BUYING GUIDE - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Marcarini 2006 Brunate (Barolo);
93 $60. This is a lovely, layered wine with
unusual (but seductive) aromas of cassis, wild
berry, violet, chopped mint, pine nut, iron, clove
and savory black pepper. The finish is tight and
dusty with finely textured tannins that fade after a
long while. Drink after 2015. Imported by Empson
(USA) Ltd.
93 Michele
Chiarlo
2006 Cerequio
(Barolo); $100.
This edition of the
prized Cerequio
Barolo by Michele
Chiarlo flaunts its
own unique personality
with immediate
aromas of white
cherry, red apple, tar,
licorice powder and
root beer. It’s a polished,
squeaky- clean wine with a long finish that
seems more buoyant and vertical compared to
past vintages. Imported by Kobrand.
93
Monticello 2007 Tietjen Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford);
$65. Deeply scented, a big, powerhouse Cabernet
grown on the Rutherford bench. It’s dense,
chewy and meaty, showing blackberry jam, blueberry,
chocolate and sweet smoky oak. The tannins
are thick and furry, as befits such a young,
ageable wine. Hold until 2013, and it should
develop through 2019. Cellar Selection.
93
Petroni 2008 Chardonnay (Napa
Valley); $30. A very nice Chardonnay
that offers enough richness to justify the price,
yet retains an elegant restraint that won’t overpower
food. Dry, creamy and brisk, it shows
pineapple tart, ripe white peach, buttered toast
and vanilla flavors, with a mouthwatering minerality.
Production was 800 cases. Editors’ Choice.
93
Taittinger 2004 Comtes de Champagne
Rosé Brut (Champagne);
$290. A gloriously rich rosé that is full of ripe
raspberries that burst in the mouth. It has a tight
texture, balanced by a rounded feel. It is still
young, of course, and the sweet finish needs time
to integrate. Even so, relish the wine now, or wait
3–4 years. Imported by Kobrand.
92
6 North 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
(Napa Valley); $52. This new brand is
sourced from various vineyards throughout the
valley. It’s very ripe and interesting, offering the
rich flavors and balance of the vintage. Gentle
now in blackberries, black currants, anise and
sweet cedar wood, and should develop over the
next 5–6 years.
92
Cambiata 2006 Tannat (Monterey);
$28. No winery in California
has explored this French variety more than Cambiata,
and with the ’06, they’ve produced another
interesting wine. It has weight and body and tannins,
with wild black and red berry, currant,
cherry liqueur, Provençal herb, tobacco and
roasted meat flavors that finish with sweetness,
although the wine is totally dry.
92
Damilano 2006 Cannubi (Barolo);
$76. The prized Cannubi cru offers fruit
that is interpreted by some of the finest winemakers
in northern Italy. This expression from the
dynamic Damilano winery is characterized by tight
tannins, power, personality and ripe berry flavors.
Pair this Barolo with risotto topped with thinly
shaved truffles. Imported by Vias Imports.
92
L’Ecole No. 41 2007 Seven Hills
Vineyard Estate Perigee (Walla
Walla); $50. Tart and leafy, this is still resolving
into a fully integrated wine. It already shows balance
and depth, with a mix of plum, fig, black
cherry and cassis fruit, a streak of sweet chocolate
and hints of baking spice. From a great vintage,
this has the balance and stuffing to age, but if
you can’t keep your hands off it, decant.
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