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Picks & Pans January 2002 / December 2001

Wine of the Week reviews one or more wines 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 are the prices we pay (before any discount) at our local wine stores or that are suggested by the importer or distributor. They are given solely as guidelines. We do not sell any wines.

This week's wine (1/28/02) is 2000 Francis Coppola, Bianco, California ($8.99)

Although Chardonnay (66%) stars in this blend, it gets great support from the minor roles played by Malvasia, Muscat, and Riesling. Very pale straw in color, this wine has an herbaceous nose, with lemon-citrus and honeydew nuances. Medium to full bodied, it delivers plenty of tart lemon and fennel flavors and shows a judicious use of oak. It's well structured, with good acidity, and has a great unctuous mouthfeel. The lasting finish intimates lemon zest. This food-friendly white make a great aperitif and would also go well with most poultry dishes. Website Link

This week's wine (1/21/02) is 1999 Banfi, Centine, Toscana IGT ($11.99)

This blend of Sangiovese (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Merlot (20%) is very deep ruby in color and has good legs. The nose is rather forward and appetizing with aromas of beef, black cherries, and spice. Light to medium bodied, it initially delivers beefy flavors that yield to tart plum, cedar, and some subtle spice. There's a hint of anise as well. The wine has an adequate finish with tart spice notes. A perfect match with pasta sauced with a ragu Bolognese. Imported by Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (1/14/02) is 2000 Francis Coppola, Rosso, California ($8.99)

This blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Sangiovese, is bright ruby in color with long legs. It has an attractive, spicy nose with black fruits, deep plum, and currants. There's also a bit of tar and hints of violets. Medium to full bodied and dry, it delivers loads of tart plum, currant, and sweet raisin flavors in a pleasant counterpoint. It's well structured with supple tannins and good acidity. It has a lasting finish, with nuances of wild strawberries. Given the price, this wine is a steal. Pair this wine with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs or a grilled steak. Website Link

This week's wine (1/07/02) is 1999 Ravenswood, Vintners Blend Zinfandel, California ($10.99)

Deep ruby in color, this classic California Zinfandel has nice legs and a blackberry nose, with hints of crushed black pepper and nuances of tar. On the palate, it's medium bodied and delivers tart plum flavors. The wine is nicely structured with very soft tannins and good acidity to stand up to food. The flavors linger on the tongue, and the finish is long with spice and fruit notes. A good value. Enjoy this wine with hearty fare like a beef stew or a cassoulet. Website Link

This week's wine (12/31/01) is 2000 Commanderie de la Bargemone, Cotaeaux d'Aix en Provence ($9.99)

Beautiful pink rose in color, this a blend of Grenache (40%), Cinsault (40%) and Syrah (20% ) from Provence has an intriguing nose of cinnamon with floral nuances. On the palate, it's crisp and dry. Well structured with good acidity, it delivers appetizing tart grapefruit flavors with hints of wild strawberries. The flavors linger as does the tart citrus finish. This is an attractive rose at a very good price. Enjoy with baked ham or with a seafood stew. Imported by Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA. Website Link

Our current Feature, Green Wines and Ham, discusses pairing wines with ham and reviews a dozen well priced possibilities.

This week's wine (12/24/01) is 1997 Barone Ricasoli, Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico, Riserva ($17.99)

Deep ruby in color with good legs, this wine has a straightforward, classic Chianti nose of iris. Light to medium bodied and well balanced with supple tannins and good acidity, it delivers tar, tobacco, and earthy flavors with a good finish. Not a bad price for a riserva from Chianti Classico's "vintage of the century." Enjoy this wine with another Italian classic, baked lasagna. Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc., New York, NY.

This week's wine (12/17/01) is 1999 Carmen, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley ($14.99)

This Chilean Cabernet is deep dark ruby in color and has long, lush legs. The nose is thick with black fruit and currants complemented by nuances of toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied and dry. It's well structured with supple tannins, good acidity, and plenty of fruit. It delivers plenty of plum and spice flavors that linger on the tongue. The finish is long, with spice notes predominating. This is a rich wine that would go beautifully with a holiday rack of lamb. Be sure to give it some time to breathe. Imported by W.J. Deutsch and Sons, Ltd., Harrison, NY.

This week's wine (12/10/01) is 2000 Domaine Lamargue, Syrah, Vin de Pays Doc ($10.99)

Deep ruby in color, this wine from the Languedoc has good legs and an attractive nose of cherry and tobacco. On the plate, it's light bodied and delivers flavors of spice, tar, and plum. It's well structured, with supple tannins and good acidity. The wine has a long finish with plum flavors. It's a good value that would go well with most beef dishes. Imported by Palm Bay Imports, Inc., Boca Raton, FL.

This week's wine (12/03/01) is 1999 Clos du Bois, Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($22.00)

Deep ruby in color, with good legs, this Zinfandel from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley has a deep plum and crushed black-pepper nose, with subtle hints of blackberry. Medium bodied, with an alluring silky mouthfeel, this wine is well structured with good acidity and supple tannins. It delivers vivid plum and other black-fruit flavors with an underpinning of oak. The wine has a good tart plum finish. In short, this is a zinfully elegant wine and should make a perfect accompaniment to a holiday turkey or a grilled pork tenderloin.

(An editorial note: When we agreed to taste this wine, we were not aware that it was a little over our price limit. But it was so enjoyable that we felt it deserved a review.) Website Link

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