JS , Score: 90, Nov 2002, Release Price: $52 Guido Porro Barolo Vigna S. JS , Score: 90, Release Price $40 Tua Rita Toscana Giusto di Notri 2002 x 2 WS: This shows beautiful vanilla, violet and berry character on the nose. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Will Deetrane get to keep the wine? So they were grateful. MORE >>

They grow and make good Cabernet Franc. have found Long Island Cab Francs to be very good in general, in their own dark, thick, fruity way. If I had to compare Long Island Cab Franc to Loire Wine, I would say that the more extracted wines of Saumur-Champigny are the most similar in style. 2002 Scarola Merlot , $?? Yummy. MORE >>

My 4's 2002 Domaine du Closel Savennieres les Coteaux Moelleux , $28 - this is a rare sweet wine from Savennieres, crafted only in certain vintages. NV Renerdat-Fache Bugey Cerdon Demi-sec Petillant , $16 - this is a low alcohol (~7.5%) effervescent rose colored wine from Bugey in eastern France. Definitely a $15 beauty. MORE >>

There are several top notch producers of Savennieres, including Domaine du Baumard, Chateau d'Epire, and Nicolas Joly, proprietor of Clos de la Coulee de Serrant, one of only 3 vineyards in France to have status as its own appellation. The 2003 vintage, as in most of France, was very hot. Did you notice that? Mais bien sur! MORE >>

loved the "regular" version of this Southwest France gem, so tasting the reserve was a no-brainer. 2002 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses (about $17, readily available). This is the top wine from that estate and 2002 was a good vintage in Chinon. If you come across this it's definitely worth a try. But I really like it. MORE >>