Offers a mix of delicate loamy earth, dried berry, cedar and anise, with wilted rose. Pleasingly complex on the finish. — James Laube

The juicy, lively red currant and raspberry flavors are pure, focused and vibrant, with spice, pepper and dried violet details. Smooth and polished, never weighed down by the tannins, with a long finish. — MaryAnn Worobiec

A tight wine with notes of almond and green fruit that add tension to the structure. The acidity is dominant in this complex, textured wine. — Roger Voss

This is a deliciously ripe wine, aged in wood to give roundness to the blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. It is full bodied and rich in the mouth with orange and pineapple flavors giving a great lift to the mineral texture. — Roger Voss

Smoky cherry and earth aromas are the opening salvo on this bullish yet well-made wine. Expect a full mouthfeel that wraps itself around toasty, creamy flavors of chocolatey plum and spiced tea. Barda excels on its lively finish, which is long, properly acidic and spicy tasting. — Michael Schachner

This wine, with its blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, shows a crisp character, its acidity given brightness by lemon and green-plum fruit flavors. There's an attractive edge of minerality to add some tautness to the wine. — Roger Voss

One of the "Year's Best Southern Italian Wine."

Bright and focused, offering a core of chalk dust, white peach and honeysuckle notes inlaid with a wet stone accent. Shows good tension on the finish, with a fennel seed hint lingering. — James Molesworth

Alluring, with light toasted almond and brioche aromas followed by lemon curd, chamomile, white peach and nectarine notes that stretch out vividly through the well-defined finish, where a warm stony element glides in. — James Molesworth

What pricey Champagne should you buy? Watch the new Baz Luhrmann film “The Great Gatsby,” based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, and you’ll come out of the theater thirsting for Champagne. If Jay Gatsby were holding court in Hollywood today, he wouldn’t be pouring obscure grower Champagnes, however thrilling, but bottles everyone would recognize as top of the class. Here are a few other high-status Champagnes for reference and/or drinking: Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2002: Made from Chardonnay from the Côtes des Blancs and aged in 13th century cellars, with its notes of citrus and lime blossom, this is the Champagne to pour with an extravagant tiered seafood platter. — Irene Virbila

Slightly darker than the Taylor 40. Beautiful old nose of treacle, butterscotch, celery seed. Very complex. — David Rosengarten

Opaque purple. Citrus and baked cookies on Port-y nose. Concentrated, though slightly hollow in the middle. Very expressive for a young Vintage Port. — David Rosengarten

More austere in style: richness but with elegance. In this tasting, I loved the relatively inexpensive First Estate–a basic Ruby with a wild nose of grapefruit and spiced candy. — David Rosengarten

The Yeatman Hotel is owned by one of the largest Port houses, Taylor Fladgate, and it is the passion of Taylor Fladgate’s Managing Director, the very English, very creative, Adrian Bridge. — David Rosengarten

Hailing from the cool climate area of Trentino in northern Italy where the Dolomite Mountains offer an incredible backdrop, this crisp and complex Pinot Grigio is ideal for pairing with traditional brunch fare from ham to fruit salad. — Leslie Sbrocco