1 | Wine | 86 or higher, 750 ml | Page 2

"A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was made by winemaking guru/consultant Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine’s 14.5% alcohol tells you something about its amazing richness and intensity. Aromas of smoke, lead pencil shavings, sweet kirsch and black currants soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine. Some tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is one of opulence and extravagance. Drink this beauty over the next decade or more." -Robert Parker

"Fresh and lively, this red is juicy with berry flavors that show and a tinge of oatmeal. Finishes on a savory note."

"A fun glass of bubbles, with creamy vanilla and raspberry aromas that lead to appealing strawberry and spicy lemon flavors."

"Smooth and velvety, with a fresh, lively feel to the blueberry and plum flavors. A hint of nutmeg marks the finish."

"This lightly sweet style of Cava brings out fresh flavors of Meyer lemon, apple, and pear. It's all about soft fruit, yet it remains completely clean, finishing with scents of apple butter and maple sap."

"The minerally undertow imparts a subtle, smoky note that blends with flavors of dried pineapple, biscuit, salted almond and white peach. A balanced version, with a fine bead and well-honed acidity."

"Medium-bodied, with good acid, sweet berry fruit, some pepper, incense and spice." -Robert Parker

"A rather exuberant yet steely, powerful Prosecco. White peaches, crushed rocks, smoke and flowers are some of the nuances that flow from this large-scaled, important Prosecco. A rich, textured finish rounds things out nicely. The Rustico is far from an easy-going cocktail wine, and is sure to be better at the table than on its own."

"Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world, this is an unbelievable wine. And don’t complain that you can’t find any, as there are 15,000 cases available, and any wine retailer worth his weight should be stockpiling this wine next to the cash register. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by classic aromas of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, loamy soil and flowers. This medium to full-bodied wine possesses remarkable depth, an expansive texture and wonderful freshness as well as purity. On taste alone, this beauty could easily sell for $30-50 a bottle."

"Opaque purple and thick in the glass, this wine has inky, supercharged aromas of ripe blackberry and spice. It feels amped up but balanced, with more intensity and clarity than what most other $18 reds offer. The flavors of wild berry, mild herb and chocolate finish in a rich, toasty wrapping."