What am I tasting?

Voluptuous and wild, a rococo construction of honeyed, ripe Chenin. Imagine an Elizabethan maid strapped into her brocaded gown, running wild through a summer field of clover and thistle swarming with honeybees. The wine is elegant yet plump, dripping with honey yet not sweet. Bonnezeaux are often long-lived Chenin and this exceptional vintage should age gracefully, if you can keep hands off of it."

Of all the descriptions of wine I have ever read, this is my favorite. I couldn't believe it when I saw it in a magazine. I immediately tracked down a source for the wine and bought it. It was ridiculously expensive, especially for a half bottle, but I was determined to drink it. There was no doubt in my mind that once I pulled the cork, Fabio would appear to drink it with me. It was so sweet (although described as "not sweet"), it made my teeth hurt I couldn't finish the glass. I went back to the magazine to find out who wrote the description, and it was a woman whose first name was Tara. Of course, anyone named after a southern plantation in Gone With The Wine is going to write like that. Here's the second runner-up:

If you would like to read more of Robyn's suggestions on understading wine review and her wine reccommendations pick up the May June 2001 issue of Pinehurst Magazine.

Previous Wine Reviews & Recommendations

California Warms Up To Syrah

Since prohibition, California winemakers have concentrated on producing wines that rival those from the great regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux in France. Trial and error with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have presented decades of challenges in grape growing and winemaking on our fine West Coast. After great successes with those varietals, innovative California vinters, nicknamed "Rhone Rangers," step to the plate to address Syrah, the great grape varietal, native first to the powerful Rhone region of France and second to Australia's Barossa Valley where it is knows for "Shiraz."

Zaca Mesa Syrah, Santa Barbara, 1997 - $22
"This medium bodied wine (with 12% Viognier in the blend) offers a candied blackberry nose with scents of pepper and asphalt. Pure and ripe, with low acidity and sexy, voluptuously textured fruit, this tasty, fleshy, succulent Syrah will have many admirers." Rated 90 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate.

Echelon Syrah, California 1997 -- $16
"Juicy black cherry and chocolate notes linger through the tangy finish of this medium-bodied wine. Drink now through 2004." Rated 87 Points, The Wine Spectator.

McDowell Syrah, Mendocino, 1998 -- $15
"Here's a supple Syrah at a reasonable rice, it's smooth, round tannins framing black cherry and herb flavors. A hint of stemminess shows itself on the finish, adding complexity, and the oak nuances are pretty. Drink now through 2005. Best Buy!" Rated 88 Points, The Wine Spectator.

If you would like to read more of Robyn James' California Syrah wine review and recommendations pick up the September/October issue of Pinehurst Magazine. Look for Robyn's wine reviews in every issue.

A Sparkling Millennium
Vicious rumors are swirling through the wine industry of a Champagne shortage for the Millennium. Are they true, or just concocted to create a panic and cause lovers of bubbly to stockpile? In many cases they are true. The really well known names such as Dom Perignon and Perrier Jouet have disappeared from the shelves for now. But there are still many high quality, lesser-known names that can be found with a little effort.

Le Baron Blancs de Blancas Brut, France - $9
Cheaper than Korbel and light years ahead in finesse, Le Baron is very dry; delicate with pretty tiny bubbles and a nice yeasty flavor of toasted bread. No large party calling for Sparkling Wine should be without Le Baron. If you are not a sparkling wine aficionado, this is the place to start.

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