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 Climens Barsac There was a time when the best of Barsac would not achieve the heavily concentrated character found in wines from the heart of Sauternes, but, as this wine so handsomely shows, such is no longer the case. Its intensely honeyed, golden apple and ripe peach aromas are nicely complemented by nutty notes of botrytis, and the wine's thick, rich flavors follow perfectly in suit. Still, this wine is too young and direct to be more than a sugary cameo of what it will become over time, and we very much urge you to let it age into the layered perfection that surely lies ahead. $115.00 Score: 94