the 2005 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico opens to a brilliant amber color and thick viscosity that hugs to the rim of the glass. Oak-driven tones of vanilla and caramel are immediately apparent, but quickly followed by candied fruit, butterscotch and orange peel. The rich but balanced palate delivers mature apricot, toasted hazelnut and citrus zest brightened with acidity

Straw-yellow color. On the nose characteristics of tropical fruit and peach with pleasant hints of spice and well-integrated vanilla. The palate is full and slightly creamy with an elegant and well-balanced structure to ensure better acidity and a fresh flavor. A Chardonnay with lots of buttery and cooked apple aromas and flavors. Full body and a flavorful finish.

Flavorful and rich in texture, this generous and full-bodied wine presents a rather light, toasty aroma. Ripe, concentrated fruit and oak flavors are carried on a plush texture that coats the palate with vanilla, baking spice and ripe pear that linger on the finish.

The Abbazia di Novacella is located in the northern-most wine growing region on the southern side of the Alps. Bright pale ruby, fruity on the nose, with aromas reminiscent of summer fruits and cherry; succulent, gentle and fruity on the palate with soft, unobtrusive tannins and mild supple acidity.

Bea's 2004 Sagrantino is a blast of acid and minerality. A deeply layered wine that combines crisp herbal flavors and a fresh stony finish. Also lurking is dark rustic Sagrantino fruit of dark cherries and plum. A brilliant example of natural wine that appeals to all sorts of enthusiasts.

2012 has to be one of the best recent vintages of Alión. . The palate is quite round, much more polished, with some notes of dark chocolate, some subtle volatility, elegant, fresh and long. It has the balance and stuffing to develop nicely in bottle. Superb balance, Ribera character, clean, modern classic.

Pure textbook Cotes du Rhone with the most wonderful aroma of vine ripened raspberries that wafts out of the glass to greet you at the first sniff. No decanting is required for this beautiful little red to reveal scents of dried sage, orange marmalade, strawberry leaves, and candied cherries.

Caramel, chestnut honey, toasted almond, candied fruit and vanilla all play into the mix. It is enormously luscious and long with a point of rum or aged brandy at the very back. Its texture is rich and soothing in the most magnificent and elegant way.

Alvaro Palacio has broken away from Rioja to pursue an independent winemaking philosophy. His holdings in Bierzo total only 74 acres. A broad spectrum of aromas gradually emanate from the glass, with blackcurrant and cherry being joined by savoury clove and liquorice notes. Smooth yet muscular tannins and a long, drying finish.

Sweet, particularly up front, but remaining so even into the finish -- brown sugar with a bit of toffee and fruit (hints of cherries). Not so sweet, however, as to earn demerits. It does lack some of the toasted malt flavor normally expected. Raisins and other dark fruits linger into the finish which is quite fine.

Like pumpkin pie in a bottle. Pours a semi-opaque orange with a light head. Strong spice smell of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Faint smell of pumpkin. The pumpkin flavor increases on the taste with the various spices adding to it nicely. A fantastic example of this style of beer.

Bold citrus nose, bright and floral. Smooth malty base taste that rolls into a spicy peppery hop bite. Punchy and powerful. Resins. Lemon rind citrus beneath the complex bitter layers. Really good.

Earthy, spicy and funky with some definite green apple skin, dry white wine notes, rustic aspects as well. A very slight acidity comes across on the tongue, too, perhaps a result of the long bottle conditioning. White pepper, tart and doughy yeast and an almost "Saison-like" dryness finish out each sip.