Recommended wines.

• Author: Robbins, Claude

SUTCLIFFE VINEYARDS, COLORADO PETIT VERDOT, 2003

WINE EVALUATION: A clear ruby color is complemented by spicy apple and a slight cedar nose along with a floral character. Fruit carries into the mouth along with citric acidity and balanced grape and oak tannins.

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SERVING TEMP: 63-65F

PRICE: $$+ for a 750ml bottle

FOOD IDEAS: Pair with red meats as well as intense sauces such as a demi-glaze. Will work best with meats cooked no more than medium.

READINESS TO DRINK: Drink or hold through 2007

CONTACT:

SUTCLIFFE VINEYARDS & MCELMO CANYON WINES

970-565-0825

WWW.SUTCLIFFEVINEYARDS.COM

PTARMIGAN VINEYARDS, COLORADO MUSCAT, 2004

(9.8% RESIDUAL SUGAR)

WINE EVALUATION: Ripe and rich pear, orange and a hint of honey on the nose. Complemented by a fairly heavy sweetness with some apple and honey on the palate.

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SERVING TEMP: 46-48F

PRICE: $$$ for the 375 ml bottle

FOOD IDEAS: Dessert wines are always difficult; stick to fruit torts or bluevein cheese and pate with this wine.

JUDGES' RATING: 15.2 wine, 17.5 wine and food; very limited food options

READINESS TO DRINK: Drink or hold through 2009

CONTACT:

STONEY MESA WINERY

970-856-9463

WWW.STONEYMESA.COM

GARFIELD ESTATES, GRAND VALLEY COLORADO CABERNET FRANC, 2003

WINE EVALUATION: A clear ruby color. Spicy apple and sweet cedar, along with a slight floral character on the nose. Fairly strong fruit flavors of apple and cherry on the palate along with good acidity and fairly soft tannins.

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SERVING TEMP: 63-65F

PRICE: $$+ for a 750ml bottle

FOOD IDEAS: Pair with red meats that have been grilled or broiled; simple dishes with strong flavors. Tannins in the wine will complement the grill marks nicely.

READINESS TO DRINK: Drink or hold through 2006

CONTACT:

GARFIELD ESTATES

970-464-0941

WWW.GARFIELDESTATES.COM

COTTONWOOD CELLARS, COLORADO RESERVE MERLOT, 2001

WINE EVALUATION: Ripe plum, raspberry and an earthiness to go with the smoky cedar on the nose. Cherry and plum, along with rich tannins carry into the mouth. Intensive flavors.

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SERVING TEMP: 63-65F

PRICE: $$+ for a 750ml bottle

FOOD IDEAS: Pair with fairly strongly flavored foods. Excellent with rare to medium steak, roasted chicken, or grilled lamb...