On Wine: It's Unanimous

On Wine

Wine

It's Unanimous

For the Holidaze...Serve Wines EVERYONE Likes!

by Fred McMillin

Picky, picky.

In my classes, RARELY does everyone rate a wine good or better. However, it does happen occasionally and here are the last dozen that pleased one and all. They are current releases, unless vintage year is listed.

The Whites

Rank		Wine
2nd	-	Chardonnay, Michel-Schlumberger, $26
1st	-	Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve, $20

The Reds

Rank		Wine
10th	-	Merlot, Kenwood Jack London Vineyard, $25
9th	-	Barbera, Sunset Cellars, $19
8th	-	Zinfandel, Gary Farrell Maple Vineyard, $36
7th	-	Syrah, Frei Brothers Reserve, $24
6th	-	Cabernet Franc, Ballentine, $24
5th	-	Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong, Alden Vineyard, 2001, $30
4th	-	Pinot Noir, Gary Farrell, Hillside Blocks of Allen Vineyard, $60
3rd	-	Pinot Noir, Steele Wines, Bien Nacido Vineyard, $35
2nd	-	Cabernet Franc, Jarvis, 2002, $92
1st	-	Petite Sirah, Silkwood Wines, $36

Comment

Beware of pink, dessert and sparkling wines. No luck in the $10 to $15 price range. None was universally approved.

And A Final Wine Smile

Prof. George Hussman (1827-1902) of the University of Missouri wrote these words over a century ago about California Zinfandels. Today they apply just as well to our universally approved wines. Quote: "They are like angels' visits, FEW AND FAR BETWEEN."

Credits: Research Assistant Ophie Mercado

About the Writer

Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at either San Francisco State University or San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468.

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This page created November 2006

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