February 2002 Issue

 

February Tastings

> February Tasting Stats

> Top Ten American Pinot Noir

> Best Values

> Pinot Noir

> Australia

> Argentina

> Chile

> Germany

> American New Releases

> Imported New Releases

In This Issue:

 

> The Sake Compass: A Look at Regional Style
What does location mean when it comes to sake? John Gauntner reports on Japan's top prefectures, and the singular styles they represent.


 

> Pinot Noir Terroir

A Tightening Focus on Russian River Pinot
Growers in the Russian River Valley are refining the character of their pinot noir, block by block and row by row. Rod Smith investigates.

The Rise of Oregon Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir
After four great vintages in the Willamette Valley, a new model for Oregon pinot noir is taking shape. Patrick Comiskey reports.


> The Wizards of Oz
Forget the British brat pack: The hottest culinary names these days hail from Down Under. Tara Q. Thomas selects a few top recipes to serve alongside the richest Barossa shiraz or Hunter Valley chards.


 

> The Comeback Kid: Australian Grenache
The vines are ancient, the wines hotly sought-after, and Max Allen has the names to know when it comes to Aussie Grenache. .


 

> Into the Heart of Carmenre
For years Chilean carmenre mas- queraded as merlot, but no longer. Patricio Tapia looks into the distinctive South American personality of this long- lost Bordeaux variety.