89 Chateau Ste. Michelle Washington Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1998 $15
Rich and generous, a lush mouthful of currant and berry fruit shaded nicely with hints of sage and pepper. Everything lingers enticingly, marking this a good cellar-candidate. Drink now through 2005. 93,500 cases made.
89 Columbia Crest Washington Merlot Columbia Valley Grand Estates 1998 $11
Juicy and lively, appealing for its beautifully articulated berry, cherry and delicately herbal flavors, picking up some spicy-smoky notes on the polished finish. Tannins are present but not too powerful. A serious wine for the price. Drink now through 2004. 190,000 cases made.
89 Rosemount Australia Shiraz South Eastern Australia 2000 $12
Ripe and juicy, a supple mouthful of berry and cherry fruit shaded with pretty vanilla and spice notes. Everything lasts impressively on the round finish. Drink now through 2003. 1,116,747 cases made.
87 Beaulieu Vineyard California Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1998 $17
Shows a sense of harmony and grace, with cola, cherry, plum and dill-laced oak. Lots of flavor and character for the vintage. Drink now through 2004. 120,000 cases made.
87 Masi Italy Verona Campofiorin 1997 $15
Blackberry, black licorice and flowers. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Not giving much now, but give it time. Best after 2003. 41,665 cases made.
87 Pepperwood Grove California Syrah California 1999 $8
Smooth and grapey Syrah, with black cherry, plum, beef, mocha flavors that resonate through its softly tannic finish. Hard to beat for the price. Drink now through 2003. 25,000 cases made.
86 Cline California Zinfandel California 1999 $10
Lively in the mouth, with flavors of raisins, dried currants and roasted herbs, highlighted by modest tannins. A very good Zin at a hard-to-argue-with price. Drink now through 2005. 86,000 cases made.
86 Georges Duboeuf France Régnié Flower Label 2000 $10
Pretty floral (violet, bluebell) notes mingle with black cherry and spice flavors in this stylish and medium-weight Beaujolais with a mouthwatering finish. A nice quaff at a nice price. Drink now. 30,000 cases made.
86 Fantelli Argentina Malbec Mendoza 1999 $9
Brier, raspberry and chocolate flavors run through this medium-bodied, burly red. Slightly rustic finish, but still a solid wine, especially for the price. Drink now through 2002. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 20,000 cases made.
86 Hogue Washington Cabernet-Merlot Columbia Valley 1999 $10
This wallet-friendly red is packed with bright currant, plum and herb aromas and flavors, fresh, if a bit raw. The tannins give way to the generous fruit in the end. Best after 2002. 60,379 cases made.
86 Kendall-Jackson California Pinot Noir California Vintner's Reserve 1999 $12
From the very good '99 California Pinot vintage, here's an affordable and elegant choice, offering pleasant black cherry and red currant flavors that are round, firming up on the finish, where the tannins show their strength. Drink now through 2004. 49,000 cases made.
86 Viña San Pedro Chile Cabernet Sauvignon Lontué Castillo de Molina Reserva 1999 $10
Polished Chilean red, with a lot of creamy toast and vanilla notes up front, and sweet black cherry and currant fruit on the finish. Fans of the style will find the low price a bonus. Drink now through 2002. 60,000 cases made.
85 Château Bonnet France Bordeaux Réserve 1998 $13
Solid wine. Well done. Typical claret. Good aromas of violets, plum and licorice. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. A bit austere now. Best after 2001. 50,000 cases made.
85 Bodegas Esmeralda Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Alamos 1999 $10
Here's a deal on a solid Cabernet. Nice and juicy, it serves up red and black cherry fruit, plus a nice smoky, spicy note on the finish. Drink now. 47,000 cases made.
