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Woman on Wine
Sweet Wines
By Amy Reiley
When considering wines to purchase and enjoy, sweet
things are all too often ignored. And for those who consider themselves
aficionados of “stickies,” its usually France’s Sauternes region that
initially tickles their fancy. But Sauternes are rare and expensive prizes.
For those of us more practically minded, there’s a world of sweet gems just
waiting to be explored. Exotic, enticing and unforgettable, once you’ve
experienced the dazzling variety of dessert wines produced around the globe
there’s no turning back.
BERINGER
2000 Nightingale, California
A bright, clean, fresh, floral wine, Nightingale make for a lovely,
lady-like drink. Although it is not the most complex and carefully crafted
of liquid desserts, it is definitely among Napa Valley’s better buys. $$$
BONNY DOON
NV Framboise, California
Sweet and saucy, this is one of the wine world’s most fun drinks. The winery
promotes it as a foolproof tool in the art of seduction. Valentine red in
color with raspberry flavors practically leaping from the glass to coat
love-starved lips, unless you’re allergic to raspberries, you’re very likely
to score when you serve this wine. $$
CHAMBERS
NV Muscat, Australia
One of Australia’s most beloved “stickies,” this rich, ruby Muscat sends an
endless parade of decadent aromas and flavors across the palate, including
rose petals, cherries and black tea. $
DELAFORCE
Curious & Ancient 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal
Among the world’s oldest Tawny brands, the Curious & Ancient formula for
success stretches all the way back to the 1930’s. Rose petals, honey,
vanilla and cream – its aromas and flavors are as beautiful as a voluptuous
young woman. $$$
FAR NIENTE
2000 Dolce, California
The benchmark of American dessert wines, Dolce’s market savvy packaging and
Napa Valley address probably contribute to its reputation. But make no
mistake, the wine’s fine crafting is undeniable. And whether or not its
reputation is inflated, Dolce is without a doubt a seductively rich, special
occasion elixir. $$$$
FONSECA
2000 Vintage Port, Portugal
Mother Nature clearly smiled on Fonseca in 2000. A brawny, complex and
vibrant drink, its flavors run the gamut from lemons and honey to dates to
chile. Still young and wild its underlying gamey quality hints at the
mellow, nuance-rich wine that is sure to emerge after a few years in the
bottle. $$$$
JACKSON-TRIGGS
2001 Vidal Niagara Peninsula Icewine Proprietor’s
Reserve, Canada
Icewine is elixer with which the Canadian wine industry truly shines and
Jackson-Triggs’ rendition is hands down among the finest. Weighty on the
palate, its apple and honey flavors coat the tongue with the wine’s
mischief-inspiring sweet nectar. $$$$
KARLSMUHLE
2002 Lorenzhofer Riesling Eiswein, Germany
As Karlsuhle’s stunning efforts demonstrate, Germany reigns supreme in the
world of sweet white wines. Thick and sweet as passionfruit syrup, its
vibrant tropical flavors speak of a land where palm trees sway in the salty
breeze. Limes, coconut, ginger and plumeria flowers are only a few of this
gorgeous Ice Wine’s captivating flavors. $$$$
NAVARRO
2001 White Riesling, California
A beautiful wine, straw gold in color, Navarro’s White Riesling is like
peaches and cream. Coating the palate with a sinfully slippery syrup, its
juicy stone fruit flavors linger long. $$
PETER LEHMAN
2000 Barossa Botrytis Semillon, South Australia
This is a wine for adventurous palates. Although it lacks the rich
creaminess of most finely crafted dessert wines, it makes up for polish in
its exciting array of spicy and citrus flavors. $$
$ under 15USD
$$ 15-25USD
$$$ 25-50USD
$$$$ over 50USD
Woman on Wine is the syndicated column from Amy
Reiley’s monthly newsletter, Life of Reiley,
www.lifeofreiley.com
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