1 | Wine | Pessac-leognan / Graves, $10 to $20, 750 ml

"A major sleeper of the vintage, this blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is another “best ever” performance. Notes of tobacco leaf, hot rocks, sweet kirsch and black currants are impressively displayed in this medium to full-bodied, velvety textured, very seductive style of wine. Drink it over the next decade." -Robert Parker

"Mixes tarragon, chervil, lemon zest and salted butter notes together, with a fresh, herb-tinged finish that shows plenty of zip."

"I absolutely love this fresh white from Bordeaux! Sauvignon blanc races in with flavors of peach and grapefruit, while Bordeaux' signature semillon offers hints of creamy lemon custard and freshly baked shortbread cookies. Delish! Very soft, pretty and nuanced but zesty and clean, with really nice length and great potential for food pairing. Think about this with salads or fresh seafood meals like halibut and buttered zucchini." - Barb Steadman, Binny's Des Plaines

"A nice juicy spine runs through the mix of raisin, mulled plum and black currant fruit. Flashes of anise and tobacco add range on the finish."

"Pure, showing a supple texture, featuring damson plum, black cherry and tobacco leaf notes that hang elegantly through the finish. Very fresh, with buried acidity."