Volume 33, Issue 7: May 2008
CHARDONNAY SUBSCRIBERS ONLY There is nothing wrong with wanting to have other white wine flavors like Arneis and Alberino, but frankly, a well-balanced, tasty Chardonnay is still the first choice all over the world. This issue uncovers some of the best in a long time. ZINFANDEL SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Highly ripened Zinfandel is always going to be with us because there is a market for it, but those of us who have longed for a more balanced potion are finding increasing numbers of those coming from the last couple of vintages. 2005 SAUTERNES SUBSCRIBERS ONLY A bit lighter in concentration than the heat-driven 2003, but more elegant and long-lived, 2005 Sauternes and Barsacs are incredibly successful and delicious. Buy some for now and buy some for later. Best Buys SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you for choosing our "GOOD VALUE" wines highlighted in this month's edition of Best Buys.				SUBSCRIBERS ONLY CONNOISSEURS' FORUMS with edtiors Charles Olken and Stephen Eliot. 2005 Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes Perhaps it is just us, but we are a bit surprised that La Tour Blanche has not fully carried the day in this vintage. It recent wines have overachieved, and 2005 is a year in which overachievement leads to greatness, and while this wine is so very good indeed, it lacks the full makings of grandeur. It would be a mistake, however, to dismiss it out of hand because it clearly sports medium concentration to its ripe peach and botrytis aromas, and it is lively and lush on the palate at one and the same time. It is a bit sugary and simple at this writing and will reward a decade or more of patience. $70.00 Score: 91