($22, Vineyard Brands): Vacqueyras is a village in the southern Rhône Valley, formerly under the Côtes du Rhône Villages umbrella, that has convinced authorities that it makes more distinctive wines than the southern Rhône norm and should have its own appellation. … Read more
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Perrin et Fils, Rasteau (Rhône Valley, France) “L’Andeol” 2005
($19, Vineyard Brands): Rasteau is one of the 18 villages in the southern Rhone Valley that are capable of making more distinctive wine than the average for the region. Hence, it and the other 17 carry the village name on the label–as well as the appellation, Côtes du Rhône Villages–as opposed to the more anonymous, ‘Côtes du Rhone’ designation. … Read more
Perrin et Fils, Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) Reserve 2005
($11, Vineyard Brands): In addition to owning Château Beaucastel, one of the best properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Perrin family runs a top-notch négociant business buying grapes or wine from growers with whom they have long term relationships. The Perrin Reserve Côtes du Rhône–always reliable–is even better in the 2005 vintage. … Read more
La Vieille Ferme, Côtes de Ventoux (Rhône Valley, France) 2005
($8, Vineyard Brands): As wines from the Côtes du Rhone appellation increase in price, producers look to less acclaimed nearby areas for similarly styled wines at lower prices. This wine from Côtes de Ventoux–simple but luscious–fits the bill as a satisfying Southern Rhône wine. … Read more
Clos Pegase, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir Mitsuko’s Vineyard 2005
($33): Clos Pegase should be complimented for restraint with this stylish Pinot Noir. With more and more Pinots tasting like Pinot Syrah, it’s encouraging to see producers strive for restrained elegance rather than over-ripe intensity. Ripe raspberry-like fruitiness is the predominant impression, but black cherry nuances appear in the finish.… Read more
Whitehaven, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2005
($30, Whitehaven Wine Co. USA): Whitehaven Wine Company): This good, solid Pinot Noir is filled with bright cherry flavors balanced by excellent acidity. It lacks complexity at this stage, but is certainly satisfying now and I suspect it will evolve nicely over the next 6 months.… Read more
Craggy Range, Martinborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard 2006
($21, Kobrand): Craggy Range makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Combine their consistency with a superior vintage, such as 2006, and you have this remarkable wine. They have achieved a lovely balance between herbaceousness, a flinty minerality, and cutting citric acidity. … Read more
Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux (France) 2004
($12, North Lake Wines): This classic Bordeaux blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc delivers more substance and elegance than you would expect from a ‘popular’ brand. Its suave tannins balance the moderate fruit and tobacco flavors. … Read more
Altano, Douro (Portugal) 2004
($7, Vineyard Brands): For a couple of decades, Port producers have been investing time 
and money to produce dry red table (non-fortified) wines from grapes traditionally grown in the Douro Valley, home to Port production. Their efforts are paying off. This attractive blend of classic grapes used for Port (Tinto Roriz and Touriga Franca, 40 and 60%, respectively) has produced a succulent, yet spicy, balanced wine.… Read more
Cousino-Macul, Maipo Valley (Chile) “Finis Terrae” 2004
($17, Billington Imports): This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot is the flagship 
wine of Cousino-Macul, one of Chile’s leading wineries. I am continually amazed at how this winery produces such outstanding wine at such reasonable prices. It has understated class and finesse despite the 14% alcohol.… Read more
2005 Burgundies: Don’t Miss ’em, But Bring Your Wallet
Are the 2005 Burgundies as extraordinary as first reports indicate? The Burgundians themselves are heralding the 2005 vintage–but that’s not news in and of itself, since wine producers always rave about the vintage they have to sell. However, based on multiple tastings of 2005 Burgundies (during visits to the cellars of Bouchard Père et Fils, Louis Jadot, Louis Latour and Joseph Drouhin in Beaune last September, another visit to Beaune last month, samples from 20 producers imported by Frederick Wildman, and a retasting of Jadot’s wines in New York in January), I believe this is an extraordinary vintage for the reds and excellent one for the whites.… Read more
Spice Route, Swartland (South Africa) Mourvedre 2005
($20, Vineyard Brands): This South African Mourvedre conveys lovely earthy, herbal flavors in a supple package. It’s spicy and full-bodied without being overdone. 87 Michael Apstein Apr 10, 2007… Read more
Porcupine Ridge, Costal Region (South Africa) Shiraz 2006
($13, Vineyard Brands): 
Earthy flavors mix with notes of spice in this boisterous wine. The tannins–ripe and unobtrusive–help balance the intensity. This is strong Shiraz, best enjoyed in cold weather or with hearty meals. 87 Michael Apstein Apr 10, 2007… Read more
Craggy Range, Gimblett Gravels (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand) Te Kahu Vineyard 2004
($25, Kobrand): Craggy Range emphasizes the uniqueness of place–like the French–and focuses their efforts on producing wines from individual (and presumably distinctive) vineyards. They emphasize this philosophy with the labeling: the precise composition of the blend–in this case Merlot, 77%, Cabernet Sauvignon, 11%, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, 6% each–is found on the back label. … Read more
Clos du Val, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2005
($28): Despite this wine’s ripeness, the overall impression of this wonderfully balanced wine is one of restrained fruitiness because the tannins lend structure often lacking in California Pinot Noir. Subtle cherry flavors are only one of the several red fruit flavors than come though. … Read more
Perrin & Fils, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône Valley, France) Blanc “Les Sinards” 2005
($35, Vineyard Brands): With only about 5% of the area’s production devoted to white wine–
and much of that heavy and unappealing–one sometimes wonders why anyone bothers with white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This wine is why. A blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 25% Clairette, it has the hint of apricot common in many whites from the southern Rhône, and good intensity, but without a trace of heaviness. … Read more
Yatir, Negev (Israel) Sauvignon Blanc 2005
($24, Royal Wine Corp.): Yatir Winery, a joint venture between grape growers and the Carmel Winery, one of Israel’s leading producers, is located on the edge of the Negev dessert, but the vineyards are more suitably located nearby at high elevations that actually see snow. … Read more
Carmel Winery, Judean Hills (Israel) Petit Syrah “Appellation” 2004
($27, Royal Wine Corp.): The Carmel Winery, originally founded with the help of Baron Edmond de Rothschild (Lafite), has reinvented itself from a purveyor of sweet wines for sacramental use to premium wines. They have several levels, from basic varietal wines to ones made from grapes from a single region, such as this one, to single vineyard wines. … Read more
Osborne, Tierra de Castilla (Castilla y Leon, Spain) Merlot/Tempranillo “Solaz” 2005
($8, W. J. Deutsch and Sons): This two-thirds Merlot and one-third Tempranillo blend is a charming wine. Supple, but not soft, the acidity keeps it fresh so you can keep tasting the black-cherry flavors. If it were Italian, I’d call it a good ‘pizza’ wine, but since it’s from Spain, think of it as a wine for tapas. … Read more
Marqués de Riscal, Rioja (Spain) Gran Reserva 1999
($37, Shaw-Ross International): One of the great things about Spanish wines is that many producers age them for years–sometimes even decades–before release so the consumer has an opportunity to taste the complexity bottle aging imparts. This 1999 Gran Reserva, the current release, still has tannins of youth, but mature leather and coffee nuances peak out from under fresh dark fruit flavors. … Read more
Michel Redde, Sancerre (Loire Valley, France) “Les Tuilières” 2004
($25, Kobrand): Redde has captured the chalky minerality characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc grown in Sancerre with this wine. While there’s none of the pungent herbaceousness often seen with Sauvignon Blanc grown in the New World, there’s still plenty of vibrancy. It’s spicy and cutting without being shrill.… Read more
Pascal Jolivet, Pouilly-Fumé (Loire Valley, France) 2005
($26, Wildman): Jolivet owns about 70 acres of vines split evenly between the 
neighboring wine regions, Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre, that face one another across the Loire Valley. Made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, his 2005 Pouilly-Fumé shows the minerality and verve of the region, and shines because the flavors are not distorted by barrel fermentation or aging. … Read more
Change at Lagrange: Global Warming and Robert Parker
What do Robert Parker and global warming have in common? They are the two major forces in Bordeaux over the last two decades, according to Marcel Ducasse, who has a unique perspective on the changes in Bordeaux during that time. Ducasse will be retiring next month after 23 years as the managing director of the now resurrected cru classé property, Chateau Lagrange in St.… Read more
Emiliana, Central Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon “Natura” 2005
($10, Banfi Imports): Emiliana, an affiliate of Concha y Toro, one of Chile’s best wineries, is making a name for itself with wines made from organically grown grapes bottled under the Natura label. With over 3,500 acres in several of Chile’s prime grape growing regions — Maipo Valley, Casablanca and Colchagua — they must be one of the largest, if not the largest, growers of organic grapes in the world. … Read more
The Wishing Tree, Western Australia (Australia) Chardonnay “Unoaked” 2006
($10, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): 
I usually avoid unoaked Chardonnay because with rare exception — Chablis comes to mind — a little oak aging enhances the wines. But John Larchet, who has his own label, The Wishing Tree, in addition to importing Australian wine under The Australian Premium Wine Collection, suggested I try this one. … Read more
Hill of Content, Clare Valley / McLaren Vale (South Australia) Grenache Shiraz 2003
($14, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): Despite being the minority of the blend — 20 percent — the weight of black fruit from Shiraz barrels through in this riper, more overt wine. There’s smokiness along with a taste of succulent sour cherries. … Read more
Pike’s, Clare Valley (South Australia) SMG “The Assemblage” 2003
($21, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): This blend of 56% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre and 17% Grenache is a dense and very ripe Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like wine. The elevation of the Clare Valley — its lowest point is 1,000 feet — accounts for dramatic day/night temperature fluctuations, which allows the grapes — and the wine — to maintain acidity. … Read more
Black Billy, Fleurieu Peninsula (South Australia) Pinot Gris 2006
($15, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): One of the members of the Hazelgrove family, a famous farming family, has re-established themselves in the wine business after the family sold the name. The lovely texture and viscosity of this wine makes it definitely a Pinot Gris, not a Pinot Grigio. … Read more
Fire Block, Watervale (Clare Valley, South Australia) Grenache “Old Vine” 2003
($19, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): It’s rare for a young wine to deliver mature flavors, but this 100% Grenache, aged in old oak barrels, does. It has an alluring combination of bright raspberries — characteristic of Clare Valley Grenache I’m told — spice and hints of caramel, which I usually associated with older, developed wines.… Read more
King Estate, Oregon (USA) Pinot Gris 2005
($16): The 2005 vintage of this always reliable wine tastes delicious, with bright pear fruit flavors, sufficient acidity for balance, and a long, lingering finish. It seems tailor-made for al fresco springtime dining. 89 Michael Apstein Mar 5, 2007… Read more
Guigal, Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2004
($12, ExCellars): Marcel Guigal and his son, Philippe, oversee the winemaking at this stellar firm, which was started by Marcel’s father, Etienne, just after World War II. Guigal is probably best known for their small-production–300 case–expensive ($200+ a bottle) single vineyard wines from the Côte Rôtie, La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque. … Read more
Mas Romani, Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) 2004
($70, Eric Solomon): Made from the classic blend of 50% Carignan and 40% Grenache (with the remaining portion split between Merlot and Syrah), this succulent Priorat blends power and elegance. Not over done, as can be the risk with wines from this region, La Basseta is a stylish wine. … Read more
Grosset, Polish Hill (Clare Valley, South Australia) Riesling 2006
($33, Australian Premium Wine Collection): 
Wow. Anyone who doesn’t yet realize that Australia is capable of producing great Rieslings, among the best in the world, needs to taste this wine. Bright, vibrant and steely, this focused wine almost vibrates. 93 Michael Apstein Feb 27, 2007… Read more
Pike & Joyce, Lenswood (Adelaide Hills, South Australia) Sauvignon Blanc 2006
($20, Australian Premium Wine Collection): If there were such a thing as a Meyer lime, this is how it would taste. Floral and limey, but not aggressive or grassy, it develops a lovely minerality with air that is reminiscent of the best wines from Sancerre. … Read more
Ruinart, Champagne (France) Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
($69, Moet Hennessy USA): Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house in the world and dating from 
1729, is making a welcome reappearance on these shores. The Chardonnay grapes for this Blanc de Blancs come exclusively from premier cru villages. A small amount of the Chardonnay comes from the Montagne de Reims, an area traditionally known for Pinot Noir, not Chardonnay. … Read more
Whitehaven, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2006
($22, Whitehaven Wine Co. USA): This is another example of how the Marlborough region of New Zealand continues to produce riveting Sauvignon Blanc. Whitehaven, always a reliable label, has produced a citric-laced wine with a cutting edginess. 89 Michael Apstein Feb 27, 2007… Read more
Cape Mentelle, Margaret River (Western Australia, Australia) Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2006
($19, Moet Hennessy USA): The cooling effects of the Indian and Southern Oceans (the latter of which laps at the shores of Antarctica) influence the wines from 
Western Australia. The more temperate climate–compared to parts of South Australia–means the grapes rarely get overripe and hence, the wines show restraint and balance. … Read more
Green Point, Yarra Valley (Victoria, Australia) Chardonnay Reserve 2004
($30, Moet Hennessy USA): In the mid-1980s, Moët & Chandon, the world largest Champagne 
producer, established their outpost in Australia 30 miles east of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley in the state of Victoria. In addition to Australian sparkling wines, Moët makes stylish still wines under the Green Point label. … Read more
Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, Albemarle County (Virginia) Blanc de Blancs Brut 2004
($38): I know what you are thinking because I had the same thoughts before tasting this wine: ‘$38 for a sparkling wine from Virginia? You’re 
kiddin’ me.’ Well, not only am I not kidding you, I am suggesting you buy it.… Read more
Oyster Bay, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2006
($15, American Wine Distributors): I have a fondness for Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This one is particularly attractive and supports what 
many New Zealand producers have told me, ‘2006 is a great year in Marlborough.’ It certainly has the zing and freshness you’d expect from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, but it also has minerality and length to accompany the herbal notes, which makes it especially appealing.… Read more
Kendall-Jackson, California (United States) Cabernet Sauvignon “Vintner’s Reserve” 2004
($18): Sometimes large production wines with good availability are overlooked. But this one should not be. The grapes come from Kendall-Jackson’s sources throughout the state, hence the California appellation. This is very good, approachable–and stylish–Cabernet Sauvignon. 87 Michael Apstein Feb 13, 2007… Read more
Migration, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) 2004
($30): This is sourced from the Anderson Valley outpost of Duckhorn Vineyards, the famed Napa Valley winery, which looked to the north for a site for their Pinot Noir production. They make two bottlings, Goldeneye, and this less pricey one. Made in a ripe, rich style with noticeable sweet oakiness, this won’t be mistaken for red Burgundy. … Read more
There’s More Than One Way to Make Coq au Vin
Although I’m lucky to be able to interview individual winemakers or managers of wine estates, it’s unusual to sit around a table with a group of them to discuss their individual winemaking philosophies and techniques. You learn very quickly that, just as there are multiple ways to cook a chicken, there’s more than one way to make great wine.… Read more
Pol Roger, Champagne (France) 1998
($70, Wildman): 
Fuller and more forward than the 1996 Pol Roger–which still could use a few more years of bottle age–the 1998 is very appealing now. It’s suave and charming despite its considerable power derived in part, no doubt, from the predominance of Pinot Noir in the blend.… Read more
Veuve Clicquot, Champagne (France) Brut “Rare Vintage” 1988
($100, Moet Hennessy USA): This has to be the Champagne deal of decade. Veuve Clicquot, like many Champagne houses, opted to re-release older vintages into the market so customers can discover the glorious taste of mature Champagne. Aged on the lees–the dead yeast–for almost a decade and then aged for an equal time in the bottle, this wine delivers a complex array of nutty, toasty and yeasty flavors balanced beautifully by an uplifting freshness–acidity imparted by the bubbles. … Read more
Krug, Champagne (France) Brut “Clos de Mesnil” 1995
($825, Moet Hennessy USA): This is described as the ‘granddaddy’ of the Krug line by a representative of its importing company, but that’s an 
understatement. Krug, one of the few Champagne houses that still ferments its still wine in oak barrels, makes an extraordinary line of Champagne. … Read more
Guigal, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2003
($22, ExCellars): Crozes-Hermitage is the flatter, less well situated land around the 
prestigious hill of Hermitage. From conscientious producers, like Guigal, these wines can be great values. This wine shows the ripeness of the vintage without being marred by over-extraction. There is an almost Australian-like quality to the flavors–although not so flamboyant with alcohol–but its European lineage shows in the acid/tannin structure.… Read more
Salentein, Mendoza (Argentina) Syrah 2003
($18, San Francisco Wine Exchange): Super rich, concentrated, and lush, but never out of balance, this is a 
dreamy Syrah that comes from high-altitude vineyards in the Mendoza wine region. The 2002 is as delicious as the 2003, equally expansive on the palate, but with an impression of more dried fruit (especially prunes).… Read more
J. & F. Lurton, Vin de Pays d’Oc (Languedoc, France) Pinot Noir “Les Salices” 2005
($10, ExCellars): The Languedoc region in the south of France is better known for bold ripe wines than for producing a delicate, fragrant Pinot Noir, such as this one. Not as intense–nor as jammy–as many Pinot Noirs from California, Lurton’s has lovely ripe red fruit flavors, but retains an elegance rarely found at this price level.… Read more
Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux (France) 2003
($9): Those who have avoided Mouton Cadet because they feel it is ‘mass produced’ need to taste the 2003 vintage of this standard-bearer from Bordeaux. Ripe, reflecting the vintage, but most importantly balanced, it has unexpected subtly and graceful tannins. Not overdone, it’s a good example of what Bordeaux has to offer. … Read more