LES VIGNERONS DES TERROIRS DE LA NOËLLE

Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie 2005 (89 points, $10)

Racy, with nice depth. Offers lots of lemon, lime, floral and mineral notes, with a long, crunchy finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. From France.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007

From all the Sauvignon Blancs that I have tasted, Kim Crawford is exceptional.  Ripe stone fruit, citrus and tropical flavors mingle with the soothing herbaceous notes. Nice acidity with a touch of sweet passion fruit add to the full, crisp finish.  Great with seafood dishes.  Rated 91

Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2006

Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2006 is pale straw in color with green hues. The wine shows classic varietal character with aromas of lime juice and lemon peel, with delicate orange blossom overtones. The palate is lively and refreshing with generous lemon and grapefruit flavors, and a hint of fleshy ripe tropical fruits on the finish.  A very good reisling for $13.00
  

McManis Family Petite Sirah 2006

Bouquet with bright, succulent jammy fruit, soft tannins and a well balanced oaky finish. With dark rich colors, the wine has a wonderful rich blackberry and spicy aroma.  Another one of favorite reds.  About $11.00

2006 Columbia Winery Cellarmaster’s Riesling

One of my favorites.  Goes very well with Thai & Indian curries.  Wash Post review: Thanks to a sun-filled summer and a cool, dry autumn, the 2006 vintage features a beautiful balance of intense, ripe peach and pear fruitiness and refreshing acidity that would go as nicely with Alsatian choucroute as with spicy Ethiopian stews. Around $13.00
 

JACOB’S CREEK Shiraz South Australia Reserve 2004

Smooth and open-textured, with cherry and savory red pepper flavors that mingle effectively on the mineral-tinged profile, lingering against refined tannins on the long, expressive finish. 
winemaker’s notes: The wine displays intense blackberry and cherry with lively black pepper notes. It is full bodied with strong palate presence. It demonstrates soft silkiness and firm tannin backbone. Expressive smokey cedar oak characters compliments a wine with great length of flavor, with complex notes of blackberry and spice. 
 WS Rating: 90 

2006 Washington Hills Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington

Party on with this smooth, supple red. It’s elegant packaging and high quality belies the bargain price.

2007 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Young and zesty, the wine’s lemon/lime ping is accented with a hint of fresh herbal aromas. Perfect with chips and salsa, it’s a party wine that will remind you of summer sun.  ($12)  
 

Unique finds under $20.00

Zonin Prosecco “Special Cuvee” Brut, Italy $13
Deliciously crisp bubbly to pour for Sunday morning brunch and big holiday gatherings. At this price, stock up.

Harveys Fino Sherry, Spain $15
Sherry is chic, though often misunderstood. Give this light, dry version a try when serving nuts, olives, or cold cuts.

2006 Pircas Negras Torrontes, Argentina $10
It’s difficult to find affordable wine made from organically-grown grapes. This floral-scented white from Argentina’s signature white grape, Torrontes, is a steal.

2006 Washington Hills Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington $8
Party on with this smooth, supple red. It’s elegant packaging and high quality belies the bargain price.

2007 Two Hands “Brilliant Disguise” Moscato Barossa Valley, Australia $18 (500ml)
Prepare to fall in love with this lightly-sweet, low-alcohol fizzy from Down Under. Drink with Christmas cookies or share with your secret Santa.

JACOB’S CREEK Shiraz South Australia Reserve 2004

JACOB’S CREEK Shiraz South Australia Reserve 2004 (90 points, $12

Smooth and open-textured, with cherry and savory red pepper flavors that mingle effectively on the mineral-tinged profile, lingering against refined tannins on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2014. 90,000 cases imported.From Australia.