Published in February 2013

Wines, Spirits and Beers published in the February 2013 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

February 2013 Featured Collections

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100

points

Château Léoville-Barton 2010 Red (Saint-Julien)

Cellar Selection

Price $117

A magnificently solid wine, initially severe. At this young stage, the tannins dominate in a wine that also reveals a full fruit salad bowl of black fruits. Very dense, concentrated, this is a wine that’s even better than the legendary 2005. The structure tells of its extraordinary aging potential: don’t even attempt to drink this for 10 years. — R.V. (2/1/2013)

points

Château Léoville-Poyferré 2010 Red (Saint-Julien)

Cellar Selection

A wine of architectural strength and classical proportions, this has straight lines that mark the packed, concentrated fruits, which are sustained by its tannins. This is certainly the best wine that Léoville-Poyferré has produced, sumptuous while so finely structured. — R.V. (2/1/2013)

points

Sanguis 2009 Six White Horses Syrah

Online Exclusive

Price $75

Winemaker Matthias Pippig brings Syrah to a whole new level with this stunningly dramatic bottling. Don’t worry about the California appellation, a peculiarity of the winery’s ownership. It’s made entirely from Santa Barbara grapes, namely from Watch Hill in Los Alamos and Bien Nacido in Santa Maria Valley. The intensity of fruit defies description. It suggests… — S.H. (2/1/2013)

points

Château Pichon Longueville 2010 Red (Pauillac)

Cellar Selection

This is quintessential Pauillac, a great wine with its Cabernet proudly at the fore. It ranks with the 2009 and, with its tannins, is sure to age longer than that vintage. Solidly structured, powerful and dense, with fruit promised for the future, it succeeds with its weight and great concentration. — R.V. (2/1/2013)

points

Failla 2010 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $65

This shows the trifecta of winemaker Ehren Jordan’s deft hand, the fabulous Hirsch Vineyard and the wonderful 2010 vintage. Even if you knew nothing of the wine’s pedigree, you’d be dazzled by its sheer richness of raspberry, cherry, cola and herb flavors, plus the firm, stone-driven minerality, the dryness, the feral mountain hints, the acidity and the overall… — S.H. (2/1/2013)

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Château Climens 2009 White (Barsac)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

The superb palate boasts richness, with honey and orange zest notes. It shows fine balance between the flavors of orange jelly and the intense botrytis-driven notes. It has a light, delicate texture and acidity. — R.V. (2/1/2013)

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Château Suduiraut 2009 White (Sauternes)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

The new-wood smokiness is an important element of this creamy-textured wine. The richness bares flavors of honey, botrytis, almond and orange peel. Ripe and age worthy, this wine’s opulence is just beginning to show. — R.V. (2/1/2013)

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Schramsberg 1997 J. Schram Late Disgorged 150th Anniversary Release Sparkling (Napa-Monterey-Mendocino)

Online Exclusive

Price $200

This spectacular brut-style sparkler that’s made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir still has plenty of tart acidity and yeastiness, providing the backdrop for rich, concentrated flavors of lime, raspberry, orange, brioche, mineral, vanilla and spice. It’s enjoyable now, a tête de cuvée that is among the best California bubblies of the year, and it will continue to… — S.H. (2/1/2013)

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

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

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