The Hugues de Coulmet has a creamier quality that is more easy going, while the vintage 2005 has a still-wine character that brings depth. The Crichet Paje on the table from 2002, a poor vintage but a great wine. wine picksYesterday was the Polaner Selections tasting and I dropped by for a while in the second half. Quite fun.

Julian, one of the friendly AXA staff people, picked myself and another student up from our station in a shimmering black car, and as if to highlight the drama of our destination, swirled the car into the impressive lengthy driveway of Chateau Pichon Longueville, where we would stay during our visit and dine tonight. Perfect Berries.

Julian, one of the friendly AXA staff people, picked myself and another student up from our station in a shimmering black car, and as if to highlight the drama of our destination, swirled the car into the impressive lengthy driveway of Chateau Pichon Longueville, where we would stay during our visit and dine tonight. The Control Room.

Here is what I found, in the approximate order of my preference: 2002 Panther Creek Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard , $35. If I had to pick one Oregon Pinot to buy every year, it would be this one. 2002 St. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard , $44. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Elizabeth's Reserve , $44.

2002 Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling, Eden Valley. 2005 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River. 2005 Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Riesling, Barossa. 2005 Mount Horrocks Riesling, Clare Valley. 2002 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2002 Peter Lehmann Reserve Riesling, Eden Valley.

The 2005, by contrast, was in a very nice spot, exhibiting more muted lime and floral character. The 1998 was oddly phenolic and, while quite solid, not as rewarding today as the 2005. The grapes were hand-picked, only free-run juice used, and the resulting wine has integrated acidity and minerality.). Quite delicious.

The host picks a theme and decides how to explore that theme. It's also an egalitarian system - the host who feels flush can select 2002 Vosne-Roman é e 1er Cru wines as the theme. The exceptions for me were the Pinon wines - the Brut was fine but the 2002 Vouvray Tradition was just no good. Pear and honey cake for dessert.

What's your current pick for best value in an Italian wine at Aroma? After they met in November 2002, they created an escape in their home by hosting frequent dinners to celebrate friendships and family, food and wine. What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine? That it is bad for you. That it should not be tannic.

In the past month or so I've tasted a few 2005's, some old familiar faces and some from producers that are pretty much new to me. They're calling 2005 a "classic" vintage in Oregon. If you haven't tried Oregon wine because you're a Burgundy lover, you might try something from 2005. And one of them was excellent by any standard.

2005 Burgundy! Like most wine lovers I've been awaiting the arrival of the 2005 vintage of Burgundy with baited breath. So I made my first foray north to pick out a case of 2005 Burgundy at Garnet on the Upper East Side, and to get my feet wet in this venerable (or venerably hyped) vintage. To the prices? stars. stars

I bet all of you read Eric Asimov's column on Wednesday where he talks about learning about wine at home by having your local wine salesperson pick out a case, taste through it, etc. Most are from 2005, a wonderful vintage. White: 2005 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine , $10 (so far, my case is the same as Lyle's).