Stan Rose, Wine Consultant

After the long hard winter of February 2003 I really felt I needed to see some cool, crisp but sunny weather and what could be better to enjoy those days but a cool, crisp bottle of well made white wine.

My first thought was chardonnay, but not the wood or butter California style.  My selection is Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2000 Chardonnay, South Africa ($16.99)                                                                      South Africa has long history of fine winemaking dating back to the 17^th century.  When international sanctions were lifted in the early 1990s, the industry fourished.  Hamilton Russell is a remarkable imitation of great white burgundy, particularly Chassange Montrachet.  Drink now or hold until 2005.

Now that I wet my whistle and tasted spring, my thoughts go back to my favorite…red wines.  Of course, I was looking for something a tad springy and discovered Remy Pannier Chinon 2001, France ($9.99)                                                                                                                                The Loire Valley is noted for its dry crisp white wine, but Chinon in the middle of the Loire grows Cabernet Franc, the cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Larger, juicier and with less tannin, this is a perfect red for light food or a picnic.  Believe it or not don’t be afraid to chill slightly.

Now that I’ve quenched my thirst for spring, I went back and revisited one of my selections from late fall of 2001.  It has been hard to keep in stock, and no wonder, it is a fine example of the wine maker’s art and still reasonably priced.  Mont Gras 1999 “Quatro” Chile ($10.99)              A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere and Malbec, aged a short time in French Oak to bring out the fullness of the fruit and tannins.  Enjoy with anything from pasta to steak.

My old mentor would be turning in his grave on my next selection.  The quality of this most famous “jug wine company” has come a long way since their introduction of varietals and the Turning Leaf label some twenty or so years ago.  Forget what you thought you knew about Gallo and enjoy some great values.  Gallo of Sonoma 2001 Sonoma County Chardonnay, California ($10.99)                                                      This well layered structured wine has citrus, with a hint of peach and the little bit of oak that comes through is sweet.  Goes well with light meats, creamy pastas and fish.  Just have a glass!

If I had $1,500 to buy a Petrus (any Petrus) I would easily get my Merlot fix.  Merlot is what makes Petrus and the wines of Pomerol “lush, velvet, opulent and silky.”  There are some wines that come close for us mortals, but event they are on the steep end.  Chateau Latour Pomerol at about $70 per pop and Northstart Merlot, Sashing State, a value at $48.  For the bargain hunter looking to find something close, you can’t go wrong with a Babich 2000 Merlot Gimblett Road Vineyard, Hawks Bay New Zealand ($14.99)                                                                                            The wine is harmonious, with soft tannins and as close to perfection as any Merlot I have tasted under $30.  The wine is enjoyable now or hold until 2007-8.