The
F&B International Tasting Panel headed by Michael Walsh, Richard
Whetstone, & Tom Luther invites Guest Chefs, Wine and Hospitality
Professionals to taste, describe and suggest Food Pairings. To
augment our wonderful Italian chefs, restaurants and recipes in
this issue, we are featuring Italian wines on our web-site. We
also have reviews of special California varietals and specific
wines from regions all over the world. Please come visit and stay
informed, where else can you have reviews by professionals at
your fingertips of all the new wines you need to know about. pick
up an Italian recipe or two while you're at it.
z
CHATEAU
ST JEAN -
98 PINOT NOIR - Sonoma County - CA
Kenwood, CA - 707-833-4134
From
vineyards in the Carneros and Russian River Valley appellations
comes a Pinot Noir with aromatic nose of cherries and plums. Pleasant
flavors of cranberries and oak over medium tannins lead to an
enjoyably long finish. Retail $16.00
CHAMELEON
CELLARS
98 SANGIOVESE - NAPA VALLEY
St. Helena, CA - 707-256-0144
Aromatic
as a country flower garden. Flavors of cranberry and plum warm
the palate. Nice acidity to balance out this refreshing blend.
Retail $19.00
ST
FRANCIS VINEYARDS
98 CHARDONNAY - Sonoma County
Kenwood, CA 800-543-1813
Subtle
oak with citrus and melon aromas. Medium-bodied butterscotch
and tropical flavors with a fruit filled finish. Drink now.
Retail $14.99
HEITZ
WINE CELLARS
98 GRIGNOLINO - NAPA VALLEY
St. Helena, CA - 707-963-3542
Heitz
began with Grignolino, an Italian varietal, in Napa back in
1961. Their latest release, a '98 Grignolino (100%) is spirited
and fruit-floral with accents of spice and orange. A dry, versatile
wine, excellent for paring with fish or grilled chicken.
LONETREE
97 SYRAH- MENDOCINO COUNTY
Philo, CA - 888-686-9463
They
call it their elegant monster. And from inky colors to juicy
flavors of dark fruits and earth, this wine delivers a rich
and inviting palate like oak lead by alot of flavors. Very drinkable
now and into future.
Retail
$18.50
PHOENIX
VINEYARDS 97 SANGIOVESE -
Blood of Jupiter - Napa Valley
Napa, CA 707-255-1971
Forward
fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry, black pepper spice with
balanced acidity. The surprise is the 17% Pinotage blended into
the Sangiovese giving it a distinctive and juicy character.
Could be cellared and drinkable now.
BARWANG
97 RESERVE CABERNETSAUVIGNON
New South Wales - Australia
Geyserville, CA - 707-857-9463
Dark
ruby and crimson color. Mint, berry fruit aromas. Ripe cherry
and berryflavors accented by light oak. Complex flavors that
don't let up through the finish. Good structure and solid tannins.
Should cellar well or drink now. Retail $20.00
