Featured Wines

December 2006

Premier Series
Featured Wineries & Wines	Membership Type
La Cappuccina Madego Rosso Veneto	1 Red 1 White; 2 Reds
Casa Silva Reserva Voigner	1 Red 1 White; 2 Whites
Domaine Villemajou Corbieres	2 Reds
Bodegas Nora Albarino	2 Whites

Master Series
Featured Wineries & Wines	Membership Type
Lanzerac Classic Meritage	1 Red 1 White; 2 Reds
Casa Silva Reserva Voigner	1 Red 1 White
La Cappuccina Madego Rosso Veneto	2 Reds

Collector Series
Featured Wineries & Wines	Membership Type
Lanzerac Classic Meritage	1 Red 1 White; 2 Reds
Domaine Amiot Guy Chassagne-Montrachet	1 Red 1 White
Domaine Pere Pape La Crau Chateauneuf-du-Pape	2 Reds

La Cappuccina Madégo Rosso Veneto 2004 – Italy

Italy is full of delightful surprises and undiscovered treasures, and nowhere is this truer than in the domain of wine – the fruit of the vine. In Italy, one never knows where the next buried treasure lies or what pearls will emerge from the most unlikely of places. Consider La Cappuccina and the Tessari family's pure, flavorful, organically grown Madégo.

The Tessari family has been growing grapes at La Cappuccina, the site of an ancient chapel of Franciscan friars, for more than a century. The property takes its name from the small, recently restored 15th century chapel where Capuchin friars once worshipped. Today, the chapel is the property's most striking architectural feature and its silhouette appears on all of the winery's labels La Cappuccina is located at Costalunga di Monteforte d'Alpone in the heart of the Soave DOC and it presently comprises 54 acres of organically grown grapes and certified organic wines – a rarity in this neck of the woods. Even more compelling are the purity and quality of the wines produced by Pietro, Sisto, and Elena Tessari and their father Lorenzo. The Tessaris produce exemplary Soave and white Sauvignon as well as several traditional Veronese reds, the most intriguing of which is Madégo.

Madégo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (15%), and Cabernet Franc (15%), a cepage or blend that would be right at home in Bordeaux. Interestingly, the Veneto has enjoyed a very long tradition of cultivating these varietals as well. Madégo is named for the single vineyard from which it comes. In the local Veronese dialect Madégo means the second cutting of alfalfa; it seems decades ago the Madégo vineyard was planted to this grass. In addition to Madégo, La Cappuccina produces small amounts of another interesting, traditional dry red wine called Campo Buri, which the Tessari family fashions primarily from Carmenère. Carmenère is an especially fine and flavorful grape variety that is thought to be a distant ancestor of Cabernet Franc. Centuries ago Carmenère once thrived in the Veneto as well as in Bordeaux but is now rarely seen except in Chile.

As if the production of two outstanding proprietary dry reds and first class organic Soave and Sauvignon are not discoveries enough, La Cappuccina further demonstrates its oenological prowess by crafting an array of delicious red and white dessert wines. Furthermore, the Tessaris are masterful at pairing their wines with various foods in beautiful settings. Pietro, Sisto, and Elena's brother Simone is chef/proprietor of the nearby Alpone restaurant, where the estate's wines are matched with innovative interpretations of traditional Veronese specialties. La Cappuccina is a feast for all of the senses. However, what makes La Cappucina so special is not only the quality and variety of its wines, but how a certified organic property of this stature could remain so long under the radar. However, thanks to the new generation at this estate, La Cappuccina, remains no longer a buried treasure but a brilliant newly discovered gem, which we are immensely delighted to share with our members.

Tasting Notes: Wow! Elegant. Tasty. Eminently drinkable. All describe the 2004 La Cappuccina Madégo. This offering from La Cappuccina shines with a deep ruby color and entices with a clean, berry fruit aroma that promises sun-drenched ripeness and pleasing flavors. Harvested entirely from the Madégo vineyard – thus explaining the wine's name – this 2004 meritage style red blends Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) with equal measures of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Based on these grapes of French origin, this Italian red captures a lushness and smoothness that one seldom associates with its more austere Italian cousins. Bursting with red fruit flavors, the Madégo mingles dark cherry notes in a pleasing mélange. Effortlessly smooth, the Madego's lightly tannic structure hints of oak, but never overwhelms or intrudes. The effect is simply one of balance and harmony showcasing the wine's fruity appeal. Spiciness on the finish completes the experience of this easily quaffed and pleasurable wine. Meant to be consumed young to preserve its fruit flavors and pleasing balance, serve the 2004 Madégo at 64° F as you enjoy this fine example of the vinicultural arts of the inland Veneto. Salute!

Accompaniments: There's really no need for food with a wine as easy to drink as the 2004 La Cappuccina Madégo, yet why stop short of a full gastronomic experience? Val d'Alpone, the restaurant run by La Cappuccina, recommends roast or grilled meats, such as roast beef with herbs or liver and onions, as a main course to accompany the Madégo. For an appetizer, it suggests raw porcini mushrooms sprinkled with vezzena cheese. One of our favorite entrées to serve with the Madégo is beef brisket. Simple to prepare, the succulent tenderness and soaked in flavors of beef brisket match the ease and style of the Madégo. A side of cauliflower, broccoli gratinate paired with mashed potatoes, and home made ice cream round out a lovely meal.

Casa Silva Reserva Viognier 2005 – Chile

Casa Silva continues to astound with the quality as well as the variety of the wines it produces. Indeed, this is a very clean, well run winery that is not afraid to ratchet up the quality with each passing vintage. Undoubtedly, Casa Silva is one of a hand full of South America's very finest wine estates. Located some two hundred kilometers south of Santiago, in the heart of Colchagua, an area many are now calling Chile's Napa Valley, Casa Silva has garnered more recognition and awards at international wine competitions than any other Chilean winery. Furthermore, Catad'Or Hyatt, Chile's most prestigious wine competition, has named Casa Silva "the Best Chilean Producer" three consecutive times. And that's not all, the International Wine & Spirit Competition recently named Casa Silva as "The best South American Producer." Kudos to the Silva family, father Mario and sons Mario Pablo, Gonzalo, and Francisco, and Mario Geise, the winery's outstanding consulting enologist, for taking this beautiful property to such lofty heights in just ten years time.

Surprisingly, Casa Silva's inception dates back to only 1997, the year this property began bottling premium wines under its own name. However, historical accounts tell us that the Silva family's predecessors were pioneers in Colchagua more than a century ago, when they brought the first grape varieties from France to their Angostura estate at the base of the towering Andes. Today, the Silvas remain pioneers: they are Colchagua's foremost experts on Carmenère, Chile's emblematic red grape variety, and they produce the finest Sauvignon Gris and Viognier in South America. Moreover, this great property is at the vanguard of South America's success with many other grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Casa Silva contains many old vines, some approaching 100 years of age, which helps account for quality.

The Casa Silva estate is located at the northern edge of the Colchagua Valley at the foot of the Cordilleran Andes. This is a magical place that is steeped in sheer physical beauty as well as Chilean tradition. Colchagua's natural climatic conditions and terroir make it an extraordinary place to produce wine, which in no small way accounts for the great number of award winning wineries now in Colchaugua. This pioneering Chilean valley actively promotes its appellation and was the first to establish a bona fide wine route for visitors. Today, it is Chile's most important wine region, and nearly all of its grapes are premium varietals: is there any longer a doubt as to why the wines of Colchagua are the most highly acclaimed in South America?

As pioneers in viticulture, the Silvas, along with their masterful winemaker Mario Geise, have established several vineyard estates in Colchagua, each specializing in the production of one or more varietals that are especially suited to that estate's terroir. From these individual estates, single vineyard offerings are produced that reflect the best that Casa Silva produces, and that is saying a lot. From Los Lingues comes a very flavorful and sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the estate's classic Carmenère. Meanwhile, Lolol specializes in a big, chewy Syrah that has recently been released in North America. Presently, Viognier is winemaker Mario Geise's personal project and his most recent coup de grace.

Tasting Notes: The 2005 Casa Silva Reserva Viognier is, indeed, the finest Viognier wine we have ever tasted from South America. Moreover, it is also one of the finest New World examples of the mercurial Viognier grape that we have ever tasted. Kudos to winemaker Mario Geise and the Casa Silva team for fashioning such a splendid Viognier! Up front, in your face, amplifying Viognier, the 2005 Casa Silva Reserva sports a knockout nose that is loaded with pure ripe fruit, the heady scents of the first spring flowers, and a haunting subtle spice that conjures images of an Oriental bazaar. The aroma alone on the Casa Silva Viognier is worth the price of the bottle. "This wine smells so good it's almost a shame to drink it," was a comment uttered by more than one taster. Yet, for those who are willing to take the plunge, there is plenty of mouth filling flavor: pear, tropical fruits, haunting spice, and much more. Add sublime texture and a pleasantly dry finish and you have world class wine that dazzles.

Accompaniments: In the Old World as well as the New World, Viognier is considered by connoisseurs to be the quintessential aperitif. Good Viognier is strong and vinous, yet hauntingly delicate, which makes it a fine way to start or make a special evening. The 2005 Casa Silva Viognier is no exception. Indeed, Mario Geise's most recent release can more than stand or be sipped on its own. To its credit, it also pairs well with simple foods as well as hard to match specialties or dishes that ordinarily overwhelm less endowed examples of Viognier. We suggest you try the Casa Silva Reserva Viognier with delicately prepared Asian specialties, such as a Thai Crab Ran goon or an Oriental Lump Crab Roll. Traditional western style crab dips make excellent accompaniments, too. Baked, poached or sautéed white fish, especially when served with a light cream sauce or fruit based chutney, provide interesting and palate pleasing accompaniments, too. Pork Tenderloin can also provide a handsome companion, providing it is roasted rather than grilled, and served with a delicate, fruit based salsa. Mild cheeses and pâtés provide other winning combinations with the 2005 Casa Silva Reserva Viognier. Enjoy!

Domaine De Villemajou Corbieres 2003 – France

Domaine De Villemajou lies in the heart of the ancient Corbières, one of the two oldest and most important appellations of Languedoc – France's largest wine producing region. It is to Corbières that archeologists and historians trace some of the earliest evidence of the vine in France. The Phoenicians and ancient Greeks were drawn to the beauty of Corbières, which has long been renowned for its captivating scenery, and began colonizing this dramatic sweep of Mediterranean coastline by the fifth century BC. Greek colonists planted the first vines in Corbières, making this enchanted land the cradle of French viticulture for over 2,500 years.

Georges Bertrand, who was best known as one of the Languedoc's earliest 20th century visionaries, began the family domain of Villemajou. He sought to return the once glorious Languedoc to its former status as France's premier wine region, which it enjoyed before Phylloxera, and was well on his way to accomplishing his goal when he died prematurely in 1987. Fortunately for the Languedoc, Domaine De Villemajou, and the serious wine consumer, Georges left the wine world a legacy in his very talented son, Gérard.

Today, Gérard Bertrand is known as one of France's most influential winemakers. He makes his home at Domaine De Villemajou, where he transforms the traditional red Languedoc varietals: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre into powerful but lush wines that speak of old vines, low yields and a deft hand. In addition to the highly acclaimed Domaine De Villemajou, Gérard Bertrand produces other award winning wines from single vineyard sites in nearby Minervois. All of Bertrand's estate wines are produced using sustainable agricultural methods and are hand harvested.

Tasting Notes: It is hard to believe that such a young, richly robed, highly charged wine as the 2003 Domaine De Villemajou Corbières can, also, be so drinkable and downright pleasurable at a tender age. However, this just underscores the greatness of the Languedoc and the very high level of wine making that is practiced at Domaine De Villemajou. The 2003 Domaine De Villemajou is a work of Provencal art. From an amplifying nose, redolent with the scent of roses, violets and ripe black plums to a sophisticated polished core and power packed finish the 2003 Domaine De Villemajou is one wine not to be missed. It is full-flavored and sophisticated, as well as elegant and structured. In other words, this wine has body, balance, and every thing else in between, including superb texture and a long, huggable finish. Given its soft ripe tannins, only a few minutes of aeration are required to release the Domaine De Villemajou's latent goodness. However, extended aeration will maximize the wine's roundness, which gives way to a smoothness reminiscent of velvet. Enjoy the 2003 Domaine De Villemajou Corbières at cool room temperature (62°-66° F).

Accompaniments: The 2003 Domaine De Villemajou Corbières is the quintessential dinner party wine. It is the type of wine one plans the main course around. And better yet, one can open up a second or third bottle of this charming Corbières in the middle of a dinner party and have no fear that it lacks sufficient aeration or will require a production to shine. In essence, the Domaine De Villemajou Corbières is a most welcome guest at table. All that remains is to decide what to serve with this hedonistic delight, no easy task given Domaine De Villemajou's knack for making almost any meat or western style vegetable dish seem like a prize recipe from the food network. So whether it is lamb, beef, poultry, French Haute Cuisine, savory Italian specialties, or good old American classics such as meatloaf or Carolina pork barbecue, the 2003 Domaine De Villemajou Corbières is a pleasure to bring to the table. One particularly memorable accompaniment is Braised Pork Shoulder, served in a savory carrot and lentil stew, but most anything will do. Salute

Bodegas Nora Rias Biaxes Albarino 2005 – Spain

Bodegas Nora is a small 48-acre jewel of an estate that specializes in the prized Albarino grape, Spain's most exciting and expensive white varietal. Nora is one of two Albarino wines from this sequestered estate; at Nora no lesser varietals need apply. Nora is a wine that springs from the banks of the Miño River, Galicia's mighty waterway, which flows swiftly on the last leg of its journey through the mountains of northern Spain to the Atlantic Ocean. This is the real Galicia, a handsome rugged country that is known for its fine food as well as its wine.

Bodegas Nora is owned by Javier Alen, the well respected Galician producer of Vina Mein (Ribeiro's best producer) and Victor Rodriguez, the former director of Vino y Gastronomia (the most respected wine and food magazine in Spain). The estate's vineyards are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests as well as the ruins of ancient Celtic castles – all within sight of nearby Portugal. Close at hand is the historic village of Tuy or Tui as it is known in the local Galician dialect. Tui marks the boundary between two important sub regions; it is also the site of what is perhaps the oldest Jewish settlement in Spain. Within Nora's vineyards the great Albarino varietal ripens to perfection, as it basks in the warmth of Galicia's long summer days that are tempered by the nearby Gulf Stream and the morning fog that rolls through the mountain valleys.

Tasting Notes: The 2005 Nora Albarino is classic Albarino: highly aromatic, deep, and dry. However, set in a balanced, medium body, the 2005 Nora is perhaps the friendliest, most flamboyant Albarino wine we have ever tasted. An enchanting bouquet of peach, pear, and dried exotic fruits tantalizes the nose. And on the palate, this wine offers an even sharper image of Albarino, offering up a beautiful taste of exotic fruit, followed by a long, deep down mid palate that bursts with citrus and minerals. Finally, the wine's refreshing finish cleanses the palate with a burst of flavor that incorporates everything that is good about Albarino, and does it all within a silky framework. We suggest giving the 2005 Nora a moderate chill (40°-45° F) for optimal enjoyment.

Accompaniments: Albarino is Spain's most expensive and formidable white wine, but it is rarely a wine to sit around and sip. Albarino is crafted expressly to accompany the great seafood platters and highly charged specialties in the Galician diet. The friendly, flamboyant 2005 Nora is a notable exception to the rule, to which the tasting panel will readily attest. We have ravaged more than a few bottles of the lovely Nora, without as much as a morsel to eat. However, we must confess to our sin and admit that that the 2005 Nora Albarino is best served with fresh seafood or deftly prepared fusion cuisine. Expertly prepared Calamari, lightly sautéed or fried in a tempura like batter; Sautéed scallops; Spicy Crabmeat Salad; Lettuce Wraps, full of chicken or pork and Thai spices all provide interesting and appealing accompaniments to the Nora. Vietnamese Spring Rolls offer another fine accompaniment. Actually, we have found that many typically difficult to pair foods, such as asparagus, pair delightfully with the 2005 Nora, too, so feel free to experiment and enjoy!

Lanzerac Stellenbosch Classic 2002 – South Africa

Lanzerac Estate is a jewel of a property, located in Stellenbosch, on the Cape of South Africa. Since its inception in 1692 (indeed, the South African wine industry has been around that long), Lanzerac has been one of the finest producers of wine in South Africa for which it has enjoyed great international critical acclaim. Lanzerac was the first South African wine estate to be featured by the wine club because we believe it was and still is the best of the bona fide wine estates in South Africa that consistently produce world class wine. In fact, this estate turns out exceptional wines of extraordinary quality as well as value, which bodes well for consumers. We sincerely hope to be able to feature more special offerings from this property in the future.

Under the leadership of Christo Wiese, who purchased the Lanzerac wine estate in 1991, Lanzerac has claimed its rightful place among the world's leading wineries. Under Weise's stewardship, the estate has upgraded all of the property's vineyards and built a new modern winery. This massive renewal began in 1996, just as South Africa was emerging from decades of political and economic oblivion under Apartheid. Today, this property's rightful claim to fame is the production of age worthy limited edition wines that proudly uphold Lanzerac's more than 300 year tradition of excellence. Testimony to just how extraordinary the wines are here and how well they can age, a bottle of 1966 Lanzerac Pinotage recently sold for over US $2,000, the highest price ever paid for a South African wine. Weise's efforts highlight the estate's outstanding wines and showcase the enormous viticultural potential of South Africa. And nowhere is this potential greater than in Stellenbosch, the nation's premier wine producing region.

Lanzerac is set amid the stunningly beautiful scenery of the Cape, where it stands as a beacon of progress and a guide for other aspiring South African wine estates. Presently, Lanzerac fashions an outstanding array of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage for export. In addition, this great property fashions small quantities of Classic, its super luxury Meritage offering. Classic and the estate's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon offerings have so far garnered the most fanfare, winning gold medals and four-star ratings from European publications. In addition to crafting fabulous wines, Lanzerac operates the only luxury five star hotel/winery in Africa, so there is ample reason to both taste and see this estate.

Classic

Classic is the most stunning wine in Lanzerac's very rich portfolio. Not surprisingly, it is also the most classic and traditional of the estate's wines. A Bordeaux style blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Cabernet Franc (17%), and Malbec (6%), Classic resembles the finest classified wines of Bordeaux. Yet, it possesses a wholly unique demeanor and flavor, which set it apart from its European brethren. Classic is produced in very limited quantities and then only in vintages that Christo Wiese and his team deem worthy enough to bear the name Classic.

Tasting Notes: The 2002 Lanzerac Classic from Stellenbosch embodies all the qualities one seeks in a world class red wine. Serve the regal Lanzerac Classic and listen as your guests sing its praises. A deep royal purple tinged with ruby flashes speak to the noble nature of this stunning South African blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. A robust, fruity aroma mingles with clear mineral and earth fragrances. A faint big game scent raises the olfactory a notch, adding to the wine's complexity as it conjures panoramic images of a savannah safari. As the Lanzerac moves into the mouth, it completely takes over and treats us to a full flavor experience. Sweet, bursting fruit explodes on the palate, yet a lovely, substantial tannic structure emerges gracefully and reveals a complex flavor profile. The fruit and tannin speak to each other as they mingle, trade influence, and find harmony. Although New World wildness is detectable in the wine's flavors, the Lanzerac is tempered by Old World class and sophistication. Moreover, the Lanzerac Classic reveals the wine maker's skill by eliminating any alcohol flush as the wine lingers and fades elegantly from the palate. Taste this complete and exciting offering, and you'll agree with one of our tasting panel who proclaimed after a first sip, "Oh, I've got the spirit! Could I have some more?" Anticipated maturity 2006-2014.

Accompaniments: The 2002 Lanzerac Classic serves well alone or with a flavorful cheese, yet it enhances a wide variety of entrée choices, too. Game, such as duck or venison, is an ideal choice. Domesticated meat, such as lamb, roast beef, and steak, also make savory selections. Regardless of your entrée and side dish choices, find the freshest local produce because its full, pure flavor complements the Lanzerac so well. Our featured recipe, Steak with Mushroom and Rosemary Sauce, shines with farm fresh ingredients. Slightly steamed and lightly seasoned vegetables of the season paired with grilled potatoes (boil potatoes until nearly done, then grill with a simple marinade) and a colorful green salad fill out the celebration. If a local dairy produces fresh mozzarella, thick mozzarella slabs topped with right-off-the-vine tomato slices drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil make a quick, appealing appetizer that will recall the glory of summer. To grill the steak to perfection use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium or 145°F for well done. Remember that residual heat continues to cook the steak for up to 10 minutes once it's taken off the heat, so gauge serving times accordingly. Bon appétit!

Domaine Amiot Guy et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2004 -France

Domaine Amiot is one of Burgundy's finest producers of white wine, most notably a rich portfolio of outstanding offerings from Chassagne-Montrachet. Guy Amiot, the present owner and guardian of the domaine that bears his name, represents the third generation of renowned growers at this property.

Guy's forbearer, Arsène Amiot, an adopted Parisian, began the estate in 1920 after falling in love with the golden slopes of Chassagne-Montrachet, the world's finest commune for Chardonnay. Arsène's initial purchase in the tiny village of Chassagne-Montrachet accounted for a mere 2 hectares or approximately 4.5 acres of vineyard, but what jewels Arsène had acquired. The original parcels were remarkably well chosen and still form the core of the domaine. In fact Amiot's holdings included vineyards in Les Vergers, Le Clos Saint Jean, les Caillerets and les Dents de Chien, all of which were later to be designated as Montrachet Grand Cru, the mark of the world's finest and most expensive white wines.

In spite of Arsène's great affection for his beloved village and the wines it produced, he continued to tend to his business in Paris, while the family remained in Burgundy. From 1925-1935 Arsène left the cultivation of the vines to 'Père' Robe, an eminent winegrower who also devoted considerable time and talent to the vinification and estate-bottling of Amiot's wines, a practice almost unknown at the time. Traditionally, the Burgundy growers dealt with a wine broker who in turn worked with shippers, or négociants, who bottled their wines. These shippers worked from their offices in Beaune or Nuits-Saint-Georges and sold an estate's wines to Parisian merchants engaged in the retail trade.

In 1930 Arsène Amiot saw the opening in Paris of a wine cellar and retail store that gave select clients a way to buy the "Grand Vins of Burgundy, delivered to your residence." The business was quickly very popular and orders flooded in. This commercial success meant Amiot could expand his domaine. By 1936, upon completion of studies in viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Pierre Amiot, one of Arsène's sons took over the business and the estate acquired several new vineyard jewels like La Maltroie, Les Champgains, and Les Macherelles. Little by little, Amiot's production began to be sold directly to individual connoisseurs and savvy restaurateurs. After the Second World War, the acquisition of prestigious parcels like Les Chaumées or Les Demoiselles added further to the estate's very well-established reputation, both in France and abroad.

In 1984, Pierre Amiot passed away after a lifetime of producing estate bottled Burgundies and the torch passed to Guy, the present owner. Guy has taken the family estate to even greater heights. After completing studies in oenolgy, Guy gained considerable experience working in some of the finest vineyards throughout France. He now combines modern winemaking methods with the traditional knowledge of Burgundian viticulture. He has wisely decided to retain old vines (Vielles Vignes) and focus on bringing out the individual character and terroir in each of the wine's he fashions, favoring the production of wines that are aromatic, rich and balanced, as illustrated by the remarkable quality of the vintages he has produced from 1985 until present.

In 1992, the fourth generation of the Amiot family, Thierry, entered the family business and began building a new wine cellar whose elliptical vaults are both in keeping with tradition and ideal for the natural aging of the wines. It is nice to know, indeed, that the future of this great estate is assured in capable hands. Salut!

Tasting Notes: "Ahh . . . soft, scented, and sophisticated, there is nothing quite like white Burgundy now is there," extolled one of our panel members upon first savoring the 2004 Amiot Guy et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes. Indeed, there is no other white wine more rewarding than estate bottled Chassagne-Montrachet, the finest white Burgundy and the quintessential Chardonnay. And Guy Amiot's 2004 Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes is certainly one splendid example of Chassagne-Montrachet. This wine sports a brilliant color, with flecks of golden highlight. It possesses a lovely nose reminiscent of acacia flowers, pure summer fruits, and soft vanilla and it offers up a creamy texture and a mouth filling savor that coat the mouth with butter, fruit and crème brulée. Elegant, flavorful, and rich but not fat; the 2004 Amiot Guy Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes is testimony to the Amiots' commitment to style and excellence. Enjoy this lovely Chassagne-Montrachet moderately chilled (45°-50°F). Anticipated maturity 2006-2010.

Accompaniments: What do you eat with the finest white wine? The answer to that question should be simple: whatever you want. The 2004 Amiot Guy Chassagne-Montrachet Vielles Vignes hardly needs a prop to hide behind or a leg to stand on. Nevertheless, this wonderful old vine Chassagne-Montrachet provides excellent accompaniment and companionship to simple seafood dishes as well as several, sophisticated classics. Salmon, sole, and flounder are some of our favorite fish with this wine; while crab, scallops, and lobster provide equally superb shellfish companions to a bottle of Amiot's old vine Chassagne-Montrachet. For those craving the classics, Suprêmes de Volailles (Breast of Chicken with cream) and Escalopes de Veau (Sautéed Veal Scallops with mushrooms and cream) are two tried and true French favorites that shine in the company of the finest Chassagne-Montrachet, but as always accompaniment should be as you like it. Enjoy!

Domaine Père Pape La Crau de Ma Mère Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2003 – France

In an appellation where many winemaking families can trace their lineage and unbroken ties to the Provencal land they tend as far back as the Middle Ages, Domaine Père Pape is a mere neophyte or relative newcomer at best: its origin dates to only 1864. However, this fine estate has made the best of those 140 plus years. Run with great precision as well as vision by proprietor Maurice Mayard, Domaine Père Pape has been steadily growing in size and stature since the 1970s. Today, this property crafts world class Châteauneuf-du-Pape from several outstanding vineyards.

Typically, Domaine Père Pape fashions two fine red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines each vintage: La Crau de Ma Mère and Clos du Calvaire. Both are classic sumptuous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, La Crau de Ma Mère is often the more flamboyant of the two offerings, especially in its youth. Mayard's wines are made in the traditional manner, with no destemming during fermentation and ageing in oak foudres for up to 14 months before the final assemblage. And like nearly all other great wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mayard's reds are a blend of a coterie of red varietals, with Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre leading the way. Small quantities of traditional white wine also flows from this 106-acre property.

Tasting Notes: Brooding, packed, and completely hedonistic, the 2003 Domaine Père Pape La Crau de Ma Mère Châteauneuf-du-Pape is great Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the making. First and foremost, it is essential to state that the 2003 La Crau de Ma Mère is no lightweight, despite its formidable up front appeal, lush texture, and flamboyant flavor profile. It tops out at more than 14.5% alcohol, but it never appears out of balance. The wine is deep in color and the nose is heady and vinous, exhibiting seductive hints of cherry, kirsch, and plum. In the mouth the 2003 La Crau de Ma Mère is rich, sexy, and utterly pleasing. It has layers of fruit and a gorgeous mid palate, which is interwoven with violets and oriental spice. Moreover, the wine can breathe for hours, revealing new and interesting nuances of flavor with every sip, and then finish like gangbusters. Better still, this three year old Châteauneuf-du-Pape has just begun to reveal its true colors. Can any of us wait a few more years to catch the 2003 La Crau de Ma Mère wine at its peak? In an ideal world, each of us should have a bottle of the 2003 Domaine Père Pape La Crau de Ma Mère Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the table, and a case, or two, or three in the cellar. We suggest that you serve this youthful Provencal treasure at cool room temperature (64°-66° F), with just a few minutes if aeration. Otherwise, give it at least two hours or more of breathing time, and taste the fireworks. Each scenario offers its own set of rewards. A votre santé!

Accompaniments: Lamb and beef are the traditional accompaniments to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and there is absolutely no reason to deviate from traditional wisdom with the 2003 Domaine Père Pape La Crau de Ma Mère, unless of course you need to spruce up an ordinary meal with an "extra ordinary" wine. The 2003 Domaine Père Pape La Crau de Ma Mère can render simple peasant foods and ordinary mid week fare meals fit for royalty. Old-fashioned Lentil or Split Pea Soup, served with crusty French bread and a spoonful of shaved hard cheese, makes for a splendid mid week banquet in the company of this excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Unequivocally, one of the great attributes of this wine is its versatility. La Crau de Ma Mère is truly a wine for all seasons and many occasions. In addition, another one of its many charms is its ability to complement fish and full-flavored sauces. Consequently, why not give it a try with Grilled Salmon or Tuna, served with lentils and a red wine and tarragon reduction. Bean, sausage, and tomato-based dishes provide other fine complements, too, so as you like it!