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Great wines for Summer

By Darryl Beeson

Think lighter and more refreshing, both in wine and in food preparations. Opt for seasonal fun.

Bonny Doon "Pacific Rim" Riesling, California 2004
Price $9.99     
Rating 89         
Subtle green apple is in the nose of this white. Crisp green apple follows through in the sip of this very dry Riesling. "We feel the 2004 Pacific Rim is yet another stunning example of not overly terpenoid, nor cloyingly sweet (in aroma or in flavor) riesling. We are supremely pleased that it keeps shining on like the East/West star it is," says founder Randall Graham.

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc, California
Price $9.99     
Rating 91         
Subtle apple and peach are in the nose of this white. Ripe melon and crisp green apple follow in a long, complex finish.

Johannes Egberts Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett Riesling, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2002
Price $8.99     
Rating 90         
Green apple and a touch of petrol are in the nose. The sip is rich with tropical fruit, key lime pie and crisp green apple. Serve this crisply refreshing white with delicate seafood, perhaps ceviche or gently sauteed sole. Garnish the fish with lime rather than lemon.

Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris, Alsace 2002
Price $12.99   
Rating 92         
The nose is slightly smokey, with hints of white fruit and melon. The sip is oily with dried apricot and dried apple closing out with zesty brown spice in the good length. Since 1626 the Trimbach family has been dedicated to the production of high quality Alsace wines from the traditional noble grape varieties of Alsace. Currently, the 11th and 12th generations of the Trimbach family oversee all aspects of the domain's operation.

Trimbach Gewurztraminer, Alsace 2001
Price $17.99   
Rating 92         
The nose offers aromas of exotic Asian spice. The sip is oily and paints the palate. Flavors of ripe honey dew melon, lychee nut and dried tropical fruit are well balanced within the long, complex length.

Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio, Venezie 2004
Price $8.99     
Rating 89         
Ecco Domani translates to "here's tomorrow." The nose has a touch of mineral and white fruit. There are clean, crisp flavors of citrus and delicate pear with a hint of spice in the finish. This Pinot Grigio is crafted from 94% Pinot Grigio varietal grapes and 6% Chardonnay from Trentino, harvested at optimal maturity levels.

Cousiño-Macul Sauvignon Gris, Maipo Valley 2004
Price $11.99   
Rating 90         
Floral aromas up front lead into flavors of honeysuckle and spice in this rich and smooth-textured wine that finishes with tropical fruit and pink grapefruit intermingled with hints of wildflower. There are delicate aromas deeply revealing citrus, floral and delicate licorish. There are well balanced flavors of citrus fruits, nectarine, and stone fruit. Sauvignon Gris is rare in the New World.

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications.

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