Wines Which Bling on the Spring!

WHO DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT

SOME GREAT WINES WHICH BLING ON THE SPRING?

I'M NOT HEARING ANYTHING!

So, here I go. This is my first posting for the Navigator. I will be sharing with you my "WINE BUYS" or "SIP-ITS" as I refer to them. The wines, which I taste and feature, are readily available out and about in the marketplace. If your particular store of choice does not carry a particular featured wine, you can ask if they will special order them. Better wine stores will certainly try to do this to satisfy their customers' requests. I hope that 'SIP ITS" begins a discussion between all of us. I look forward to hearing from you!

BOGLE, SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2008, CALIFORNIA

This is one on my favorite Sauvignon Blanc values. Vintage to vintage, it has never let me down and this 2008 is no exception. Crisp and clean, it is the quintessential spring and summer quaff. This multi-generation owned and operated winery really 'gets' the grape! By this I mean that their wines are varietally correct…..the Sauvignon Blanc tastes like Sauvignon Blanc, and not some pumped up version trying to be something it is not! The grapes which go into this wine are sourced from Monterey and the Russian River, two great regions for growing Sauvignon Blanc. Bogle, SB is truly delicious. It pairs well with seafood and spicy dishes, and at less than ten bucks a bottle, you cannot find a better SB! Average retail pricing: $9.99. Distributed by Winebow, NJ/NY

CHATEAU DE TRINQUEVEDEL, TAVEL ROSE, 2008, FRANCE

I love this wine. Period! When I think of "pink wine" this is one of the first, which comes to mind. Produced in the stony Southern Rhone Valley appellation of Tavel, this is a blend of seven grapes but made mostly of Grenache Noir. The average age of the vines from which these grapes come is 31 years. This translates into ultra- concentration and glorious flavor. It is juicy and alive, with bursts of strawberries and raspberries all over the palate. A great wine to serve with grilled shrimp or salmon, it can also handle anything Asian. This wine is a STEAL at its price point! Average retail price: $17.99.

Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants; Distributed by Winebow, NJ/NY

Carol A. Berman

www.classinaglasswine.com