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A Spectrum of Wine Bargains

By Darryl Beeson

Chateau de Campuget (white), Costieres de Nimes 2003
Price $8.99
Rating 88
There are dry aromas of white fruit. The sip reveals the warmer climate in that there are flavors of cooked apple, a hint of citrus, earthiness, and subtle reminders of roasted nuts in the long finish.

Match this white wine from the French Languedoc, destined for baked chicken with herbs de Provence. Think of the floral aspects from the lavender and rustic influences that surround the vineyards.

Lucien Albrecht Gewürztraminer, Alsace 2002
Price $15.99
Rating 91
There is a spiced nose with classic lychee nut and a strong mineral component. The mouth is chewy with tropical nuances of dried pineapple, white flowers, spice and flinty mineral. “This wine has a well established recognition, as it has been produced for over 30 years. A seductive wine aromas of quince, exotic fruit, luscious and broad with finesse and a long finish,” says a winery spokesperson.

The history of the Albrecht family as winegrower can be traced back to 1425 with Romanu Albrecht, who was established in the town of Thann. Discover more at www.lucien-albrecht.fr.

Domaine de Fondreche, Cotes du Ventoux 2002
Price $12.99
Rating 91
Earthy, appealing aromas of blackberry, then flavors of bright blueberry, blackberry and soft earth are in the good finish.

Robert Kacher Selections imports this great wine find. Robert Parker, who is considered to be the world’s most authoritative wine writer, has recently named Robert Kacher as "one of the world’s most influential wine personalities of the last twenty years

Domaine Font de Michelle Chateaneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2001
Price $35.99
Rating 93
The nose is subtle with brier fruit and dusty minerality. The sip is rich and chewy, with blackberry, dried fruit and tarry earthiness, then mint and pepper in the long finish. 

Domaine St-Eugenie Red, Corbieres 2001
Price $10.99
Rating 90
Dusty nose with subtle blackberry fruit, the wine is rich and concentrated, the tannins are soft and round. There are flavors of black fruit, subtle mint and pepper, with a long, complex length. 

Verget Pouilly Fuisse, Macon 2002
Price $27.99
Rating 92
“Because quality French Chardonnay at affordable prices is so rare, especially with the excellent (for Mâcon) 2002 vintage now hitting the shelves, Mâcon producer Verget is my 2003 Winery of the Year,” proclaims wine writer Michael Lonsford of The Houston Chronicle. “Guffens is a Belgian who in little more than a decade has turned Mâcon on its ear. With his maverick personality, he has managed to ruffle more than a few feathers while putting his wines on the fast track in a region famed for its (Macon) middle-of-the-road achievements.”

The wine has earthy, mineral character. It is crisply acidic and well-suited for food pairings. Don’t let vintage changes scare you in that 2003, 2004 should be just as dandy. Watch Verget for further future excellence.

Zuliani Groppello Riserva, Garda Classico, Veneto 1999
Price $15.99
Rating 91
The wine, produced from the vine of the same name, is brilliant red in color and has a delicate, fruity, perfumed nose that boasts of violets. It is a match for red meats, roasts, salami with cheeses, game and Brescia-style barbeque. This wine is an off of the beaten path red wine, offering more bang for one’s buck than the average Chianti anywhere near this price.

Blind River Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2003
Price $11.99
Rating 90
This white is more full-bodied than the usual Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The alcohol percentage is 13.5%. There are beautiful hints of grapefruit and poblano pepper. The wine is not as Kiwi “green” as other producer’s and may standup to heartier food pairings.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, 2003
Price $10.99
Rating 88
The nose is full of fresh, grapey fruit. The sip follows in the same direction. There is a crisp edge to this wine, indicating that it will pair well with a multitude of foods, simple or complex, and even a bit spicy.

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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