FINDING THE RIGHT WINE

[Cheryl]

I HAVE A NEW "FRIEND" WHO IS INTO WINES AND HE IS TRYING TO TEACH ME ABOUT THEM. HE LIKES RED WINES--MERLOTS AND CABERNET SAUVIGNON. WE RECENTLY HAD A BOTTLE OF "STAG'S LEAP" WITH DINNER WHICH HE ENJOYED GREATLY. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY HIM A BOTTLE OF WINE EQUIVELENT TO THIS, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

[Innkeeper]

HI CHERYL, AND WELCOME TO THE WINE BOARD. IT'S HARD TO TELL WHAT WINE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SINCE THERE ARE TWO WINERIES WITH STAG'S LEAP IN THEIR NAME. PLUS THEY PUT OUT A VARIETY OF BOTTLINGS THAT VARY IN PRICE BY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. REGARDLESS, IF YOU CAN FIND IT, RECOMMEND 1997 CHATEAU SAINT JEAN, CINQ CEPAGES; AT $50.00 IT WILL KNOCK HIS SOCKS OFF.

[WinoNan]

Whoops! I'm a new member of this Board and hate to make enemies so fast, but I strongly disagree with Innkeeper's recommendation for Chateau St. Jean's Cinq Cepages.

Just last week I tried this wine and was not impressed. It's my understanding that the 1996 vintage was the one that was voted #1 wine in the world, but I personally feel that the 1997 has a long ways to go.

I suggest Cabs from BV (Beaulieu)-- especially the 1995 Private Reserve.

[Bucko]

No enemies -- wine is a personal preference. There is little value to a wine rating from an "expert" if you do not like the wine, which is why I do not rate wines, only describing them. I've had the 97 CSJ:

1997 Chateau St. Jean, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinq Cépages, Sonoma County, $50. Very floral, with blueberry notes, this nicely balanced wine is packed with blackberries, plums, chocolate and generous toasted oak flavors.

I don't like generous oak flavors, but a host of people do......

Bucko