George Duboeuf Brouilly, Beaujolais 2003 Price $18 Rating 91 The 2003 vintage will be remembered for the murderous heatwave that ravaged much of Europe. George Duboeuf, the wine world's P. T. Barnum of Beaujolais, said that the "2003 vintage may turn out to be the greatest of my career." A year later now, he terms the vintage "most exceptional."

The wine is indeed good. The blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit elements are in balance and are complex. The acidity needed for balance was not washed away by the heatwave. Enjoy this red wine with red meat, pasta or cheese.

Chumeia Vineyards "Dante Dusi Vineyard" Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2002 Price $25 Rating 95 Chumeia Vineyards is located in Paso Robles, California. They source exceptional fruit from a wider area of the Central Coast resulting in wines of exceptional quality. This expansive, and slightly expensive, Zinfandel is powerful, spicy and packed with luscious fruit. This is one of the top five Zinfandels that this reviewer has experienced this year.

Winemaker Lee Nesbitt and his wife Kristen (the winery's marketing manager) liken the process of winemaking to alchemy, the mythical transformation of essential elements into precious metals such as gold or silver. Chymeia
(Koo-may-a) is the ancient Greek word for alchemy. Learn more at www.chumeiavineyards.com.

L'Ecole Nº 41 Merlot, Columbia Valley 2001 Price $29 Rating 94 Luscious plum, notes of olive, complex red fruit are all packed into this attractive Merlot. The nose intrigues with black cherry, subtle bell pepper and soft mineral elements. This is consistently one of America's finest Merlots.

L'Ecole Nº 41 has been producing top notch wines in the Walla Walla Valley since 1983 in the historic Frenchtown School in Lowden, Washington. Vistit their website at www.lecole.com.

Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Reserve, Dry Creek Valley 2001 Price $18 Rating 94 This is one of the most consistently high quality producers of Zinfandel.
Compared to the competition, especially in Dry Creek Valley, the pricing offers good value. Jam-like blueberry, lush brier fruit, and a complex spectrum of other fruits are found in this powerful, well-rounded red wine.

Winemaker Eric Cinnamon, has created a range of Zinfandel blends from some of California’s most respected growing regions, winning numerous awards.
Rancho Zabaco wines bear the name of one of Old California’s earliest land grants - the Tzabaco Rancho. In those days, the area was a colorful mixture of missions, haciendas, and ranches. Today it’s an area known as the Dry Creek Valley "Zin Zone." The Chiotti Vineyard actually sits on part of that historic property. Learn more at www.ranchozabaco.com.

Kenwood Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River 2002 Price $17 Rating 94 Sonoma's County's Russian River Valley has a climate cool enough for Pinot Noir to achieve delicate fruit and silky smoothness. "Opulent just-picked strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors are accented by intriguing truffle and vanilla nuances. The polished and graceful flavors are bolstered by fresh acidity for a bright, lingering finish," offers spokesperson Margie Healy.

Founded in the Sonoma Valley in 1970, Kenwood Vineyards is dedicated to producing premium wines that capture the best of Sonoma County vineyard character. More details are at www.kenwoodvineyards.com.

Bogle Petite Syrah, California 2002
Price $14.99
Rating 92
"Amazingly inky, deep purple wine emerges from the bottle as you pour a glass of Bogle's flagship varietal," declares Christopher Smith, Bogle's director of winemaking. "On the nose, powerful boysenberry and blackberry scents are reminiscent of last summer's offering. Trademark jammy notes fill the mouth with ripe fruit and berries. The voluptuous finish lingers with toasty, vanilla oak and lush fruit. The firm tannins make this a wine that can develop for years to come, but you won't want to wait that long to enjoy it! Try this unique wine with rich meat dishes of lamb, pork or game and their hearty sauces."

This is classic, inky Petite Syrah and priced nearly half of what other great offerings of this obscure grape command. Drink with gusto. Their website is www.boglewinery.com.