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Picks & Pans from May to April 2000

Wine of the Week reviews one wine each week. Most are picks; a few are pans. Please write in and let us know if you agree or disagree with our opinion. Note: The wine prices in our reviews and throughout our web site are the prices we pay (before any discount) at our local wine stores. They are given solely as guidelines. We do not sell any wines.

This week's wine (5/29/00) is 1997 Murphy-Goode, Zinfandel, "Liar's Dice," Sonoma County ($16.99)

Light garnet in color with great legs, this wine has a big nose full of raspberries, plums, burnt sugar, and some cedar. On the palate, it's dry and soft bodied yet packed with raspberry, bing cherry, and black pepper flavors encased by mild tannins. It has a long finish with lingering spice notes. There's a certain delicacy to this wine that sets it apart from most other zinfandels in its class. It's a great red for the summer and should go well with simply grilled steaks or lamb chops.

This week's wine (5/22/00) is 1996 Mas de Mortiès, Mortiès, Coteaux du Languedoc ($7.99)

Garnet in color with good legs, this wine has a big nose of plums and black pepper. Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, it delivers tarry, tobacco flavors that give way to black cherry. The finish is quite spicy. It's rather tannic and might need a little more time in the bottle. If you like rustic wines, you'll probably enjoy this one. Pair this wine with a hearty beef stew or perhaps with salami on semolina bread.

This week's wine (5/15/00) is 1994 Taurino, Notarpanaro, Rosso del Salentino, ($9.99)

Ruby in color with long legs, this wine has a huge nose of cedar and spice. Dry and tannic on the palate, it's medium to light bodied. It delivers black fruit and tobacco flavors with a short spicy finish. This is a rustic wine and would be a perfect match for spaghetti and meatballs or grilled sausage and peppers.

This week's wine (5/8/00) is 1998 Di Majo Norante, Sangiovese, Terra degli Osci, IGT ($7.99)

Deep crimson in color with good legs, this is a light-to-medium bodied red. It has an earthy, smoky nose and on the palate delivers tart strawberry flavors. The finish is spicy. This is a delightful Sangiovese from south-east central Italy (Molise) that would be wonderful with pizza or a simply sauced pasta. A gulpable value.

This week's wine (5/1/00) is 1997 Cascina Chicco Barbera D'Alba, Bric Loira ($17.99)

Deep purple in color with long legs, this wine has a sensuous raspberry nose with hints of black pepper and wood. Dry and full bodied on the palate, its big flavors of black cherry, tobacco, and spice burst through the tannins. This wine is extremely well structured with a near perfect balance of fruit and tannin. A long dry finish completes this outstanding wine. It's a little expensive, but well worth it. Even though this wine could stand up to some heavily seasoned fare, I would let it shine with a prime rib or a simple steak. Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY

Our latest monthly feature, California Values, looks at affordable offerings form high quality producers and includes reviews of fifteen wines.

This week's wine (4/24/00) is 1996 Bodegas Inviosa, Tierra de Barros, Lar de Barros ($9.99)

Deep ruby in color with good legs, this wine has a lovely nose of black cherries and tobacco. On the palate, it's medium bodied and dry with firm tannins surrounding raisin flavors. It has a good finish with sweet plum and currant flavors. This wine would be perfect with roast pork or an Italian frittata with peppers and onions. Perhaps, even try it with a chunk of Manchego cheese and crusty bread.

This week's wine (4/17/00) is 1998 Flora Springs, Sauvignon Blanc, "Estate," Napa Valley ($12.00)

Pale straw in color this wine has a big herbaceous nose with some hints of gooseberry and melon. On the palate, it's dry and full bodied with citrus favors and plenty of crisp acidity. It also has a pleasant lemon citrus finish. This wine would be perfect with a quiche Lorraine.

This week's wine (4/10/00) is 1997 William Hill Winery, Merlot, Napa Valley ($18.00)

Ruby in color with long, long legs, this wine has a nose of black cherries with some vegetal aromas. On the palate, it's dry and full bodied with black fruit flavors and some subtle hints of spice. For a Merlot, the mid-palate is surprisingly good. It also has a long finish with some cedar flavors. You might enjoy this wine with a good steak or a with pasta lightly sauced with tomatoes and fresh basil.

This week's wine (4/3/00) is 1997 Trefethen, Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley ($20.00)

Deep purple in color with very long legs, this wine has a huge floral nose of violets together with some cassis. On the palate, it's dry and full bodied with black fruit and spice flavors enveloped by soft tannins. It has a good finish with blackberry flavors. This wine would be perfect with sautéed lamb tenderloins.

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