture without losing sight of the extraordinary richness.
— R.V.
(10/1/2011)
Bonaccorsi 2008 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $50
Amazingly Burgundian in style, showing intense black cherry, mushroom, truffle, tea and earthy notes. Dry, rich and complex in tannins, with a strong but balanced integration of new wood. Feels authoritative and firm in the mouth, with great weight yet an airy lightness. Drink now–2014.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Fort Ross 2009 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $30
A brilliant Chardonnay. Almost nothing quite like it out there. Great, zesty acidity makes the mouth water, and oak is strongly there but perfectly vindicated by the power of the underlying flavors. They suggest ripe pineapples and tropical fruits, peaches, honeysuckle and a firm, stony minerality that has to come from the soil. For all the richness, the wine is…
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Trisaetum 2010 Estates Reserve Riesling (Ribbon Ridge)
- Cellar Selection
- $32
A two-barrel selection consisting of the favorite sweeter barrel from each of the two estate vineyards. Intense, bright and focused, with candied lemon/lime fruit flavors. The power and concentration of the wine is remarkable.
— P.G.
(10/1/2011)
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