- 99 Royal Tokaji Mezes Maly 6 Puttonyos (Tokaji): Honey, quince, white tea, orange, sultana & a little slice of nearly pure heaven. $150 A #
- 01 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): A truly elegant (& fairly-priced) diamond in the purple-soaked, extracted rough of the NV $80 A #
- 07 Stony Hill Chardonnay (Napa Valley): Pretty, svelte & food-friendly; but just a little too rough around the edges goin’ down. $35 B #
- 07 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Like an artistic engineering feat; the real beauty is in the structure $135 A- #
- 08 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel (Calistoga): The lighter, spicier side of jammy Zin. Close access to grilled burgers required. $30 B+ #
- 09 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (Napa Valley): If you like citrus & peaches, you’ve found your happy place (but the seats are pricey) $50 B+ #
- 09 Chateau Montelena Riesling (Potter Valley): Gotta give them props for getting lime and a nice citrusy zing from a warm spot. $24 B- #
- 03 Marcassin Bondi Home Ranch Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): Savory, earthy but BIG. Hey, even famous statues look cracked from close up $180 B+ #
- 09 Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Großes Gewächs (Nahe): The white flowers & apricot put it firmly into “Wow!” territory $60 A #
- 03 Chateau Pontet-Canet (Pauillac): Hot year gives enough pure, bombastic black cherry to keep the stinky funk menace in check. B+ $85 #
- NV Bollinger Special Cuvee (Champagne): The house’s hand is toasty, lush & full of green apple. And it’s definitely a winning hand. $65 B+ #
