Nine years later (2005)  they acquired Château Gazin Rocquencourt, 28 hectares situated next to Malartic?Lagravière. The entry level Perlita is a new brand, and is labeled Malbec-Syrah (2010) because it is 80 percent Malbec and 20 percent Syrah. In 1996, Jean-Jacques's  parents Alfred?Alexandre Lagravière. Quite juicy!

Unprecedented Coalition of International Wine Regions Joined By Notable Chefs in Effort to Protect Wine Place Names NEW YORK - October 19, 2011 - Leadership from 15 of the world's premier wine regions came together along with renowned chefs from around the globe to call on policymakers to heed growing consumer demand for wine truth-in-labeling.

The lanky, California maker of pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah told me at his Sonoma winery that he had his conversion in 2005, after returning from a trip to Burgundy and the Rhone. He tasted the pinot noirs and syrahs he had been making since starting his own label, Copain Wines , in 1999. Thus he decided to change his style.

Chateau Pontent-Canet released their price for 2010 (about $140 a bottle at US stores) and it was up 39% over 2009 and 113% over 2005. SIPPED: judging wine by its label. Grub Street has a lengthy breakdown on how mileage picking wine based on label designs will get you. SIPPED: irony. SIPPED: moxie. Why, swap the price tags!

The label is clean and modern, with the gold ink of the sketch reinforcing the golden hue of the wine. Nicolas was determined that Esquisse should also reflect the character of the vintage, so in 2006 the residual sugar was 130 grams per litre, where as in 2005 it was a more opulent 160 grams per litre. Adele. Now let me set the seen.

I really liked the 2005 Contours and apparently the “Wigan&# was such a medal hog on the wine competition circuit Down Under that it was all but disinvited. This need for clear concise labelling is a major challenge at the moment, and needs attention. The Contours vineyard at Pewsey Vale, Eden Valley. Australian wine

Perhaps on another trip I will see the property (the manor house is prominently displayed on the label) but from what I can see now, the wines are delicious. His grandfather had found the properties (they have three labels) in 1926. … so when you think of Portugal, you probably think of Port, yes? About Lisbon. Meeting Producers.

Site reader Supertunaman sent in this label shot (about the quality of most UFO sighting photos) with the comment, “LOLOL!&#. Actually, since a 2005 bilateral accord between the US and the EU, the term Champagne cannot be used on new labels of American sparkling wine. What’s so funny? & J.

But even my friend is not that crazy, to open a 2005 La Tâche just like that, on a random Thursday night, and without a proper dinner. We checked the label and it was in fact 14%. The other night, and for the first time in my life, I drank a bottle of Richebourg. He walked over with this bottle, as if he was going to open it.

What I'm drinking now is 2005 Montefalco rosso from Arnaldo Caprai -- blind tasting it initially, I knew it was italian from its (to me) signature high acidity and soil that seemed somehow volcanic. With over 1000 grape types in Italy this was as far as I got before pulling off the label to see the wine. montefalco.

recently had the 2005 Les Genets bottling, which is aged for 18 months in vat. Although it’s not labeled as demi-sec, it is and has a superb texture. Also of note: Pinon’s sparkling Vouvray (now with a new label design) is a perennial excellent value at about $17. It can tack on decades effortlessly.

Their rise out of adversity is signified by the Phoenix found on the Zubibe labels. 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. The only one sold out was Ravines, but I did bring home the other three.

Concannon introduced America's first varietally labeled Petite Sirah in 1961, sparking a love affair with this varietal, and led with the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11 in replanting much of Napa Valley in the 1970s. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. must buy!

The labels that adorn bottles of Ridge wines are models of precision. Of the younger releases, the 2005 stood out as particularly gorgeous with fresh acidity, minerality and youthful tannin under a seductive wrap of dark fruit. Paul Draper is, without question, one of the world’s great winemakers. The road to Monte Bello. had chosen.

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. 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. The first was disappointing.

There was a 2005 Lauer Kern with a mature and mellow nose that initially showed some peach and floral elements, but after 15 minutes in the glass, had morphed into liquid slate. Disgorged in December (although the label says March), it was fresh and lively. And they are very delicious. Mosel WIne Merchant is not a large company.

Why don’t green-minded vintners and vignerons always display their eco-friendly methods on the label? An academic paper presents findings that may not lead to more eco-labeling: Certifying a winery as organic or Biodynamic will raise the price of wine 13 percent but putting that on the label will see the price fall by 20 percent.

It’s worth noting that federal regulations allow blending of up to 25 percent other varieties into a wine labeled by its grape variety. A French court found 12 executives guilty of selling the equivalent of 18 million bottles of cheaper wine as pinot noir. The accused made seven million euros ($9.5 million) in the scheme.

Amy and I opened the store December 15th 2005. New customers often say they don’t recognize any of our labels to which we say, “Awesome, that means we are doing a good job!&#. Click through for tales from The Bottle Shop in Wilmette, IL, Wine Authorities in Durham, NC, and Wine Expo in Santa Monica, CA. Avg price $15.

thought is was kinda ironic that just a few hours after hearing this news, I spotted a wine bottle in one of my favorite shops, with a pink ribbon on the label. Well, all was great, life was fun, but the reality of living forever soon wears off as some of those friends and classmates and those we meet in our adult life begin to pass on.

The old saw seems true in life as well as wine, at least, that was the feeling I got the other night after the wines were revealed in a tasting of 2005 California Cult Cabernet organized by none other than David Hamburger of Vintage Tastings. Tags: Cellar Selection 2 stars USA 3 stars 1 star Cult Wine 2005 Flawed Napa Valley 4 stars

Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. on the label), the main grape is tannat, which makes wines that are often opaque in their inky purpleness with tons o’ tannins. The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5%

It will be more expensive than the 2005 was, about $23, and I will happily buy it. Thierry Puzelat makes a load of different wines under his own label and also under this one, and it can be hard to keep track of what's what, but that's all part of the fun. thought it was very tasty, although somewhat reserved in its expression.

I recently posted about blind tasting Bordeaux 2005 with Robert Parker. Isn’t scoring wines meant to “call it like you see it&# and dispense with extraneous information such as labels and context? At the event, he had not scored any of the wines. had six wines that blew me away tonight: 1, 3, 8, 9, 13, and 14.&#.

blend of grapes from 8 parcels, this version is 72% 2006, the rest 2005. didn't read the label and assumed that this wine was dosed relatively highly - I guessed 8 grams. This version is based almost entirely on 2005, and comes from old vines from three different vineyards. Lovely perfume, very chalky, graceful and long.

2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard , $44. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Elizabeth's Reserve , $44. This is a blend of grapes from Adelsheim's various vineyards, and it has Oregon's prettiest wine label, I think. 2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard , $35. 2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard , $39.

The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. First, the label. hope some of you understand this, I don't, but the labels are surreal. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table. for $11.

Donna was right about the whites and I found some terrific reds, including their new Row House label. Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. Still heading south along rte.

Guess again and behold the saga of Sierra Carche 2005.&#. Here is the complete lineup: #1 2005 Sierra Carche (lot 8114) WA 96. 2 2005 Espectacle (Monsant) – about $150 (unrated, but 2004 was WA 99, 2006 WA 96). 5 2005 Sierra Carche (lot 8114) WA 96. 6 2005 Pasanau (El Vell Coster) Priorat WA 97.

We drank the Saignée de Sorbée (photo courtesy of Peter Liem) and the Blanc d'Argile , both 2006's, although they are not labeled as vintage wines. Peter and I drank the 2005 Saignée de Sorbée merely days before this Seattle dinner, and it was also a great, but an entirely different wine. These things come in waves, I guess.

also have a difficult time with labels that have the word 'semi' on them. Will I still tremble when I see the word 'semi' on a label? OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Winner of the New York Wine and Food Classics's 'Governor's Cup.' and often.

There was no vintage date on the label or bottle, or a NV notetation. 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. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. That, I would not recommend.

Guess again and behold the saga of Sierra Carche 2005. The wine on offer was the Sierra Carche 2005, a blend of Monastrell with Petit Verdot and Malbec from the off-the beaten path Spanish region of Jumilla. The importer’s page states that there were 20,000 bottles produced (the above label showed a number out of 16,000).

Our bottle of 2007 Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Clos des Briords was corked, sadly, as was our 2005 Luneau-Papin L D'Or. The palate was as youthful as the 2005 I had a few months ago. These wines are typically aged on the lees for much longer than is allowed under the current rules, and ironically cannot be labeled Sur Lie.

think it was just because the label looked so elegant and the name "Barons de Rothschild Bordeaux Reserve Speciale" sounds so expensive. Ok, the wife is cooking pork chops tonight, so I decide to put a favorite Pouilly Fuisse Chard in the fridge because I have no Sauvignon Blanc. Over two weeks!!! Just dump it, I said.

2005 Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Duresses , $27. 2005 Domaine des Croix Bourgogne , $25. 2005 Catherine et Claude Maréchal Bourgogne Cuvée Gravel , $25. It came across as sweet and out of balance, with awfully prominent alcohol considering the 13% on the label. 2005 René LeClerc Bourgogne , $25.

2005 Dirler Pinot C é page Pinot Noir , $33, Robert Chadderdon Selections. The label doesn't say. All I found is Jaime Goode's little tidbit , and Steven Tanzer's reviews of Dirler's 2005 lineup, in which this wine is not mentioned. There are a few unusual things about this wine. Or is it - I'm just not sure. It is 14.5%

But today I'm writing to ask you that you as a rule, include basic information on your wine labels. You usually do not tell us on your labels when the wine was disgorged, so I cannot be sure that I am buying the particular wine that I may prefer. 2004, 2005, who knows? This is another great opportunity lost. That's it.

Sean Larkin is producing exceptional cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot (on the Jack Larkin label). Tags: 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Napa Valley Welcome Napa Valley Vintners! Yes, it’s cold and dreary in New York. It’s the kind of wet chill that gets under the skin. didn’t even try.

This version is, anyway, which I am guessing is based on 2005 grapes, bottled in 2006, and disgorged in August of 2008 based on the hard-to-spot code on the back label that reads "08 2008." Again - give us more info on the labels please. NV Benoît Lahaye Brut , $40, Jeffrey Alpert Selections. haven't.

I interpret that to mean it was based on the 2005 vintage, bottled in 2006, and disgorged in May of 2008. But I could be wrong, and it would be great if Polaner and the other importers out there would demand that the producers include this information on their labels. With some exceptions, these tend to be red grape dominant wines.

In 2005, the EU and US reached a bilateral accord to end a round of negotiations that had lasted twenty years. One of the significant parts of the agreement was that American wines could no longer use place names such as Champagne, Chianti, or Port on new wine labels (for the complete list, see the press release ).

2005 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Tan Label 14% $22 Aromas of cool herbal perfumes with raspberries, cola, black pepper and flavors of ripe cherries and cranberries with a short finish. Pope Valley Winery Napa Valley 14% $18 Barnyard, candy mint, cherries with bright resinous fruit

There is something visibly appetizing about Girard's label. It's the tuxedo of the wine label world. Note how "Girard" is in script and the information on the label is in type. So aside from being clean and elegant, the label is also traditional. History, like beauty, is in the mind of the beholder. Elegance.

Although it doesn't say so on the label, this is a Blanc de Noirs. This bottling is based on the 2005 vintage and it is a ripe wine, although I wouldn't call it especially rich. NV Pierre Brigandat Champagne Brut , $30, Bonhomie Wine Imports. It's cheaper than most grower Champagne, and it's from the Pinot Noir land of the Aube.

17 2nd: 2005 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG (Tenuta San Felice) 24 months in oak, 12 months in bottle, this is one I remember best, on the label was a medeival knight painted by Titian. One of the most memorable parts of my cycling trip through Tuscany was a visit to Tenuta San Felice at Relais Borgo San Felice.

There is no label on the 1978 Domaine Dujac Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes. That unlabeled half bottle behind the decanter is the 2005 Domaine Dujac Clos St. I'm having fun with these but I'm guessing that you've had your fill. I'll wrap it up with a few random tidbits. This wine is nowhere, this wine is everywhere."

At the inaugural congressional lunch at the Capitol, right after the swearing-in ceremony, the wines will include 2007 Duckhorn Vineyards sauvignon blanc ($30; find this wine ) and 2005 Goldeneye pinot noir ($55; find this wine ). It’s labeled “California Champagne,” so better not show it to the French.&# Cue Elin McCoy. Korbel?

Led by Greg Dal Piaz of Snooth, all the bottles' labels were covered and we sampled 4 flights of three each. At snooth on Sunday afternoon I participated in a blind tasting of 12 red wines.

The label features a famous depiction of Fredrick II, Holy Roman Emperor, who was known in his own time as "stupor mundi" i.e., "wonder of the world." I have two Italian and two French reds on the table tonight. The Belpoggio "Stupor Mundi" Rosso Piceno 2006 ** is a 12.5% by alcohol dry red wine from the east coast of Italy -- check this map.

Buried on the lower right side of the front label, stamped and only faintly visible, there is an "06." I assume this indicates the wine was bottled in 2006 and based on the 2005 harvest, possibly with some reserve wines too. Wouldn't it be great if Champagne labels always contained information about vintage and disgorgement date

In the late 1950s, Eleuterio's equally adventurous descendant, Faustino Martinez, launched the Faustino label. This lively red from Rioja, Spain , 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha , is a light red color with intensely fruity aromas and vanilla, and velvety cherry flavors and smooth slightly spicy finish. Alcohol 12.5

As for the reds, the single vineyard 2005 Kayoumi Cab showed black fruit, was round, approachable and very elegant, while the 2004 Kayoumi Shiraz was very upscale shiraz in style with a touch of black pepper, very fruit forward and a long finish.  YES, that Carmel, of the sweet, thick sacramental wine.  Neither stuck, but how cool is that?!

2005 Dirler Pinot Blanc Cuvée Vieilles Vignes , $27, Imported by Robert Chadderdon Selections. The label certainly is pretty. 2005 Albert Boxler Sylvaner , $23, Imported by Robert Chadderdon Selections. Wines of the Alsace.who knew? From what I can tell, the wines of the Alsace are about as popular in the US as square dancing.

Next year's version of this wine, Cuvée 733, will be all about the 2005 grapes, and depending on the character of the wines made from those grapes, it could be a very different wine. Jacquesson's wines offer a bevy of great information on the back label, something that I hope becomes more common. wish I had such problems. grams.

He brought out a label-free bottle as a last mystery wine. It felt as fruit forward as a 2005 but definitely had started to develop the slightest bit of secondary characteristics. He won his label back. brought out a label-free bottle as a last mystery wine. He won his label back. story due. disaster. Taste?"

From the back label: "Dutton Ranch planted the Manzana Vineyard on a gently sloped hillside in the Russian River Valley. The label goes on to describe how the "cool climate" produces slowly yet fully ripened fruit, blah blah blah. The name 'Manzana", [sic] Spanish for apple, honors the long heritage of apple orchards here."

It is rich, heavy and has complex fragrances of banana cream and vanilla as opposed to the the fresh ripe fruit style of the White Label Chardonnay previously tasted. The back label says this one can stand up to richer dishes that might overpower a more delicate wine, and I agree that it's a good food wine.

This Chardonnay from Lenz Winery on the North Fork of Long Island was intentionally carbonated. there is CO2 present that is leftover from the primary (cold) fermentation that makes the inside of my lip tingle and my mouth water. Aromas are mineral, with fresh bright lemon and flavors of granny smith apples and pineapple. yes, then it's a food wine."

2005 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è re , a lovely smoky and funky white made of Menu Pineau, and the 2004 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è re , a red made of Pineau D'Aunis. Some looked at the label, asked about the grape, talked about buying bottles. The more I learn about wine, the more I realize that I don't know. Who knew. Raveneau.I

The label sports a clean and simple design of Japanese characters (letters), and the aromas and flavors follow suit. Very light straw in color, on the nose are floral notes with a mild minerality and lemon on the palate. Very nicely balanced. actually did have it with sushi and I have to admit it really works. In the $10 range

Maybe the wines are sitting right there on the shelf and you never tried them because after all, the grapes aren't always listed on the label and there are so many cuvées.where would you start? 2005 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è res , $19. Puzelat's wines are delicious regardless of the particularities of the weather in the vintage.

Domaine Auther Pinot Auxerrois Vin D'Alsace 2005 ** Gorgeous - indescribable - nose. From the back label: "Who? Boutari "Kallista" 2004 * I would tell you what this wine was all about if I could read the back label in modern Greek. Rita Hills Chardonnay "Seasmoke" 2005 * Awesome. It's been a crazy week, sort of. Where?

Wines that if you removed the label, may not have been all that distinguishable from one another. Shinn's 2005 Estate Merlot is balanced and spicy, and just delicious. mean really - the utterly magnificent 2005 Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny Vieille Vignes costs $25. These are just my personal thoughts, that's it. Just my.02

actually prefer this wine to the 2005. And get it while you can, because only a third of Brun's 2007's can be labeled as Beaujolais, according to the wise folks at the French INAO. I'm a big fan of the 2006 vintage in Beaujolais. don't know enough to be able to say things like that. Lean, taught, racy. It feels energetic in the mouth.

It certainly went well with steak, but it was not memorable, didn't inspire me to buy the 2005 version ($35) and lay it down. The label said 1947 but there was no other identifying information regarding the designation. Here are a few recent experiences with mature wine: 2001 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard , $40.

It is a good size (not too big and flimsy), they provide easy to find numbers to go along with each wine, a picture of the label, and just the right amount of space to take tasting notes. And with many of the wines at the tasting coming from the already legendary 2005 vintage, my expectations were high. or blog post as the case may be.

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.

You will find both 2005 & 2006 vintages in stock. The 2005 is selling for $12.50 Hermon" wines, but the GH Winery has a 2nd label you should all familiarize yourselves with - GAMLA. have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 The first price point you may ask about is the UNDER $10 range.

Here are two very fine examples : 2005 Château d'Epiré Savennières Cuvée Spéciale , $18. The o6 vintage says "PN" on the label, not Pinot Noir, by the way. Even though the Euro commands more than one and a half dollars, there are serious and beautiful wines to be had from the Loire Valley for under $20. Cellar-worthy wines too.

And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried. based on prices it was actually the cheapest of their 3 Pinots, the 2005 Etude "Temblor" Pinot Noir. Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high. Great stuff.

After all, $25 buys less than half a bottle of most 2005 village wines from Puligny or Meursault. 2005 André Bonhomme Viré-Clessé , $25, Fleet Street Imports. was stunned to see 14% alcohol on the label, as I didn't sense any alcohol all. Don't feel like plunking down $80 for a bottle of 2005 Puligny-Montrachet?

And as always for and extra 25 bucks we throw in the wine journal and six label removers so you can geek out and take some notes. This one is quite unique and very good) • 2005 Eyrie Pinot Gris (Crispy minerality define this wine. March is here and with the way this winter has been going.well.I It's been a bit loopy up in NYC.

But best of all - the label is perfect for Valentine's Day. We drank a 2004, a vintage that might not need as much time to unwind as say, 2000, 2003, or 2005. I know it's a touchy time to talk about Bordeaux , but I'm going for it anyway. I'm not trying to stoke the fires of the debate. Do you do that? Don't lie, you know you do.

The one thing I knew for certain, is that I loved the label. found even the ripe and generous 2005 to be a bit out-of-whack when I tasted it about 8 months ago. 2005 Clos de Roilette Fleurie, $18 at Chambers Street Wines. have two bottles of 2005 Descombes Morgon Vieilles Vignes that are now sleeping in the cellar.

We had tried it at In Vino and fell in love with it but the label is bit wacky and we felt that it would be better on a retail shelf rather than in a wine bar setting. The wine is a 2005 Aglianico from Campania from the Intrepid Wine Company. Skip and Ross takes this man's juice and puts their own label on it and sells it in the US.

Some of it is recognizing the feel of the label, the size and shape of it, the size and shape of the smaller label on the back. Wine 1 - Bordeaux shaped bottle, smooth glossy label. guessed the 2005 Kistler Durell Vineyard. It was, in fact 2005 Kistler, but Dutton Ranch, not Durell. Do these people train for this?

From the north we have a Corvina 2005 from the Veneto famous for their Valpolicella. From Tuscany we have a Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2004 that screams Tuscan elegance and from Piedmont we have an organic Barbera D'Asti 2005 that defines the tradition of why this grape is best with food in Piedmont. Cheers

We have the 2005 vintage. From the presentation of the label to the focus of the juice inside the bottle Chiaramonte is one of the best expressions of Nero d'Avola on the market. From the south I chose to wax on wax off about the Nero d'Avola. Five years ago Sicily was not even close to being seen as a legit wine-producing region.

The one we have to offer you is the 2005 Corvina Veronese from Giuseppe Campagnola. Come check this beauty out and grab the February Italian Wine Starter Kit for $99 and for an extra $25 we will throw in six label removers and a sexy little journal to take down notes in so you can come in and rap with us about what you thought concur.

So it is believed there was label confusion along the way. The Zin I want to talk about today is the 2005 Benson Ferry Old Vine Zinfandel from the Lodi AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Lodi California. So come on in and try the Benson Ferry 2005 Old Vine Zinfandel and enjoy the history while enjoying the wine. in most wine).

With the six wines we also provide a book to take notes in as well as a label remover with an adhesive back so you can just slap it on one of the pages and scribble away on the opposite page (Thanks for the insight Matt). The wine is a 2005 and has a really nice subtle spiciness on the nose with a waft of deep cherry fruit. Cheers

The first is another great winter white, the 2005 Domaine du Vieux Pressoir Saumur Blanc Elegance , ($13 Sip Fine Wines). recommend the very unfortunately names You Are So Beautiful, made by Christian Chaussard and Nathalie Gaubicher of Domaine le Briseau , but via their negociant label called Nana Vins et Cie.

Recently BrooklynLady and I tasted two Chinons, two bottles of each wine, from the 2005 vintage by Jacques Grosbois. Here are the specifications that differ: the 2005 Grosbois Chinon comes from vines averaging 35 years old. The 2005 Grosbois Chinon Vieille Vignes comes from vines averaging 60 years old. don't know. Thoughts?

Before getting into the specifics, here are a few things that jump out at me when looking at our notes as a whole: 9 out of the 14 reds tasted were from the 2005 vintage, a ripe and glorious year. Lyle Fass of Rockss and Fruit also participates for the first time, writing about a Tres Vieille Vignes 2005 Mâcon Bussieres by Eric Texier.

In the Côte Chalonnaise "entry level," or regional wines carry the name Bourgogne or sometimes Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise on the label. There are five village appellations in the Côte Chalonnaise - Bouzeron, Rully, Mercurey, Givry, and Montagny, and village level wines will carry one of those names on the label.

Opposites, in a way, as one wine is made by Georges Duboeuf , the huge negociant whose label graces about 10% of all Beaujolais wine each year, and the other by Michel Tete , the grower producer who still bottles his own wine. How would this entry from 2005 perform in its youth? What about 2003 in Beaujolais? But it didn't.

Some Fleurie producers whose bottles you are likely to see if you go to your good wine shop: Roilette (the one with the cool label featuring the horse's head), Chignard, Despres, Terres Dorees, and Vissoux , whose wine I tasted recently. 2005 Domaine du Vissoux Pierre-Marie Chermette Fleurie Poncie , $19 (Chambers Street Wines).

2005 Burgundy is nuts. Since there are several Ligniers out there making red wine in Burgundy, here is Lignier-Michelot's label, albeit from a different wine, but it's the same yellow label and red text that you're looking for. 2005 Domaine Lignier-Michelot Bourgogne , $24 (Chambers Street Wines). How to know which ones?

Those who think Clicquot Yellow Label is a status symbol get to pay $140 for the entry-level bottle. The cult Domaines Ott gets two placements, youll have to dig for one hundred clams to puchase a bottle of the 2005 Chateau des Selles, the "Les Dominieres" a mere $52. Youd miss a fine pizza if you did. Delicious.

2005 in Burgundy is the mother of all vintages, apparently, and Beaujolais is part of the Burgundy region, so the wines, even those from the "lowly" Beaujolais appellation should be high quality. The label says this wine is made naturally, fermented with yeasts on the grape skins. First time checking out the Beaujolais Challenge?

hunted around a bit, trying to find the sister wine to one I already had, or instead looking for a pair of wines from the same vintage, one labeled reserve. have enjoyed this wine very much in recent years, although the 2005, supposedly a great year in the Loire Valley, is not yet drinking well in my opinion. What happened here?

2005 Eric Texier Vins de Pays O Pale , $16 - This is a sweet wine made entirely from Viognier grapes. Texier charge $95 for this bottle and label it Condrieu? 2005 Marechal Pommard La Chaniere , $50 - who would have thunk it? 2005 Desvignes Morgon Javernieres , $21 - Cru Beaujolais from Desvignes, always good. Just yummy.

There are also special American Pinot tastings, such as "Oregon 2005 Vintage Horizontal." What kind of person is it, I ask, who would not go to this Oregon 2005 Horzontal? You'll learn about producers, the wines that you really like, and are not as crazy about, and discover whether or not the 2005 vintage is any good.

But here they are, the wines that we should be able to find right now on retail shelves (and I will indicate where I bought mine), my absolute favorite under $25 Pinots: 2005 Paul Pernot Beaune Clos du Dessus des Marconnets , $22 ( Garnet , Chambers Street says they will carry it soon). Why not? So that's it?" You ask, "only those two wines?

Many hundreds in better vintages (good luck saving up for the 2005's). Anyway.the label "1er Cru," with no specific vineyard mentioned means that the grapes come from various 1er cru parcels, as opposed ot only one. Speaking of the search for value in red Burgundy wines. But Nuits-Saint-George is really big - where do you start?

Shea was a common name when I first became interested in Oregon wine, but more as a vineyard on other producer's labels. So count me in for the 2005 wines when they are released, I guess. And until recently, Sine Qua Non, the California cult winery, put out a Pinot Noir sourcing Shea grapes. Well structured, good acidity.

The Thomas family owns Moillard Grivot now and some wines are bottled under that label. Our tasting notes: 2005 Moillard Grivot Meursault 1er Cru Charmes , E29. After a morning enjoying excellent wine in upstart Pernand Vergelesses, we decided that it was time for the classics, something monumental, something from Cotes de Nuits.

In better vintages Huet produces sweet wines, labeled "moelleux," from those vineyards, and also an intensely expensive (about $130 for 500ml) dessert wine called Cuvee Constance. 2005 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu , $26. She served some leftover caramelized apples too, that were snatched up faster than 2005 Bordeaux futures.

The 2005 vintage is supposed to be so good in many French wine regions, and the Loire Valley is one of them. He makes dry wine ("sec" on the label) each year, and off dry ("demi-sec") and sweet wines ("moelleux") when the weather brings sufficient sugar to the grapes. We opened a bottle of 2005 Foreau Sec.