Featured Wines - Sept 2001

Exhibiting a ripe, textured nose laden with the scent of pear, apricot and the pure fresh ripeness of Sonoma County, the 2000 Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc is a feast for the senses. Gaining length, depth and flavor as it airs, each sip of this luscious, full throttle Pinot Blanc demonstrates why Pinot Blanc is a premium varietal that deserves much more recognition in California than it presently receives. Preserving more of its natural acidity ...

Forget any preconceived notions or less than stellar experiences you may have had with other Bordeaux Superieur, the 1998 Chateau Recougne exceeds all expectations. This recently revitalized Appellation is on a roll, and Chateau Recougne is in the forefront of the Renassance sweeping the Bordeaux Superieur Appellation. From its deep garnet robe to its long, lingering finish, the 1998 Chateau Recougne redefines the quality quotient in this part of...

"So what does Zweigelt taste like, you ask?" "Well…like Zweigelt, which is a cross of Blaufrankisch (Gamay) and St. Laurent, another, (typically Austrian varietal. This varietal, first conceived by Dr. Zweigelt, produces a fine medium-bodied red wine with well defined fruit in Pockl’s hands. Wild strawberry, plum and cola flavors predominate in the 1998 Pockl Zweigelt, rendering it not unlike a Grand Cru Beaujolais from Morgon after a few months ...

If you’re expecting the 1999 Loimer Gruner Veltliner or most Gruner Veltliner for that matter, to even vaguely resemble the sweet or even semi-sweet white wines of Germany, you’re in for a surprise. Loimer’s Gruner Veltliner is bone dry. Its bright, fresh robe sets the tone for the clean, racy, citrus aromas that one expects from French Chablis or the best white wines of Italy. Lemon, straw and an ever so subtle backdrop of indescribable spice an...