Featured Wines - April 2002

A cachet of oriental spices and a distinct cedar, cigar box scent overlap pure elegant fruit and eleven months of small oak barrel ageing in the 1999 Domaine du Ministre St. Chinian. Smooth, smooth, smooth…and charming to boot, it's hard to believe that this flavorful blend of very old vines Grenache and Syrah (50% of each varietal) is not only perfectly drinkable now but downright pretty. Hand-harvested, 100% de-stemmed and bottled without filtr...

In all respects, the 2000 Thevenet Macon-Pierreclos is a classic Maconnais. This wine's clean, apple blossom scent and spring-like freshness epitomize the enjoyable, uncomplicated style of Chardonnay for which the Macon is justifiably renowned. Light, gentle but persuasive, Thevenet's Pierreclos reveals the appealing flavor of clarified butter as well as apple, mingled with a touch of lime and a certain "je ne sais quoi", which makes it go down o...

Whoa…baby! An amplifying nose of lychee, mango and rose petal mingle with a core of pure dry fruit that can only be described as entrancing. An exotic array of mouth-filling flavors then permeate the palate and explode in the mouth, releasing complex floral and fig tones that hone the wine's long, dry finish. Indeed, winemakers Claire and Mike Allen have fashioned a truly dry, world class Gewurztraminer in their 2001 Huia Marlborough offering. So...

Exhibiting a very deep ruby color and an amplifying nose, it is apparent from the very beginning that Guigal's debut Crozes-Hermitage comes from a notable vintage. Blackberry, smoke, spice, meat and black olive scents all soar from the 1999 Guigal Crozes-Hermitage. Ripe round fruit lies entwined in a cloak of tannin, lending credence to our belief that this Crozes-Heritage can go the distance. However, you will have no problem enjoying this wine ...