1 | United States, $20 to $50 | Page 5

"Copper color. Deep aromas of pecan toffee, dried peach and orange, and sweet baking spices follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with layers of spiced nuts and caramel fudge. Finishes with a long, smooth vanilla and mineral accented fade. A great sipper or mixer with fantastic flavor and balance."

"Clear. Aromas of cream of wheat, brown sugar, licorice, and delicate peppery spices follow through on a supple, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with citrus and peach custard and herbal juniper notes. Finishes with a vibrant anise seed, citrus marmalade on a sweet wheat cracker, and white pepper fade. A smooth, lively gin and will shine in cocktails. Gold Medal."
Made with wheat and juniper berries from Washington Island, Wisconsin.

"Our 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens with lovely, vibrant aromas of cherry pie and sassafras, supported by subtle earth tones and hints of rose petal and vanilla. Vibrant pomegranate and cranberry join in on the palate, with notes of black licorice, espresso bean, sweet pipe tobacco and cherry cola. With elegant structure, the juicy mid-palate leads to a lingering finish of sweet spice."

"Combines plushness of texture and depth of flavor (dark berries, tobacco, chocolate) with welcome vivacity and saliva-inducing salinity. It should offer fine value over the next half dozen or more years."

Do you want a dessert bourbon? Try this one; full, rich, thick vanilla/caramel sweetness on the palate, mellows into a long, soft finish.

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon flows from the glass with plums, black cherries, graphite, grilled herbs and smoke. This fleshy, up-front Cabernet Sauvignon shows fabulous overall balance and harmony in a style best enjoyed over the next decade or so."

"The opening nosings detect subtle odors of sweet grain and fresh, damp vegetation; further aeration introduces aromas of marshmallow and fiber. The palate entry is silky, textured and grainy sweet; at midpalate notes of charcoal/ash are found. Concludes on a smooth, sweet grain, sap-like note. A classy unflavored vodka that deserves a huge audience. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"Our 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with fresh, creamy aromas of ripe pear, apple and citrus, with light butter, yeast and spicy oak tones adding complexity. The wine’s rich, focused, green apple, melon and guava flavors are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and a piquant mineral tone. Both mouthfilling and elegant, this quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay is delectable now, but it will develop even greater complexity with another 5-8 years’ bottle age."