Inniskillin 2004 Vidal Sparkling Icewine
Not for everybody, but that almost seems to be the point of this unusual, unexpected sparkler. It’s rich and sweet, but the bubbles somehow cut it all down to manageable size. …
Chairman’s Selection
Pedro Romero Pedro Ximenez “Extra Rich” Sherry
Known to aficionados simply as “PX,” this underappreciated, wildly affordable sherry is perfect for creamy desserts and as an accompaniment to a pipe or a good spicy cigar.
Turkey Flat 2005 “Butcher’s Block Red,” Barossa
This classic Rhone-style blend of Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre is custom-made for dry-herb-rubbed lamb chops. Or, frankly, just for sipping on its own. There’s a reason Turkey Flat has long been …
Goulart 2007 “The Marshall” Malbec
From Lujan de Cuyo, one of Mendoza’s prime locations, comes this powerful red that works both independently or with manly-man food like steak or short ribs. Protein! Beefcake!
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 “Redemption” Zinfandel, Sonoma
A no-nonsense party wine. I would go so far as to say this was a gummi bear riding a licorice stick down a boozy river.
Domaine William Fevre 2006 Chablis
Anyone who tells you that winter is not the right time for white wine clearly hasn’t enjoyed the many charms of Chablis on a crisp day. There’s something about the often …
Cristina Ascheri 2006 Langhe Arneis, Piemont
In the land of Barbaresco and Barolo, this grape is truly, in the local patois, an unruly child, the one who doesn’t quite fit in. Once planted among rows of Nebbiolo …
Domaine Gauby 2004 “Les Calcinaires” Cotes du Roussillon Villages
Rustic and classically styled, this wine is certainly not for everyone. However, its deep-rooted sense of place and authenticity will make it irresistible to lovers of old-fashioned Languedoc-Roussillon bottlings. The nose …
Gary Farrell 2003 Zinfandel Maple Vineyard Tina’s Block
Classic aromas of peppercorns and crushed, ripe red berry fruit, followed by a mid-palate rich with the flavors of figs and dark berries. Despite all this richness and depth, though, it’s …
Viña Cobos 2004 Malbec “Bramare” Marchiori Vineyard, Mendoza
Snap up as much of this as you can, it’s one of the deals of the season. This rich red is kept in check by a spine of minerality that gives …
Bodegas Norton 2004 Privada, Mendoza
Sticking your nose into a glass of the ’04 Privada is like sticking your face into the best brunch buffet ever. Bacon, toast with cinnamon, roasted nuts, fig newtons, chocolate-covered espresso …
Baumard 2005 Savennieres, Loire Valley
From one of our favorite producers comes this stunning Chenin Blanc. And it’s from a great vintage. And it’s reasonable priced at $23.99. And it’s almost crazily delicious.
Disznoko 2006 Tokaji Dry Furmint
Unusual? Absolutely. But this is a wine that should be far more well-known than it is. For the time being, though, take advantage of the disparity between the price ($13.99) and …
Domaine Laroche 2006 “St.-Martin” Chablis
From one of our favorite Chablis producers and a great year in the region, this is a white worthy of all seasons, even the cooler one we find ourselves in now. …
Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg 2006 Riesling Spatlese, Rheinhessen
Like so many of the 06 Spätleses, this one is great right now–think tropical fruit bashed open with a big gray stone–and has all the stuffing it needs for a long-haul …
Helfrich 2005 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru, Alsace
The great wines of Alsace often represent some of the best deals at the high-end of the fine-wine world. This minerally, floral, spice-scented steal is just as delicious on its own …