1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 2005 Reserve St. Martin Vin d'Pays d'Oc France Pinot Noir
Made by French vintners who aren't afraid to bend from tradition, this fun wine has a floral aroma, leading to notes of perfumed strawberry, dark berry and red cherry.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 2002 Pumari Riesling
2002 Pumari Riesling
7. 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!)
8. 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.
9. 2005 Castoro Cellars Paso Robles Muscat Canelli
This bottling is one of Castoro Cellars'perennial favorites. It has a floral aroma that leads to sweet fruit flavors of candied orange peel, peach, apricot and pear.
10. NV Sushi Wine Loire, France Chenin Blanc
The name says it all. If you love sushi, you'll love this wine. Made in an off-dry style from Chenin Blanc grapes grown in France's esteemed Loire Valley, "Sushi Wine" offers impressions of honey, brioche, yeast and green apple skins.
11. 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.
12. 2004 Aresti Rio Claro, Chile Reserve Merlot
The Aresti family grew grapes in Chile's Curico Valley for 44 years before they decided to make wine. Their farming expertise shines through in this bottling, which showcases earth-framed black cherry fruit.
13. 2005 Shady Bay California Chenin Blanc
This wine has just a touch of residual sugar, making it ideal for late-summer sipping, or pairing with Asian fare anytime. Its floral and honeyed aroma leads to flavors of sweet grapefruit and kiwi.
14. 2002 Vina Progreso Uruuguay Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
From South America's second smallest country comes this delicious and expressive wine, showing aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, green pepper, nuts and sweet chocolate oak.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 2003 Chevere! Valle Central, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon
Patrick Campbell of Laurel Glen always wanted to make a "populist" wine, and sought out grapes grown in Chile's Central Valley in order to achieve his goal. This Cabernet offers enticing notes of sweet wood, cedar, leather, black cherry and spices.
19. 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.
20. 2005 Lazy Bay California Chardonnay
This tasty California Chardonnay is a cuvee of lots from various growing regions. It showcases apple, pear and citrus fruit flavors, and has a refreshing, creamy finish.
