CALIFORNIA

Anderson Valley

Roederer Estate
N.V. Brut; $22
13/20 — This crisp, lightly fruity bubbly shows off flavors of pear, spice and hazelnut. Pairs well with lobster, smoked fish, and spicy Thai cuisine.

Arroyo Grande Valley

Laetitia
N.V. Brut Cuvée; $22
13/20 — A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, this crisp sparkling wine exhibits aromas and flavors of biscuit dough, ripe apricots and summer cherries.

Laetitia
2004 Cuvée M; $35
13.5/20 — Apple, pear and baked bread aromas give way to this sparkling wine’s creamy mouth and zesty citrus finish. Pairs well with a sausage pizza.

Arroyo Seco

Carmel Road
2005 Pinot Noir; $35
13/20 — This light-colored, full-bodied red exhibits flavors of Bing cherry, red plum, rose petal and smoke with firm acidity and fine tannins.

Ventana Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir; $28
13.5/20 — Characterized by cherry flavors with hints of milk chocolate and vanilla, this food-friendly and well-structured Pinot Noir pairs well with salmon and duck entrees.

Carmel Valley

Bernardus Winery
2005 Ingrid’s Vineyard Pinot Noir; $75
15.5/20 — Dark cherry and plum aromas precede this balanced Pinot’s intense red cherry and spice flavors, silky texture, light tannins and lingering finish of toasty oak.

Central Coast

Pietra Santa
2007 Gewürztraminer; $15
13/20 — Refreshing and dry, this Gewürztraminer shows off tropical fruit, citrus and lavender aromas and flavors. Pairs well with a roast turkey.

Chalone

Michaud Vineyard
2004 Pinot Noir; $38
14.5/20 — This dry red exhibits a mineral character with flavors of ripe blackberry, currant and cherry, which are matched by hints of herbs, violets and spices. Shows great potential for aging.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Iron Horse
2002 Blanc de Blancs; $38
13.5/20 — Sourdough toast, grapefruit, tangerine and apple aromas match this sparkling wine’s creamy texture and citrus, pear and apple flavors.

Iron Horse
2005 Wedding Cuvée; $38
14/20 — Vibrant and yeasty, this sparkler shows off hazelnut and melon aromas with green applesauce and cinnamon flavors. Pairs well with poached eggs and lamb chops.

Los Carneros

Domaine Carneros
Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé; $40
14/20 — Made from both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkling Rosé shows off a strawberry, rose petal, peach and jasmine character. Pairs well with salmon.

Gloria Ferrer
2001 Royal Cuvée Brut; $35
13.5/20 — Exuding berry and cherry aromas, this sparkling wine shows off citrus, apple, spice and toast flavors along with a lingering finish. Pairs well with shrimp.

Monterey County

De Tierra
2005 Silacci Vineyard Pinot Noir; $38
14/20 — Ripe raspberry, black cherry, and rose petal scents accompany this cool-climate Pinot Noir’s crisp acidity, light tannins and red fruit flavors.

Hayman & Hill
2006 Reserve Selection Meritage; $15
14/20 — This red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc features black currant and cherry flavors. Pairs well with spicy casseroles.

Scheid
2006 Pinot Noir; $30
13/20 — Fruit-forward scents and flavors of strawberry, black cherry and blackberry (with hints of coffee, smoke and spice) give way to this full-bodied red’s long, smooth finish of vanilla.

Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards
Blanc de Noirs; $35
12.5/20 — This pink-hued sparkling wine exhibits a strawberry, cherry, hazelnut and bread character in addition to a creamy, light mouthfeel.

Grgich Hills Estate
2006 Napa Valley Zinfandel; $35
14.5/20 — Containing a touch of Petite Sirah, this medium-bodied Zinfandel consists of strawberry, raspberry, allspice and black pepper aromas and flavors. Pairs well with pasta.

Louis M. Martini
2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; $25
14.5/20 — Cedar, currants and black cherry scents complement this Cab’s velvety tannins and plum, cherry, chocolate and tobacco flavors.

Mumm Napa
Brut Prestige; $20
13/20 — A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris, this medium-bodied sparkling wine exhibits floral and vanilla scents followed by crisp, fruit flavors.

Mumm Napa
Brut Rosé; $24
12.5/20 — Composed of 85 percent Pinot Noir with 15 percent Chardonnay, this pink bubbly displays strawberry, cherry and plum flavors, and pairs well with caviar.

Signorello Vineyards
2005 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; $50
16/20 — Blended with 18 percent Merlot and 7 percent Cabernet Franc, this dark red, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits flavors of raspberry, cedar, black currant and cassis.

North Coast

Schramsberg
Mirabelle Brut; $22
13/20 — This crisp, tangy sparkling wine exhibits white peach and lemon custard aromas with citrus cream and sweet spice flavors.

Paso Robles

Eberle
2006 Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon; $18
13.5/20 — This Cab exhibits wild berry, currant and cassis flavors and moderate tannins. Pairs well with a roasted duck or a steak with blue cheese.

Justin Vineyards & Winery
2006 Justification; $45
14/20 — Raspberry, currant, black tar and light mineral aromas precede this Meritage’s supple mouth and red fruit, mushroom, cedar and caramel flavors.

Justin Vineyards & Winery
2007 Deborah's Delight White Wine; $50
14/20 — Comprised of 71 percent Orange Muscat and 29 percent Viognier, this dessert wine exhibits peach, apricot and orange scents with sweet stone fruit and citrus flavors.

Sculpterra
2006 Merlot; $25
13.5/20 — Fruity and herbal aromas complement this medium-bodied red’s raspberry, cherry and milk chocolate flavors, which contain hints of strawberry, rosemary and anise. Pairs well with lamb, duck or pizza.

Potter Valley

Dashe
2007 McFadden Farms Dry Riesling; $20
13.5/20 — Earth, tangerine and orange blossom aromas match this velvety Riesling’s dried apricot, citrus and honeysuckle flavors and clean, floral finish.

Russian River Valley

J Vineyards & Winery
1998 Vintage Brut Late Disgorged; $115
15.5/20 — This refreshing sparkling wine exhibits inviting bread dough aromas, tangerine and lime flavors, a creamy mouthfeel and a delightful length.

J Vineyards & Winery
2000 J Vintage Brut; $50
14.5/20 — Almond, brioche, and baking spice aromas match this sparkler’s creamy mouth, crisp acidity and apple/citrus flavors.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Hahn
2007 SLH Pinot Gris; $20
14/20 — Opening with aromas of honeysuckle, pear blossom and citrus, this light-bodied Pinot Gris reveals flavors of ripe pineapple with notes of hay and grass.

McIntyre Vineyards
2006 Estate Pinot Noir; $42
15/20 — Flavors of cherry jam, cola, rhubarb and Asian spice complement this well-balanced red’s silky texture and lingering finish.

Paraiso
2006 West Terrace Pinot Noir; $40
14/20 — With fewer than 400 cases made, this sipping red reveals a flat nose, slightly sweet cherry, raspberry and plum flavors, and a velvety texture in the mouth.

Paraiso
2007 Riesling; $14
13.5/20 — This dry Riesling is characterized by pear, apricot and clove scents and flavors, and a bright acidity in the mouth. Pairs well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Santa Maria Valley

Clendenen Family Vineyards
2003 Petit Verdot; $36
15/20 — A rare single varietal bottling that is extremely well executed. Shows off moderate tannins and dark berry fruit flavors.

Sonoma County

Ravenswood
2005 Syrah; $15
13/20 — Featuring 5 percent Grenache, 5 percent Carignane and 3 percent Viognier, this Syrah is characterized by floral aromas and white pepper, anise and clove flavors.

Temecula Valley

South Coast Winery
2006 Ruby Cuvée; $24
13/20 — Made completely from Syrah, this bubbly exhibits berry and lavender flavors, supple tannins, and a sweet, tart finish.

Multiple AVAs

Castello di Amorosa
2007 Gioia Rosato di Sangiovese Rosé; $28
13.5/20 — An Italian-styled Rosé that shows off scents of cherry, spice and ripe berries with flavors of black raspberry, plum and strawberry. Pairs well with bruschetta.

Dancing Bull
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; $12
13/20 — Characterized by black currant, dark spice, brown sugar and milk chocolate flavors, this Cab shows off firm tannins with a hint of mocha. Pairs well with grilled steak.

MICHIGAN

Leelanau Peninsula

L. Mawby
Cuvée 129 Blanc de Blanc Brut; $18
13.5/20 — This sparkling multi-vintage blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris shows off flavors of citrons, butterscotch and minerals with a light, clean finish.

L. Mawby
N.V. Cremant Classic Brut; $22
13.5/20 — Made completely from Vignoles grapes, this medium-bodied sparkling wine exhibits yeasty and nutty aromas on the nose and fruit flavors in the mouth.

M. Lawrence
Wet; $15
13/20 — Derived from Pinot Gris grapes, this sparkling wine exhibits apricot and citron flavors, a sweet palate and a crisp, clean finish.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Domaine Ste. Michelle
Blanc de Noirs; $12
12/20 — This dry, pink-colored sparkling wine is characterized by strawberry scents and flavors.

Domaine Ste. Michelle
Extra Dry; $12
12.5/20 — An elegant sparkling wine with flavors of pear, kiwi and guava. Pairs well with seafood, especially sea bass and crab.

FRANCE

Champagne

Champagne Bollinger
N.V. Brut Rosé; $100
15.5/20 — With baking spice, cherry and citrus flavors on the palate, this dry pink sparkler demonstrates a long finish. Pairs well with Thai cuisine.

Champagne Bruno Paillard
Première Cuvée Brut Rosé; $90
15.5/20 — Produced from mostly Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay, this zesty, pink-hued effervescence exhibits strawberry, rose petal and wild mushroom flavors.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck
N.V. Rosé Réserve; $75
16.5/20 — Exuding grapefruit, strawberry and baking spice aromas, this pink-colored Champagne is soft in the mouth with toast, butter and blueberry flavors.

Champagne Comte de Dampierre
Grande Cuvée Brut; $43
14/20 — Composed from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this smooth and light Champagne exhibits a sweet citrus and mineral character.

Champagne Delbeck
Brut Heritage; $65
15/20 — A well-balanced, aromatic and lively Champagne made from 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay. Pairs well with salmon.

Champagne Drappier
Carte d’Or Brut; $40
13/20 — Made mostly from Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this Champagne shows off subtle notes of red fruit and a fine finish.

Champagne Drappier
Blanc de Blancs Signature Brut; $47
13/20 — With an elegant bouquet, this 100% Chardonnay sparkler is fresh in the mouth, combining finesse and richness.

Champagne Gosset
Brut Excellence; $44
15.5/20 — A pale gold sparkling with honeysuckle, white jasmine, pineapple and mango scents, an earthy, mineral-laden palate and smooth candied fruit, cinnamon cake and licorice flavors.

Champagne Henri Giraud
Esprit de Giraud Brut; $50
13.5/20 — Composed of 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay, this crisp, gold-hued Champagne shows off peach and pear aromas with a palate of light tannins and mineral notes.

Champagne Henri Giraud
Esprit de Giraud Rosé; $60
15/20 — This copper-colored bubbly exhibits strawberry, biscuit, grenadine and peony flower aromas with a crisp palate and a smooth, lingering finish.

Champagne Henriot
N.V. Rosé Brut; $65
15.5/20 — Deep copper-pink in hue, this fresh Rosé Champagne is a good aperitif, showcasing mineral, strawberry and raspberry aromatics and lingering red fruit flavors.

Champagne Lanson
Noble Cuvée Brut Rosé; $179
16.5/20 — Rose petal, berry fruit and cherry aromas echo in this bubbly wine’s flavors and dense palate. Pairs well with venison.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier
Ultra Brut; $80
15.5/20 — Comprising Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this dry, effervescent wine features citrus, honeysuckle and mineral scents, which echo in its intense flavors. Serves nicely with caviar or goat cheese.

Champagne Louis Roederer
2003 Vintage Brut; $70
15/20 — Consisting of 66 percent Pinot Noir and 34 percent Chardonnay, this dry Champagne exhibits fine bubbles, golden hues and a nutty, spicy and ripe fruit character.

Champagne Moët & Chandon
Impérial; $40
14/20 — Straw-yellow in color, this affordable sparkler offers a seductive palate with rich flavors, followed by a fresh crispiness.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Brut Rosé; $46
14/20 — This pink/copper-colored Champagne exhibits blackberry and raspberry scents with a fruit-driven palate. Pairs well with pheasant, goat cheese or strawberries.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Brut Réserve Particulière ; $35
13.5/20 — A floral nose with notes of white fruits leads into a fresh opening on the palate.

Champagne Perrier-Jouët
N.V. Blason Rosé; $75
14/20 — Medium salmon in hue, this pink bubbly originates from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, exhibiting raspberry scents with lingering strawberry and citrus flavors.

Champagne Philipponnat
N.V. Réserve Rosée Brut; $65
14.5/20 — This dry, pink-hued Champagne shows off strawberry and red currant aromas. Pairs well with smoked meats and berry desserts.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck
1999 Rare Millesime; $250
16.5/20 — This elegant cuvée shows off floral aromas, citrus flavors, an impressive length and a silky texture, making it perfect for a New Year’s Eve party.

Champagne Pol Roger
N.V. Brut Réserve; $42
15/20 — Made from equal parts Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this bubbly blend of approximately 30 still wines shows off a fresh fruit character and pairs well with shellfish.

Champagne Pol Roger
1999 Vintage Brut; $100
15/20 — Composed of 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay, this well-balanced Champagne shows off an aromatic nose and fine bubbles. Pairs well with sushi, crab and Asian cuisine.

Champagne Pol Roger
2000 Brut Rosé; $114
16.5/20 — Exhibiting elegant red fruit aromas and round, fruity flavors, this pale pink Champagne pairs well with lobster and salmon.

Champagne Pommery
1998 Cuvée Louise Brut; $185
17/20 — Displaying a gold tint, this prestigious, full-bodied Champagne exudes yellow fruit and yeast scents, and exhibits spicy notes and a refreshing acidity with hints of frangipane.

Champagne Pommery
N.V. Brut Rosé; $70
16.5/20 — This full-bodied pink sparkly shows off strawberry aromas and fresh, robust flavors. Pairs well with a dessert of chocolate and cherries.

Champagne Ruinart
Brut Rosé; $80
15.5/20 — Supple, fruity and well-balanced, this fine copper-hued Champagne pairs well with bluefin tuna sashimi or a leg of lamb.

Champagne Taittinger
N.V. Prélude Grands Crus; $90
15/20 — A subtle, fresh nose of mineral, floral and elderflower scents complements this Champagne's white peach and citrus flavors and expressive finish.

Champagne Taittinger
2002 Brut Millésimé; $90
15.5/20 — Comprised of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Champagne exhibits clementine, mineral, tea and menthol aromas, and apricot and brioche flavors.

Champagne Thienot
N.V. Brut; $40
13.5/20 — A delightful aperitif, this budget-friendly bubbly is a textbook Brut-style Champagne, exhibiting a gold color, lengthy mousse, round flavors and lingering citrus finish.

Champagne Thienot
1999 Grande Cuvée; $83
15.5/20 — Sporting a golden hue, this bubbly blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shows off subtle aromas and a fresh, full-bodied mouthfeel.

Champagne Vilmart & Cie
1998 Cuvée Création Brut; $105
15/20 — Graceful and feminine, this silk-textured Champagne exhibits honey and citrus aromas, which lead into subtle tangerine and almond flavors.

Crémant de Bourgogne

Simonnet-Febvre
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut; $22
13/20 — Consisting of 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir, this sparkling wine shows off fine bubbles, yellow fruit aromas, and a lingering finish.

Saumur

Bouvet
Signature Brut; $14
12.5/20 — Made from 90 percent Chenin Blanc and 10 percent Chardonnay, this crisp bubbly shows toast and fruit aromas, and a finish with toast and citrus flavors.

Bouvet
2005 Vintage Saphir Brut; $18
13/20 — This sparkling wine, a blend of 85 percent Chenin Blanc and 15 percent Chardonnay, exhibits ripe white fruit flavors ending in a crisp, toasty finish.

ITALY

Piemonte

Martini & Rossi
Asti; $12
13/20 — Made completely from Moscato grapes, this sweet sparkling wine exhibits a fragrant nose, a pale, straw-gold hue and fine bubbles.

Veneto

Martini & Rossi
Prosecco; $13
12.5/20 — This dry semi-sparkling wine, light and crisp in the mouth, exhibits apple, peach and dough aromas with vanilla and floral flavors. Pairs well with appetizers.

SPAIN

Penedès

Freixenet
Cordon Negro Brut; $12
13.5/20 — Crisp and dry, this medium-bodied sparkling wine, made from Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada, demonstrates a fruity character along with a long and clean finish.

Poema
N.V. Cava Brut; $12
12.5/20 — A blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada, this Spanish sparkling wine shows off peach, pear and bread aromas, orange and spice flavors, and an extremely tart finish.

Poema
N.V. Cava Extra Dry; $12
12.5/20 — Honeysuckle, peach and toasted bread scents precede this dry sparkly’s fresh and spicy mouth, and lingering finish.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Mudgee

Robert Oatley
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot; $20
13/20 — Nearly half-and-half Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this red blend shows off soft tannins and juicy red berry flavors with a touch of spice.

TASMANIA

Pipers River

Clover Hill
2004 Clover Hill; $35
13.5/20 — This sparkling wine, which reveals a soft length, exhibits aromas and flavors of stone fruits, almond biscuit and yeast.

SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Multiple AVAs

Taltarni
Vintage Selections Brut Taché; $22
14/20 — A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkling wine exhibits a salmon-pink color, red berry and rose petal aromas, and citrus, peach and yeast flavors.

Marlborough

Huia Vineyards
2002 Brut; $30
13.5/20 — Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this creamy, bread-flavored Brut-style sparkling wine from New Zealand offers the sophistication of Champagne, but at a much friendlier price.

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