Published in July 2011

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

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Domaine Leflaive 2008 Chardonnay (Chevalier-Montrachet)

Cellar Selection

Price $550

A ripe, toasty wine, very buttery. It has rich, almost sweet yellow fruit balanced with a wonderful mineral texture. The wine, of course, is still very young, but shows its future as being rounded and opulent. The acidity that holds it all together shows in the finish. — R.V. (7/1/2011)

points

Domaine Leflaive 2008 Chardonnay (Bâtard-Montrachet)

Cellar Selection

Price $430

This beautiful wine is austere at this very young stage. But what pent-up power—the richness comes from glorious ripe fruit, tempered with a core of steel and wrapped with pure lemon, apricot and toast flavors. Age for 10 years at least. — R.V. (7/1/2011)

points

Unibroue Don de Dieu

Best Buy

Price $10

There’s a lot going on in this triple wheat ale, and it continues to evolve as it warms in the glass. The nose is heady and intense, as assertive aromas of orange, peach, white strawberry, yeast and spice mingle with hidden accents of barnyard and earth. The complexity continues in the mouth with a texture like liquid velvet: creamy but light and clean. The… — L.B. (7/1/2011)

points

Smugglers' Notch Distillery Vodka

Price $27

This clean, neutral vodka made from winter wheat and corn is just the ticket for those who value absolute purity in their vodka. The scent is clean and citrusy, the flavor light and smooth, with just a hint of spicy tingle on the finish. — K.N. (7/1/2011)

points

Hirsch 2007 San Andreas Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Cellar Selection

Price $60

Young and tart in cool-climate acidity, this Pinot needs time in the cellar. It’s an exotic wine, spicy and peppery, almost briary, like a Zinfandel, except with flavors of wild forest raspberries, cherries, orange zest and a hint of pine cone. It’s as cellarable a Pinot Noir as exists in California. Best after 2015. — S.H. (7/1/2011)

points

Copain Wines 2009 Monument Tree Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

Price $50

Outstanding. So dry and elegant, with such a deft, delicate texture, yet so explosive in fruit and spice. Bone dry, it has notes of herbs, cinnamon, raspberries and white pepper. A gorgeous, complex wine, one to think about and discuss. — S.H. (7/1/2011)

points

Copain Wines 2009 Wentzel Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)

Price $50

Brilliantly dry and rich in acidity, this Pinot feels very refined in the mouth. With relatively modest alcohol, it offers an elegant and refreshing alternative to the heavy style of many California Pinot Noirs. Offers notes of earth, cherries, mushrooms, spices and sweet sandalwood. — S.H. (7/1/2011)

points

Tyler 2008 Bien Nacido Vineyard N Block Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

Price $65

An extraordinary wine, dry, crisp in acidity and wonderfully silky in the mouth. The flavors are deep and complex, changing with every second as the wine breathes. Raspberries, wild clove and cinnamon spices, cola, dried herbs, things that taste earthy and minerally and woodsy. Insanely complex and dynamic, this Pinot should age for up to eight years. — S.H. (7/1/2011)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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