The Wine RackBy Suzanne and Parks Hall
Drinking wine is fun. But many people make it too complicated. That’s why for more than 10 years, we’ve tried hundreds of wines and shared what we’ve discovered with newspaper, magazine and now Travellady.com readers. Our approach to wine tasting may not be scientific. But it is down-to-earth. Since we believe wine and food are a natural combination, we consider that when trying wines and make pairing suggestions for every wine we recommend. You may not agree with all our choices. But you can be assured that the wines we recommend, whether priced at $10 or $40, represent good value. And speaking of prices, please remember that they can vary from city to city and that some wines may not be available everywhere.
1998 Hess is best known for its Hess Collection wines. They are pricier and more complex than the Hess Estate wines. That does not mean, however, that this isn’t a very worthy wine, especially for those who like their Cabernet Sauvignons to have a little edge. With its rich red color and blackberry nose and flavor, this is a good wine for those who don’t mind sharp tannins which bite the tongue a bit. Personally, we love to feel and taste those tannins. Contact with the skin of the grape adds depth, flavor and holding power to red wines. Pair this Hess offering with sharp, flavorful cheeses. Because it is tannic, it’s also a good match for protein rich foods like steak.
2001 Pinot Noirs aren’t easy to make and they can be quite expensive. Sebastiani has done a great job with the Pinot Noir grape and managed to bring this wine to market at what we’d call an almost bargain price. Its pleasant nose with hints of cherry, oak and a little mint, leads into a flavorful, fruity wine which comes in a bit sweet at first. The dry, spicy finish is what sold us, though. This isn’t a particularly complex wine, so keep the food simple. Serve it with mild and buttery cheeses, like Gouda and Muenster. On the dinner table, it’s a good match with game birds, burgers and ham.
1999 Fruit dominates both the nose and the flavor in this full bodied Chardonnay. We smelled and tasted green apples, nectarines, peaches and a little grapefruit. There is even a hint of toasted almonds in the flavor. This is an elegant, clean, fresh wine that is well worth its price. It comes in quite dry, but is nevertheless soft and easy to drink. Creamy pasta dishes are a good food match. So are grilled swordfish, chicken with lemon and rosemary and almost any kind of cheese. Image by S. Parks Halls Back to the Wine Rack index page |
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