2002 Glenora Cellars Brut – Finger Lakes

With Golden Delicious apples and honey on the nose, this blend of 54% Pinot Noir and 46% Chardonnay is food-friendly but not extremely complex. The flavor is a little musky, with notes of apples, radicchio, a squeeze of lemon, and a delicate nuttiness. The bubbles are a bit bigger than others sampled, making this wine a bit less elegant than other options at this price.

2002 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series – South West Australia

Red currant, unsweetened chocolate, cedar and a touch of mint are overwhelmed by harsh green, unripe flavors. Sweet vanilla-flavored oak treatment and bitter vegetal tastes leave this…not recommended.

2002 Château Coutet Sauternes-Barsac, Premier Cru Classé

Straw-gold color. Honey-strawberry aromas over deeper tangerine peel flavor. Tangerine-peach exhale with a touch of pineapple compote. As it opens in the glass, a nice, lemony tang appears. Not a fruit salad, but a wine you could drink with a fruit tart.