7/7/2003 BARONE FINI VALDADIGE PINOT GRIGIO 2002
A ridiculously good wine for $9. So many low-priced Pinot Grigios are thin, watery, and generally characterless. Not this Italian wine. It is tart, tastes of crisp green apple, and finishes with vanilla cream. Wow. (Rating ****)

To see if our retailer currently has BARONE FINI VALDADIGE, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "BARONE FINI" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, ring the folks at W.J. Deutsch, 914-251-9463 or surf to www.wjdeutsch.com.

 
6/30/03 NIEBAUM-COPPOLA DIAMOND LABEL ZINFANDEL 2000
As with all the othr $15 Diamond Labels, this one was very good. It is a BIG red wine, bursting with currants, fruit, and a little vanilla. Definitely a great wine for pairing with steak, intense cheeses, and the like. A belly warmer. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer currently has COPPOLA wines click SHOP FOR WINES and type "COPPOLA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, search www.niebaum-coppola.com.

 
6/23/2003 ST. FRANCIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON SONOMA COUNTY 2000
More and more we have fallen for St. Francis wines. Inevitably they are full-bodied and yummy. This red is jammy, nosing of raspberries and strawberries. In the mouth it dishes the same with vanilla and good tannins. (Rating****)

To see if our retailer currently has ST. FRANCIS wines click SHOP FOR WINES and type "ST. FRANCIS" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, search www.stfranciswine.com.

 
6/21/2003 GALLUCIO FAMILY WINERIES CRU GEORGE ALLAIRE MERITAGE 2000
Slowly but surely the wines of Long Island, New York are gaining credibility. This robust red nicely blends Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The Merlot supplies the jammy fruits, the Cab Sauv adds spine and leather, and the Cab Franc offers earth. Scrumptious. (Rating****1/4)

To see if our retailer currently has GALLUCIO FAMILY WINES, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "GALLUCIO" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, search www.gallucciofamilywineries.com.

 
6/14/2003 SANTA JULIA TORRONTES TARDIO 2000
What a delicious dessert wine. Made from the seldom seen Torrontes grape, this late harvest Argentinian is everything a dessert wine should be: fragrant and sweet without being cloying. This white reminds us of baked apple pie and was superb to sip while eating vanilla icecream. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer currently has SANTA JULIA TORRONTES TARDIO, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "SANTA JULIA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, search Santa Julia's (Familia Zuccardi's) website or contact the good folks at Wine Sellers Ltd.

 
6/12/2003 CARMEN CARMENERE 2001...WHAT A BARGAIN!
This red from Chile provides real bang for the buck. This is a spicy wine that shows black pepper, a little green bell pepper, fruit, and a little cocoa. It can be quaffed alone or will stand up to the mightiest of cheeses. You can get this wine for the crazy low price of $7! (Rating ***3/4) CARMEN wines are imported by W.J. Deutsch of Harrison, New York.

To see if our retailer currently has CARMEN CARMENERE, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "CARMEN" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass image. Otherwise, for more information, search Vina Carmen's website.

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