CALIFORNIA

Alexander Valley

Geyser Peak Winery
2002 Vintage Bin 8 Cabernet Sauvignon; $100
16.5/20 — A brooding crimson color reveals intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry, mocha and cedary oak.

Carneros

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards
2005 Pinot Noir Carneros; $30
14/20 — A lovely nose of ripe fruit and sandalwood pairs with a full-bodied, slightly hot mouthfeel in this garnet vino.

Buena Vista Carneros
2005 Pinot Noir; $25
14/20 — This wine brightens the palate with bright cherry, nutmeg and earthy mushroom flavors with hints of toastiness and dark chocolate overtones.

Lodi

Clay Station Vineyard
2005 Old Vine Zinfandel; $12
13.5/20 — This blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah is a bold combination of berry flavors on the palate with hints of chocolate and toasty oak on the nose. It pairs well with curry dishes.

Monterey County

Lockwood Vineyard
2005 Monterey Syrah; $13
13.5/20 — Firm tannins and lush fruit characterize this substantial wine, which can be best enjoyed when paired with sausage or venison dishes.

Patz & Hall
2005 Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir; $80
15/20 — Layers of framboise, strawberry and cherry are apparent in this vibrant wine that pairs well with pheasant dishes.

Napa Valley

Cakebread Cellars
2004 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon; $100
15.5/20 — A Bordeaux-style blend, the wine’s floral, fruity and earthy aromas foreshadow flavors of cherry, fig, spicy plums and dark chocolate. A good complement to red meat and hearty stews.

Cakebread Cellars
2006 Sauvignon Blanc; $22
14/20 — This fresh wine displays hints of grapefruit, kiwi and hay on the nose. Its full-bodied flavors of green apple and peach make it a good match for poultry dishes.

Paso Robles

Martin & Weyrich Winery
2004 Reserve Il Vecchio Nebbiolo; $15
14.5/20 — This robust wine is beautifully structured, with notes of cedar, spicy tobacco and black fruit on the nose. It pairs well with hearty meat dishes.

Martin & Weyrich Winery
2003 Etrusco Cabernet Sauvignon; $22
14.5/20 — This blend of 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Sangiovese combines the dark fruit flavors typical of Cab and the brighter red berry characteristics of a Sangiovese.

Tablas Creek Vineyard
2005 Mourvèdre; $35
15/20 — This full wine features roasted meats, cherries, mocha and spice on the nose, with ripe tannins, lingering notes of coffee, chocolate and leather. It should drink well for decades.

Russian River Valley

Benziger Family Winery
2006 Sauvignon Blanc—Shone Farm, Russian River Valley; $29
15/20 — Mike Benziger's passion for the environment and good wine have led him to produce this crisp and clean eco-friendly vino, which pairs well with white fish and fresh fruit.

Santa Lucia Highlands

Robert Talbott Vineyards
2006 Kali Hart Pinot Noir; $20
13.5/20 — A rich garnet color, this fruit-driven wine displays lush flavors of cherry, blueberry and cola and is designed to be enjoyed now.

Santa Maria Valley

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards
2005 Pinot Noir; $26
13/20 — The grapes for this dark wine were grown on the Goodchild Vineyard, and resulted in a vino featuring rich notes of black cherry, toast and spices.

Sonoma Coast

Dutton Goldfield Winery
2005 McDougall Vineyard Pinot Noir; $55
16/20 — Seventeen months of aging has resulted in a vivid wine with flavors of cherry and candied cranberry. The bright acidity and solid structure of this vino complement sharp cheeses.

Sonoma County

Clos du Bois
2006 Rosé; $14
12.5/20 — Flavors of wild strawberry and juicy raspberry, as well as a long, refreshing finish, make drinking this wine feel like a kiss on the lips. It pairs well with roasted meats or summer salads.

Dashe Cellars
2005 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel; $32
14.5/20 — Aromatic traces of lavender and violets mix with flavors of black raspberry, black pepper and chocolate on the palate.

Korbin Kameron Vineyards
2004 Mount Veeder Merlot; $46
15/20 — This family-run vineyard produces a medium-bodied red with distinct aromas of berries, cinnamon and green olive, making it the perfect match for steak.

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards
2004 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Syrah; $34
15.5/20 — With a silky and plush mouthfeel and an inky purple color, this regal Syrah has a strong nose with aromas of blueberry preserves and mocha.

V-Twin Vineyards
2005 Bike Week Merlot; $25
14/20 — This adventurously-named vino treats imbibers to flavors of blackberry, herbs and cedar, followed by a smooth and lingering finish.

St. Helena

Joseph Phelps Vineyards
2006 Sauvignon Blanc; $32
14.5/20 — Delicate aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel and bergamot are complemented by the fresh, crisp flavors of this Sauvignon Blanc.

OREGON

Dundee Hills

Torii Mor Vineyard & Winery
2005 La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir; $55
15.5/20 — The grapes for this crisp red were organically grown and then aged in oak barrels for ten months, resulting in a wine with pure fruit flavors.

WASHINGTON

Columbia Valley

Nicholas Cole Cellars
2004 Camille; $48
15/20 — This layered, decadent wine embraces taste buds with its velvety tannins and a caressing finish. It features dark chocolate, ground espresso and a hint of tobacco on the nose.

Casablanca Valley

Veramonte
2006 Pinot Noir Reserva; $14
13.5/20 — Flavors of cherry and strawberry mingle with aromas of berries and vanilla in this lush red wine.

Corbières

Domaine de Fontsainte
2005 Domaine Rouge; $9
13.5/20 — A fresh fruit nose gives way to undercurrents of cacao powder and licorice in this well-balanced wine. It's best served with dishes like mushroom tart or grilled red meat.

Champagne

Champagne Besserat de Bellefon
Cuvée des Moines Brut; $44
14.5/20 — This full-bodied bubbly is sweet and well-rounded, with woodland flowers, pears and candied fruit on the nose and a fresh, assertive finish.

Champagne Henriot
1995 Cuvée des Enchanteleurs; $170
17/20 — Aromas of hazelnut and caramel lead into floral scents of peonies and honeysuckle in this golden-hued wine. Spices, toast and mocha on the palate make it a good match for roasted sea scallops.

Champagne Henriot
Rosé; $55
16/20 — This cuvée charms with its delicacy and persistence of aromatic red fruit.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
1995 Vintage Cuvée Spéciale Millésime Brut; $57
16/20 — A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this bubbly exhibits a full-bodied, toasty and vanilla flavor, and pairs well with roasted fowl, fish and aged cheeses.

Champagne Pol Roger
1995 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill; $196
16.5/20 — Dominated by Pinot Noir, this blended vino exhibits robust flavors of citrus, hazelnut and vanilla pastry, making it a good complement to lobster and fowl.

Reims

Champagne G.H. Mumm
Brut Grand Cru; $55
15.5/20 — This lively yellow bubbly features aromas of tart citrus and vanilla joined by soft, fresh flavors.

Champagne Taittinger
2002 Brut Millesimé; $90
15.5/20 — This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir pairs subtle hints of toast and minerals on the palate with aromas of white fruit and berry.

Brunello di Montalcino

Ruffino
2001 Tenuta Greppone Mazzi; $62
15/20 — Opening with earthy notes, this garnet-hued vino treats the palate to a sweet, fruity finish with hints of rosemary and thyme.

Chianti Classico

Ruffino
2003 Riserva Ducale Oro; $40
14/20 — This full-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has an elegant, fruity core and features violet, cherry and plum on the nose.

Tuscany

Antiori Santa Cristina
2005 Sangiovese; $10
13.5/20 — This fragrant blend of 90 percent Sangiovese and 10 percent Merlot was aged for six months in oak barrels.

Tenuta di Arceno
2004 PrimaVoce; $19
13/20 — A blend of 85 percent Merlot and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, this multi-layered wine treats the palate to lush fruit flavors and a finish of licorice, black pepper and cedar.

Hawkes Bay

Gunn Estate Winery
2006 Unoaked Chardonnay; $15
14/20 — Dry and clean, this Chardonnay presents flavors of peach and citrus blossom, with hints of dried pineapple.

Marlborough

Eradus
2006 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; $18
14.5/20 — Boasting a great nose and a nice composition, this Sauvignon Blanc possesses an herby aroma and a light, fresh, mineral finish.

Martinborough

Dry River
2006 Martinborough Gewürztraminer; $45
14.5/20 — The perfect wine for relaxing at the end of the day, the sumptuous flavors of peach and guava will help you forget your cares with their spicy undertones and smooth palate.

Costers del Segre

The Spanish Quarter
2006 Chardonnay-Albariño; $10
13/20 — This vibrant, straw green-colored wine with flavors of ripe peach and tropical fruit is made from a blend of native Spanish grapes and the relatively new to the area Chardonnay varietal.

Priorat

Morlanda
2003 Criança; $48
14.5/20 — This blend of Carnacha, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon features flavors of deep, dark fruit, followed by a lightly sweet finish. It pairs well with grilled lamb dishes.

Ribera del Duero

Cosecha
2005 Valdubón; $14
13.5/20 — Made from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes, this wine features a balanced acidity and a complex nose. It pairs well with comfort foods like Italian sausage or a hearty bean soup.

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