Selena Chardonnay - Riverland Australia

Taste: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $12-$14

I had the good fortune to taste this wine at a wine tasting with my sister-in-law outside Atlanta, and was very impressed. I recently opened the bottle I brought home and found it even better than I remembered, perhaps because, as the website points out, the buttered toast flavor continues to develop for up to two years. From the winemaker: "This wine displays a distinctive elegance and clarity of fruit. The colour is a vibrant straw with green tinges, while the bouquet is of citrus blossom and melon over a hint of freshly kneaded dough. The palate again shows a citrus and melon fruit flavours with a rich and creamy texture. The wine finishes crisp and clean zesty acidity." A very interesting description of the vinification can be found at http://www.salenaestate.com.au/tastingnotes/sechar.pdf

Banfi Rosa Regale

Taste: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Price $18-$24 (Sam's Club has best price)

This is one of my favorite sparkling wines, hands down! I had heard about it, but had the opportunity to taste it at Wine South in Atlanta a couple years back, and the only way to describe it is FUN - delightfully vivacious and festive! It is a sweeter wine, but what could be better than bubbly berries?!? Serve with anything from chocolate, to brunch, to Thanksgiving dinner - you won't be disappointed!

2005 Banfi Centine

Taste: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $12-$15

This wine falls into the category of "Big Tuscans." Per the winery, Centine is a bright ruby-red youthful wine, intensely fruity with a lingering finish - a testament to its overall balance. It is an ideal companion to pasta, grilled or roasted red and white meats. Grape Varieties: 60% Sangiovese; 20% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Merlot. I find it to be more fruity and more enjoyable than a Chianti or Sangiovese, with a hint of chocolate covered raspberries, cinnamon and a touch of dustiness. It is one I plan to have in my cellar at all times!