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. 2006 Paul Hobbs Winery Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Even deeper and richer on the nose than its show-stopping partner from the Ritchie Vineyard, this highly extracted, full-bodied effort leads with aromas of sweet apples, creme caramel and fresh butter. It fully lives up to promise once in the mouth with like-minded flavors and the kind of concen-tration that marks the best of Mr. Hobbs bottlings, yet it shows a last-minute twist of slightly citrusy acids that presently tighten its lingering finish. It will drink famously in the short term with savory salmon dishes, but it is bound to broaden with time and should be held for a few years. $65.00 Score: 94