Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?”

Julien 2003. He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The world of wine has been good to me. Ray O., Thank you, Ray! Score: 98. Impressive.

The biodyanamic farmer of 25 acres in Anjou told Jim Budd that he left the AOC system in 2003 because it was too lax. He marketed one of his wines as “Anjou Pur Breton,” which somehow made it past the authorities for several years despite containing a place name and a grape name (Breton is a local name for Cabernet Franc).

Médoc Grands Crus Classés from the 2003 vintage accompanied an entrée of Field-dressed purple beets with semi-sweet vinaigrette, cocoa and acacia honey by Alain Passard. Fabulous opening dinner at Haut-Brion last night for the press. Que about the Commanderie de Bordeaux. seem to recall bagpipes.

Is it 2003 all over again? It’s weird that California and France appear to have flipped weather so far for 2011–there’s something you can talk about in your next elevator ride. Weather: it’s what you discuss in elevators or with the in-laws. And things are heating up in talking about weather in the wine world.

How does cabernet franc age? The Domaine makes only wines from cabernet franc, with the exception of a white wine from chenin blanc at the Croix Boisée vineyard. The 2002 Grezeaux still had plenty of freshness and a bit of that herbal–but good herbal–character of cab franc. I’d tend to agree.

My maternal grandfather loved the great wines of France and Italy. The 2003 Barolos were hard to taste because the tannins were so hard, but the 2004s were much easier because the tannins were sweet and ripe. There’s a new order at the Wine Advocate. He took a break from tasting in Burgundy, where he is now, to respond. And NFL?

Also, people in Champagne enjoy drinking red wine from time to time and from what I gather, in much of France, you drink the local wine. 2003 Benoît Lahaye Coteaux Champenois Bouzy Rouge , not imported ( kindly donated for this tasting by Jeffrey Alpert, whose company Jeffrey Alpert Selections imports Lahaye's sparkling Champagne ).

After a very formal coffee and croissant breakfast, we were met by the energetic blonde Corinne Michot, who along with Marie-Louise Schÿler, Director of Communications, spent several weeks planning the extensive details of our very extensive trip to various AXA properties in France and Hungary. Visiting Pichon Longueville. The Cellar.

Tenuta Tignanello 2007 IGT 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in new oak barriques after fermentation until December, blended and aged in barriques for a year, each barrique was individually tasted before bottle aging for another year. He said, "Each bottle should share all these qualities with the drinker".

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Lunch.

This particular bottle actually was purchased in France and traveled here by suitcase. This one was probably a blend of wines from 2003, 2002, and 2001, and was aged on the lees for five years. I hung out with Peter Liem for a lot of the past two weeks. loved this rosé. Some say that this wine does not benefit from long aging.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

Winemakers notes: A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

In 2003, he made 3 different vins jaunes, all of which had a similarly oxidative nose, naturally, but all of which had different textures. Cave Augé, 116 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France, +33 (0)1 45 22 16 97, [link]. Stephane Tissot from the Jura outside Les Caves Augé in Paris. By Timothy Eustis. But not for Stephane Tissot.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

The first wine, a 2003 Chateau Barthe , was corked. Tags: 2004 Champagne 1997 2000 France USA Bordeaux 3 stars Flawed 1982 1978 Napa Valley 2002 Last night I attended two wine events in NYC that left my head spinning. The first was a wine receiption at the Links Club put on by The Napa Valley Reserve , "a private club and winery."

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

The chateau was bought by a negociant who replaced the tanks with stainless steel and grubbed up the vineyard to plant a majority of cabernet sauvignon, with a smaller percentage of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. 1998 Tattinger Blanc de Blanc, Antinori Solaia 06, Cos d'Estournel 2003 -- all incredibly fabulous.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

There is some duplication with Evan Dawson’s travel post from yesterday but there is also much new, including John’s tasting notes from Mayacamas Cabernet 2003, 1991, 1985, 1974, & 1968. 2003 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (about $65; find this wine ). 2015-2050. 1991 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Winemakers Notes: Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes , where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. From that day on I was a fan.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. It can also be disappointing when the wine received is one that I don't normally drink or one that I have a hard time with. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds.

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

To my knowledge, chenin blanc reaches its greatest expressions in France’s long, meandering Loire Valley. When I hear all of this talk of the greatness of the 2007s, I do not so much start salivating about the new vintage, as I do begin to reflect upon the last three purportedly high quality vintages in the Rhône: 2003, 2000 and 1998.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. First, the label. for $11.

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

Cabernet Franc is not supposed to be this good. have been tasting more Cab/Franc this past year than any other red and although I had some that were very good, I would not have ever thought it can get much better. Tonight I dug into my modest wine vault and found a Ravines Wine Cellars , Cabernet Franc 2007. It has! Great Buy!

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

I 'm currently making room in my wine cooler for a recent large quantity buy, so I pulled out a Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Riserva for a pizza dinner tonight. had this wine about four years ago and wasn't fully impressed at that time, but thought I'd give it another chance and the price was right. Turned out to be a good move.

One of the problems with bringing home lots of wine from a Finger Lakes wine tour is deciding which ones to try first. Shirley helps make that decision easier by planning some meals ahead of time or by just giving me a warning of what's on the menu for the night. Sometimes though, it can be challenging choosing the right wine for the meal.

was impressed with all the Rieslings and the Martini-Reinhardt Cabernet Franc. Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. Can't think of a better way to start a 2 week vacation then to spend it at some fantastic wineries in the Finger Lakes. mean Damn!

OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Oh yeah, for those who don't know, that wine was judged the most outstanding New York wine for 2009.

Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy!

With ample experience in making and aging great wines dating back to 1964, Santiago Ijalba García left his position as general and technical manager in a historic Haro bodega to launch his own personal project. In 1998 under his newly-incorporated company Santiago Ijalba S.A. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. The first night I opened the Crianza.

Looking for great buys in wine? Just look to Australia. Don't know what's going on Down Under but right now some of the best buys for wine are Australian. The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Our wine taste profiles are about 180 deg. apart, so I was a little hesitant, but he hit this one right on the nail.

Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. dropped into a local shop this week and during a conversation with the shop owner I had asked if he had any wines from Oregon. He did. He actually had one. It was a Pinot Noir. have had some really nice Pinot's from Oregon before, but they were a bit pricey. Pricey, but good. Great Buy!

Today was a shopping day with Shirley. We did the Home Depot, BJ's, Best Buy, Panera for lunch, two grocery stores and one Mom and Pop wine shop. The 'honey do' list at home was longer. Back to my day job tomorrow. Unfortunately, there were no choices for a good New Zealand Savvie so down the aisles I walked searching for one that interested me.

It seems every winery in the Finger Lakes has a Meritage. Most are nice bordeaux style blends that are very popular and very tasty and very distinct to each winery. Years ago I struggled to find one to like, now I am finding it difficult to taste one I don't like. And then, there comes along one that is over and above any I have tasted before.

On our recent wine tour through the Finger Lakes , I begrudgingly tasted a dry Cabernet Franc Rose' from Heron Hill Winery. Winemakers notes: In certain years when the Cabernet Franc has a higher acidity than normal some of the harvest may be suitable for rosé winemaking. Yes Lenn, I was nuts. Nice steady, cool fermentation. Great Buy!

Further, Grant Phelps, the Viu Manent winemaker, said that the Viu 1 was “identical in almost every respect&# to the 2003, 2004 and 2005, three vintages that he also made. What does a 62 point wine taste like? Not that I follow scores for wine very much, but a 62 pointer? Man, that had to suck. accepted. Was it inferior?

One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. To kill time I visit or window shop the shops at the station and sometimes get awful lucky by finding a great deal. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Drink now or through the next 5 years." Great Buy!

I really enjoy shopping for wine and finding one that I never tried and end up putting it on my list of must have wines. Today, I stopped in to buy a Sauvignon Blanc for the evening. knew what I wanted, one that is already on that list, but also found a new one sitting next to mine and decided to take one home to try. Today, I chose a good one.

I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. kinda surprised her this evening by opening a California Cabernet Sauvignon made with organic grapes. Great Buy!

The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. I have no idea what occurred between the early 1980's and present in the case of New York Finger Lakes red wines. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

2003 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon, Hunter. 2003 Craigow Riesling, Tasmania. 2003 Tempus Two Copper Zenith Semillon, Hunter. 2005 Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Great. 2005 Château Mouton Rothschild Cabernet/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot, Pauillac.

I am just going to begin by saying the Clos Du Bois Calcaire 2006 is probably the best Chardonnay I have ever had. Now I'll qualify that statement by saying I do not do white wine that often and that over the years have had probably less or near 100 different Chardonnays and that is really not that many. Made me feel good, I don't win that often.

Mr. Burke has no experience owning restaurants in a down economy; he launched his empire during restaurant boom times, starting in 2003. What's on David Burke's fine-dining menu? lot of in-your-face discounts. Chef and restaurateur David Burke's business sounds like a financial-crisis perfect storm. And yet.Mr. How could this be? TRY IT!

Located about half way between Dijon and Geneva, the pocket-sized region of the Jura makes some of France’s most distinctive wines. Their Cotes de Jura Tradtion 2003 provides the oxidative wine character, but at a fraction of the price (about $22; find this wine ). Oxidative wines are an essential wine tasting reference point.

The family-owned winery produced its first vintage in 2004, and the cabernet franc and meritage are quite notable for its young age. “Finger Lakes wineries now number nearly 100, and one of the newest and most interesting is the tiny Damiani Wine Cellars (tel. 607/546-5557), in Hector on the east side of Seneca Lake. This is one to watch.

This sweet wine has its origins in the Jura, the Alpine region of France, and gets its name from the straw mats that the grapes are dried upon for months after harvest and before a long fermentation (Stein said his takes 12 months). The 2003 that I tasted is a lovely, rich dessert wine. Ulli Stein has made a forbidden wine for decades.

Tags: 2 stars France Sancerre 2003

On the list at Pranna) Really great trebbianos (if youd like, Emidio Pepe for one) Bressan Carat (the 2003, Tocai Friulano, Malvasia and Ribolla Gialla, is sensational and would have what it takes for mattar paneer) ?Sparklers Of course, downmarket economy or not, I need my weekly Indian food fix. Im a writer, its always down market for me.

imagine given the year, it might have been the 2001 Dard et Ribo Crozes Hermitage I had recently brought back from France as in 2003 they were still absent from the American Market. Caution: This has nothing to do with wine. When this video was taken, five years ago, I hadn't even been drinking anything but coffee.

imagine given the year, it might have been the 2001 Dard et Ribo Crozes Hermitage I had recently brought back from France as in 2003 they were still absent from the American Market. When this video was taken, five years ago, I hadnt even been drinking anything but coffee. This morning, I was listening to Wait Wait on NPR today.

Since 2003 Domaine de L'Arlot has been practicing biodynamic throughout the entire estate. To my foreigner's eyes, the villages in France can really blend into one another. I asked Peter Liem where Domaine de L'Arlot stands in the pantheon of Burgundy and he said "People who really know and love Burgundy love Domaine de L'Arlot."

So on the last trip to the cellar I brought back a couple bottles of Chateau Cantemerle -- one bottle of the 2000, one 2003 -- which we opened last night with hamburgers (90% lean, over toasted whole wheat bread, smothered with Gruyère, grilled onions, and dijon mustard) and Mary Ellen's Double Dutch German Chocolate Cake.

Composed of 69% cabernet sauvignon , 18% merlot , 10% petit verdot , and 3% cabernet franc, the wine is dark and brooding, with complex notes of cedar and blackberry on the nose. At thirteen, the 1995 Monte Bello is still a child. have tasted this twice before, and my thoughts on the wine have been consistent. It won't. As Robert Parker Jr.

A 2003 Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja and the 2001 Grant Burge "Meshach" Shiraz.  A Sangiovese/Syrah/Cab Franc blend was intriguing and determined to be a great food wine.  While I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  Traditionally, this often includes cake , crackers , and fish."  Emillion Grand Cru. 

The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  Staying with the theme of uncommon varietals is the Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc.  Those are: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec. I'm sorry for the delay in writing this post.  Let's start with Carmel. 

Even if I could afford first and second growths, the wines don’t excite me the way, lets say, a Breton or Olivier Cousin Cab Franc do. the 2001 was before they had any toasty new oak barrels, which they bought in 2003 thanks to the insistence of their California importer, North Berkeley. They became the norm. Cheval Blanc? But I did.

Their 2004 cabernet which is actually a Bordeaux blend of 76% Cabernet, 18% merlot, 4% Petit Verdot & 2% cab franc. The 2003 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet reserve was also a favorite with its unusual nose and nice body. tried to get down a "bug juice" of sorts that was simply awful. Maybe he simply lacked personality. Great stuff!

then had a Rose' made from Cab Franc before moving on to the reds. enjoyed the 2003 Havens Syrah but mentioned to Connie that I thought the nose was a little closed. had a 2004 " The Sisters " Cab made with 8% Cab Franc. My day began in LA with an early flight from LAX to SFO. rented a car at SFO and made my way to wine country.

This dry red wine from Provence, France is made from 80% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache grapes (vinified separately) and oaked in barrels for 18 months. Light ruby red, and warmer colors around the edges. Thanks Carolina

The 2003 Chateau Lamourette Sauternes made from 90% semillon, 6% Muscadelle & 4% Sauvignon Blanc was quite pleasant. One such wine was the 2003 Chateau Clarke Listrac-medoc. It was the 2003 Chateau Fourcas Dupre from Listrac-Medoc. I attended this event for the second year in a row at The Altman Building in NY city.

Rather it was a 2004 (I think) Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc is one of the 5 Bordeaux varietals (grapes which can be used to make French Bordeaux wine - others being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec & Petit Verdot), and it is usually used as a complementary grape as opposed to a primary grape in Bordeaux.

have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 It can be found for both the 2003 & 2004 vintages. The 2003 & the latest release, the 2004 are both drinking beautifully right now. The oldest one I tried was a 1993, but I've also had the '97, '99 and have recently been drinking the 2002, & 2003.

L&R are a winery that focuses on Cab Franc, a varietal I am NOT generally a big fan of. Cabernet Franc is known for having green bell pepper notes, and these green herbaceous notes simply do not jive with my palate. but it was her Bordeaux style blend 2003 "Chesler" wine that I most enjoyed. Great stuff. really enjoyed it.

In case you're not familiar with Jenny & Francois , they import natural wines from all over France, from heavy hitters like Burgundy to unsung heroes like the Côtes de Duras (just northeast of Bordeaux, and considered Southwest France). 2003 Courois Racine VdP de Sologne (Loire) - barnyard poop all the way, and expensive.

One in particular was a blend - their "Col de Rey" IGT 2003. This blend of 20% Tannat (a grape originally from SW France), 30% Petit Verdot (a Bordeaux varietal) and 50% Lagrein was very nice. then was offered their "Amistar" Cabernet Franc 2005. But the "Amistar" Cab Franc. Possibly my favorite 100% Cab Franc EVER.

• Bruno Giacosa 2003 2003 Spumante Brut (Lombardia-Pinot Nero) This 100% Pinot Nero is a sparkling wine with almost clear golden color, a bouquet of sour apples, yeast and fruit. • Tenuta San Guido 2004 Sassicaia (Toscana- Cabernet Sauvignon , Cabernet Franc) This is from the house that started it all. Amazing

By 2003 the wine regions of South Africa were on the export and trade map showing up sporadically on the American market. actually remember a Fancy Food Show at the Javit's Center in 2003 with a whole section of the floor dedicated to South African wines. Let's talk South Africa. That sounds simple enough. Done.right. Wrong!

BrooklynLady and I went to France together for the first time in October of 2005. From what I understand, though, it is actually easier to buy these wines here in America than in France, where they have achieved cult status and are virtually impossible to find. ve not found its equal in Cabernet Franc. This goes for about $55.

We have chosen 2003 Pagos De Infante 100 % tempranillo from the Ribera de Duero located on the northern plateau along the Duero River. But there are a couple of other general areas of France that make great wine and are a bit off the radar.for now. So the Alphabet City Wine Co. has been open for about a month now and all is well.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.

Erika wasn't so sure about the 2003 she drank. John, the Corkdork, tasted a 2003 Comte Lafon Mâcon Milly Lamartine , and he highly recommends it, and also trying Lafon's Mâconnais wines in general. He also tasted a red wine, one from what must be the newest appellation in France, the Côte de Coucherais. hear that. Nuts, yes.

Could be our small sample, but this reiterated for me that France continues to make some of the finest under $15 wine in the world. From northern Italy in the Fruili region, the 2003 Vie de Romans Fruili Vieris Sauvignon (price unknown, unavailable) was just strange. Why Sauvignon Blanc this time around? And no Long Island wine either.

Rhone Valley 2003 Domaine Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape , $40 (Chambers Street Wines). New York 2002 Castello di Borghese Cabernet Franc Reserve , $32 (winery). Very different style, to my palate, from the Loire Cabernet Francs I usually drink. An interesting and highly enjoyable departure from my usual Cab Franc habits.

hope she'll let me slide with my blend of 48% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, and then Cabernet Sauvignon and petit Verdot making up the balance. 2003 Mark Ryan Long Haul , $33 (Avalon Wines). I'm trying to be forgiving here because I understand how difficult 2003 - very hot. West coast wines are daunting to me, I must say.