Château d'Yquem 1997
The greatest sweet wine in the world. Located on the highest hill in the Sauternes region and enjoys the best growing conditions in the entire appellation. The vineyard is planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc.

140 highly skilled pickers harvest the grapes at exactly the correct time. Usually, there is an average of five or six waves of harvest per year that spreads over six weeks. Yields are so low from this fantastic vineyard that it is estimated that each vine produces one glass of wine.

Château d'Yquem produces the only wine with the rank of Grand Premier Cru. The finest Bordeaux red wine producers, such as Lafite and Latour are only classified as Premier Crus.

1997 was a very good year and possibly could be the estate's finest effort since 1990. Anticipated maturity is 2005-2050. Many connoisseurs believe that any Yquem should not be opened before its thirtieth birthday.

Serve this one as dessert when it is ready.
www.chateau-yquem.com
$257

Opus One 1999
In 1970, Robert Mondavi and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild meet for the first time in Hawaii. Baron Philippe proposes a joint venture. Nine years after that first meeting they released one of the most anticipated wines in recent history.

"It isn't Mouton and it isn't Mondavi," said Mondavi. Opus One is a blend made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown in the Napa Valley. It is a Bordeaux-style wine that produces fantastic vintages year after year.

1999 had a nice rainy spring, which resulted in a reduced flower count that decreased the number of grapes resulting in an increased flavor concentration. Followed by a moderate summer, the vines thrived and the grapes ripened at a steady pace. Finally, an incredible Indian summer with plenty of rain put the final touches on this fine harvest.

The wine aged for 17 months in new French Oak barrels. 1999 is full of currant, rich blackberry, cloves and soft tannins resulting in a nice balanced wine with intense depth and character.

This one should be at its best around 2015. The 1999 Opus One will be good in its youth and better as it matures.

www.opusonewinery.com

$143

Georges Dubœuf Beaujolais Villages 2002
This wine is another perfect fit for a hot summer evening. No mater what you were told in wine tasting 101, serve this one slightly chilled. It will make for a much better experience.

Beaujolais wines seem to increase in popularity as the temperatures increase. They work well with a wide variety of foods. Try them with spicy grilled shrimp on the grill or anything with intense spices. Beaujolais Villages is a nice, fruity, mild and pleasant wine.

$9

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet 2000
The words Concha y Toro translates in meaning to the "ear of the bull."

Almost every wine publication hailed Don Melchor as the best Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. Don Melchor de Concha y Toro has become a symbol of the best in the land and proof of the winemaker's ability to produce only the finest wines from Chile.

This wine has an incredible personality: a unique mix of berries, tobacco, coffee and chocolate all combined with a touch of vanilla.

The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with a finish that is long lasting from the harmony of this excellent vintage. This wine has flavors that do not quit. Drink with the finest meats and strong cheeses.

Should be at its best from 2005 through 2010. This one is a must buy and is strongly recommended for its value related to its quality.

www.conchaytorousa.com

$34

Carl Reh, Piesporter Michelsberg, Riesling Spätlese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2002

This is a perfect inexpensive summer wine. It is light with a sweet soft touch. Nice to share with someone on a warm, quiet, relaxing summer evening.

2002 was a good vintage, but not as good as 2001. 2001 is considered by many as the best German vintage since 1976. A Riesling Spätlese surprising goes well with a green salad tossed with raspberry balsamic vinaigrette.

$9