Everyone knows that the 2005 Bordeaux vintage was grand, along with grand prices. I have uncovered this magnum at a fairly reasonable price, definitely worthy of cellar space. Parker wrote, “From the personal estate of one of Bordeaux’s most influential tastemakers, Hubert de Bouard, the 2005 La Fleur de Bouard is potentially one of the finest yet produced ... and that’s saying something given the consistent quality. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, its blue/black/purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of charcoal, melted licorice, espresso, blackberries, and blue fruits. Deep, opulent, and full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as a powerful finish, it will require consumption during its first 7-8 years of life.”

Looking for something different to wet your whistle? Made from the varietal called Greco, here is a wine similar to honeyed Pinot Blanc. Interesting complexity, since it has the acid to keep up the tension but also has a little bass note. It's aged 6 months in Slavonian oak barrels and only 200 cases were made.

Tasha Mcorkle McKee is a winemaker who likes to do things the old-school way. The benefit for us is that her wine is the best her land has to offer. She uses minimal oak, bright acidity, and she doesn’t release the wine until she thinks it is ready. So, this 01 is her current release. If she released this wine earlier, she would have garnered top scores, but her market is not, as she states, “the Kool-Aid Generation." This 2001 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 53%, Merlot 27%, and Cabernet Franc 20% that spent 30 months in 50% new French oak. It is a showstopper where the winemaker’s personality really shines through.

This Grüner Veltliner is lean and mineral-driven! This will pair with Chef Laurence Jossel’s Calamari Salad featured this month. The nose features notes of apples and citrus fruitsm and the palate is redolent of grapefruit and lemon with peppery spiciness. Everyone needs a wine like this for their winter salads. Robert Parker reports that Anita and Rudi Schwarzböck as winemakers to watch.

Madigan is the second label for White Rock Vineyards in Napa. This juice is bottled as Madigan since it doesn’t have the depth for their main label and is too good to bulk out. This Chardonnay is buttery and oaky with enough verve to remain interesting.

Complex French juice! No oak, just pure juice. Here is a blend of Syrah 50%, Grenache 25%, and Carignan 25% that creates not only ripe flavors, but as Parker writes, “For all of its sheer density, this wine displays textural polish, and for all of its ripeness there is scarcely any heat, but an abundance of sheer juicy finishing fruit.” So for those who follow scores, here is your gem: 90 points from The Wine Advocate. Plus the winemaker, Diane de Puymorin, practices organic farming methods. What’s not to love?

Madigan is the second label for White Rock Vineyards in Napa. This juice is bottled as Madigan since it doesn’t have the depth for their main label and is too good to bulk out. Basically, this is one of your best buys for under $20. A serious wine for the money.