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White Wine Served before the Formal Wine Tasting
2003 Trevor Jones Boots White - South Australia - blend of Muscat & Riesling grapes
"A Muscat & Riesling blend. Classic, lightly sweet white wine just off dry. Ideal to serve with Asian foods. A lively refreshing wine," said kellermeister.com.au $14.99 (America's Wine Shop)
Red Wine Served before the Formal Wine Tasting
2003 Three Thieves Zinfandel - California - Zinfandel grape
"A super buy from Joel Gott and his 'Three Thieves' gang. Rich blackberry and plum aromas, with lots of generous berry flavors, marked by soft tannins and balanced acidity in the juicy finish," said Esquin. $9.99 (PJ Wine)
Formal Wine Tasting - White Wines
2000 Josmeyer Pinot Gris Alsace (France) - Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio grape
"Fine detail rises out of this gentle yet concentrated grand cru gris. Its taut flavors of white peach and pear are clasped by firm acidity in the end, closing the door on the finish without barring the flavor. The unctuous texture of the grape is there in the depth of the wine, but it doesn't take over the delicacy of expression. Save it for winters to come with Dungeness crab." Wine & Spirits magazine Vin de Vin (VdV): "Try this wine shellfish over pasta." $16.99(PJ Wine)
2002 Drylands Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand) - Sauvignon Blanc grape
The Wine Advocate said the following regarding the 2002 version of this wine. "Drylands, the luxury brand of Selaks, has produced a fabulous 2002 Sauvignon Blanc. This superb value explodes from the glass with grapefruit-laced grassy aromas. On the palate it is medium-bodied, plush, intense, and satin-textured. Armed with outstanding depth, it offers flavors reminiscent of ripe, juicy gooseberries, melon, red currants, grapefruit zests, and candied limes that linger in its suave, expressive finish." VdV: "This wine would match well with grilled salmon." $18.99 (Sherry-Lehmann)
2002 Markus Molitor Riesling Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Zeltinger Sonnenuhr (Germany) - Riesling grape
Good feeling of site. Plenty of slate character, strawberries and herbs mark this '02 Riesling. The firm structure keeps it all focused and long." Wine Spectator magazine which rated this wine 88. VdV: "Try this wine with spicy Asian food." $16.99 (K&D Wines)
2002 Daniel Barraud Pouilly-Fuisse Burgundy La Verchere Vielles Vignes (France) - Chardonnay grape
The 2001 version of this wine was rated 93 by The Wine Advocate. He said "Fresh quartz, minerals, and sea salt are found in the aromatic profile of the 2002 Pouilly-Fuisse La Verchere Vieilles Vignes. Gorgeously detailed and precise, this wine pops on the palate. Displaying minerals, crystals, tangy apples, red currants, and spices, it is a profound, complex, magnificently balanced wine." VdV: "Try this wine with mustard chicken or pasta with butter." $27.99
Formal Wine Tasting - Red Wines
2001 Atalon Merlot Napa Valley (California) - Merlot grape
"Readers looking for a reasonable value in Merlot should check out Atalon's 2001 Merlot, a sexy, seductive, mocha- infused, black cherry liqueur-filled effort displaying a hint of chocolate in its plump, lush, rich, medium to full-bodied personality. Bursting with fruit, it will provide immense enjoyment over the next 5-7 years," said The Wine Adovate (WA) who rated this wine 91. VdV: "This wine would go great with your finest cut of lamb." $16.99 (The Wine Shop)
2001 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley (California) - Cabernet Sauvignon grape
"I believe this wine possesses elements of a profound Cabernet. We examined each wine thoroughly, looking for concentration, purity, and complexity. We tasted until our palates turned black. Many weren't up to par, but, it's al-l-l-l worth it when you get a catch like this beautiful Beckmen Cabernet. All of the fruit is 100% estate grown, produced, and bottled. Wines go though minimal winemaking intervention. 2001 is the finest vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever produced by Beckmen Vineyards. Perfect growing conditions and balanced yields produced a stunning wine of deep aromas and expansive flavors. Long hang time created a wine with dense fruit flavors with soft tannins and a lush mouth feel." VdV: "Try this wine grilled beef tenderloin." $20.99 (PJ Wine)
2002 Ninth Island Pinot Noir Tasmania (Australia) - Pinot Noir grape
"Lovely stuff, bright and polished, a refined Pinot Noir brimming with berry, cherry and subtle mineral and spice flavors, lingering effortlessly on the lively finish." Rated 90 by Wine Spectator and a Smart Buy VdV: "Try this wine with turkey." $15.99 (Sea Grape)
2001 Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61 Clare Valley (Australia) - Syrah/Shriaz grape
"Smooth and polished, a lovely mouthful of ripe blackberry, cherry and black pepper flavors, finishing with a layer of spicy oak." Rated 89 by Wine Spectator magazine VdV: "Try this wine with grilled burgers." $21.00
Dessert wine
2003 Elio Perrone Sourgal Moscato d'Asti - Italy - Muscat grape
Vin de Vin (VdV): "Elio Perrone is known for making some of the best Moscato d'Asti in the world. This wine has many great attributes: fruity, light-bodied, low alcohol, and very affordable! Try this wine before dinner or as dessert." $10.97 (PJ Wine)
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