CALIFORNIA

Carneros

Buena Vista Winery
2005 Syrah Carneros; $25
13.5/20 — With a nose of nutmeg and smoked meats, this cool climate Syrah features toasty flavors rich in berries and currant spice. The wine pairs well with venison and sweet potatoes.

Buena Vista Winery
2005 Syrah—Ramal Vineyard; $37
14/20 — Layered aromas of blueberry, blackberry, mocha and spice combine with flavors of plum, blueberry and white pepper in this complex wine, which pairs well with beef tenderloin.

Etude Wines
2004 Carneros Pinot Noir—Estate; $42
16/20 — This beautifully structured wine bursts with flavors of black cherry and black plum, which with its spicy undertones make it elegant and supple, the way a Pinot Noir should be.

Lodi

Gnarly Head
2005 Old Vine Zin; $11
12.5/20 — Rich berry flavors and exotic spices from the small Zinfandel grape clusters are aged in French, American and Hungarian oak, which create layers of vanilla and chocolate.

Napa Valley

Flying Horse Winery
2005 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc; $18
14.5/20 — Dry and crisp, with pronounced flavors of tropical citrus fruits and an intense, fruity nose, this wine goes well with spicy or delicate seafood dishes.

Mumm Napa
Blanc de Noirs; $20
13.5/20 — This blend of 80 percent Pinot Noir and 20 percent Chardonnay combines the soft fruit flavors of the Pinot and the structure associated with Chardonnay.

Mumm Napa
Brut Prestige; $20
13.5/20 — This medium-bodied wine features flavors of vanilla and melon, followed by a rich finish. It pairs well with grilled poultry.

Mumm Napa
2001 Blanc de Blancs; $26
14/20 — This crisp sparkling wine is made from hand-selected Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes. It features apple, pear and lemon on the nose.

Mumm Napa
Reserve Brut; $30
14/20 — Grapes from more than 50 vineyards were blended to make this sparkling wine. Its flavors of fig, cherry and vanilla bean make it a good match for veal and pork dishes.

Summers Estate Winery
2005 Andriana's Cuvee; $25
13.5/20 — A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from three Napa Valley vineyards, this complex wine goes well with roast chicken or dark chocolate.

Paso Robles

Tablas Creek Vineyard
2005 Syrah; $35
14.5/20 — The perfect accompaniment to spicy sausage or lamb, this wine displays a classic Syrah nose of white pepper, fruit and bacon fat, and has a spicy, savory finish.

SONOMA COUNTY

Alexander Valley

Clos du Bois
2004 Reserve Merlot; $22
13.5/20 — A full-bodied, deeply-flavored wine with aromas of violet, mocha, ripe plum and blackberry, and a rich, velvety finish.

MULTIPLE AVAs

North Coast

Clos du Bois
2004 Merlot; $18
13/20 — Made from grapes from one of the earliest harvests in Clos du Bois history, this wine has a rich, ruby red color and a fruity aroma complemented by hints of vanilla and spice.

OREGON

Dundee Hills

The Four Graces Vineyards
2005 Dundee Hills Estate Grown Reserve Pinot Noir; $37
14/20 — This wine's rich black cherry and tobacco-leather flavors, with hints of raspberry and spice, are amply supported by its dense structure and silky tannins.

Stoller Vineyards
2005 Stoller Estate Pinot Noir; $40
13.5/20 — Made with grapes from the vineyard's older vines, this pinot noir has a smooth texture, an earthy aroma and a spicy, fruity flavor.

Willamette Valley

Oak Knoll Winery
2006 Chardonnay; $10
13.5/20 — This white wine features an elegant, crisp feel with complex fruit flavors. It pairs well with lobster and crab dishes.

Champagne

Champagne Deutz
1998 Vintage Brut; $62
16/20 — A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this gold-colored bubbly expresses a nose of lemon preserves and white flower scents with a mouth of ripe fruit flavors.

Champagne Moutardier
Carte d'Or Brut NV; $32
14.5/20 — This golden bubbly features balanced structure and a fair finish. It can be served as an aperitif or with a holiday meal.

Champagne Henriot
1998 Brut Millésimé; $70
16.5/20 — Fresh, delicate aromas give this cuvée richness and elegance.

Champagne Henriot
Brut Souverain; $40
14.5/20 — A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this bubbly can be enjoyed now or aged for six to ten years.

Champagne Taittinger
Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Rosé NV; $50
15/20 —This fine mousse with its delicate bubbles has a cheering cherry-pink color due to the fact that a small part of the blend is vinified with red wine.

Galilee Mountains

Rimon Winery
2005 Pomegranate Dessert Wine; $38
13.5/20 — This unique wine made from pomegranate seeds has a light, sweet flavor with chocolaty undertones. It's perfect paired with desserts or soft, ripe cheeses.

Valdobbiadene

Oriel
365; $20
13.5/20 — This sparkling wine was created to remind us to enjoy each day. Its flavors of honeydew melon and white peach pair well with a decadent surf and turf holiday meal.

Veneto

Martini & Rossi
Prosecco; $13
12.5/20 — Flavors of peach and apple combine with light bubbles in this versatile sparkling wine, which pairs well with most foods and serves as a natural palate cleanser.

Otago

Valli Vineyards Limited
2006 Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir; $50
13.5/20 — Aromas of spice, cedar and violet characterize this dark varietal, which pairs well with swordfish.

Douro

Altano
2005 Reserva; $18
13.5/20 — Aged in oak casks for nine months prior to bottling, this wine is complex and aromatic.

Costers del Segre

The Spanish Quarter
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo; $10
13/20 — A blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes—the latter of which are relatively new to Spain—this silky red has flavors of berries, dark chocolate and sweet oak.

Montsant

Fra Guerau
2005 Rosé; $12
13/20 — This blend of Merlot, Garnacha and Syrah is intensely pink in hue and features a full finish with sweet red fruit flavors. It pairs well with pan-Asian cuisine.

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