Published in October 2011
Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the October 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Thomas Fogarty 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Cellar Selection
- $30
Just terrific, a classic Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet from this consistent producer. It’s bone dry, fine in balancing acidity and very tannic, with a sandpapery, lockdown mouthfeel. Yet it’s wonderfully rich in blackberries, currants, cassis and chocolate. This outstanding young Cabernet should easily develop beyond 2015.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Janzen 2008 Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $100
A wine to cellar. With powerful tannins and near perfect balance, it’s extraordinarily ripe and rich in blackberries and currants, with hints of minerals and spices. Very dry, it feels vital from the first taste to the long finish. The vineyard is north of Yountville, which puts it in a cooler area. Should develop bottle complexity over the next decade.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Bonaccorsi 2008 Melville Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
- Online Exclusive
- $40
This complex Chardonnay shows lots of smoky-sweet oak, with notes of buttered toast that are perfectly integrated with flavors of Asian pear, tropical fruits and spices. There’s a wonderfully pure minerality that, together with brisk acidity, gives the wine a bracing quality.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Bonaccorsi 2008 Nielsen Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $40
With 50% new oak, there’s a lot of buttered toast and smoky vanilla on this Chard, but the fruit easily handles it. Fabulously rich in pineapple, honey and crème brûlée. Soft and fat in the mouth, maybe with a touch of botrytis. Very fine, extraordinary opulence. Drink now.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Sanguis 2008 Endangered Species Red
- $70
Mostly Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier and Roussanne. The whites give an acidic, lemony tang to the rich, flamboyant blackberries, cherries and bacon of Syrah. The wine is young and vibrant, with a velvety texture. Should hold through 2014.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
Talley 2009 Oliver’s Vineyard Chardonnay (Edna Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $32
A gorgeous Chardonnay, so dry and crisp, it makes the mouth water, yet so rich it dazzles. Shows waves of tangerine, apricot and lime flavors, liberally oaked, accompanied by vibrant acidity and the perfect touch of softening cream from lees aging. Drink now.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
David Hill 2010 Estate Pinot Gris
- Editors' Choice
- $16
Intensely aromatic, with lovely accents of pine needle, grapefruit and mint. An elegant, complex and vividly spicy wine, with all elements proportionate, and showing excellent depth and structure. The flavors of fruit and forest just keep unfolding through a lingering finish.
— P.G.
(10/1/2011)
Trisaetum 2010 Coast Range Dry Riesling (Yamhill-Carlton District)
- Editors' Choice
- $24
A cool site delivers a wine with plenty of minerality and dry extract. The resultant density is very attractive, and adds both length and depth. Meyer lemon, tangerine, white peach and more run into a strong, lingering finish.
— P.G.
(10/1/2011)
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