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Picks & Pans July / June 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 (7/29/02) is 2000 Concha y Toro, Xplorador Malbec, Mendoza ($8.00)

This Argentinean Malbec has a deep, dark ruby color and good legs. The nose is big and beautiful, with plum, cedar, and currant aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and nicely structured with supple tannins. It delivers lingering flavors both of meat and of concentrated, juicy plums complemented by spice notes. The finish is long and dry, with nuances of plums and spice. An outstanding value. Serve with grilled meats and sausages. Imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits, Old Brookville, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (7/22/02) is 2001 Walnut Crest, Merlot, Rapel Valley ($6.00)

Deep purple in color, this Chilean Merlot has good legs and an interesting nose redolent with green bell pepper, crushed black pepper, and red cherry. Light bodied with mild tannins, this wine has a silky mouthfeel. It offers tart cherry flavors, with hints of green bell pepper, that eventually give way to spice. It has a good finish with spice notes. This wine's deep color belies its delicacy. Given its price, this Merlot is a great value. Serve with grilled beef or fish. Imported by Royal Imports, Old Brookville, NY.

This week's wine (7/15/02) is 2001 Georges Duboeuf, Chiroubles, AC ($11.49)

Purple in color, this cru Beaujolais has a huge nose that leaps from the glass with aromas of violets, plums, and just a faint hint of banana. Light to medium bodied, with an elegant mouthfeel, it delivers tart plum and raspberry flavors, and a bit of spice as well. The wine is well structured and has good acidity. It finishes nicely with plum notes. This is a great picnic wine and would go perfectly with a cold roast chicken or ripe brie spread on a French baguette. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., Harrison. NY.

This week's wine (7/8/02) is 2001 Principessa Gavia, Gavi Perlante, DOCG ($18.00)

Pale straw in color, this perlante, or effervescent, Gavi has small bubbles and an alluring fresh nose of citrus and apple. On the palate, it has a pleasant mouthfeeel and delivers off-dry lemon-citrus flavors. It has a good finish with citrus notes. A perfect match for Italian pastries or a Sicilian cassata. Imported by Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY. Website

This week's wine (7/1/02) is 1998 Yalumba, Oxford Landing Grenache "Limited Release," South Australia ($11.99)

Ruby in color with good legs, this Australian Grenache has an inviting nose of blueberries and spice. On the palate, it's light to medium bodied, well structured with good acidity for dining, and has an elegant mouth feel. It delivers plenty of black-cherry flavor that linger on the tongue. The wine has good length and finishes with spice notes. This is a perfect wine for summer backyard barbeques. Imported by Negociants USA Inc., Napa, CA.

This week's wine (6/24/02) is 2001 Principessa Gavia, Gavi, DOCG ($12.00)

Very pale straw in color, this wine has an attractive, forward nose of banana and apple. It's medium bodied and dry, with a nice mouthfeel and good acidity. On the palate, it delivers plenty of lemon-citrus flavor that lingers. It also has a good finish, with lemon-pith notes. A characterful white. Try this wine with lemon sole or flounder. Imported by Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY. Website

This week's wine (6/17/02) is 2000 Icardi Cav. Pierino, Barbera D'Asti, DOC ($10.99)

Deep ruby in color with beautiful legs, this wine has a big nose, rich with plums and black cherries. Medium bodied and dry, it's packed with flavors that reflect the plum and cherry aromas of the nose but accented with spice notes. The flavors linger. The wine is well structured, with good acidity and supple tannins. It finishes well with hints of spice. To enjoy it at its fullest, be sure to give this wine some breathing time. Perfect with grilled tuna or steak. An excellent value. Imported by Vinifera Imports Ltd., Ronkonkoma, NY.

This week's wine (6/10/02) is 2000 Concha y Toro, Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($10.00)

Light gold in color, this Chilean Chardonnay has a pretty nose of pineapple and vanilla. Medium to full bodied, it is lush on the palate and has an elegant mouthfeel. Well structured with good acidity for dining, it delivers dry apricot flavors that linger on the palate. The finish is good with distinctive mineral notes. A lovely wine that would go well with rich seafood dishes or grilled poultry. Imported by Excelsior Wine and Spirits, Old Brookville, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (6/03/02) is 2000 Georges Duboeuf, Chardonnay Prestige, Pays d'Oc ($9.99)

Light gold in color, this Chardonnay from the Languedoc region in the south of France has an attractive creamy nose with hints of vanilla, butterscotch, and apple. On the palate, it's medium bodied and dry and delivers lemon-citrus and mineral flavors supported by good acidity. It has a good finish with grapefruit notes. This Chardonnay is more European in style than Californian and would go perfectly with a quiche or cold roast chicken. Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., Harrison, NY. Website Link

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