The Wine Rack

Travellady Magazine ^TM

The Wine Rack

By 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.

TOP PICK

2000
Wente
Riva Ranch
Reserve Chardonnay
$21 - $23

Our top pick this month is a fairly high priced wine, but if it fits your budget or special occasion needs, it is a very good choice. This is a very distinctive Chardonnay with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Apricots, melon and spice are the dominant aromas. Apricots and apricot nectar dominate the flavor and provide a slightly thick feeling on the tongue. There is an underlying taste of citrus that comes in early and lingers. Medium to full-bodied with complex layers of flavor, this is a wine to savor. Because it is crisper than some Chardonnays, this wine is just right to cut the richness of cream or cheese-laden chicken and pasta dishes. It also will pair well with quiches, frittatas and other egg dishes at brunch. Of course, it’s a natural with mild cheeses, grilled fish, seafood and chicken.

OTHER GOOD BETS THIS MONTH

2000
Joseph Phelps
Sauvignon Blanc
$17 - $19

This is a stand out Sauvignon Blanc and could easily have been a “top pick.” The nose bursts with the aroma of not quite ripe peaches and peach skins. Well balanced, moderately dry and very smooth, it fills the mouth with the flavor of peaches and apricots. Pair it with grilled chicken and fish dishes and soft cheeses seasoned with herbs.

1997
Buehler Vineyard
Estate Zinfandel
$21 - $22

Prunes, almonds and a hint of anise mark the nose in this medium-dry red. This is a full- bodied, very fruity and flavorful wine. We tasted dark cherries, cloves and some almond. It’s a natural with red meat dishes of all kinds and also pairs well with anything made with eggplant and tomatoes, grilled sausages and chicken cacciatore.

Image by S. Parks Halls

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