Featured Wines - May 2001

Initially, the 1999 Sarda Malet Blanc appeared muted and stoic in the glass, numbed by an hour too long in an ice-cold refrigerator. Like most of the better whites from the south of France, this Cotes de Roussillon needs a less frigid ambient temperature and a few minutes in the glass to reveal its seductive charms, but by then you'll be wondering why you didn't think to open a second bottle. The scent of spring orchards in bloom, lemon oil and j...

The scent of cherry blossom and violet permeate the bouquet of the elegantly wrought 1999 Domaine Michel Goubard Mont Avril Bourgogne Pinot Noir. As this wine airs, its bouquet takes on complexity and definition. In the mouth, the wine is silky, pure and satisfying, reflecting the natural, non-invasive techniques practiced at the domaine. These gentle techniques preserve the essential character and freshness of the wine, resulting in a soft, pret...

Sporting an uncommon robe of deep ruby with purple highlights, the 1997 Luigi Righetti "Campolieti" Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a tour de force in winemaking for this pretty DOC. This wine combines the aromas of violet, black cherry and herb with woodland scents all of which carry through on the wine's palate, adding the power and weight of a good Bordeaux to this delicious Valpolicella. Surprisingly flavorful, deep and round, this wine re...

The 1999 Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay combines the suavity and elegance of white Burgundy with the broad, buttery flavors of a top notch California Chardonnay. In the nose, pure, ripe fruit is mingled with subtle mineral tones, underscoring the significance of "terroir" in the production of world class Chardonnay. A seamless mélange of white fruits: apple, peach and pear remind the taster that this is no ordinary New World offering. Butter and vani...