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Picks & Pans May / April 2002

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 (5/27/02) is 2001 Carmen, Chardonnay, Valle Central ($7.99)

Very pale straw in color, almost clear, this Chilean Chardonnay has an attractive nose of cream, apple, and some oak. Light to medium bodied, it delivers mineral, butterscotch, and under-ripe peach flavors. Crisper than most Chardonnays, this wine is more old-world in style than most Californian or Australian offerings. In fact, it's reminiscent of a Chablis. Well structured with plenty of acidity, the wine has a good finish with butterscotch notes. Serve with white fish or summer salads. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., Harrison, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (5/20/02) is 2000 Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel, Sonoma County ($17.99)

Deep dark garnet in color, this wine has lovely legs and an alluring nose, thick with jammy-plums, blackberries, and crushed black pepper, enhanced with an undercurrent of sweet vanilla. Full-bodied and dry, the wine is lush on the palate and packed with black-fruit flavors and spice. It's well structured with tannins and fruit in good balance, along with ample acidity for food. The finish is long lasting. An exemplary zinfandel at a relatively reasonable price. Perfect for a grilled sirloin or as a cheese-course wine. Website Link

This week's wine (5/13/02) is 1998 Domaine Piccinini, Minervois ($9.99)

Deep dark garnet in color with plenty of long legs, this wine has a big forward nose of tobacco and black cherry enhanced with smoke notes. Medium bodied and dry, with firm tannins, it delivers dry cherry and spice flavors. It has a nice finish with hints of blue plum. A classic Minnervois that would be wonderful served with grilled sausage. Imported by Europvin, Emeryville, CA. Website Link

This week's wine (5/6/02) is 2001 Carmen, Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Central ($7.99)

This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw in color and has a forward, fresh nose laden with aromas of lemon and cut grass. On the palate, it's crisp, medium bodied, and packed with butter and lemon-citrus flavors. The flavors linger on the tongue. Well structured, with good acidity for food, it has good length and finishes with nuances of lemon-citrus and almond. This wine would go well with seafood, like grilled scampi, or with a grilled pork loin served with a tropical fruit salsa. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., Harrison, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (4/29/02) is 2000 Francis Coppola, Diamond Series Green Label Syrah, California ($15.00)

Deep dark purple, almost black, in color, this blend of Syrah (80%) and Petite Sirah (20%) has loads of long legs. Its huge nose of black cherries, with hints of spice, seems to leap from the glass. Medium to full bodied, the wine has a silky mouthfeel and is thick with rich fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry. It is well structured with soft, supple tannins and has good acidity for food. The flavors linger on the palate, and the finish is long with spice notes. This wine would be perfect with beef stew or any dish with wild mushrooms. It would also go well with a cheese course. Website Link

This week's wine (4/22/02) is 1999 Castano, Hecula, Yecla ($10.99)

Deep ruby in color with great legs, this Spanish blend of Mourvedre, Tempranillo, and Merlot has a big nose of currants and spice with underpinnings of black cherry. Medium to full bodied, this wine is dry with softening tannins. It's packed with tar and black fruit flavors and has a long, dry finish with blue-plum notes. What it lacks in refinement, it makes up for in flavor. This wine definitely calls for beef. Imported by European Cellars Direct, New York, NY.

This week's wine (4/15/02) is 1999 Concha y Toro, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Maule Valley ($15.00/375ml)

Light gold in color, this Chilean dessert wine has an inviting nose of dried apricots and honey. Medium bodied, it's unctuous on the palate and delivers a counterpoint of tangy apricot and sweet raisin flavors. The flavors linger and the finish is long with dried apricot notes. A delightful dessert wine that would be perfect with a crème brulée or custard-based fruit tart. It's hard to find affordable dessert wines of this quality. Imported by Excelsior Wine and Spirits, Old Brookville, NY.

This week's wine (4/8/02) is 2000 Georges Duboeuf, Domaine les Rosiers, Moulin-a-Vent ($13.49)

This age-worthy cru Beaujolais is light garnet in color and has good legs. The nose is sweet, with nuances of candied cherry. Light to medium bodied, it's nicely structured, with good acidity. On the palate, it offers plenty of flavor reminiscent of its sweet cherry nose but complemented by tart raspberry notes. Just a tad short on the finish. Be sure to give this wine a little time to breathe in the glass for its flavors to blossom. A perfect wine for a roast leg of lamb. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., Harrison, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (4/1/02) is 2000 Stonehaven, Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Limestone Coast, Australia ($16.00)

Opaque and deep purple in color, this wine has long, lush legs. The nose is deep, with aromas of cedar, cassis, and raspberry complemented by hints of smoke. Dry and full bodied, it has a silky mouthfeel and offers plenty of tart-plum and spice flavors, with nuances of anise, that linger on the palate. Well structured with supple tannins and adequate acidity, it has a long, silky finish highlighted by spice and licorice notes. Pair this wine with a thick steak or a slab of prime rib. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits, Old Brookville, NY. Website Link

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