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Picks & Pans January 2003 / December 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 (1/27/03) is 2000 Clos du Bois, Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($22.00)
(Editor's Note: This wine was sent to us for review and, even though its suggested retail price exceeds our cap, we decided to select it as this week's wine because of its outstanding quality. Furthermore, since suggested retail prices are often discounted when buying wine by the case, you might be able to find it for a tad under $20.00)

Deep opaque ruby in color, this reserve Zinfandel from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley has long legs and an attractive nose of blackberry, cinnamon, and burnt sugar. On the palate, it is medium to full bodied and packed with loads of concentrated fruit. Dry, with still firm yet supple tannins, it initially delivers spice and vanilla notes, which are eventually followed by jammy, black-fruit and blue-plum flavors. This wine has loads of length and finishes nicely with black pepper and oak. This is one delicious zin. It would be the perfect complement to a grilled sirloin. Website Link

This week's wine (1/20/03) is 2001 Wyatt, Pinot Noir, California ($12.99)

This wine's understated label belies its beauty and charm. Pale ruby in color, with good legs, this California Pinot has a rather deep nose of raspberry, strawberry, and burnt sugar. Medium bodied and dry, it's more French than Californian in style and not overly polished. On the palate, it begins with earthy mushroom and tart strawberry flavors that are followed by hints of burnt sugar reminiscent of the nose. Eventually, there's even a burst of chocolate. It's nicely structured, with plenty of fruit concentration and good acidity. There's a lot of length to the clean, spice and toast finish. Be sure to give this wine some time to breathe to allow its nose and flavors to develop fully. Excellent with grilled salmon or a classic Boeuf Bourguignon. Website Link

This week's wine (1/13/03) is 2001 Francis Coppola, Diamond Series, Gold Label Chardonnay ($15.00)

Pale straw in color, this wine has a rather restrained, monochromatic nose of under-ripe pineapple. Medium bodied and dry, with a bit of unctuousness on the palate, it delivers a range of flavors that starts with tart lemon citrus and finishes with burnt sugar. It has good acidity for food, but is a tad short on the finish, which is best characterized by apple and baking spices. Although not a bad offering, we've been more impressed by other releases of this wine. Serve with simple chicken or shrimp dishes that have no spice. Website Link

This week's wine (1/6/03) is 2001 Falesco, Vitiano, Umbria I.G.T. ($9.99)

This Italian blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot has a deep, opaque ruby color and good legs. The nose is bold and inviting, with aromas of cherry and cassis together with hints of cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied and offers flavors of plum and black cherry complemented by spice notes. It's nicely structured, with good concentration, supple tannins, and adequate acidity for food. There's plenty of length to the spice-and-pepper finish. An outstanding value, this is the perfect pizza or pasta wine, but it would also go well with most red-meat dishes. Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY. Website Link

Our best wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year.

This week's wine (12/23/02) is 2002 Yellow Tail, Shiraz, South Eastern Australia ($6.99)

Deep ruby in color, with nice legs, this is Syrah in true New World style. It has a big, forward nose of blackberries, cassis, and baking spice. On the palate, it's medium bodied, with a silky mouthfeel and supple tannins. It offers plenty of concentration with flavors of sweet, ripe, black fruit. There's plenty of length to this wine, which finishes with a just a touch of spice. An outstanding value. Imported by W. J. Deutsch and Sons, Ltd., Harrison, NY. Perfect with beef or game. Website Link

Just in time for the holidays, this month's Feature, "The Good, The Bad, and The Bubbly" reviews affordable Champagnes and sparkling whites.

This week's wine (12/16/02) is 2000 Francis Coppola, Red Label Zinfandel, California ($14.00)

Deep ruby in color, with plenty of legs, this blend of Zinfandel (89%) and Petite Syrah (11%) from Paso Robles, Napa, Sonoma, and Amador counties is deep ruby in color and has plenty of legs. It offers a big, inviting nose of currants and spice, with an underlying sweetness. Medium to full bodied, it's beautifully structured, with soft, supple tannins enveloping concentrated fruit. While relatively dry, it delivers sweet, black-cherry flavors complemented by plenty of spice. There's a lot of length to the finish, which is consistent with the wine's initial flavors. Best with beef.

This week's wine (12/09/02) is 2000 Francesco Boschis, Dolcetto di Dogliani "Vigna Dei Prey" ($11.99)

Deep dark ruby in color, this Italian red from Piedmont has good legs and an inviting nose of black cherry and cloves complemented by smoky nuances. On the palate, it's medium bodied and dry, and shows good structure, with soft, supple tannins, good concentration, and adequate acidity for food. It delivers tart black-cherry and plum flavors that linger. The finish is good with plum notes. A perfect match for a roast pork loin or grilled sausages. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY. Website Link

This week's wine (12/02/02) is 2000 Cave de Tain l'Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage Nobles Rives ($10.99)

Deep garnet in color, this classic Rhone Syrah, from the Tain l'Hermitage cooperative, has nice legs and an attractive nose of black cherries along with some burnt sugar. On the palate, it's medium bodied and dry, with juicy and earthy black-cherry flavors supported by supple tannins and good acidity. This wine has plenty of length and finishes with dry cherry nuances. A wine that's elegant in its simplicity. Perfect for braised beef dishes or fowl. Imported by Regal Wine Imports, Marlton, NJ.

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