The Sommelier’s Pick

Less than $15

Nov. 19, 2014: BOGLE Merlot California 2012 (88 points, $10)

Supple and easygoing, with appealing flavors of black cherry, toasty oak and herb. Drink now through 2018. 475,000 cases made. —Tim Fish

Nov. 18, 2014: VERAMONTE Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2013 (89 points, $12)

A muscular red, with a mix of dark plum, currant and dried raspberry flavors that feature plenty of dark chocolate notes. Accents of underbrush and dried bay leaf linger on the rich finish. Drink now through 2018. 30,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Nov. 17, 2014: TERRAPURA Carmenère Colchagua Valley 2012 (88 points, $11)

This fleshy red is filled with dark plum, cherry tart and blackberry flavors that turn creamy. The richly spiced finish features dark chocolate and mocha notes. Drink now through 2017. 30,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Nov. 15, 2014: MITRAVELAS Agiorgitiko Nemea Red On Black 2013 (88 points, $12)

This medium- to full-bodied red features a loamy edge to the concentrated flavors of red currant, cream and dried raspberry. Espresso and cocoa powder notes show on the lively finish. Drink now through 2017. 12,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Nov. 14, 2014: VIÑEDOS ERRÁZURIZ OVALLE Chardonnay-Viognier Colchagua Valley Viñedos Marchigüe Panilonco Reserva 2013 (87 points, $8)

This features nectarine and green peach flavors that are fresh and lively. Mineral and spice notes carry through to the crisp finish, with smoky hints. Drink now. 40,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

$15 to $30

Nov. 19, 2014: VIÑEDOS TERRANOBLE Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Gran Reserva 2012 (90 points, $18)

Savory and richly spiced, this complex red offers open-textured flavors of cherry, sandalwood and roasted plum. Unctuous and creamy midpalate. Finishes with notes of dark chocolate, mint and licorice. Drink now through 2017. 12,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Nov. 18, 2014: DRY CREEK Zinfandel Sonoma County Heritage Vines 2012 (90 points, $20)

Raspberry and grilled herb aromas combine with well-focused flavors of black cherry, sweet anise and pepper. A zesty Zin that packs in a lot of flavor at a great price. Drink now through 2018. 16,054 cases made. —Tim Fish

Nov. 17, 2014: COLUMBIA CREST Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills H3 2013 (89 points, $15)

Bright and zingy, offering juicy melon and grapefruit flavors set against lime acidity, lingering on the juicy finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Nov. 15, 2014: BODEGAS VIRXEN DE GALIR Godello Valdeorras Pagos de Galir 2012 (90 points, $18)

Lean and firm, this white shows pear and ginger flavors, with briny and herbal notes. Offering juicy acidity and a refreshing touch of bitterness, this is a bit austere, but brings you back for another sip. Drink now through 2016. 31,000 cases made. —Thomas Matthews

Nov. 14, 2014: CONUNDRUM Red California 2011 (88 points, $22)

This is pleasantly grapey and easy to enjoy, with tiers of raspberry, wild berry, boysenberry and blackberry flavors shaded by spice and mint. Ends with a long, fruit-driven finish. Drink now through 2019. 62,500 cases made. —James Laube

 

More than $30

Nov. 19, 2014: FOURNIER PÈRE & FILS Sancerre Grande Cuvée 2010 (91 points, $33)

This Sancerre still has good zip despite the late release, with lively thyme, marjoram and verbena notes leading the way, followed by lemon pulp, white peach and shortbread flavors. The tightly focused finish has a mouthwatering edge. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases made. —James Molesworth

Nov. 18, 2014: MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2011 (95 points, $60)

This stunning wine is deliciously rich and layered, with vibrant flavors of honeydew, honeysuckle, fig and mineral shaded by seductive toasty oak. The flavors build, displaying a deep measure of intensity and persistence. Drink now through 2024. 1,692 cases made. —James Laube

Nov. 17, 2014: PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva 2009 (93 points, $69)

A rich version, boasting a core of strawberry and cherry fruit shaded by licorice, tobacco and leather hints. The tannins are solid, leaving a firm grip on the finish, yet overall this shows balance and elegance. Best from 2017 through 2028. 1,083 cases made. —Bruce Sanderson

Nov. 15, 2014: TENUTA BELLAFONTE Montefalco Sagrantino 2009 (91 points, $53)

Sandalwood, graphite and spice accents lead the way in this juicy, aromatic red, while sinewy tannins frame the flavors of black cherry, mulberry, black olive and iron. A powerful red in fine form. Drink now through 2029. 1,450 cases made. —Alison Napjus

Nov. 14, 2014: BOLLINGER Brut Champagne Special Cuvée NV (93 points, $73)

Like a fine tapestry, this weaves rich flavors of blackberry tart, lemon parfait, graphite and toasted almond together on the creamy palate. Finely honed acidity creates a vibrant thread throughout. Drink now through 2022. 19,000 cases imported. —Alison Napjus

courtesy of winespectator.com