GardenGate Vineyards Semi-Sweet Scuppernoag Other words on the label: 2003 Scuppernoag North Carolina Let me tell you something-North Carolinians love their wines as sweet as their tea. My husband and I bought this bottle at the vineyard and while I also liked the sweet scuppernoag, Mr. Gourmez wouldn’t even consider buying a bottle. The reason,
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Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc Other stuff on the label: 2003 California This white wine tastes like a lemon tart, complete with the crust intact. After you drink a slice, though, you are left wondering where the pears and cinnamon came in. It’s tasty.

Echelion Shiraz Other words on the label: Central Coast 2003 This wine is alive with tart blackberries. There’s a bit of hippy to it, with an earthy undertone most reminiscent of patchouli. The wine is smooth and full-bodied but nothing really stands out.

Monte Antico Other words on the label: Toscano Indicazione Geografica Tipica Red Wine 2003 Sangiovese The first sip was overwhelming earthy, by which I mean it tasted like dirt. After a few more swirls, I attributed the earthiness to mushrooms, leavened with the pith of a grapefruit. This wine just didn’t taste quite natural. The
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Xpression Red Wine Other stuff on the label: Ironstone Vineyards, 2003 California On a beige speckled background, two pink blossoms hang out in a gold frame with matching lettering. For this wine, I followed the manufacturer’s suggestion to drink it slightly chilled. If you try it colder or at room temperature, let me know if
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Two Tone Farm Cabernet Sauvignon Other stuff on the label: 2003, California The label looks like a frame out of a bad horror film. It’s an old two door car, pulling out and heading into the unknown. Drinking the wine is a similar experience. It smells of licorice and palm trees, which is very unusual
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Paso Robles Estancia Zinfandel Other stuff on the label: Keyes Canyon Ranches, 2003 Paso Robles. My memories of it are that of a dry, dusty gas stop on the commute from lush Santa Cruz to Santa Maria (a slightly less dry, dusty Inn & Out stop on the way to LA). Yet, through the magic
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Le Faux Frog Other stuff on the label: Appropos 2003 Syrah Color: Deep purple, with a thin opaque layer at the top. Smell: At most, a bit of warmth is smelled. Nothing else. First Sip: Very smooth going down and a bit bitter. Woody. Gulp: A longer swirl round the palate reveals pepper, wood, and
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