Wines

[Nancy Wong]

I have several bottles of wine and do not know if they are acceptable to serve at a dinner party and their approximate value:

Grand Cru Merlot Premium 1995

Kendal Jackson 1996 Vinters Reserve Pinot Noir

Beaulieu Vineyard 1996 Merlot

Santa Rita "reserva" Caberet Sauvignon 1995


Addtionally, I need a good before dinner Sherry?

Help

[Innkeeper]

All are fine to serve for dinner in the immediate future. Would not serve all together. The merlots would be OK. Save the cab and pinot for later dates and/or match them up with soulmates. None have much of a chance on the auction market, so value is what you give it.

[Scoop]

For your before-dinner Sherry, Hidalgo makes a good Manzanilla (a bone dry, delicate fino-style sherry). And you can almost always find Tio Pepe finos. Serve them chilled, along with almonds and good Spanish green olives. If you want a bit more heft and that great nutty flavor, go with an Amontillado (basically an aged fino) along with pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts.