The Sarah Jane English Newsletter:  52nd Edition
September 6, 2002

WINERY OF THE MONTH: SJE attends Harvest at ROBERT MONDAVI:
"Geographic diversity within Napa Valley's 35 miles between mountain ranges (western Vaca and eastern Mayacamas) provides many climates and soil types, allowing us to plant each grape variety where it thrives," Winemaker Tim says. "Our Robert Mondavi Winery District Wine Series marks the impact that regional characteristics give varietal flavor, texture and complexity."
    For example, palisades define Stags Leap District (SLD) on the eastern flank of the valley. San Pablo Bay breezes maintain cool temperatures morning and evening, while the steep cliffs retain and reflect the afternoon sun, making sections of Stags Leap much warmer than vineyards on the valley floor. This dramatic temperature fluctuation ripens grapes,  maintains natural acidity, and imparts subtle tannins--giving Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc elegant texture. Stags Leap's ancient volcanic soils retain less water, gently stressing the vines for fruit intensity. Another example is the Carneros.  Tempered by cool marine winds and San Pablo Bay fog, the Carneros region is the coolest area of Napa Valley, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  The warm sunlight increases the rate of development for color, flavors and sugars, while it degrades grapes' natural acidity. The climate results in an extended ripening period that preserves acids and develops complex flavors.  The Mondavis invited me to the 2002 harvest at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley--where we visited SLD and Carneros--and went to Byron Vineyards in beautiful Santa Barbara, County.  These facts were just some of the things I learned during my harvest visit to Mondavi properties.   I wouldn’t have missed it.  Tim insisted I practice his winegrowing philosophy by interacting with the vineyard and winery experts to perform harvest duties. They weren’t kidding when they told me to bring my work boots and clothes.  The path of the grape was followed from the vine into the new To Kalon fermentation cellar. Picking grapes may sound romantic, but it’s hard and fast work. Trucks bring the vinous treasures to the docks to be weighed. The next station unloads them--shoveling clusters from the trucks into the hopper must be done quickly, but the shovels are big and when full, they’re heavy. This was not my star performance.  In the lab, we discussed blending various wines and why certain grapes enhance others in a blend.  Fortunately the day’s activities were reinforced by an abundance of excellent company, good food and wine, and as usual, eating is what I did best--especially the menus orchestrated to complement the wines so perfectly--and that was all luncheons and dinners.  Private planes flew us to Santa Maria Valley and Byron Winery where Ken Brown gave us a tour.  I've visited this property several times as well and it's enlightening to see how the facility and the wines have evolved over the years.  We did a unique clonal tasting of Pinot Noirs at Nielson Estate and experienced crush in action--in the vineyard and in the cellar, and we did an impressive tasting of an array of Ken's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  I'll report more thoroughly in my article for the November/December Country Lifestyle.   I can also recommend the Vintage Inn (800/351-1133; http://www.vintageinn.com/) in Yountville as an excellent place to stay.  I especially like the vaulted beamed ceilings with a fan, spacious and bright rooms decorated with French fabrics and the whirlpool tub.  The Spa at Villagio (707/948-5050) is another highly recommended place.  

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

Varietal: Mixed Texas wines

• FALL CREEK 1999 Reserve Merlot $19
• Ste. GENEVIEVE (NV) Chardonnay $8
• BECKER VINEYARDS 2000 Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon $15
• SPICEWOOD VINEYARDS  2001 Sauvignon Blanc $9
• LLANO ESTACADO 2001 Shiraz $14
• MESSINA HOF 2000 Muscat Canelli $13

Australian:

• COLDSTREAM HILLS 2001 Sauvignon Blanc, Yarra Valley $17.50
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Semillon $10
• BLACK OPAL 2001 Chardonnay $11
• BARWANG 2000 Chardonnay $9
• PENFOLDS 2001 Koonunga Hill Cabernet Merlot $11
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Sauvignon Blanc $10
• ROTHBURY ESTATE 2001 Merlot $7
• McPHERSON 2000 Merlot $8
• LINDEMANS 2000 Merlot Bin 40 $9
• WOLF BLASS 200 Shiraz $12
• ROSEMOUNT  Hill of Gold 2000  Mudgee Shiraz $19
• PENFOLDS 1998 Magill Estate Shiraz $50
• PENFOLDS 1998 RWT Shiraz Barossa Valley $70

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NEWS

GALLO of SONOMA has introduced several new wines for your pleasure.  I enjoyed them with my friend Carmen Castorina at a delicious luncheon at the ever reliable Four Seasons Cafe in Austin.  You'll want to line up for these wines.  MacMURRAY Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, the MARCELINA 2000 Carneros Pinot Noir--a new grape for this label.  These elegant wines are full flavored, properly textured and delicious with every sip.  (Please see more information below)

INNISKILLIN ICEWINES has garnered many awards--two gold medals to the 1999 Riesling Icewine VQA and 1999 Sparkling Icewine VQA  in 2002 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition (96 gold medals awarded among 2,610 entries); two gold awards from International Wine Challenge at the London International Wine & Spirits Fair (9,000 entries); golds medals at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, also awarded to the 1999 Riesling Icewine VQA and 2000 Inniskillin Vidal Icewine, and more.  INNISKILLIN makes lovely wines.

ZAP 2003 Festival:  12TH Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers'(ZAP) Festival; January 22-25, 2003
WHAT: 12th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival, San Francisco
1/22: A regional showcase of California Zinfandel at COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & The Arts. 
1/23: Good Eats & Zin: Rosenblum Cellars;  Bay Area restaurants are teamed with 35 Zinfandel wineries in a walk-around tasting.
1/24: Evening With The Winemakers - Blue Jeans To Black Tie:  includes a tasting, silent auction, multi-course dinner and live auction.
1/25: 12TH Annual Zinfandel Tasting: Ft. Mason Center, San Francisco,  300 wineries pour barrel samples and new releases.
TICKETS: call 415/345-7575.  Visit http://www.zinfandel.org/. ZAP, a non-profit, education organization, advances public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel.

LA CREMA Winery, a  pioneer of the Russian River Valley, won Best of Class Pinot Noir and the André Tchelistcheff Winemaker of the Year at the 2002 San Francisco International Wine Competition.  The Winemaker of the Year award is given to a small production winery earning the most medal points in the competition.   La Crema Winemaker Jeff Stewart entered 11 wines in the nation's largest wine competition, which this year saw more than 3,800 entries from wineries around the world. The wines included Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah and the winery won nine medals for his efforts.

HANDLEY CELLARS owner and winemaker Milla Handley marks two decades of making wine in Anderson Valley.  She began by producing 250 cases in the basement of a small house in a then unknown wine region, 1982.  Today Handley Cellars produces 15,000 cases in a handsome facility in the now well-respected Anderson Valley, Mendocino County.  The idea of a woman both owning the winery and making the wine, though still rare, no longer borders on the unprecedented--even though Milla was among the first and remains one of the few women in this position.  Congratulations, Milla!!

FETZER VINEYARDS WINS 2002 GOLDEN BEAR AWARD --  For the second time (first in 1995), Fetzer Vineyards, Mendocino, won the Golden Bear Award at the 2002 California State Fair Wine Competition.  Annually, the award goes to the winery with the best overall performance in the Competition.   Fetzer  won 15 medals for 21 entered wines, including a Double Gold/Best of California Award for the 2000 Fetzer Reserve Pinot Noir.  "This award acknowledges not only our winemaking team, but also our entire organization," Dennis Martin, Fetzer Director of Winemaking said. "It rewards our ability to continually produce excellent quality wines in a wide array of varietals and styles and at many different prices. We're excited to have received this award."
   This year, 467 wineries in the state submitted 2,533  wines for the judging. 
    The Fetzer family founded the winery in 1968.  It has been part of Brown-Forman Wines since 1992.  Fetzer produces several lines of quality wine including Sundial Chardonnay and Eagle Peak Merlot and the super-premium Barrel Select and Reserve labels.
    Please see  www.fetzer.com.
Double Gold: 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley (97) Best of California and Best of Class
Gold
1999 Barrel Select Zinfandel, California (94)
2001 Echo Ridge White Zinfandel, California (94)
Best of California and Best of Class
2001 Bel Arbor White Zinfandel (94)

BEAULIEU Vineyard has honored Andre Tchelistcheff, "Father of California Winemaking."    Paying tribute to the Russian emigre whose delicate palate and technical expertise are credited for putting California on the map of the world's best wine-producing regions, Beaulieu Winemaker Joel Aiken unveiled a bronze stature of Tchelistcheff during a ceremony at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, in St. Helena.  The statue will stand on the main floor of the Culinary Institute for 12 to 18 months before it is moved to its permanent home at Beaulieu.

RAYMOND 1999 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the coveted four-star Gold Medal at the 2002 Orange County Wine Fair.  According to their spokesperson, "Walt and Roy Raymond are members of the old school in Napa, as befits a family that has been making wine since the late 19th century.  They don't spend a lot of time touting their wines; they let the wines speak for themselves."

KCBX CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC concluded its array of educational food and wine events with the second most successful auction in its history--live and silent auction bids of $710,353.20--and an overall event revenue of $925,000.00.  The 2003 KCBX will take place in and around Avila Beach, California, from July 8-13, 2003 and information is available at (805) 781-3026 or http://www.kcbx.org/

STEVENOT 2000 Tempranillo won four gold medals in 2002 competitions: California State Fair, Los Angeles County Fair, Calaveras County Fair and Amador County Fair--silvers at El Dorado Country Fair and the San Francisco Wine Competition.
 

NEW RELEASES
(quotes are winemakers' comments and prices vary store to store)

• BARON HERZOG 2000 Merlot $13: "This Merlot brings together all the appealing facets of the varietal; ripe strawberry, tea, jam and very light coffee notes. Look for oak notes associated with aging in small barrels. This wine should not be aged more than five years, but should develop nicely during that period.  Soft in the mouth; aroma notes of strawberry jam and tea with pleasing oak bouquet."
• BARON HERZOG 2000 Zinfandel, Lodi $13: "This Zinfandel was harvested later then normal because of sporadic late rainfall and cool temperatures. The Grapes were harvested from the small, head-trained vines of the Watts Vineyard planted in 1935. This cool year produced a wine with deep color, rich texture and lovely berry, stem notes of the varietal.  Aged in small new and one-year-old barrels for eight months, the wine has an oak bouquet and flavor.  Enjoy  with roasts, tomato based pasta dishes or alone with cheese. Deep color, rich texture and lovely berry and tea aroma notes. Elegant bouquet and flavor 
• BARON HERZOG 2001 Chenin Blanc $7 ; "This perennial Gold Medal winner from Clarksburg appellation displays all of the wonders of this varietal--intense fruit notes of gooseberry, peach and nectarine.  Serve chilled with veal and entrees of poultry."

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CASTELLO di GABBIANO Chiantis from Tuscany are classic styles, medium bodied with cherry and red berry flavors, lost of perfume and slight floral notes.

• CASTELLO di GABBIANO 1999 Chianti Classico Riserva $17: "The Sangiovese was fermented for 12 days with 9 days of stirrings to enhance color and flavor."
• CASTELLO di GABBIANO 2000 Chianti Classico  $12: "This Sangiovese was fermented for 15 days with pump-over since the fruit was intensely colored and ha d softer tannins and aged six months."

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ECCO DOMANI (which means here's tomorrow) is contemporary in style and taste, easy to drink, well-balanced and concentrate on fruit.  ECCO DOMAINI 2001 Chianti, Tuscany $10: "ruby red, deeply-fruited bouquet of cherries and fresh red frit, lively, soft rounded tannins, long, fine finish--the well-structured wine complements all pasta dishes, hor d'eouvres or white meats."

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• VALLEY OF THE MOON 2001 Pinot Blanc $15: "This refreshing white wine is crisp and vibrant with substantial structure and balance, with fresh fruit character and crisp acidity.  Its lively and rich with the luscious flavors of pears and apples, hints of pineapple and delicate nuances of oak."
• VALLEY OF THE MOON 2001 Sonoma Chardonnay $15: This unique silk-screened black and white package looks great placed on the table to complement a lovely table setting and deliciously partnered with most seafood and poultry entrees.  It's richly textured, layered with vanilla, Delicious Apple and Bartlett pear flavors. "

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PENFOLDS of Australia’s wine industry is one of great quality and value.  It is renowned as Australia’s "Most Famous Wine."  From the adventurous beginnings of Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold who left England to settle in a far-off land, Penfolds' story is a 150-year legacy of achievement that has defined the company.  It has five ranges of wines available in America: entry level Rawson's Retreat $9; Koonunga Hill $11; Thomas Hyland $14; prestigious Bin Series and the ultra premium wines.   KOONUNGA HILL, listed below, is fruit forward, full-flavored and immediately appealing, ideally suited for chicken, cheeses and lamb.  ROSEMOUNT ESTATES is another Australian wine prize.  Founded in 1969 by Robert Oatley, it regularly receives awards and accolades for its distinctive, full-flavored wines and was named "New World Winery of the Year 2001" by Wine Enthusiast."  ROSEMOUNT, although best known for its diamond label packaged wines,  produces several tiers of premium wines: Show Reserve; Hill of Gold, Mudgee; single varietal wines from Orange and the three flagship wines--Roxburgh Chardonnay, Mountain Blue Shiraz Cabernet and Balmoral Syrah.  Rosemount remained family owned until it merged with Southcorp in 2001.   The ROSEMOUNT DIAMOND LABEL, listed below,  wines are fresh, fruit filled, and delicious with understated oak.

• PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL 2001 Chardonnay$11
• PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL 2001 Semillon Chardonnay$11
• PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL 2001 Cabernet Merlot $11
• PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL 2001 Shiraz Cabernet$11
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001Chardonnay Semillon $9
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Chardonnay $10
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Sauvignon Blanc $10
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Semillon $10
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Cabernet Merlot $
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001 Shiraz Cabernet $9
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2001Shiraz $12
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2000 Merlot $11
• ROSEMOUNT ESTATE 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon $11

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SILVERADO Vineyards is renewing a commitment its founders made in 1981 with new vineyards in production and a comprehensive cellar redesign.  When Diane Disney Miller and her husband Ron Miller bought two neighboring vineyards in the late 1970s, her goal was "to make something beautiful from this land." They sold the grapes to Napa vintners at first, and then built their own winery in 1981.   The stone winery stands on a knoll above Silverado Trail in the heart of Stags Leap District.  Production is limited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.   "Whatever the cost, " the Millers said, "Silverado will deliver the best wines Napa Valley can produce at a fair price."  General Manager and Winemaster Jack Stuart has been in charge since 1980--designing the winery and overseeing vineyard development and doing most everything else!  He has been acknowledged as one of the best winemakers in Napa Valley.  "From harvest to the bottle, we dedicate each step in the winemaking process to expressing the quality of our grapes--grown on our 400-acre properties," Stuart says. http://www.silveradovineyards.com/

• SILVERADO Vineyards 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (5% Semillon) Napa $14: "corn silk color, varietal herb, fresh pineapple and Meyer lemon aromas, sweet citrus, melon and subtle tarragon flavors, slightly tart with medium body, long clean finish"
• SILVERADO Vineyards 2000 Chardonnay, Napa $20: "apple, nutmeg, butterscotch aromas, pear, vanilla and toasty oak flavors, medium body with rich, silky texture and long lingering finish"
• SILVERADO Vineyards 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (6% Merlot/4% Cab Franc) $35: "Forward aromas of mocha, cassis and bay leaf, full and rich black cherry and cassis fruit meet cinnamon and pepper spices and sweet oak on the palate, superb balance continues through a persistent finish"
• SILVERADO Vineyards 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District $65: "Aromas of cassis. black cherry, bay leaf with full, rich cassis and plum fruit mix , black pepper, black olive and sweet oak notes on palate, refined balance marked by exceptional length"
• SILVERADO Vineyards 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Reserve Stags Leap District $95: "Dark and lush, aromas of sweet chocolate, nutmeg and cassis, hints of green olive and new oak, concentrated boysenberry and black currant flavors, dark spices, rich and mouth filling with satisfying grip at the finish"

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BOLLINGER has remained one of my favorite champagnes.  I have written more articles on France's Champagne region than any other area of France's wine country.  I really adore it.  I especially enjoyed dining at the table of Christian and Marie Helene Bizot when he directed the firm.  The oldest bottle (1924) I've had the pleasure of sipping was with them in their good company at their table.  BOLLINGER remains a wonderful Champagne House, founded in 1829, and one of the few remaining family-owned and-managed Grandes Marques houses in Champagne.  It is renowned for continuing to use traditional methods, including the grapes--pinot noir and chardonnay--barrel fermentation, aging its reserve wines in magnum and extra aging on the lees.

• Champagne BOLLINGER  1995  Grande Annee Brut $90: "A vinous, sensual wine with pale straw and a fine, vivacious bead, intense nose yet with great finesse, slightly spicy palate with aromas of apples, pear, apricot and quince and hints of toasted bread, nut, mushroom and butter"
• Champagne BOLLINGER  Special Cuvee  Brut $45: "Pale golden with yeasty aromas, very dry but with toasty flavors, round and rich, full bodied and mature with perfect balance between firmness ad freshness, length equal to its richness and with a persistent fine bead"

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BELLA SERA 2001 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie: "honeysuckle, pineapple, apricot aromas, well balanced and dry, subtle flavors of apples and pears, harmonious, light to medium body, crisp silky finish"

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   NICOLAS, a French wine company that represents all major French appellations, has selected bottles to be shipped to the U.S. under the MAISON NICOLAS label--Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauternes, Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah Cotes-du Rhone and Pinot Noir.  These wines are known for balance and drinkability and priced between $6 and $16.  

• Reserve MAISON NICOLAS 2000 Cotes du Rhone $9: "full and well balanced, mellow finish, mild tannins, fragrant with spicy notes of dark fruits and licorice, round and earthy--serve with lamb"
• Reserve MAISON NICOLAS 2000 Chardonnay $7: "lively, well balanced aromas of acacia and white flowers, rich notes of gilled almond, sweet toast and touch of honey--a 'Top Ten' winner of a Gold Medal in international competition and silver in a French one"

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• GEYSER PEAK 1999 Block Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Kuimelis Vineyard $26 (only 1200 cases): "deep ruby, classic Alexander Valley character of black cherry and cassis, complexity, elements of cedar and nutmeg, intense blackberry fruit and spice, great structure and balance, long persistent finish of fine-grained tannins"   
• GEYSER PEAK 1999 Reserve Merlot $40: "powerfully structured, dark color, dense, rich exotic nose of red cherry, cocoa, substantial tannins are ripe and round, finish is long, may cellar four to six years"
• GEYSER PEAK 1999 Block Collection Merlot, Shorenstein Vineyard $26 (360 cases): "aromas of dried roses, fennel seed, spice, mint, and underlying component of sweet cedary oak, soft rounded tannins, rich flavors of wild berries with a finish of plush tannins"

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 BUENA VISTA Winery was founded by Hungarian wine pioneer Count Agoston Haraszthy  in scenic Sonoma Valley in 1857--California's oldest premium winery.  The Buena Vista portfolio has three tiers: BUENA VISTA CLASSICS; BUENA VISTA CARNEROS ESTATE AND BUENA VISTA CARNEROS GRAND RESERVE.  The winery owns 1000 acres of prime Carneros appellation property, straddling both Sonoma and Napa counties.  Grapes for the Classics tier are harvested throughout the winegrowing regions of California.

• BUENA VISTA 2000 Chardonnay, California $8: "smooth, well structured, rich and balanced, toasty oak, vanilla, caramel, soft pear and light honey, crisp citrus finish, serve with lemon-herb chicken, white cream sauced pasta dishes"
• BUENA VISTA 2000 Merlot California $: "cherries, blackberries, spicy oak, silky mouthfeel, long fruit-driven finish, serve with pasta and pizza, hamburgers"
• BUENA VISTA 2000 Zinfandel California $9: "ripe Bing cherries, smooth mouthfeel, spicy finish, jammy character, serve with barbecue and favorite Italian dishes"
• BUENA VISTA 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon California $9: "red raspberries, vanilla, toasty oak, hint of earth and cassis, medium bodied, smooth mouthfeel, mild tannins, spicy finish, serve with beef stew, roasted lamb, steaks or sausages"
• BUENA VISTA 2001Sauvignon Blanc California $7: "fresh citrus, tropical fruits, mild honeysuckle, melon, pears, grapefruit, delicate floral nuances, smooth with crisp citrus finish, serve with salads, gilled fish, roasted poultry and mild chesses"

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HESS Select 2000 Syrah California $14: "This wine came from a vintage that was near perfect in growing conditions," say Winemaker Dave Guffy.  "Summer was warm but moderate, allowing fruit to mature evenly.  Grapes were able to develop full, rich, ripe flavors with the good weather through harvest.  This wine brims with ripe blueberry and back cherries then vanilla and spice on a rich palate vibrant with cherries and cranberries, followed by supple and ripe tannins.  Enjoy!"

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NAPA RIDGE has a line of wines that profess to being "a wine that likes to dine."  Consumers are always seeking food-loving, polite and affordable wines so Napa Ridge's answer is Coastal Ridge wines.  They're a great value and they're made with food in mind.  "These wines are destined to be good food companions," says Winemaker Bob Stashak.  "Neither is bombastic or over oaked.   Our oak aging program along with careful blending results in multi-dimensional wines.  These wines are complex and well-behaved at the table."

• COASTAL RIDGE 2000 Chardonnay $7
• COASTAL RIDGE 2000 Shiraz $7

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SEQUOIA GROVE 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29) is an interesting way to end the 20th century.  The red grapes had not even changed color by the first of September, and with picking usually six weeks after veraison, we did the only sensible thing we could and cut off 20 to 30 per cent of the fruit to force the remaining berries on the vines to ripen.   Even so, a lovely Indian summer finally arrived in October and guaranteed the ripening of the remaining fruit.  The harvest was late, (mid November for Sequoia Grove) and enjoyed incredible hand time--spring to almost winter--giving the wine powerful flavors and structure.  The young tannins have already begun to soften, allowing this wine to released early.   1999 was definitely one of the great vintages of the century--a big mouthful of lasting flavors, which is a joy to any Cabernet Sauvignon drinker. 

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KENWOOD has released its celebrated Artist's Series Cabernet Sauvignon with the label by John Grillo.   This annual event began with the 1976 vintage and initial artist Nell Melcher.    KENWOOD has released a trio of thirst-quenching Sonoma County white wines. 

• KENWOOD 2001 Sauvignon Blanc $12: "A vibrant blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Chardonnay, this wine is still Kenwood's most popular wine.  Fresh and lively, through to the finish, this crisp, well-balanced wine has tropical fruit, pear, citrus and is great with oysters and cracked crab."
• KENWOOD 2001 Gewurztraminer $11: "Dry in style, it has appealing flavors of apricot and lychee fruit accented by aromas of rosewater and spice, a nice accompaniment to well-seasoned foods--Thai or Cajun.". 
• KENWOOD 2001 Chardonnay $$15: "layers of pear and green apple, hints of toasted vanilla oak, fruit driven and beautifully balanced, rich and creamy, perfect dinner companion for gilled salmon and fresh tuna"

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• ST. SUPERY 1999 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $24: "An appealing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  A long growing season allowed grapes to reach full flavor maturity: ripe blackberry and briar aromas, licorice and coffee expressions, currant and blackberry flavors, cassis and charred oak, vanilla and a firm tannin structure, elegant finish."
• ST. SUPERY 2000 Napa Valley Chardonnay $19: "fresh tropical melon, green apple aromas, creamy attributes from sur-lie maturation, mango and cantaloupe flavors, hints of toasted complexities, full, rich and finishes crisply elegant"

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• RAYMOND Napa Valley Reserve 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon $40: "Fruit was hand-picked when Brix reached 24 degrees and crushed within hours thereafter, fermented with skins at 75-80 degrees, 7 days with 20-minute pump overs twice in 24 hours, pressed and filtered before moving to barrels for 18-20 months and blended  before bottling.  The wine  has blackberry and violet aromas, perfumy bouquet, briary and dusty notes, rich and full with a smooth, flavorful finish and appropriate tannin and structure."   This wine was a four-star Gold Medal winner at the Orange County Wine Fair.
• RAYMOND Napa Valley Reserve 1998 Zinfandel $21: "Showing intense berry, spicy and peppery characteristics in bouquet and body, lightly tannic, cherry and cranberry hints, tobac and briary elements, spicy berry flavors, serve with grilled ribs, spicy pastas, burgers and blue cheese."

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BRANCOTT 2002 Marlborough Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $18: "An excellent growing season that produced healthy grapes in tonnage and quality, this wine balances fruit flavors an the refreshingly crisp acidity that are hallmarks. Aromas of fresh bell pepper and ripe nectarine, long rich palate displays bell pepper, melon and stone fruit, complemented by touches of tropical fruits."

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  KENDALL-JACKSON WINE ESTATES has new releases from three of  its properties: LA CREMA, CAMELOT, and YANGARRA PARK.  This release is the second from Yangarrra Park, K-J's new venture in Australia.  It is sources from the cool coastal areas and priced under $10 for a great value.

• YANGARRA PARK 2001 Chardonnay Southeastern Australia $10: "smooth and creamy, layers of pears, citrus and tropical fruits, balanced with complex nutty and spicy characters derived from oak fermentation and maturation"
• YANGARRA PARK 2001 Merlot Southeastern Australia $10: "opulent flavors of ripe plum and wild berry, smooth and luscious, harmoniously balanced with subtle layers of toasted oak, finish is long and velvety"
• YANGARRA PARK 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Southeastern Australia $10: "concentrated, dark, full-bodied red wine with elegant flavors of blackberry and cassis, deftly balanced with layers of spicy oak, smooth tannins and a lingering finish"
• YANGARRA PARK 2001 Shiraz Southeastern Australia $10: "showcases the best of this Australian varietal, robust, ruby-red color with rich aromas of licorice and spice, flavors of lush ripe plums balanced with hints of pepper and vanilla oak, finish is complex, long and smooth"
• CAMELOT 2000 Zinfandel $9: "Classically crafted from California's best premium growing regions, a tapestry of flavors showcasing lush, ripe fruit underscored by subtle complexities, pair with roasted meats and vegetables."
• LA CREMA 2000 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay $20: "rich apple, pear, citrus aromas,  subtle spice, mineral an creamy vanilla with bright citrus, apple and peach on the palate, sweet vanilla balanced by good acidify that carries fruit and complexity to lingering finish"
• LA CREMA 2000 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $25: "balanced, aromas of red raspberry, blackberry, anise, cola, and cinnamon, bright cherry and raspberry flavors and balanced acid meld with subtle earthiness and finish with black cherry and clove."

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SIMI 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley $70: "This year produced fruit with plenty of color and excellent tannin ripeness.  Simi Reserve is blended with the best lots of fruit from Alexander Valley vineyards, exhibits firm, smooth structure, rich ripe black fruit, black cherries and berries and fills mouth with flavors of vanilla, cedar an spice, long rich supple finish with aging potential."

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McWILLIAM'S WINES, founded in 1877, is one of Australia's oldest and most highly respected  family-owned wine companies.  They own premium vineyards in the Riverina, Hunter Valley, Hilltops in new South Wales, Yarra Valley in Victoria and Coonawarra.  Several wine ranges showcases the regional differences: McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, McWilliam's Inheritance, Mount Pleasant, Brands of Coonawarra and Lillydale Vineyards.  Six generations (125 years) of family passion and winemaking tradition along with fine grapes guarantee that McWilliam's Hanwood Estate range is of consistently high quality from one vintage to the next.  In the year 2001, McWilliam's Wines was awarded 33 trophies and 456 medals in Australian wine shows.

• McWILLIAM'S HANWOOD ESTATE WINES 2001 Shiraz $11:  "intense cherry and plum flavors, soft, rich and persistent with black cherry, forest berry integrated with vanilla and coffee, pair with meat dishes, saddle of lamb, char-grilled aged beef, roasted vegetables.
• McWILLIAM'S HANWOOD ESTATE WINES 2001 Chardonnay $11:  "peach and melon flavors, light oak, complex vanilla overtones, long crisp finish, serve with fish dishes, grilled salmon, grilled swordfish, fresh oysters"

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BLACK OPAL Winemaker Nigel Dolan says, "Coming from a country as large as Australia has its advantages.  We've developed a number of exceptional wine growing regions and a legacy for multi-regional blending.  It allows us to tap the best grapes in  given vintage and create consistency and quality in the bottle year in and year out.  Black Opal is a perfect example of this."

• BLACK OPAL 2001 Chardonnay $11: "peach, melon, and cream, rich long palate with fruitiness, smooth texture, dry finish"
• BLACK OPAL 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon $11: "great finesse and character, full flavored, rich black currant, mint, spice palate balanced by subtle oak, soft well-integrated tannins"
• BLACK OPAL 2000 Shiraz $11: "generous body and flavor, complex varietal character, soft oak tannin, spicy plum bouquet, rich and soft chocolate character"
• BLACK OPAL 2000 Cabernet Merlot $11: "full flavored, concentrated Cabernet characters of cassis and mint blended with the Merlot berry aromas, firm oak tannin, full bodied, long and finely textured"

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ARCHIPEL 1999 "comes from our hillside vineyards that rise above the valley fog in Napa and Sonoma like an archipelago rises from the sea.  This wine has been crafted for those who like things to be bold, bright and excitingly different.  ARCHIPEL is a rich, complex Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend.  It is sourced from select hillside vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, spent its adolescence in French and American oak before being polished and blended by our zealous winemaking team.  It's a wine for those who welcome something with more than a bit of an atitude."  http://www.archipelwines.com/

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• DRY CREEK VINEYARDS 2001 Fume Blanc $13: "Dry Creek's cornerstone wine, brisk, balanced flavors of lemongrass and lime, tropical fruits, bright acid, full and pleasing long memorable finish, enjoy with many foods, including fish, crab and oysters"
• DRY CREEK VINEYARDS 2000 Heritage Clone Zinfandel $15: "bright spicy, fruity wine, luscious old vines character, complexity, serve with a broad spectrum of foods--hamburgers to filet mignon"

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CHATEAU ST. JEAN Winemaker Steve Reeder is a friend, and has been for a number of years, but I'm continually delighted to discover things about folks who've been in  life for years.  Steve comments that he often is asked, "When will this wine be at its best?"  He says his response is "right here, right now."  Furthermore, he says, "While it may seem lighthearted , it is truly how I approach wine drinking.  I like to drink my wines young and, as Sonoma winemaker, this is easy to do. Sonoma County wines are rich and ripe upon release and I find very easy on the palate--including these releases.  All three are worthy of keeping for awhile, but I have styled them to be accessible and yet surprisingly complex"

• CHATEAU ST. JEAN Chardonnay $14: "Beautiful floral aromas of Plumeria and honeysuckle, tropical notes, rich, buttery entry with layers of orange zest, Asian pear and Golden Delicious apples, subtle smoky back note throughout a well-balanced finish."
• CHATEAU ST. JEAN Merlot $25: "aromas of mint, chocolate and blackberry jam, a soft, juicy palate filled with supple tannins, layered with notes of black cherry, sweet tobac and black plums to a long finish"
• CHATEAU ST. JEAN Fume Blanc $13: "Delicate perfume, white nectarine, honeydew notes, medium bodied, flavors of figs, orange rind, cigar box and pineapples, hint of smoky oak and a creamy finish"

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BERINGER Winemaker Laurie Hook says every vintage gives us new opportunities to explore.   "My mentor Ed Sbragia and I always look at ways to change and grow the quality in our wines and each vintage is a reflection.  Two examples of this sort of evolution are our BERINGER 2000 Carneros Pinot Noir and BERINGER 2000 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. 

• BERINGER 2000 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $12: "highlighted citrus, softer acidity, herbal notes, bright crispness, lush ripe melon, dried apricots and honeyed figs"  
• BERINGER 2000 Carneros Pinot Noir $16: "delicate aromas and flavors, classic red fruit nose complemented by sweet vanilla and brown spice aromas, cherry, raspberry, tart cranberry, white pepper, silky tannins and long fruity finish"

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GALLO OF SONOMA has a new ranch, MacMURRAY by name.  It was homesteaded by Col. Porter  who returned to the Russian River Valley as a hero of the Mexican wars in 1846.  In more than 150 years, only three families have lived on the land known as Mac MURRAY Ranch.  Fred MacMurray and June Haver of Hollywood fame brought the ranch in 1941 as a retreat.  In 1996 the Gallo family bought the land from the MacMurrays, who like the Porters had raised cattle.  The Gallos saw vineyards were cattle had grazed, and though the old homestead still stands in the meadow, the land has been given vineyards.  The Russian River Valley is heaven for Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, which are the two specialties of MacMURRAY--and boy are they good!

• MacMURRAY 2001 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris $23: "fruits and flowers upfront with a voluptuous texture and substantial body, rich aromas of fig, pear, peach and tropical fruits, smooth lingering finish"
• MacMURRAY 2001 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $32: "classic, concentrated fruit flavors of deep black cherry shaded by toasted oak with richness and depth on the finish"

GALLO OF SONOMA has some newly released delicious bottles as well.  I stay impressed by these wines.  They're consistently good and reasonably priced.  Some folks still confuse GALLO OF SONOMA with the E. & J. GALLO "jug" wines produced in Modesto.  Please note the difference and treat yourself to some mighty fine GALLO OF SONOMA wine drinking.  Other properties of the Gallo Family of Wines include MARCELINA and ANAPAMU.

• GALLO OF SONOMA 1999 Sangiovese, Alexander Valley $13--"ripe berry and spice, dried cherry, soft uncomplicated tannins"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 2000 Chardonnay, Sonoma County $11-"a wine of structure and complexity, a serious, sophisticated  Chardonnay, yet easy to drink with compelling citrus flavors accented by vanilla and oak"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 2001 Reserve Pinot Gris, Sonoma Coast $13--"honeysuckle, peach,  pear, touch spice, light citrus, finishes with a zing acidity, serve with fish, light salads, white meats and creamy pastas"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir, Sonoma County $13--"bright raspberry, strawberry, cherry aromas, spicy/earthy complexity, rich velvety texture, sweet vanilla adds layer of interest"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 2000 Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Laguna Ranch, Russian River $24--" silky, elegant texture, peach, pear, apple, melon, accentuated by creaminess with sweet vanilla and toasty oak"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 2000 Reserve Merlot, Sonoma County $11--"oak complexity, rich blackberry and plum flavors, jamminess and soft oak"
• GALLO OF SONOMA Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma $13--"full, complex, concentrated flavors of black cherries, currant and spice, excellent tannic structure and good character"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 1997 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Frei Ranch, Dry Creek Valley $28--"firm tannins, dense colors and aromas and flavors, concentrated cherry, berry, plum and spice"
• GALLO OF SONOMA 1999 Single Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Frei Ranch, $24: "nicely structured and layered with oak and fruit and spice layers well integrated into a complex whole of richness"
• MARCELINA 2000 Pinot Noir, Carneros $32:  'I don't know if the beautiful packaging has a placebo effect, but I really love these wines.  The Pinot Noir is a new addition for MARCELINA (previously only Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon); however, in my opinion it is a wonderful addition.   I found it a lovely, elegant, floral-perfumy, compelling wine filled with red berry flavors, especially, ripe boysenberry and some brown sugar touches to spice.
• ANAPAMU 2000 Syrah Paso Robles $16: "aromas of ripe black cherries, violets, ripe plums, full bodied, white  pepper flavors balanced by rich meaty texture, serve with  game, robust meat dishes, and roasted chicken"

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• CAIN MUSQUE 2001Sauvignon Blanc, Ventana Vineyard,  Monterey $23: "This 13th vintage like its predecessors is from the unique "Musque' selection of Sauvignon Blanc.  In cold climate and sandy soils like Ventana Vineyard, its profile is subtle pink grapefruit, citrus and mineral and bracingly crisp and balanced. Since is CAIN is dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a labor of love," says Winemaker Chris Howell.  "I think this wine goes best with seafood, especially shellfish." 
• CAIN CONCEPT 1999 ($46) is the second vintage of a new Cabernet blend from CAIN.  It is a different style from CAIN FIVE--driven by mountain fruit.  "Concept is based on fruit grown in selected benchland and hillside vineyards in Napa Valley," Chris says.  "We emphasize the lush fruit and soft, supple tannins, matured to full potential, ripe plummy aromas and sweet soft tannins, spiciness and depth of body.  Not inoculated, not filtered, not fined and aged 100% in new French oak."

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BYINGTON Vineyards & Winery, Santa Cruz Mountains, specializes in chardonnay and red Bordeaux-style wines. Bill and
Mary Byington purchased the original 95 acres of forestland in 1958.  After three decades of preserving the property, premium wine grapes were planted on the rugged mountain terrain, and the Byington Winery Chateau was established.  The Byingtons recently acquired 234 acres near Paso Robles, home to a thriving variety of grapes in varied soil compositions and diverse microclimates.  The Byington's will be dedicating the land primarily to Bordeaux varieties, while experimenting with Rhône varieties.

• BYINGTON 2000 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains $18: "A classic example of Santa Cruz Mountains fruit elevated with meticulous vinification including multiple yeast varieties, a variety of French oaks and malolactic fermentation.  Crisp, flinty, yet full, rich and layered."
• BYINGTON 2000 Chardonnay Sonoma County $18: "Produced with meticulous vinification and multiple yeast varieties, a variety of French oaks and malolactic fermentation but with warmer climate fruit that yields an aromatic wine of exceptional lushness."
• BYINGTON 1999 Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains, Bates Ranch $26: "Crafted as the showpiece of the Byington portfolio with two-ton per acre grapes, fermented in open top tanks and aged in French oak barrels from multiple coopers.  A quintessential example of Cabernet from the warm side of the Santa Cruz Mountains (only 1820 cases).
• BYINGTON 1999 Alliage Sonoma County $21: "(French for alloy), this wine acknowledges Bill Byington's history in the metals industry.  This blend yields a finished product that is greater than the sum of its parts--all integrated in the proper proportion.  This harmonious balance is expressed through Don Blackburn's spice rack approach." 

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BONNY DOON's bright and witty man Randall Grahm has introduced a screw cap wine-bottle closure (Stelvin™) to his latest versions of Ca del Solo wines.  He has his particular descriptive style and I'll include what's appropriate and cleverly written.  "The Screw? Rest assured that the Stelvin™ is in no way an inferior form of closure to the more prevalent 17th century technology commonly referred to as the cork.  While the Stelvin™ closure may not provide the cork's POP and circumstance we associate with this potent cultural signifier, there are a few other tree-bark related shortcomings that it elegantly eludes," Grahm says.  (Now here is definitely an adroitly witty man.)  "Specifically, wines sealed with a Stelvin™ closure are not susceptible to corkiness, that noxious mustiness which all too often taints wines sealed with even the most expensive traditional corks.  Stelvin™ makes a nearly perfect airtight seal, actually more airtight than a cork.  .  .  and there's the not so insignificant matter convenience--no need for a post graduate degree in mechanical engineering nor superhuman strength and dexterity to open . . . opposable thumbs will do."

• BONNY DOON Ca del Solo 2001 Big House Red $10: "One trusts that the issues surrounding the packaging of this wine will not distract you, sensitive and discriminating reader, from the real meat, viz--how does the wine taste after all?" writes Grahm.  "It is one of many Italian products from our 140-acre Ca del Solo Estate vineyard, strategically situated an ankle iron's toss from the local pokey, the Soledad Men's Correctional Facility, possibly explaining knotted bed sheets and searchlights depicted on the label-- reasonably concluding our prisoner is attempting escape.  We have substantial cabernet franc and a dollop of petit verdot for backbone and sleek texture, and as expected a major explosion of red fruit, but this wine breaks out into new territory with far greater depth, body, and grip . . Red has been pumping iron.  Pair with garlic-roasted chicken, herb-crusted anything, pizza, hamburger."
• BONNY DOON Ca del Solo 2001 Big House White $10: "A blend of sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot blanc, pinot gris, viognier and malvasia, an unorthodox but extremely harmonious confection--crisp, musk-melon, pineapple nose coupled with reassuring scents of grapefruit and gooseberry, good acidity, soft, delicate texture--the frivolous label perhaps belies the extreme seriousness of this wine."

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CHATEAU POTELLE 2000 Zinfandel, Paso Robles $22:  Proprietors Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux say this new ZIN comes form their 90-acre property that's famous for producing superb quality ZIN.  "Our Paso Robles  vineyard fits right into our Château Potelle philosophy--low yields, small berries and steep, difficult 50-degree slope vineyards.  It has a gorgeous finish that speaks to the overall harmony and balance of this fine wine--enjoyable bouquet, complex nose."

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CLASSIC WINES Marketing Manager Renata Franzia says "Too many wines cost to much; bringing wine of quality and character to the consumer at an affordable price is key--great value is always in style."  Hence, FORESTVILLE wines.

• FORESTVILLE 2000 Chardonnay $6: "forward nose of apples and pears, elegant flavors of rich fig, honey and vanilla, hint toast, polished finish"
• FORESTVILLE  2000 Merlot $6: "jammy, full-bodied, packed with rich chocolate, raspberry, balanced with toasty oak, soft fruity finish"

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ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS (AVV) Owner Hank Wetzel says these two new releases signal a renaissance at AVV.  "Winemaker Kevin Hall has enhanced our wines by maximizing the impact of our vigorous replanting (begun in 1990), a complete equipment upgrade and our expanded barrel program.  He continually refines his techniques, using more blending varietals, multiple yeast strains and small lot fermentation."

• ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2001 Wetzel Family Estate Chardonnay $15: "combines two clones grown on diverse sites, juice fermented 30% oak and 70% stainless, aged nine months sur lie."
• ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2001 Wetzel Family Estate Merlot $20: "blend of grapes from nine vineyards, each fermented differently, twice daily pumpovers for high extraction, deeply flavored wine, blended with 6% Cabernet Franc for enhanced aromatics"

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CANYON ROAD 2001 Chardonnay $9: Director of Public Relations Robin Oden says, "The questions most often asked about Canyon Road is, "How do you make such a great wine for such a great price?'  The secret that we are proud to share is vineyard sources.  For this wine, the winemaking team used several Northern California locations.  The result is crisp, medium-bodied style--just 50% malolactic and a hint of oak--that may be enjoyed anytime, aromas of melon, tropical fruit, citrus characters enhanced by subtle vanilla, butter and oak overtones.  The palate is soft and round with balanced acidity and fruit flavors."

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Riedel Crystal

  The composition of glass has not changed for 4,000 years. It contains the naturally-occurring basic materials of quartz, lime and alkalis which are heated to 1000º Celsius to make them liquid and malleable.  A mere 2,000 years have passed since the glass blowpipe was first used, probably in ancient Rome--making it possible to blow glass into different shapes. At the Kufstein factory, Riedel glassblowers still use this age-old mouth-blowing method to create the world-famous handcrafted Riedel glasses with great care and precision.  Claus Riedel was the first person in glass history to design the shape according to the character of the wine--inventing the functional wineglass.    Riedel puts as much passion into developing fine wine glasses as winemakers put into their wines. George Riedel's mission is to provide the tools for each wine to express its finest elements--highlighted by the glass.    According to Georg Riedel, "Better wine is being produced today by more people in more places than ever before in history. World-class wines are being made by literally thousands of winemakers. Wine enthusiasts go to great lengths to discover these wines, buy them in sound condition, store them properly, serve them at the correct temperature and in surroundings that enhance them. Shouldn’t they also drink them from glasses that bring out their maximum beauty?"  Riedel Crystal was founded 240 years ago (ten generations) in 1756 by Johann Leopold Riedel in Bohemia, Austria.    There are several series of glass categories and kinds: Sommeliers, Vinum Extreme, Vinum, Wine, Ouveture, Basic and Restaurant. Please see www.RiedelCrystal.com for more information.

Molly Cooks! Molly Fowler Entertaining With Ease! ^®

Molly Fowler's cooking demonstrations have a flair and impact that are enticing. Her high-content, fast-paced presentations brim with a creative energy that keeps audiences laughing and learning.  A recent student summed up Molly’s teaching method: "the evening was more like a great dinner party than a cooking class!"   Novices and experienced cooks learn tips, tricks, and shortcuts to delicious flavors and food combinations. Her inventive menus, presentation techniques, and table displays are inspirational.  They are equally useful for those who enjoy well-established traditions or those who are just beginning their own traditions of elegance and style.  Molly’s credo, "Make every day an occasion," reflects her attitude and approach to cooking.  You will thoroughly enjoy being in the company of this lady.  For information: , 281/252-9941, MollyCF@aol.com, http://www.cokingwithmolly.com/