Cono Sur 2007 “20 Barrels” Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley
The best value in Pinot Noir I have seen. This offers classic loam and floral notes in a very bright and friendly format. Dense and round, it still manages to remain …
Martinborough Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Classy and varietally correct, this offers a hint of honey on an otherwise austere structure, with notes of white pepper and scallion adding complexity to this bottle’s grapefruit and brine qualities.
Louis Latour 2007 “Duet” White, Languedoc
I do have a bit of a man-crush on Mr. Latour, ever since he visited the Wine School (yeah, you missed that because you didn’t sign up for our wine club …
Coufran 2003 Haut Medoc
One of the best values right now. Ripe and rich black fruits on the palate finish into eucalyptus and vanilla bean. On the nose, hibiscus flowers.
Wildberry 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia
Classic nose of black olive and cedar, a surprisingly complexstructure considering the price, but some very straightforward andeasy fruit.
R.L. Buller NV Fine Tawny
Sometimes, a 375-milliliter bottle is all you really want. And sometimes, the sweet scent of caramel and coffee are all you really need for dessert, chocolate cake be damned.
Domaine de Couroulu 2003 Vacqueyras Vielles Vignes
The 03’s from the Southern Rhone have always been a favorite of ours, and this one is an excellent example of how affordable even standouts are. Your CdP’s may not all …
Pecchenino 2005 Dolcetto di Dogliani “San Luigi”
Nebbiolo and Barbera may get most of the accolades. Still, a good Dolcetto, like this one, is perfect for this time of year with its modest weight, easy drinkability, and amazing …
Two Hands 2006 Shiraz “Gnarly Dudes,” Barossa
Two Hands always names their wines well, but this one stands out for both its name (who doesn’t feel just a little bit cooler drinking a wine called Gnarly Dudes?) and …
Alma de Blanco 2007 Godello, Monterrei
From the still relatively unknown Monterrei D.O. in Spain’s northwest comes this Godello, a fruity, surprisingly linear wine that will complement everything from steamed shrimp and prawns to a big bowl …
Michele Chiarlo 2007 Moscato d’Asti “Nivole,” Piedmont
Okay, so maybe we’re cheating here recommending a half-bottle that costs $12.99, but sometimes, you really do want to drink something nice all by your lonesome. And this fruity, gulp-able wine …
Luna 2006 Pinot Grigio, Napa County
Surprisingly bold, this Pinot Grigio is a far cry from the stuff in the six-pack. But for all its idiosyncrasy, it works. And for $10.99, it is most definitely worth a …
Muga 2004 Rioja Reserva, Rioja
Muga is a perennial favorite here at the Wine School, and for a good reason: Its wines, from the value-priced white Rioja to the majestic Torre Muga, are, quite simply, delicious. …
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
When we opened the 2004 vintage of this wine in our Advanced France course last winter, it was one of the highlights of Southern Rhone night. 2006 exhibits everything you’d expect …
Argyle 2002 Brut, Willamette Valley
Of course, it only makes sense: A cooler region that excels in the realm of Pinot Noir should produce solid sparklers. And this one is fabulous proof: Its surprising depth and …
Labegorce 2000 Margaux
Amazing that this one is still kicking around, and it’s just about nearing its peak. Cedar, plums, and toast are woven into a medium-bodied framework. Excellent fruit concentration with finely grained …