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Wines for Summer

CBS News Sunday Morning had a nice segment with Bob's favorite wine columnists Dottie Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal. They suggested some favorite value wines for summer:

Yellow Tail Shiraz and George DuBoeuf Beaujolais-Villages were suggested as reds that are a little lighter than most and are good served chilled -- and good with hamburgers and hot dogs. For vintage they said "the younger the better." I have to say the Yellow Tail label always catches my eye in the store and I have wondered if it is any good. NH status: Both should be widely available in State Liquor stores and supermarkets.

Next they suggested some whites: Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2002 and Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Country Pinot Gris 2001 Reserve. They suggested these as light and refreshing but with something a little unique. Pinot Gris is "the hot new thing this summer," and described as tasting "like a bowl of fruit". The Villa Maria also happened to show up as a best value on Wine Spectator's most recent list of top picks. I tried it Sunday evening and it was very good. NH status: Both should be available in some State Liquor stores. The Villa Maria seems more widely stocked (I found it in Dover).

The last two wines were Gran Feudo 2001 Rosé Wine Navarra and a sparkling wine I believe called Freshenet but I could not quite see the label (even with the TiVo's amazing powers of blip-back, pause and slow-mo). Both they unapologetically suggested as great for hot summer days. NH status: Head for the border. I could not find either listed on the State Liquor store online inventory web site.