Published in May 2012

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the May 2012 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

May 2012 Featured Collections

Molto Moscato California Pinot Noir Brunello Riserva Online Exclusives

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Marimar Estate 2008 La Masía Don Miguel Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $39

Absolutely stunning, a testament to the vintage, the terroir and to the winemaker’s impeccable hand. It’s delicious beyond description, offering wave after wave of cherry pie, blackberry confit, red currant, persimmon and cola flavors, finished with exciting spices. Already throwing sediment, it’s so balanced in acids and tannins that it’s gorgeous now, but should… — S.H. (5/1/2012)

points

Merry Edwards 2009 Meredith Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $57

Here’s a Pinot to put into your cellar. That’s if you can keep from opening it now and savoring the deep, spicy flavors that are so captivating. Offers up layers of cherries, cola, pomegranates, mushrooms, Indian spices and minerals, not to mention a deft touch of sweet, smoky oak. Wonderful tannins and brisk acidity provide balancing structure to the richness. The… — S.H. (5/1/2012)

points

Hunnicutt 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville)

Price $75

Strong Oakville tannins mark this 100% Cabernet, although they’re so ripely sweet, you can negotiate them now, especially considering the opulence of the fruit. Blackberries, cassis and dark chocolate just begin to describe the flavors. They’re as sweet as a dessert pastry, but the finish is utterly dry, a magic trick the best red wines pull off. Beautiful now… — S.H. (5/1/2012)

points

Hunnicutt 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)

Price $75

Made from 100% Cabernet, this wine hits all the right notes. It’s fantastically rich and ripe, with flavors of sweet cherries, cassis and dark chocolate, while oak brings delicious notes of buttered toast. The tannins are complex, but so soft you can enjoy this wine now, although it should develop for at least a decade. — S.H. (5/1/2012)

points

Pieve Santa Restituta 2007 Rennina Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Cellar Selection

Price $175

Put this beautiful Brunello in your cellar for at least 10–15 more years. Rennina opens with bold oak and cherry tones (that need more time to integrate), followed by plump, rich blackberry flavors, chocolate, leather and dark spice. It’s a wine characterized by impressive density and opulence. — M.L. (5/1/2012)

points

Casanova di Neri 2007 Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

This 2007 Brunello is a big, opulent pleasure bomb with lavish layers, loaded thickly on top of each other: Chocolate fudge, dark cherry, blackberry preserves, rum cake, prune, exotic spice, pipe tobacco, cola, humus and leather. It shows huge personality, intensity and staying power, too. All that density is backed by solid tannins and a steady firmness. Hold… — M.L. (5/1/2012)

points

Tenimenti Angelini 2007 Val di Suga Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Price $61

This attractive Brunello presents a wild, brambly side, with aromas of wild mushroom, forest floor, small berry and crème de cassis. It boasts a beautiful, deep color and plenty of concentration, with endnotes of spice, leather and dried tobacco leaf. The mouthfeel is solid, well defined and superbly structured. — M.L. (5/1/2012)

points

La Mannella 2007 Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

Editors' Choice

Price $47

A gorgeous Brunello, with bountiful and intense aromas of red fruit, blackberry, spice, leather and cedar wood that go on and on. The wine is pristine, chiseled and sharp—but bold and generous at the same time. There’s a touch of bitter almond followed by softer tones of red berry and spice. — M.L. (5/1/2012)

2010 Mira Stanly Ranch

Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez left Robert Mondavi to do his own thing, and…

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