1. NV Bouchet Napa Valley Rosato di Nebbiolo
This multi-vintage Rose was crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Napa Valley. It exhibits notes of sweet pomegranate and rasberry, joined by earthy edges of leather and cigar.
2. 2001 Elkhorn Peak Fagan Creek Vineyard, Napa Valley Pinot Noir
Crafted from estate grapes grown in southern Napa Valley, this Carneros-like beauty oozes cinnamon and oak-tinged flavors of black cherry, rasberry, strawberry and cranberry.
3. 2003 'Que Sera' Vin de Pays d'Oc, France Syrah
With its notes of rasbeery, blackberry, violets, licorice, cigar box, toasty oak and white pepper, this French beauty is an archetypal Languedoc Syrah. (And, it tastes good, too!)
4. 2004 Skyline Cellars Napa Chardonnay
Made from grapes grown in California's Napa Valley, this round and refreshing wine offers notes of caramel, honey, fig, butter, toasty oak and baked apple.
5. 2005 Bramble Ridge California Sangiovese
This California rendition of Italian Chianti offers plenty of pure fruit flavor including cherry and strawberry impressions, accented by sandalwood and black pepper notes.
6. 2004 Man Vintners South Africa Shiraz
An engaging violet aroma leads to flavors of blackberry, cherry, plum, spices and chocolate in this exceptional wine, crafted by three experienced vintners in South Africa.
7. 2005 Trewa Maule Valley, Chile Sauvignon Blanc
This wine from Chile's Maule Valley is aromatic, crisp and refreshing with a white flower and white peach aroma that leads to flavors of lime, banana, pineapple and a hint of grass.
8. 2005 Lawsons Dry Hills Marlborough, New Zealand Gewurztraminer
This wine is the benchmark for all New Zealand Gewurztraminers, from its floral aroma to its ginger-sprinkled flavors of melon, white peach and orange peel. Its finish: long and spicy.
9. 2003 Nathan's Run California Zinfandel
This yummy (that's the scientific term) Zinfandel offers flavors and aromas reminiscent of grape jelly, currant and black licorice. What's not to like?
10. 2003 Barossa Valley Estate Barossa Valley, Australia 'Spires' Chardonnay
Crafted from grapes grown on the Barossa Valley floor, as well as the hillside vineyards, this wine has a fresh mouthfeel and a vibrant finish, with aromas and flavors of red delicious apple, melon, tropical fruit, citrus, caramel and subtle oak.
11. 2005 Daniel Gehrs Monterey County 'Pinnacle' Chenin Blanc
With 15 harvests under his belt, Dan Gehrs knows a thing or two about "Pinnacle" Chenin Blanc. It shows in this bright and crisp wine, which showcases floral, pear, green apple, lime, quince and honey impressions.
12. 2005 Adler Fels Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Meticulously-tended vines in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley produced the fruit used to craft this refreshing wine, which puts forth aromas and flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit and grass.
13. 2001 Chateau Franc-Perat France Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux
A focus on quality in the vineyard, and the winemaking talents of Michel Rolland, are captured in this traditional Bordeaux blend that showcases dark fruit flavors, joined by a note of pencil lead.
14. 2004 Three Brothers South Australia 'Reunion' Shiraz
Crafted from grapes grown primarily in Australia's McLaren Vale, this wine is juicy, rich and opulent, with impressions of blackberry, leather, licorice and a hint of vanilla.
15. 2002 Maddalena Paso Robles Merlot
Named for the Riboli family's esteemed matriarch, this wine has a soft mouthfeel, ripe fruit flavors, and a long, lingering finish. Pour a glass, and savor its impressions of cherry, chocolate oak, blackberry, plum and spice.
16. 2000 Chateau Roc de Candale St.Emilion Grand Cru France
This Merlot-based blend, which includes a dollop of Cabernet Franc, hails from the St.-Emilion region of Bordeaux. It offers notes of dusty berry fruit, herbs and sweet vanilla.
17. 2004 Santa Digna Valle Central, Chile Reserve Shiraz
This wine is from the Linares region of Chile's great Central Valley, and was aged in French oak barrels for added complexity. It showcases fruit flavors of blueberry and blackberry, finishing with chocolate oak.
18. 2004 Napa Girl Napa Valley Chardonnay
This excellent Napa Valley wine offers aromas and flavors of green apple, lychee, honey, caramel and fig, along with a hint of toastiness.
19. 2001 Sinatra Santa Barbara County Merlot
This is a red that "Ol' Blue Eyes" would have loved- full of personality and attitude. It offers notes of bing cherry, pomegranate, nutmeg, earthy winter spices and vanillin oak.
20. 2005 Silver Creek California Chardonnay
This floral and fruitful wine was grown in several top California vineyards. Its jasmine-like aroma leads to palate-impressions of tangerine, baked apple tart, lemon zest and pineapple.
