Hi All! One thing that is a constant in all of our lives is change.  Some of us embrace it while others have a hard time accepting changes. I, for example, do not own a cell phone and still use my 35mm Vivitar camera to take photographs. "That actually has film in it??", a bewildered friend from New York inquired just last week. However, one change I embrace whole heartedly is screw top wines.

I know it has a haunting past reputation as only "cheap, cruddy wine" is screw top. I am also aware that a lot of you cannot bring yourselves to purchase it. Take a deep breath and sit down for this news because the entire wine industry is slowly moving toward this change. Almost all of the wines imported from Australia and New Zealand are screw top. I am also noticing more French, Spanish and American wineries following this trend with each vintage change. Are you assuming only the "inexpensive" wines are going screw top? Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly allocated wine, which retails for $90.99, has been screw top for at least two vintages. A lot of high end Australian wines are also screw top.

Why these changes? Have you ever bought a special bottle of wine that you are looking forward to enjoying only to uncork a bottle of disappointment? The wine may have smelled musty; like wet cardboard or dirty socks. Worse than the smell was it tasted musty, moldy or in some cases like nothing. These are signs of cork taint or "corked" wine. The culprit is a bacteria known as 2, 4, 6 trichloroanisole (TCA). It is harmless to drink, yet not enjoyable. TCA can really mess up a good time! Statistics vary, but on average 1 bottle out of 12 is "corked". That is a lot of wine! Believe me when I say I have had more than my share of "corked" wines. What to do if you get a "corked" bottle? You should let your waiter know if at a restaurant or return the bottle to your retailer where purchased to get the bottle exchanged. This time choose a screw top! I know it takes away from the romantic aspect of a bottle of wine, but the honeymoon is over. Choose a sure bet! And now for some great screw top wines...

*La Frenelle (2007) - $11.99 - A classic white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Banc, Semillon and Muscadelle. Subtle aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, grass and wet stone. Crisp and dry on the palate with flavors of grapefruit, lemon and mineral. Medium bodied with an elegant finish.

*Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc (2008) - $10.99 - This South African beauty is crafted by Neil Ellis. He is the premier winemaker in South Africa. An aromatic bouquet of grapefruit, lemon and hay. Medium body, crisp dry with flavors of grapefruit, kiwi and lemon. Refreshing!

*Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) - $9.99 - Excelsior Estate is located in South Africa. The owner’s family has been making wines for four generations dating back to 1697! Their family pride is evident in this well structured jewel. On the nose black currant, plums, hints of licorice and spice. Flavors of black plum, black cherry, black currant with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Full bodied, medium dry with soft tannins and a nice long finish.

*Pillar Box Red (2007) - $11.99 - A delicious Australian blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Enticing aromas of dark berry fruit, black currant and leather. On the palate blackberry jam, boysenberry, black currant with a hint of anise and black pepper. Deep garnet in color, full bodied, medium dry with soft tannins. An easy-drinking red that will go great with anything you throw on the barbie.