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. 2002 York Mountain San Luis Obispo Pinot Noir
Made from grapes grown in the tiny York Mountain sub-appelation of San Luis Obispo County, this concentrated wine showcases ripe black cherry and berry fruit, join by an allspice note.
3. 2003 Niner Ranch Estates Paso Robles 'Bootjack Ranch' Syrah
Crafted from grapes grown in Paso Robles' Bootjack Ranch Vineyard, this ageworthy Syrah showcases impressions of blackberry, chocolate, coffee, cranberry, vanilla and leather.
4. 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.
5. 2004 Warrabilla Rutherglen, Australia Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
This non-filtered blockbuster offers engaging notes of cherry, other dark fruit, licorice, chocolate and a hint of eucalyptus/mint, all accented by perfumed French oak.
6. 2001 Gelida Cava Pendes, Spain Brut
Made in the Champenoise style, this sparkling wine from the Penedes region of Spain - a blend of four grape varieties - is super refreshing, with engaging notes of green apple, lemon, pear and grapefruit.
7. 2004 Samantha Starr Monterey County Pinot Noir
Sam Balderas of Talbott Vineyards crafted this wine from Santa Lucia Highlands fruit. Its strawberry and rasberry aromas lead to palate impressions of black cherry and plum, with a hint of smoke.
8. 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.
9. NV Duval Leroy Champagne Brut
Crafted by one of the top 10 Champagne houses in France, this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is delicious and memorable, with apple and baked biscuit nuances, joined by notes of lemon and chocolate oak.
10. 2004 Journey's End McLaren Vale, Australia Chardonnay
By insisting only on top-quality grapes, and then fermenting the fruit lots in a variety of ways, vintner Ben Riggs is able to craft a complex wine that showcases green apple, citrus, melon, toast, nut and cream notes.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 2001 Chateau Roc de Candale St. Emilion Grand Cru France
French oak notes frame this St.-Emilion beauty's impressions of berries, spice and vanilla. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is soft, silky and seductive.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 2001 J.P. Vinhos Terras do Sado, Portugal Touriga Nacional
This indigenous variety of Portugal is inky and dense, yet possesses plenty of finesse. Prepare to savor its oak-cloaked flavors of blackberry and cherry, joined by a hint of mocha.
17. 2005 Tangent Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley Pinot Gris
Crafted by acclaimed vintner Christian Roguenant, this wine showcases the pure varietal character of Pinot Gris, with notes of tropical and stone fruit, lemon, minerals and pine-resin.
