Nov 19, 2008  PLANETA  Sicilia Cometa 2006 (90 points, $35)
This has a complex nose, with rich, exotic fruit—star fruit, papaya—and some honey and fresh herb character. Full-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel covering an intense, thin bead of citrus fruits. Exotic and fresh. Drink now. 5,830 cases made.
- James Suckling

Nov 18, 2008  VRANKEN  Brut Champagne Diamant NV (91 points, $50)
Full, rich and round, this caresses the palate with its finesse, while layering toast, coffee, butterscotch and lemon flavors through to the chalklike aftertaste. On the dry side. Drink now through 2011. 2,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson

Nov 17, 2008  COMTE DE NOIRON  Brut Champagne Coeur de Cuvée 2003 (92 points, $55)
Rich and powerful, this offers ginger, graphite and candied citrus notes surrounding the moderate structure. Glides to a long aftertaste of clover honey. A pleasant astringency helps shore up the finish. Drink now through 2020. 5,000 cases made.
- Bruce Sanderson

Nov 15, 2008  ROEDERER ESTATE  Brut Anderson Valley L'Ermitage 2002 (91 points, $45)
Sleek and complex, with lovely aromas of green apple, loam and warm cinnamon rolls. The flavors show pinpoint focus, yet are nicely layered, with baked apple, lime and toasty spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2013. 8,332 cases made.
- Tim Fish

Nov 14, 2008  BEAU VIGNE  Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Juliet 2005 (91 points, $50)
Presents an elegant, supple mix of alluring black cherry, dill, green olive, plum and wild berry fruit that's juicy and stylish, gaining richness, depth and proportion on the long, smooth-textured finish. Drink now through 2017. 2,100 cases made.
- James Laube

Nov 13, 2008  FÉLICIEN DIFFONTY & FILS  Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Vatican 2006 (91 points, $37)
Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. 3,830 cases made.
- James Molesworth

Nov 12, 2008  LUCA  Malbec Uco Valley 2007 (93 points, $35)
Really goes for the gusto, with dark fig sauce, melted purple licorice, mocha, fruitcake and crushed boysenberry and blueberry fruit, all gliding along rich, velvety tannins. Long, mouthfilling finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,700 cases made.
- James Molesworth

Nov 11, 2008  MONTAUDON  Brut Champagne NV (90 points, $38)
Bright and intense, exhibiting candied berry, preserved citrus and elderflower flavors. It's backed by a firm structure and stays persistent through the lingering aftertaste of ginger and vanilla. Drink now through 2010. 8,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson

Nov 10, 2008  BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS MAURODOS  Toro San Román 2005 (91 points, $62)
Black currant and cola flavors are open and sweet in this round, plush red. It has dense, well-integrated tannins and just enough acidity for balance. International style. Drink now through 2015. 7,250 cases made.
- Thomas Matthews

Nov 08, 2008  DUVAL-LEROY  Brut Champagne NV (91 points, $38)
This rich, sumptuous bubbly is marked by clover honey, candied citrus and hints of malt and mineral. It's beautifully integrated, with medium weight and a lingering, ginger-infused aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 35,000 cases made.
- Bruce Sanderson

Nov 07, 2008  BODEGAS PINORD  Priorat +7 2005 (92 points, $50)
Chocolate, plum, kirsch and earth flavors mingle in this thick red, with licorice and briar notes adding breadth. Big and brawny, this is a bit rustic, but with lively character and good length. Best after 2009. 4,000 cases made.
- Thomas Matthews

Nov 06, 2008  CAVE DE TAIN L'HERMITAGE  Cornas Arènes Sauvages 2006 (91 points, $45)
Nicely packed, with warm fig sauce, currant paste, coffee and bittersweet cocoa powder notes, this is muscular and dense, but has the buried minerality and balance to reward cellaring. Best from 2009 through 2015. 1,200 cases made.
- James Molesworth

Nov 05, 2008  DUVAL-LEROY  Brut Champagne Paris Label NV (91 points, $42)
Rich and biscuity, with a fine mousse and a firm beam of acidity for support. This sets the stage for the peach, vanilla and warm spice notes. There's lovely harmony and finesse, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2010. 10,000 cases made.
- Bruce Sanderson

Nov 04, 2008  CHÂTEAU FORTIA  Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron 2006 (91 points, $37)
Rich but restrained, with graphite, game, hot stone, tobacco and plum sauce notes allied to a surprisingly grippy frame that extends through the lengthy finish. Best from 2009 through 2023. 3,915 cases made.
- James Molesworth

Nov 03, 2008  CHAPPELLET  Merlot Napa Valley 2005 (91 points, $32)
Rich yet sleek. Red currant, bell pepper and mocha aromas lead to complex, well-balanced loam, blueberry and cedar flavors that linger toward compact, ripe tannins. Drink now through 2013. 4,100 cases made.
- Tim Fish

Nov 01, 2008  COMTE AUDOIN DE DAMPIERRE  Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV (93 points, $52)
Offers gorgeous, inviting aromas and flavors of freshly baked pastry, coffee, vanilla and mint. This tastes mature, as if there were a lot of reserve wine in the blend. Has terrific harmony and length. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases made.
- Bruce Sanderson

Oct 31, 2008  TWO HANDS  Shiraz McLaren Vale Angels Share 2007 (92 points, $35)
Big, bold and expressive, with some unexpected transparency to the black cherry, raspberry, red plum and Asian spice aromas and flavors, lingering on the open-textured finish. The aftertaste just keeps coming. Drink now through 2015. 6,300 cases made.
- Harvey Steiman

Oct 30, 2008  BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS MONTECASTRO  Ribera del Duero 2005 (93 points, $52)
This rich, expressive red delivers ripe, almost sweet, black currant and blackberry fruit. It has muscular tannins, but there's enough acidity for balance, as well as a vibrant floral and spice finish. Drink now through 2020. 7,000 cases made.
- Thomas Matthews

Oct 29, 2008  SETTE PONTI  Toscana Crognolo 2006 (92 points, $36)
Offers very, very pretty aromas of crushed berry and green coffee bean. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a polished, caressing mouthfeel. Why wait? Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2012. 8,170 cases made.
- James Suckling

Oct 28, 2008  JOHN DUVAL  Shiraz Barossa Valley Entity 2006 (92 points, $40)
Juicy and lively, brimming with blackberry, currant and subtle spices, remaining fresh and brilliant through the long, persuasive finish. The tannins are crisp but well-integrated. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases imported.
- Harvey Steiman

Oct 27, 2008  LE CORTI  Chianti Classico Don Tommaso 2005 (91 points, $36)
Aromas of plum, berries and oak follow through to a medium body, with clean fruit on a firm texture, turning a little chewy just now. All there, but this needs time to even out. Best after 2009. 2,000 cases made.
- James Suckling

Oct 25, 2008  FATTORIA DI FELSINA  Toscana Fontalloro 2005 (93 points, $56)
Exhibits pure raspberry and strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with an enticing core of fruit and a long, silky-textured finish. I like it even better than the 2004. Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 2,900 cases made.
- James Suckling

Oct 24, 2008  IL BORRO  Toscana 2006 (92 points, $38)
Dark in color, with rich currant, toasty oak and light tar. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish of vanilla. Full-throttle. A blockbuster. Needs some time to mellow some of the new wood. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best after 2012. 1,330 cases imported.
- James Suckling

Oct 23, 2008  DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE  Châteauneuf-du-Pape White La Crau 2007 (93 points, $65)
Focused, with a range of apple, lime, pear, floral and mineral notes that stretch out on the bright, stony finish. This has concentration in reserve. Drink now through 2012. 2,000 cases made.
- James Molesworth

Oct 22, 2008  CASTELLO DI BOLGHERI  Bolgheri Varvàra 2006 (90 points, $34)
Aromas of raspberry, flowers and licorice follow through to a full body, with soft, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty indeed. A textbook Bolgheri wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best after 2011. 2,500 cases imported.
- James Suckling