2007 Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc 89 points

Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, $22



This wine is a nice balance of fruit and spice; Pink grapefruit, mango, lime and grass on the palate. Snappy acids fill out this full bodied white, drink now.

2004 Maddalena Merlot 87 points

Merlot, Paso Robles, $15



With a profile that's soft and full of ripe dark fruit; Black cherry, black raspberry, oak and pepper are lush on the palate. Soft tannins and a balanced finish with notes of leather and cedar, drink now.

2007 La Vieille Ferme Rosé 88 points

Rosé Blend, Côtes-du-Ventoux, $9


Dry, crisp and clean that fill the mouth with flavor; Strawberry, cherry and a unusual undertone of mocha fill the palate with flavor. With a great price this rose can't be beat. The finish is full of citrus that carries the flavor a long way.

2007 Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio 89 points

Pinot Grigio, California, $14


A great end of summer white wine. This lip-smacker is clean and vibrant on the palate with flavors of melon, lime, lemon and honeysuckle. Amazing complexity for this price with a clean, crisp finish.

2006 Spicerack Punchdown 92 points

Syrah, Sonoma Coast, $19



Yes, It's spicy, juicy and meaty; Bold and elegant flavors of black cherry, blackberry, spice and oak are thick on the palate. Dry and complex with supple tannins and a lush mouth-feel and yes it has a long spicy finish, drink now thru 2014.

2007 Kenwood Pinot Noir Rosé 88 points

Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $13



Light and refreshing with a slightly creamy side to it; strawberry, cherry cream, cloves and allspice dance on the palate. Bone dry with balanced acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

2006 Villa Vignamaggio Suhaili 87 points

Syrah, Salento, $11



Uncomplicated and easy to drink; black cherry, black raspberry, oak and spice on the palate. With a soft mouth-feel that's slightly tannic and a finish of oak and vanilla, drink now.

2007 Condesa de Leganza Rosado 88 points

Tempranillo, La Mancha, $12



This rose is different than most...off-dry, light sweetness. The palate is awash with cherry, strawberry, ripe raspberry and a hint of spice. Balanced acids and vibrant fruit meld well for a long smooth finish, drink now.

NV Hidalgo Morenita Cream 91 points

Sherry, Jerez, $13



I have to say this is one of the best Sherry's I've had in a long time. With a full palate of espresso, tar, caramel and almonds. Sweet and balanced that has a thick finish of chocolate and asian spices. Great price, great value makes for a great bottle of Sherry.

2005 Cakebread Chardonnay 93 points

Cakebread 2005 Chardonnay (Anderson Valley); $38



This is a fabulous a Chardonnay, elegant and refined; Big tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, mango, pear and sweet butter creme. Full-bodied with a precise layering of fruit and oak. With a finish of butter and caramel to round out this beautiful Chard, bravo! well done!

2006 El Arte de Vivir 90 points

Tempranillo Blend, Ribera del Duero, $14


Layering three vintages to create a ripe, meaty wine; Blackberry, blueberry, anise and vanilla wash the palate with flavor. Structured, with bright tannins and a interesting finish of spice and citrus peel, drink now thru 2012.

2006 Wine Guerrilla Coffaro Vineyards Old Vine 90 points

Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, $25



This is one big, juicy, tannic Zin; Black raspberry, blueberry, currant and spice fill the palate of this dry red wine. With a bracing finish of leather, vanilla and white pepper, drink now only 98 cases produced.

2007 Foursight Sauvignon Blanc 91 points

Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley, $20


Racy, crisp, clean and tasty with big up-front tropical fruit; Pink grapefruit, tangy lime, lemon-drop and white pepper explode on the palate. With racy acidity and a bone dry finish creates a fabulous Sauv Blanc.

2006 MontGras Quatro 91 points

Red Blend, Central Valley, $16


Cabernet, Malbec, Carmenère and Syrah together are well integrated and very tasty; blueberry, blackberry, sloe berry and vanilla float across the palate with ease. This full-bodied red blend has a long finish with notes of chocolate and burnished wood.

Paul Cheneau NV Lady of Spain Brut 89 points

Paul Cheneau NV Lady of Spain Brut (Cava); $14



This Cava is crisp, lively and easy to drink; This sparkler dances on the palate with notes of watermelon, pineapple, tangerine and mango. With a lip smacking dry finish that's clean and uncomplicated, drink now.