October 15, 2000. "In general, quality Tuscan wines are greater in number than the wines of many other Italian regions, but the 1997 vintage offered wine lovers a momentous occasion: choose any bottle, in any price range, and you can't go wrong...."

September 10, 2000. "Some think there is none finer, more nuanced, more mysterious than the grape Burgundy made famous. But neither is there a grape as finicky, as difficult and expensive to transform into liquid poetry. Which country is responsible for making the best Pinot Noir...?"

June 11, 2000. "Beer is nice, but my summer drink is sparkling wine. Champagne, of course, but not only Champagne. Many of the world's winemaking regions produce high quality, affordable bubbly...."

May 28, 2000. "It's spring, when a wine-lover's fancy turns to medium-bodied, aromatic reds and the occasional well-built rose. My favorites are those wines that complement barbecues, picnics, or simply hors d'oeuvres on the patio at sunset...."