Spy Valley Riesling, Marlborough 2003
Price $11
Rating 91
"Lime, minerals and flint (in the nose). As the wine develops bottle age, tertiary notes of honey and toast will become increasingly apparent. The palate structure leans toward tautness, but is lacking in generosity. The extra level of weight comes from the fruit sweetness achieved through an extended ripening period. The finish is crisp and well balanced," says importer Bartholomew Broadbent.

The locals around Marlborough (the Northern end of New Zealand's South
Island) call the valley where this vineyard is located 'Spy Valley' as rumor has it that large golf ball shaped objects, also within the valley, are there for CIA investigation of 'chatter.' The more important chatter may be about the wines from Spy Valley. More information is at www.broadbent-wines.com.

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2003 Price $13.99 Rating 91 Crisp, classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. You either love these wines, or not. Imagine tart grapefruit juice entwined with red bell pepper. This white wine is zesty and different from a California or French version of the grape. Pair this assertive white with interestingly spiced foods, possibly grilled or with stir-fry sizzle.

Spy Valley Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2003
Price $27
Rating 93
This New Zealand Pinot Noir is the exception to the rule. It redefines what this part of the world can do with this ellusive red wine grape. Massive berries in the sip, it is concentrated, jammy, complex. Velvet in a glass, match this wine with wild game, firm-fleshed seafood, or gently stewed beef.

Hochar Pere et Fils Red, Bekaa, Lebanon 1999 Price $18.99 Rating 91 "The nose is aromatic, fragrant, warm and mellow and it prepares the palate for fruits of cherries, strawberries and redcurrants. The palate is indeed full of these softer summer red berry fruits and combined with soft tannins, the wine is very well balanced," boasts importer Bartholomew Broadbent. The red wines from Chateau Musar, including the Hochar, are some of the finest examples a wines that showcase terroir- the uniqueness, in this case earthiness, of the specific location and aspects of the vineyard.

Chateau Musar Red wines are made with a variable blend of Cinsault, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For each vintage, the varietals are fermented separately in concrete vats. The varietals then spend up to 24 months in French oak barriques at which point Serge creates his final blend, depending on the development of each varietal. The wines are then bottled and stored in the cellars at Chateau Musar until their release after about 5 years.

Chateau Musar was established in Lebanon in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, and the winery is presently run by his two sons, Serge and Ronald. Serge studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux and has been the winemaker at Chateau Musar since 1959, successfully delivering nearly every vintage despite Lebanon's wartime difficulties. In1984, Decanter Magazine recognized Serge for his winemaking skill and his courage, naming him the magazine's inaugural Man of the Year. More Chateau Musar Information:
www.chateaumusar.com.lb.

Chateau Musar, Bekaa, Lebanon 1997
Price $39.99
Rating 95
This red, though not so well known by the general public, is regarded by numerous critics as being one of the great wines of the world. The color and fruit influence is dark. The complexity lingers. It must be tasted to be understood. The red wines from Chateau Musar are some of the finest examples a wines that showcase terroir- the uniqueness, in this case earthiness, of the specific location and aspects of the vineyard.