| The following wines are all considered 90+ point wines, | | | | paired with vanilla and a hit of spice. It has a nice long, |
| and all have been rated highly by various sources. | | | | lingering finish. Pairs well with a hearty steak dinner. |
| They are all different varieties, from different regions, | | | | 4. Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs |
| but they have one thing in common. They can all be | | | | You will notice that this rose` is the only sparkling wine |
| found for under $20. Don't spend a fortune on wine | | | | on my list. To be honest, I don't drink sparkling wines |
| this holiday season before you try these winners: | | | | very often, but I really did enjoy this Napa Valley |
| 1. Sh. Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling, 2007 | | | | sparkler, and it was very well received at my last |
| This is my favorite Riesling bar none. It is made in | | | | dinner party. So, here it is! It is an 8% Chardonnay, 92% |
| Columbia Valley, Washington, and exhibits the crisp | | | | Pinot blend, light-bodied, with a pink color. It exhibits |
| acidity typical to the region (2007 was the best year | | | | cherry and strawberry aromas, lemon, cherry, and cola |
| for this type of wine in over 5 years). Orange and lime | | | | flavors, carbonated, with a lasting finish. It has been |
| aromas and flavors are present, along with mineral | | | | rated a 94 by Wine News and a 90 by Robert |
| notes. Rated highly by Wine Enthusiast, Connoisseurs | | | | Parker's Wine Advocate. A great carbonated party |
| Guide, and many others, this Riesling will not disappoint. | | | | sipper! |
| Serve this paired with a crab dinner and I promise you | | | | 5. Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2006 |
| will have some happy guests. | | | | This Australian red boasts high ratings by every major |
| 2. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008 | | | | source, along with a complex aroma of plumb and |
| Produced in Marlborough, New Zealand, this wines | | | | raspberry cut by pepper, spice, and chocolatey oak. |
| citrus and tropical fruit nose is accented by the | | | | The palate's jamminess is offset by a subtle spiciness, |
| traditional New Zealand herbal notes. Nice acidity | | | | fine tannins, and chocolate. It has a nice long finish. Pair |
| balances the sweet passion fruit with a crisp finish. | | | | this Shiraz with a big, bold lamb chop or meat stew for |
| The Kim Crawford 2008 Sauvignon Blanc can be | | | | full effect. |
| found online for under $15. Pair this with shrimp, | | | | I could really go on and on reviewing the fantastic |
| scallops, oysters, crab, or smoked fish! | | | | wines that can be found for under $20, but I would |
| 3. Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 | | | | soon be out of room in this article and fast asleep at |
| Geyser Peak is known for great Cabs, and this is one | | | | my computer, so these five will have to do for now. |
| of their best. It has everything I like in a big, lively | | | | Search the net or your local wine store for these five |
| Cabernet: bright, fruit forward character balanced by | | | | excellent picks, and feel free to send me your own |
| oak. Black cherry and blackberry dominate the | | | | recommendations. |
| aromas, with underlying dark chocolate and spice | | | | Cheers! |
| notes. The palate is well-rounded, with berry fruits | | | | |