Need the help of a wine genius...

[Innkeeper]

Hi Tisseel, and welcome to the Wine Board. Sorry, no geniuses around here. A white zin could possibly work if she is really stuck on that. 2000 Buehler, Napa Valley, White Zinfandel is only slightly off dry (1.6% residual sugar), runs around $8, and is very nice.

A better choice that she might go for is the 2001 Nouveau Beaujolais that has been on the market less than two weeks. It is fruity and refreshing, and, although bone dry, has the allusion of sweetness.

The best choice, and you would be taking a chance here is pinot noir. Villa Mt Eden is a nice one that won't cost much more than the Nouveau. A very elegant pinot is Frei Brothers, Russian River Valley that will run around $18. That is what I would drink with the duck.

For that dessert, recommend you either get a dessert wine such as Port or Late Harvest Zinfandel, or serve coffee.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 11-27-2001).]