… and perhaps one that we didn’t care for. But that’s why you try them, right?

2002 Bolla Pinot Grigio delle Venezie $9

Appearance – A little too yellow for the variety, a slight haze, off color. 1 out of 3 points. Aroma – Pineapple, a touch of mineral, or perhaps worse. 3 out of 6 points. Taste – It is not too pleasant. It seems to be very acidic. We gave it 2.5 of 6 points. Finish – There is a taste of hops, almost like a beer right after the initial taste, and it carries through until the end. 0.5 of 3 points. Overall – We gave it 1 of 2 points. This may have been generous. So that adds up to 8 out of a possible 20 points.

I’ve not listed some of the harsher comments. None in the group buys Pinot Grigio on a regular basis, so perhaps that should be taken into account when reading these comments.

1999 Ridge California Monte Bello $38

notes: 100 % Chardonnay, 100% Stainless steel. This is quite simply one of the best Chardonnays that I’ve ever tasted. Beautiful color. Aroma-mineral, papaya, very nice. Taste-flint, minerals, buttery. Finish balanced. Overall- a perfect Chardonnay. It gets a perfect 20 from the group.

2001 Croften Zinfandel $35
notes: 600 cases. Lighter in style than the D’cubed, but never the less, a perfect Zinfandel. It is ready to drink right now. We gave it a perfect 20 points.

2001 D’cubed Howell Mountain Zinfandel

notes: I still believe this is one of the best Zinfandels that I’ve ever tasted.