The Sarah Jane English Newsletter: 38th Edition

January 11, 2001

TOP PICKS FOR THE MONTH
(prices vary store to store)

Varietal: PORT, for a great Valentine's Day--and remember the chocolates!  (please see information below)

• Calem
• Cockburn's
• Croft
• Delaforce
• Martinez
• Noval
• Ramos Pinto
• Sandeman
• Ficklin, California

FICKLIN  PORTS: Founded in 1946 in Madera County and created in the Portuguese tradition, Ficklin's Port is widely acclaimed as one of California's finest.
Walter C. Ficklin and his wife Mame purchased the present acreage in 1918, but didn't make the transition from raisins and fruit until after World War II.   The University of California at Davis tested grapes for Port udner California growign conditions during the 1930s and '40s.  The San Joaquin Valley showed promise and Walter Ficklin, Sr. became interested.   In 1946, Walter and his sons Walter, Jr. and David decided to make wine--producing only Port--and to keep the enterprise a small family operation.       Walter, Jr. became the vineyardist while his brother David studied Fermentation Science at U.C. Davis and built the winery.  Marketing the first few hundred cases in the early '50s  was largely a matter of capturing buyer's interest. Walter, Sr. had many connections in the fruit market and, with his sons busy in production, he took over the sales and marketing of the new wine. Buildings were added in the '60s and '70s.     In the early 70's the third generation of Ficklins joined the family business.   Steven took over as vineyardist when his father, Walter, Jr., retired.    In 1984, Peter, David's son, became the master vinter and in 1991 he became the President.  . David remained active as a consultant until his death in 1998. David's wife, Jean, continues to serve as a director of the corporation and works with Susan, Peter's wife, in the office.      Today, Ficklin's vineyards cover  35 acres.   Ficklin Vineyards produces California port wines exclusively.
    In the production of the NV (non- vintage) Tinta Port,   60% to 80% of the blend is Tinta Madeira, 2% to 10% is Tinta Cao, Touriga and Souzao each constitute 10% to 25% of the final blend.
Vintage Releases
Periodically, Ficklin Vineyards has produced several Vintage Ports, or limited bottlings. These include the 1951, 1953, 1957, 1980, 1983, 1986 and 1988 Vintage Ports. For more information: http://www.ficklin.com/
Aged 10 Year Tawny Port:  Peter has established a 160 barrel Solera system to produce this special Port, featuring the Tinta Madeira and Touriga grape varietals. Ten years in American oak barrels allow the wine and wood to blend, developing the wine’s smoothness, fruit flavors and long finish.   Only Portuguese grape varietals, grown in the winery's estate vineyards, are used in the production of Ficklin ports.
The House of Martinez: "MARTINEZ grows wine in Portugal where one of the world’s most celebrated wines is created.    "Some say the best Porto comes from grapes that can hear the river flowing. All agree that the Douro Valley is home to noble, ancient vines. Roman feet trod grapes here; fifteenth-century kings toasted with its fragrant wine; and in time, the British, who loved it most of all, spread Porto’s fame throughout the world. Now, one of the oldest names in the Douro—Martinez—is at last available in America, offering a whole new generation a taste of rare, hand-crafted wines.       "Portugal demarcated the Douro region in 1761, designating land sixty miles inland from Oporto, measuring sixty-seven miles long and at most, 15.6 miles wide as the exact boundaries of the Douro region.   Only wines produced in the valley’s three districts could be called Porto—the Upper Douro, east of Tua, being considered the finest of all.    It is here that the Port house of Martinez Gassiot was established in 1790. New vineyards at Vilarica have inspired many of Martinez’ newest innovations: soil analysis, varietal clones, pruning, vinification techniques, and pioneering a research nursery at Tourao (the first of its kind in Portugal), near the vineyards to explore virus-free rootstock, block planting methods, and higher quality’ yield growing techniques.  For 200 years, Martinez has been blending tradition and science."     "In 1937, the Douro’s vineyards were rigorously graded according to geographical position, elevation and slope, soil profile, grape variety and climate.  A-rated vineyards are allowed to produce up to 600 liters of Porto per thousand vines. F-rated vineyards may only produce table wine. Martinez vineyards are all A-rated.    "Martinez is one of the few Porto producers to have its own cooperage, where 20,000 casks (pipes) and large vats are repaired and reconditioned. Every cask carries a cooper’s identification, and only the same cooper who built the cask or his student may repair it." FINE RUBY, FINE TAWNY, LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE, VINTAGE PORT, QUINTA DA CHOUSA, QUINTA EIRA VELHA, 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY, 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY and MASTER’S RESEVE are Martinez products.

DELAFORCE Port, Quinta da Corte--Single vineyard port from a very good or declared vintage, decanting required.     Six generations of the Delaforce family have called Portugal’s Douro Valley Home. The first arrived from England in 1834 and son, George founded the Delaforce port firm in 1868. Delaforce style is characterized as "rich, elegant and fruity," –admired for its consistency, and earning numerous international awards.     The jewel in the Delaforce crown is the spectacular Quinta da Corte estate. This splendid, 90-acres of 25 to 30 year-old vines (dating to the 1700s) forms the backbone for their premium Reserve Tawnys and Vintage ports. Probably the most photographed location in the entire Douro Valley, it is Delaforce’s principal source of grapes. TASTING NOTES: Sensational, rich, full-bodied with a notable robust character.    DELAFORCE Port, His Eminence’s Choice:   Production: Blend of select reserves aged in oak for 6-30 years, overall aging 10 years. Aging: Immediate enjoyment, excellent with food.   Decanting: Not required  TastingNotes: Soft, mellow and succulent, rich rounded fruit.

Noval: Although the property of Quinta do Noval first apeared in land registries in 1715, its history as a premium Port produecer truly befan when it was bought and renovated by the shipper Antonio Jose da Silva.  His work was continued by his son-in-law, Luiz Vasconcelos Porto, who ran the company for three decades, transforming the old narrow terraces into the wide whitewashed ones of today--allowing better use of space and more exposure to sun.   There were several innovations which were considered revolutionary at the time, but which subsequetnly have become tradition: NOVAL was the first to introduce stencilled bottles in the 1920s; NOVAL pioneered the concept of Old Tawnies with in indication of age; In 1958, NOVAL was the first to introduce a late-bottled vintage (LBV).  QUINTA do NOVAL LB is intense, dark purple.  It has a complex nose showing youthful fruit with a raspberry character.  It is full, rounded and well structured on the palate with a full bodied and lasting finish.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON PORTO: Port is a fortified wine made from upper Douro River valley grapes. The soil and climate of this river valley are ideal for cultivating grapes for Port. Adding a small amount of neutral grape-spirit brandy to fermenting port grapes halts the fermentation process and results in a rich, naturally sweet wine of about 20% alcohol. There are 48 grape varieties authorized to produce port wine: Five are the great classic port vines—Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão and Tinta Barrocca.

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NEWS

BEAULIEU VINEYARD celebrated a century in 2000.  (Please see "New Release.")

Quarterly Pocketlist Top-Rated Wines (QPL), Winter 2001, is a useful guide for selecting good wine at  reasonable prices.  QPL uses up-to-date, composite grades to evaluate wines.  Major North American wine periodicals are surveyed to supply names and awards to the handy book.  For copies $6.95, contact John Vankat: 800/524-1005

CAYMUS CEO Charlie Wagner announced that he will retain overall direction of both viticulture and winemaking at Caymus Vineyards while naming Chris Phelps as winemaker for the red wine and Jon Bolta will continue to make the white wines.

California Wine Winners 2001, The Best of the 2000 Judgings, is a 232-page paperback that gives composite award lists of 23 most popular verietals.  The wineries and their winners are listed separately.  There is also a listing of inexpensive gold medal winners.  Available at wine shops and book stores, also contact Editor J.T. Devine, P.O.Box 432, Grato, CA  95444, tel. 707/823-8795

WARREN WINIARSKI, owner of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, is President of the 2001 International Wine & Spirits Competition--long considered among the wine and spirits industry's most prestigious international competition.

ED SBRAGIA of Beringer Wine Estates announced the purchase of Castello di Gabbiano, including the 900-year-old Tuscan wine estate, the historic castle and surrounding property and guest cottages, an ancient wine cellar, modern winery and 254 acres of land.  Ed's Italian heritage has him especially excited about this prospect.   "Over the years I've had the  privilege of working with Gabbianno's winemaker, Giancarlo Roman--a Chianti winemaker with 30 years experience.  He has taught me about the Tuscan terroir and the grapes that come from the soils and the winemaking traditions.  I've shared my experiences as a winemaker in Napa Valley.   We are both excited about the purchase and see it as a way to strengthen our winemaking alliance."

BERINGER WINE ESTATES, affirming its commitment to historic preservation, has become the first wine company to be a corporate partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  BWE owns properties with distinct historical significance: Beringer Vineyards, Stags' Leap Winery, St. Clement, Chateau St. Jean and Meridian.

Wine Enthusiast named BEAULIEU VINEYARD "Winery of the Year, " recognizing BV for "making excellent wines across all styles and at all price point."

The SEBASTIANI family, in a crafted turn away from corporate mergers,  announced the return to their historical roots in Sonoma, California, with four tiers of ultra premium wines:  Sonoma County, Appellation Selection, Vineyard Selection, and Proprietary Estate (please see below).

ROBERT MONDAVI and ROSEMOUNT Estates of Australia have formed a 50/50 joint venture company and will produce and market worldwide two new wine lines in the luxury and super-premium segments--one from Australia and one from California.   They will be produced from California's 2000 and Australia's 2001 vintages and sold under a proprietary name.

BRIDLEWOOD Winery won the distinction of producing the most award-winning Syrah in 2000.

SONOMA COUNTY GRAPE GROWERS ASSOCIATION reported that in taste competitions, Sonoma County Zinfandel is consistently preferred from California: http://www.scgga.org/ 

PACIFIC STAR WINERY Owner and Winemaker Sally Ottoson was invited by Congressman Mike Thompson to host a wine tasting for the Members of Congress.

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NEW RELEASES
(quotes are winemakers' comments)

J LOHR Estates 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Oaks, $14.   This delicious, fruit-forward wine remains one of my favorites.  Always well-balanced, it suits a large number of foods and is a remarkable value as well.  I recommend this wine all the time and I'm always rewarded by praises from those who buy it.

CAFARO CELLARS Winemaker/Owner Joe Cafaro has lived and worked in Napa Valley for 30 years and produces elegant wines.  "Many things have changed," he told me, "but not my passion for making wines."  Or for riding his BMW motorcycle.   "I ride a lot with Libby's (his wife) dad, John Shafer (owner of Shafer vineyards) --who's BMW is newer . . . but mine is faster!"  While Joe speeds on his bike, his principles about wine are steadfast and reliable.  "By keeping production low (1500 annual cases of Cabernet and 1600 of Merlot), I can focus on the highest quality grapes and the most hands-on winemaking techniques.  My passion is to produce the style of wines I love to drink--balanced, elegant wines that have complete continuity from their strong, seductive aromas, large but not overpowering middles, on through to a finish that lingers-- wines that complement meals but aren't meals in themselves."  I guess those  wines must be the sort that I like too, because CAFARO wines are among my favorites too. 

• CAFARO CELLARS 1997 Napa Valley Merlot, $37: "Ripe, dense fruit aromas, touch oak, well-balanced, smooth, rich forward flavors, touch cedar, good structure and depth of richness, drink now or up to seven years. 
• CAFARO CELLARS 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $39: "This vintage is big and bright with aromas of cherry, spice and rose petals.   Sweet oak adds a layer, it has stylish elegance and a big structure for accessibility now or aging."

• KENWOOD Vineyards 1998 Sonoma County Zinfandel, $15: "Grapes from several notable vineyards balance the blend ranging in age from 15 to 40 years old.   It's a medium-bodied wine with intense berry flavors and peppery notes."
• KENWOOD Vineyards 1998 Jack London Zinfandel, $20: "An elegant, medium-bodied wine with fine character, complexity and balance, influenced by wild berry and black cherry flavors."
• KENWOOD Vineyards 1997 Massara Merlot, $25: "These low yielding vines give deeply colored, intensely flavored grapes perfect for Kenwood's single vineyard-designated series.  Ripe and supple, harmonious, black, cherry and plum flavors, touch vanilla, elegant, smooth finish."
• KENWOOD Vineyards 1998 Sonoma County Merlot, $17: "Full-bodied and flavorful, this Merlot features plum, berry, vanilla and chocolate notes."

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, Columbia Valley, Washington,  makes sparkling wines as delicious as its other products.  If you are looking for a light and crisp, reasonably-priced bubbly--here it is!

• DOMAINES CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Cuvee Brut $11
• DOMAINES CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Blanc de Blanc $11
• DOMAINES CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Extra Dry $11

CHARLES KRUG, Peter Mondavi Family,  has a well-established reputation for its fine wines.

• CHARLES KRUG Peter Mondavi Family 1996 Napa Valley Generations $34: "spice mix, sandalwood, cardemon, graceful, ripe plum, preserved cherries, soft and well-structured, chocolate nuances, pair with grilled pork, venison and roast duck and Gouda"
• CHARLES KRUG Peter Mondavi Family 1997 Reserve Merlot Napa Valley $25: "plum, violet, chocolate, jam, black cherry, raspberry, chewy tannins,, lingering with satiny finish, pair with rack of lamb, sauteed portobello mushrooms, creamy risottos and tangy cheeses"

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 1999 Chardonnay $15, is made from a variety of clones growing on diverse sites of the Wetzel Family Estate--45% fermented in a selection of new, one and two-year French oak which underwent malolactic and then aged in barrel 8 months.  ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 1999 Pinot Noir $18 comes from a five-acre block on the Estate.  Winemaker Kevin Hall cold-soaked a portion of the grapes for two days.  The barrel regimen was  95%French and 5% American--25% new.  Only 2,100 cases made.  ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 1999 Sin Zin $20 is blended with 14% sangiovese.  It was aged 10 months in 75% American and 25% French barrels.  Enjoy these tasty wines.

The SEBASTIANI family, in a crafted turn away from corporate mergers,  announced the return to their historical roots in Sonoma, California, with four tiers of ultra premium wines:  Sonoma County--created in a classic handcrafted style showcasing the soft, lush fruit style distinctive of Sonoma County; the Appellation Selection--highlights distinctive characteristics of the sub-appellation grapes and are   produced only when the fruit merits this special wine;  Vineyard Selection--comes exclusively from stellar vines and highlights ultra-rich varietal character of unique microclimates and soils of these vineyards; and Proprietary Estate--signature luxury wines from only exceptional fruit.

• APPELLATION SELECTION (please note--Sonoma Valley is NOT Sonoma County.  They are two different appellations.)
• SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS 1998 Russian River Valley Chardonnay $20--"complex smoky, caramel, vanilla, green apple,  pear, medium bodied, good acidity"
• SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS 1998 Carneros Pinot Noir $20--"rose petals, sandalwood, medium bodied,  spicy, ripe cherry, soft finish, lingering oak notes"
• SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS 1997 Dry Creek Barbera $25--"raspberry, truffles, oriental spice, medium to full bodied, subtle oak, soft tannins"
• SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS 1997 Sonoma Valley Merlot $22--"toasted oak, spice, full-bodied, elegant, rich black cherry and earth, slightly tannic, lingers"
• SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS 1997 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $24--"oak, black olive, sandalwood, ripe black cherries, currants, elegant style"

CLOS DU BOIS' Appellation Reserve Series represents 25 years of crafted elegance, Winemaker Margaret Davenport tells me.  "They are soft and supple wines that showcase the best of Sonoma County," she says.  "Over the years, our winemaking team has become intimately familiar with the subtle nuances of the fruit grown here."  CLOS DU BOIS Sonoma County Classic Wines are consumer favorites.  They reflect the winery's accessible and elegant winemaking style--showcasing the extraordinary fruit grown in Sonoma County.

• CLOS DU BOIS 1999 Alexander Valley Reserve Chardonnay $16--"oaky, creamy, silky, fresh tropical fruit character, orange blossom and citrus, pair with seafood and, poultry"
• CLOS DU BOIS 1998 Alexander Valley Reserve Tempranillo $16--"elegant, soft, ripe tannin structure and lush, vivid plum characteristics, pair with lamb and meat or tomato-based pasta"  
• CLOS DU BOIS 1998  Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $20--"blackberry, currant, nutmeg, cinnamon, oak, smooth, broad flavors, elegant finish, pair with beef and grilled vegetables"

CLOS DU BOIS SONOMA COUNTY WINES

• CLOS DU BOIS 1998 Merlot Sonoma County $17--"smooth, easy to drink, ripe fruit flavors, toasty oak, raspberry, strawberry, plum, vanilla, tea and tobac"
• CLOS DU BOIS 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County $17--"oak undertones, forward black cherry, fruit and spice, rich entry, medium weight, elegant fruit notes, pair with grilled meats, chicken parmigiana, roast lamb"

• ZACA MESA 1999 Santa Barbara County Z Gris $9--"for dry rose lovers, licorice, cinnamon, strawberry, silky, broad structure, lively acidity, lingers"

• VILLA MT. EDEN 1998  Coastal Zinfandel $10
• VILLA MT. EDEN 1998 Signature Series Chardonnay $32

• CALLAWAY Coastal 1998 Merlot $10--"soft and supple, with fresh blackberry, complex and oak notes, pair with salmon tostados, double garlic steak"
• CALLAWAY Coastal 1999 Chenin Blanc $9--"full, ripe peach, pear, and pineapple, smooth, crisp and lingering, pair with spicy dishes"
• CALLAWAY Coastal 1999 Sauvignon Blanc $9--"grapefruit, slightly grassy, crisp, fresh finish, pair with herb seasoned dishes"

• MERIDIAN 1999 Sauvignon Blanc (18% Chardonnay) $8--"60% barrel fermented, toasty, luscious, rich, melon, lemon, refreshing acidity"
• MERIDIAN 1998 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir $13--"aged nine months in French oak, new and old from selected forests, to achieve complexity and a subtle toasty flavor component to complement the velvety texture and notes of ripe summer plums"

• GEYSER PEAK 1999 Russian River Valley Chardonnay $16--"green apple, pear, citrus , smoky vanilla, creamy texture"
• GEYSER PEAK 1999 Sonoma County Chardonnay $12--"pear, tropical fruit, smoky, buttery, vanilla, melon, balanced and crisp"
• GEYSER PEAK 1998 Sonoma County Merlot $17--"red cherry, raspberry, cedary oak, rich and round, plush, velvety tannins, complex"
• GEYSER PEAK 1998 Sonoma County Zinfandel $17--"a wine of class, elegance, and harmony, ripe plum, briary fruit, peppery, soft, round tannins, long finish"
• CANYON ROAD 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon $8--"wild berry, cassis, black currant, spicy American oak, medium bodied, great balance"
• CANYON ROAD 1999 Merlot $8--"plum black cherry, slight oak, vanilla"

• GRGICH HILLS 1998 Napa Valley Chardonnay $30--"This Chardonnay represents Grigich Hills' 'house style' which emphasizes balance and finesse along with lots of flavor and complexity."  If you're looking for a Chardonnay to put away for amiable aging, this one is the wine. 
• GRGICH HILLS 1998 Napa Valley Fume Blanc $18--"What an amazingly versatile wine!"  (I've often said that.) "Clean, fresh and fruity, it's a great choice for the pure enjoyment of a chilled glass of white wine, and equally as good as a food companion due to its delicate and undemanding nature."   Enjoy!
• GRGICH HILLS 1997 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon--"The 1997 vintage was one of great quantity and quality, circumstances that don't always go hand in hand.  The aroma is pure Cabernet, a complex combination of herbal fruit and oak with firm, mouth filling flavors.  This wine will continue to soften and become more interesting with bottle age"
• GRGICH HILLS 1998 Zinfandel, 50% Napa Valley/50% Sonoma County $23--"Our Zinfandel, which normally carries a Sonoma County appellation is a little different this year.  Due to the acquisition of some prime Napa Valley Zinfandel grapes from the Calistoga region, we were able to produce a 50/50 blend of the two counties.  The label is new too.  A late harvest in 1998 produced highly-extracted wines with concentrated yet elegant fruit flavors--so this wine is enticing with great balance and depth."

CHATEAU ST. JEAN 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages Sonoma County $50 is available for your pleasure--and pleasure it is, indeed.  Winemaker Steve Reeder said, "To me, this wine exemplifies the true art of blending.   Blending is a great game of mystery, unveiling endless possibilities.  My associate Margo and I start with a model--75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot.  We take the model and separately make blends, and come back to the table to taste one another's blends and work until we agree on one.   We had tons of fun making this wine--75/13/7/3/and 2% of the above mentioned wines.   It's blueberries, violets, black cherry notes, elegant round tannins, blackberries, chocolate, plums, tobacco and roasty oak with a long finish."

CHATEAU ST. JEAN 1999 Pinot Noir Sonoma County $16--"Hand-picking and gentle fruit handling are key to great Pinot Noir production.   Rose petals, cranberries, cherries and brown spice aromas and on the palate, there are plums, cassis and leather notes surround soft supple tannins that finish with a hint of roasted oak."

• WILLIAM HILL WINERY 1998 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $22--"produced from mountain and benchland fruit, graceful, cassis, currant, raspberry, soft tannic structure, rich polished texture, pair with roasted meats, wild mushroom risotto"
• WILLIAM HILL WINERY 1999 Napa Valley Chardonnay $15--"smooth, creamy, fruit-forward style, fresh apples, zesty tropical citrus, nectarine, pairs with sauteed halibut in fresh lemon butter, grilled shrimp or salmon, crab cakes, or simple pasta with Parmesan"
• WILLIAM HILL WINERY 1997 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $38--"Our Reserve Cabernet is complex and fruit-forward with generous oak spice notes--supple, rich, integrated, cassis-laden berry flavors, plush tannins, pair with beef."
• WILLIAM HILL WINERY 1999 Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay $23--"This wine represents careful vineyard selection and meticulous barrel aging.   It's elegant, lush with fruit, toasty oak, spice notes, lingering butterscotch, pair with shellfish, poultry, veal and pork."

BRANCOTT VNEYARDS has developed three distinct tiers of expression for the wines of New Zealand: accessible, delicious BRANCOTT Varietal Wines, handcrafted BRANCOTT Reserve Wines and the ultimate BRANCOTT Estate Wines.  Elsewhere, the El Nino of 1998 seemed to provide plenty to complain about, but in New Zealand, vintners experienced long, dry weather patterns resulting in ideal grape growing conditions.   The yield was very high and the quality terrific.  Winemaker Jeff Clarke says," The grapes from all regions were some of the finest fruit ever harvested."

• BRANCOTT 1998 Ormond Estate "O" Chardonnay $25--"rich, opulent, ripe, layers of compelxity,  tropical fruits, nutty yeast, toasty vanilla"
• BRANCOTT 1998 Renwick Estate "R" $25--"sweet peach and oatmeal notes, smoky, savory oak, smooth and creamy with stone-fruit character, biscuity texture"
• BRANCOTT 1998 Patutahi Estate "P" Gewurztraminer $25--"rose petal, spice, hint honey, apricot, rich, hint of sweetness, full flavored"

DRY CREEK VINEYARDS 1998 Meritage Sonoma County $28--"DCV has once again set sail, and what a beautiful vessel she is!  A stylish blend, this wine exhibits aromas of cedar, tobacco and black cherries with hints of herbs.  With flavors of juicy berries and cassis, this elegant wine layers fruit accents onto chocolate and mint notes.  Full in the mouth, soft tannins combine with sweet vanillin oak.   The finish is memorable; smooth and round with a lingering earthiness.   Excellent depth and balance make this wine exceptionally drinkable now, but the wine will also age gracefully--up to eight years."

STONE CREEK WINES, one of California's largest negotiants, benefits from long-term contracts.  Owned by the fifth generation Jacobs family company, Simon Levi announced the release of its 1998 Chairman's Reserve Merlot, $17, and two new vintages of its Special Selection line of California appellation wines, 1999 Chardonnay $8 and 1998 Zinfandel $8.  These two wines compete in the dynamic category of popular premium wines where they established their reputation early on by helping to pioneer the development of value price Merlots. 

• STONE CREEK WINES 1998 Chairman's Reserve Merlot $17--"full-bodied, forward fruit, black cherries, chocolate, and tobacco, approachable tannins"
• STONE CREEK WINES 1999 Special Selection Zinfandel $8--"supple tannins, medium bodied, layers of raspberry and strawberry, subtle oak, pairs well"
• STONE CREEK WINES 1999 Special Selection Chardonnay $8--"balanced oak, melon and apple, creamy, intense fruit, rich, well structured"

• LORANE VALLEY 1997 Pinot Noir $12--"plum, cherry, strawberry, rose petals, mushroom, leather, and cedar oak"
• LORANE VALLEY 1997Chardonnay $10--"medium bodied, orange blossom, citrus, green apple, dried mint, oak, vanilla, balanced, ripe peach, clean finish"

• CHALK HILL ESTATE VINEYARDS 1998 Chardonnay $40--"tropical fruits, mineral overtones, elegant, citrus, pear, and honeysuckle"
• CHALK HILL ESTATE VINEYARDS 1997 Merlot $45--"mature fruit, raspberries, blueberries, lavender, earthy spiciness, rounded structure"
• CHALK HILL ESTATE VINEYARDS 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon $50--"concentrated flavors, blackberry, black cherry, plum, spicy oak, broad tannins, graceful"
• CHALK HILL ESTATE VINEYARDS 1998 Sauvignon Blanc $29--"half barrel fermented, oak aged, luscious, creamy, mouthfilling flavors"

• FETZER 1997 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast $17--"Winemaker John White says, "We are pleased with our 1997 Cabernet--blended from some great Napa  (Rutherford) and Sonoma (Dry Creek) fruit.  The quality of the vintage is really wonderful.  The full, lush flavors complement rich meats and game."
• FETZER 1998 Barrel Select Merlot, Sonoma County $13--"This Merlot delivers quality and intensity, but remains soft and supple at the same time.  The balanced, supple flavors are perfect with beef and lamb dishes.
• FETZER 1999 Barrel Select Chardonnay $13--"This wine really delivers the great character and quality that consumers are starting to recognize as Mendocino's chardonnay trademark.  Enjoy it with fresh shellfish, grilled or steamed, sauteed snapper and roast chicken."

BONTERRA Vineyards Winemaker Bob Blue says these wines showcase the latest efforts with organic grape-growing in Mendocino County.

• BONTERRA 1999 Chardonnay $15--"apple, lemon-citrus, crème brulee, bright fruit, cinnamon, ripe pear, toasty oak, creamy, pair with shellfish"
• BONTERRA 1997 Merlot $19--"medium bodied, soft, lush, cherry, cola, cedar,  olive, hint of pepper, rounded, pair with grilled pork, smoked chicken"
• BONTERRA 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon $15--"medium bodied, green olive, spice and lush cherry, pepper pairs with grilled steak, leg of lamb"
• BONTERRA 1998 Viognier $19--" honeysuckle, peach, vanilla, creamy peach, creaminess, balanced, pears with smoked fish, herb-roasted chicken"

BUENA VISTA 1999 Sauviginon Blanc $9--"Clean and crisp flavors of melon, pear and slight wintergreen mint typify this refreshing wine.  Exceptionally well balanced and integrated, a benchmark for true varietal character."

• FERRARI CARANO VINEYARDS AND WINERY offers two rich festive white wines, Chardonnay and Fume Blanc, both excellent with seafood and chicken.
• FERRARI CARANO 1999 Sonoma County Reserve Fume Blanc $18--"bright acidity, rich, delicate, toasty oak, floral aromas, honey, spice and citrus"
• FERRARI CARANO 1998 Reserve Chardonnay $32--"a wine of elegance and finesse, fine acidity and crispness, focused, well-balanced fruit and oak"

• CLOS DU VAL President and Winemaker Bernard Portet announced the release of two exceptional wines--one the crown jewel of the CLOS DU VAL Collection and the other extremely limited in production,  the 1998 Zinfandel, and a new sage green and gold package for the 1999 Chardonnay and 1998 Pinot Noir. 
• CLOS DU VAL 1996 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $75--"represents the clearest expression of the 1996 vintage and one of the highest achievements in winemaking of The Clos du Val Collection.  Grown primarily in the Stags Leap District, this wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, and spent 18 months in new French oak.  It has deep garnet color and is characterized by a nose of rich cedar notes that lead to voluptuous flavors of ripe, dark fruits and spice, which are harmoniously integrated with toasty wood notes."
• CLOS DU VAL 1998 Palisade Vineyard Zinfandel Stags Leap District $28 (only 210 cases)--"This extremely rare wine is from the Terroir Series and comes from the famous Palisade Vineyard.  The nose exhibits wonderful white and black pepper notes, which complement rich, jammy fruit flavors and a long finish.  The 1998 is available exclusively in the CLOS DU VAL tasting room.
• CLOS DU VAL 1999 Carneros Chardonnay $21--"Brilliant gold, our Chardonnay is characterized by tropical fruit, citrus, and light vanilla notes with a touch of butteriness.  A dominant, ripe fruit entry leads to an elegant and voluminous mid-palate.  The lingering finish is crisp and fresh with tosty flavoars."
• CLOS DU VAL 1998 Carneros Pinot Noir $26--"Dark ruby with concentrated aromas and flavors of balck cherry, berries and subtle spice are nicely integrated wiht toasty oak.  An excellent balance of fruit, wood and acid promise intense conplexity and longevity."
• CLOS DU VAL 1998 Zinfandel $18--"Ruby red, the wine displays elegance, perfumed blackberry jam, spice, vanilla and wildflowers, well structured, balance."

BEAULIEU VINEYARD (BV) celebrated its 100th year in 2000--of making exceptionally fine wines, I might add.  When Georges de Latour founded BV in 1900, on an unimproved four-acre lot in the tiny town of Rutherford, he had a single vision: to bring world-class wine to America.  As it turned out, he not only made better wine - he revolutionized the whole process. He and master winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff (1938) pioneered aging wine in small oak barrels. When French oak became unavailable during World War II, they collaborated with local coopers to craft the proper American oak barrels for aging wine.   Winemaker Joel Aiken, at the helm since 1986, is taking BV in new directions while preserving his predecessors high standards.   He possesses an innovative spirit and an impressive expertise in oak aging and is proud to continue BV's tradition of fine wines.  Classic BVs have satisfied a constant and growing audience.  Additionally, there's the newer line of reasonably priced wines--BV Coastals.  These current wines are some of the best ever.    The winemakers produce these wines with the same sense of style and attention to detail as the Reserve wines.   They are enjoyable young, with a distinctive personality that reveal freshness and intensity that's affordable.   You'll be pleased you tried them.  http://www.bvwines.com/

• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1997 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $100--"possibly the richest since 1970, focused, precise 'Rutherford dust' minerally, black cherry, cassis, hints of spice and black pepper, pungent and expressive, full bodied, vanillin oak complements fruit, big chewy flavors with powerful spice, currant, mineral, anise, fleshy, concentrated fruit, solid tannins, lush texture, long finish, age for 20 years"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1997 Tapestry Reserve Red Table Wine $40--"lovely and powerful, vanilla-scented all spice, clove, blackberry, full-bodied, ripe, mouthfilling, richly textured, balanced structure"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1998 Carneros Reserve Pinot Noir $35--"primarily produced from oldest blocks planted in 1960s, spicy, coffee-black cherry and peppery, mineral, medium full body, smoky, hints vanilla, gaminess, crisp finish, not too tannic, balanced and lively"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1999 Sonoma Chardonnay $15--"predominanty Russian River (91%) grapes, lovely, intense peach layered with overtones of cinnamon-nut vanilla, full and viscous, appley fruit, clean fresh acidity, rich, a great match with salmon"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1997 Signet Collection Sangiovese $18--"our fullest flavored and most Italianate wine today, ripe black plum, dark cherry, lightly earthy, herb, coffee, anise, fleshy texture, chocolate, black pepper, lightly tannic, excellent length"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1999 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $11--"a BV tradition for decades, made in a Graves style, herbs, lemon, flinty earthiness, coconut-vanilla, good acidity, finesse, mineral-citrus, intense and bright"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1998 Coastal Zinfandel $11--" peppery, black cherry, raspberry, ripe,  vibrant fruit, good acidity, roundly textured, supple and fruity"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1999 Coastal Chardonnay $11--"forward and luscious, tropical fruits, spicy oak, vanilla, appley, papaya, vibrant style"
• BEAULIEU VINEYARD 1998 Coastal Merlot $12--"plum cherry, minty cocoa-herb, medium bodied, sweet coffee-cherry flavors, soft tannins"

FAR NIENTE, one of California's oldest wineries,  was founded in 1885 by John Benson.  The winery flourished until Prohibition when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.   The stone shell of a winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel to create a world class wine estate in the Napa Valley.  During restoration, the original name, Far Niente (translated to "without a care") was found on the front of the building carved in stone.   Owner Gil Nickel says, "We felt an obligation to preserve the name in the hopes that we could recapture a bygone era when life was indeed without a care."
       Far Niente's  philosophy of distinctive wine character requires vineyard ownership; consequently,  many variables affecting continuity of style, character and quality are controlled.   Through the search, Far Niente has acquired 235 acres regarded as some of the finest vineyard land in Napa Valley.
Stelling Vineyard:  100 acres,  Far Niente's largest estate vineyard in the west hills of Oakville.  These soils are responsible for Napa Valley's most memorable and age worthy Cabernets.   Nickel and Nickel Vineyard: This  vineyard,  near the northern boundary of the Oakville appellation,  has four varieties ~ Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines of this vineyard have a typically delicate grace, structure and elegance.   Carpenter Vineyard: Produces wonderful Chardonnay and also grows Far Niente's latest ripening Cabernet--distinguished by its deep color and power.    Barrow Lane Vineyard: Produces wines with a tight fruit structure. It's ideal as a blending component--giving backbone and length.   John's Creek Vineyard: This vineyard  is a key component in the Chardonnay blend, adding richness, subtle tropical flavors and aromas  long associated with Far Niente Chardonnays.
    FAR NIENTNE 1997 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon ($100): "After extensive fruit tasting, each vineyard block is hand harvested. The fruit is hand sorted again at the winery.  The final blend is assembled after each lot is carefully analyzed for contributions.   The young wine ages 18-20 months in 75% to 100% new French oak barrels.  It's racked every three months to remove the clear wine from its sediment.  After a year in   barrel, egg- white fining further softens and clarifies the wine, resulting in classically structured Cabernets--softly textured, rich flavor, complex and long.   The wine displays the cassis and blackberry notes and spicy oak aromas synonymous with Far Niente. 
    FAR NIENTE 1998 Estate Bottled Chardonnay is a classic.    A thousand details converge to create the Far Niente "house style"-- wines rich in aroma, flavor, and texture, yet balanced with a graceful finesse.   Wines from  various Chardonnay estates are blended for the style, offering youthful fresh fruit and a marvelous finish; with time, they reveal the wine's complex nature, added texture, richness, weight, and depth. 
      DOLCE  (pronounced dol'chay) was inspired by the romantic Italian phrase "Dolce Far Niente" (sweet doing nothing).    Vintages of this sweet late harvest wine are unique.  DOLCE is the only Napa Valley producer devoted exclusively to producing a single late harvest wine.   Winemaker Dirk Hampson says, "It is the first world class American dessert wine and the benchmark against which all others will be judged in the future.  Dolce cannot be made every year.   In 1985, our efforts yielded 6 barrels.    Only 9 barrels were produced in 1986. The wine in 1987 was not fine enough to be Dolce, while 1988 was so warm, that no botrytis formed and no grapes were ever harvested. The weather conditions must be perfect to produce Dolce, therefore, the risks are immense.   We have planted 20 acres of estate Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc vineyards that will allow us to further refine our focus on quality, while eventually increasing production to as much as 2,000 cases in a strong year.  The 1989 came to market in 1992 as our first commercial release - an incredible seven years after we started chasing the dream of creating one of the world's great late harvest wines in the Napa Valley."  It is worth the searach and price, $75 for a 375 ml bottle.   http://www.farniente.com/

HOGUE CELLARS Winemaker David Forsyth says the Washington 2000 vintage started with unseasonably average weather and then September turned unseasonably cool--stretching the harvest to eight weeks.  Consequently, very good flavors developed with crisp acidity in whites and reds, great color and mature tannins.  So while he puts away to rest the new vintage, he'll be enjoying the old ones.  So can you.

• HOGUE 1999 Semillon Columbia Valley $9--"Classic style, crisp character, dried apricot, anise, apple, melon, rich round mouth, pair with grilled oysters, sushi"
• HOGUE 1998 Semillon-Chardonnay $9--"Blending brings the best of both, forward tropical fruit and spiciness, lime, crispy mint, smoky, pair with pan-fried trout"

McDOWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS has a new label and has changed its premier Syrah from "Estate" to "Reserve." The delightful and delicious wine, however, is still the same.

• McDOWELL 1999 Grenache Rose $9--I tasted a vintage of this wine when I stayed with the McDowells a few years ago.  It is bright and freshly fruit forward and downright delicious as a chilled starter wine--the right color for Valentines too, or with simple fare.  The mature fruit for this wine comes from 50-year-old vines.   They give intense varietal character, full flavors and a complex structure with strawberry and crisp floral notes.
• McDOWELL 1999 Marsanne $16--"This luscious wine has bright varietal flavors of peaches and apricots underscored by subtle sweet oak spice.  The mouthfeel is round and soft with a long finish--perfect for seafood dishes, pork or poultry.
• McDOWELL 1999 Viognier $16--"This wine has a huge bouquet with intense floral notes, pears, and lively citrus notes.  The mouthfeel is luscious with flavors of pineapple and peach, superb balance with bright fruit and lingering finish."

                   GALLO of SONOMA has news of several wines and events, such as sponsoring a television series of award-winning "Kitchen Sessions with Chef Charlie Trotter."  At the International Wine Challenge 2000, Gallo of Sonoma earned 23 awards, including a gold medal for the 1996 Northern Sonoma Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon.  In addition, also won were seven medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, 19 medals at the Dallas Morning News Competition and 22 medals at the New World International Wine Competition.  New releases include the following wines.

• GALLO of SONOMA 1998 Sangiovese, Alexander Valley $13--"accentuates grape's Italian heritage, ample body and fruit character, intense berries and spice"
• ANAPAMU 1998 Pinot Noir, Central Coast $16--"cherry, rose petals, citrus peel, spice, silky and elegant, cherry flavors, toasty oak, pair with seared tuna, lamb"
• GALLO of SONOMA 1998 Stefani Vyd. Chardonnay $22--"six months in barrel, malolactic and sur lie aging which add more complex bouquet, flavor and texture"
• TURNING LEAF 1999 Coastal Reserve Chardonnay $10--"apple, pear, grapefruit, smoky, soft toasted oak, medium to full, dry finish, pair with scallops"
• TURNING LEAF 1999 Coastal Reserve Merlot $10--"black pepper, herbs, raspberry, medium body, rich texture, supple tannins, serve with pasta, mushrooms"
• GALLO of SONOMA 1997 Barrelli Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $28--"With three generations and over six decades of experience in northern Sonoma, our family believes that the 'secret' to producing world class wines is to start with world class grapes."  These are!!
• GALLO of SONOMA 1998 Barrelli Creek Vineyard Zinfandel $20--"The wine displays a black cherry and boysenberry jam fruit character with a hint of spice. Tannins are rich in nature and add supporting structure to the fruit richness."
• GALLO of SONOMA 1997 Stefani Vineayrd Cabernet Sauvignon $28--"Grapes  were 100% estate grown and hand harvested, and varietal character was intensified by site-specific vertical trellising and meticulous shoot and leaf removal so clusters received just the right amount of sunlight for optimal ripeness."
• GALLO of SONOMA 1998 Zinfandel $13--"aged in French and American oak for a well-balanced, spicy black pepper wine, teeming with raspberry jam and a touch of vanilla and oak."

CHARLES KRUG Peter Mondavi Family Winery produces some really nice wines at a great value under the CK MONDAVI label.  Here are some.

• CK MONDAVI 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon $8--"berries and oak, full-bodied with good varietal character, rich cherry, balanced, pair with steak, lamb, hearty pastas"
• CK MONDAVI 1999 Chardonnay $8--"lemon and citrus, crisp, oak hints, complex and balanced with clean acidity, pair with roast chicken, seafood, hearty cheeses"
• CK MONDAVI 1999 Merlot $9--"black cherry, spice, medium to full, hint oak, plums, rich. soft fruit-filled finish, pair with chicken, fish, and red sauce pasta"

ZACA MESA  has released wines that represent important components of its estate program--emphasis on Rhone varietals and Chardonnay.  As a Rhone pioneer in Santa Barbara County with the first local plantings of Syrah in 1979, ZACA MESA now grows and produces a number of Rhone varietals and has selected the following wines for your pleasure.  Enjoy!

• ZACA MESA 1999 Viognier $17--"aromas of apricots, peaches, honey, almond, kiss of lime, pear and melon on mid-palate, mineral dry finish, pair with scallops"
• ZACA MESA 1998 Z Cuvee $17--"sweet black and red jam, cedar, lavender, cola, complex layers, serve with barbecued chicken, lasagna, mushroom pizza"
• ZACA MESA 1998 Zaca Vineyards Syrah $20--"black pepper, licorice, plums, blackberry, clove, chocolate, fine tannins, lively acidity, pair with beef, lamb, game"
• ZACA MESA 1999 Zaca Vineyards Chardonnay $15--"citrus, lemon drops, honey, pair with anything with lemon, chicken or seafood"

BRANCOTT VINEYARDS received an exciting accolade when Master Chef Jacques Pepin selected the BRANCOTT Reserve Sauvignon Blanc to include in his TV Valentine show--paired with Mussel Souffle.  While BRANCOTT ESTATE  wines reflect the unique terrior of a few premium acres, the RESERVE wines are vintner selected, perfectly ripened fruit from a range of prime vineyards available to Winemaker Jeff Clarke.   The fruit for the 1999 Reserves below comes from Marlborough on the Northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island.  Temperatures during the growing season seldom rise above 65 degees and contribute to the slow ripening process.

• BRANCOTT 1999 Reserve Marlborough Sauvgnon Blanc $17--"dominated by ripe capsium, gooseberry, hints of grapefruit and passion fruit, balanced, fresh"
• BRANCOTT 1999 Reserve Marlborough Merlot $17--"warm chocolate, licorice, boysenberry, plum, vanilla, cedar, black currant, complex, strong tannins"
• BRANCOTT 1999 Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir $17--"velvety, array of berries, integrated, spicy oak, vanilla cinnamon, rich, round, mineral hint, soft tannins"

FOREST GLEN WINERY has released a couple of ample red wines.  They have recipes for Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops and Prime Rib of Beef  by Chef Gary Jenanyan if you'd like them.  Contact winekid@aol.com

• FOREST GLEN 1999 Merlot $10--"We think you'll enjoy the intense fruit, depth of flavor and color, drinkable right now, astringent complexity"
• FOREST GLEN 1998 Shiraz $10--"complex, spicy notes, layers of flavors, restrained tannin levels, well integrated, smooth and soft tasting"

SALMON HARBOR announced that 1999 turned out to be another in a string of great vintages in Washington.  The Merlot and Chardonnay represent its intense ripe fruit character and flavor.  The wines are made under Consulting Winemaker Tom Eddy's protocols at Hogue Cellars and represents great value.

• SALMON HARBOR 1999 Merlot $9--"The signature grape for Washington can be made in a couple of styles and this one is soft, youthful, meant to be enjoyed in its youth; consequently, it has moderate weight, touch of oak, easy-going tannins, cherry, cocoa, leather and smoke flavors, pair with barbequed lamb and Cajun"
• SALMON HARBOR 1999 Chardonnay $9--"a style that's good with seafood dishes, pear, mint, toast, apple, vanilla, soft, round and creamy"

ST.FRANCIS has released two wines produced from 100% Sonoma County grapes grown on the estate and growers' vineyards.

• ST. FRANCIS  1999 Chardonnay $13--Winemaker Tom Mackey says, "This wine is fresh, crisp and citrusy with a bit of oak and refreshing acidity.   The vintage reveals ripe fruit flavors, melon aromas, hints of oak and vanilla.   It's medium bodied and carries the fruit, grape acidity and oak very well to a persistent finish."
• ST. FRANCIS 1998 Merlot $25--"This wine is a full and intense expression of the grape in a distinctive Sonoma style--plummy black fruit, spicy herb and vanilla nuances with ripe lush flavors, hints of chocolate and generous round tannins."

RODNEY STRONG Winemaker Rick Sayre says, "When you have access to so many fine vineyards, the desire to make a wine in the true essence of a Reserve is an engaging undertaking."  So, he has made the 1996 RODNEY STRONG Cabernet Sauvignon $40.  "It's like skimming the cream from the milk, or the best grapes from the best lots within the best vineyard locations--from elevation at 1100 feet to the loamy soils at the edge of Russian River."  This is truly a winemaker's wine.   It has already won two gold medals.  You better get two or three bottles.

LAKE SONOMA WINERY specializes in Zinfandels from the Dry Creek Valley and had released the LAKE SONOMA 1998 ZINFANDEL $15--a wine artfully blended with Cinsault, Cabernet and Merlot.  Barrel aged for 19 months, it offers balance, flavors of cherry, black berry and black pepper and a bright acidity that makes it hearty enough for venison or rack of lamb.

• STERLIING VINEYARDS 1998 Napa Valley Merlot $22--"Deep ruby, big, dense, jammy aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, plush, elegant, full, ripe fruit, spicy oak and subtle youthful tannins, fleshy and full."
• STERLING VINEAYRDS 1998 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $22--"concentrated aromas of black berries, plums, rose petals, hints of spicy oak, cinnamon, juniper, bright, rich and juicy, semi-sweet chocolate finish'

• ST. SUPERY 1998 Merlot Napa Valley $20--"vibrant colors, elegant black cherry, blueberry, subtle oak, sprinkling tobac and anise, well- structured palate"
• ST. SUPERY 1999 Chardonnay Napa Valley $19--"fresh, complex flavors, melon, green apple, cantaloupe, citrus, rich oak, tropical fruits, crisp elegant finish"

• VERAMONTE 1999 Merlot $10--"rich black berry, cherry, spicy black pepper, tobac, hint eucalyptus, mint, subtle underlay of oak"
• VEREMONTE  1999 Cabernet Sauvignon $10--"concentrated black cherry and black berry, well-integrated oak, earthy, creamy mouthfeel, soft tannins"

VILLA MT. EDEN Winemaker Mike McGrath produces three styles of wine: Coastal, Grand Reserve and Signature Series.  Each one offers distinct characteristics yet share a commitment to clear varietal expression.

• VILLA MT. EDEN 1998 Grand Reserve Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard $21--"Intense aromas of ripe black fruit, briar and white pepper, a palate of dense marinated plum and black berry jam is augmented by layers of caramel, mocha and spice.   The mouthfeel is full and smooth and the finish rich and sustained."
• VILLA MT. EDEN 1997 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley$20--"Black cherry, cedar and dried spice aromas lead to rich flavors of chocolate and anise wrapped around a dense core of black plum.  The complexity and structural balance persist through the finish, drink now or age."
• VILLA MT. EDEN 1997 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino $54--"It has deep black cherry and intensity--a  powerful hillside Cabernet.   Raspberry jam, toasted oak and mint aromas with layers of cherry-berry jam, smoky mocha and vanilla on palate.  Built to last, this wine can be equally enjoyed for its bold, forthright character now, and for the elegance and harmony it will express with age."
• VILLA MT. EDEN 1999 Coastal Pinot Noir $10
• VILLA MT. EDEN 1998 Grand Reserve Syrah $20

CONN CREEK has released two wines.  The 1997 vintage signifies the debut vintage under Winemaker Tom Montgomery for the Anthology and Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon.  Complex, focused and intense are words often used to describe CONN CREEK Anthology, but equally applicable to Tom.  He crafts his wines in a classic Bordeaux style, with a touch of Napa Vllaey magic.

• CONN CREEK 1997 Anthology $55--"Fruit is sourced from select Napa vineyards with a proven track record of outstanding intensity and complexity.
• CONN CREEK 1997 Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon $25--"Napa 1997 has attained legendary status, having yielded an abundance of fruit that was fully ripe and exceptionally concentrated.  This cab is a bold, concentrated, age-worthy marriage of fruit and oak that captures the exuberant ripeness of the vintage."

FETZER Vineyards finally wrapped up harvest on November 8, 2000.   And, in spite of inconsistent weather and very slow ripening, the product experienced an overall quality that was very good across the board.   The first harvest of the new millennium also marked the inaugural crush at Fetzer's Central Coast winery in Paso Robles.  In keeping iwth Fetzer's policy of consideration, the innovative design features preserves teh freshness and quality of the fruit and sustainable building practices are employed to save energy and the environment.    Additionally, FETZER is kicking off a "makeover" of its Premium Varietal wine package.  Happily, the wines remain delicious and an excellent value.

• FETZER 1999 Echo Ridge Sauvignon Blanc, California $9
• FETZER 1998 Valley Oaks Zinfandel California $10
• FETZER 1998 Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon California $10
• FETZER 1999 Eagle Peak Merlot California $10

HERITAGE ROAD announced that the Aussies have scrapped their original 2025 long-term marketing plan--seems the 1996 sales goal was achieved in four years.   Driving the popularity of Australina wines are Chardonnay and Shiraz.  The new HERITAGE ROAD 1999 Hunter Valley Chardonnay epitomizes the style that American consumers now crave: rich, ripe, opulent fruit with oak-spice complexity and a fat mouthfeel--at a reasonable price, $13.  Try it, you'll like it!

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