Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1994

At 90 years of age, Robert Mondavi remains the global ambassador of American food and wine. His vision is to create wines in California that belong in the company of the great wines of the world. Having successfully achieved this goal, his wisdom as founder and Chairman Emeritus of Robert Mondavi now guides the next two generations of family members in building upon his philosophies.

With this vision comes some incredible wines including his family's 1994 Cabernet which may turn out to be one of their greatest Mondavi wines ever. It may someday edge the fantastic years of 1991 and 1987. Profound, exceptional and astonishing are the words that most accurately describe this wine. It has a deep purple color with an incredibly complex nose. This rich intense wine gives you a finish that will leave you wanting more.

Try to hold this Cabernet for ten to fifteen years if you can wait that long. Buy as many as you can afford.

$257

Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2002

This classic has a perfect balance of fruit and oak. The nose is fruity and orange. The mouth is full of melon and figs that will dance in your mouth forever. The finish is long and intense. Far Niente produces an incredible American Chardonnay that very few, if any, vineyards can produce. If money is no object, purchase this one for that special Thanksgiving Dinner. Just make sure you purchase enough, they will drink more than you'd expect.

$52

La Storia Zinfandel 2001

2001 was an exceptional Zinfandel vintage. The first thing you will notice from La Storia is the deep, dark red color, a good hint of what's to come. This wine will remind you of plums, blackberries and raspberries. It is rich and thick and well balanced. This fantastic wine should continue to develop and be drunk for the next five years. Perfectly served with rack of lamb, beef or duck. This is a nice wine for a special dinner because the beautiful bottle will intrigue everyone.

The history of this vineyard is very interesting as well. Life-long agriculturists Evelyn and Leo Trentadue were dedicated to producing premium wines. They purchased 208 acres of land in the heart of the Alexander Valley in the late 1950's. Little did they know at the time what the land had been, or what it would be. For their interesting complete story, visit their website at www.Trentadue.com.

$24

Snoqualmie Winemaker's Select Riesling 2003

This Washington Riesling is very similar to most of the Rieslings from this area. This is a very fruity wine with a hint of crisp acidity. A pleasant aromatic wine with hints of apricot and peach. Good wine for an alternative to a blush. Serve this inexpensive wine with fruit desserts, pasta, grilled white meat or even with roasted turkey. This is a good wine to serve if you are entertaining large groups around the holidays. It is very easy to drink, even for those who do not usually drink wine, and will not offend those who have knowledge of wine.

$9

Lindemans 2003 Bin 65 Chardonnay, Australia

Lindemans is internationally renowned as one of the finest large-volume, economical producers of wine. If you have never tried a Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay, you will be surprised at how well balanced and consistent it is. It is a very friendly wine. It is nice and soft on the palate and you will notice the melon combined with sweet nutty oak. It goes well with a wide variety of foods including anything light or white. Try it with sautéed shrimp and scallops.

$7

Jacobs Creek Shiraz 2002, Australia

The 2002 vintage had one of the coolest summers on record. Following the cool summer was an unusual mild and warm autumn that created wonderful conditions for ripening. Consequently, Shiraz grapes developed incredibly deep purple colors, and retained intense, spicy, cool-climate flavors, even in the warmer districts of southeastern Australia.

This is a nice, consistent inexpensive wine that is just fine for a casual family dinner or for large parties. Serve with lamb, beef or try it with chili.

$10