| Category | Name | Rating | | Notes |
| Viognier | Calera Viognier | | | Many New World viogniers have a tough time capturing the highly aromatic qualities of the grape, but not Calera's version. Honeysuckle and peach aromas are fleshed out with tropical fruit flavors, clove and allspice notes and a full body. |
| Sparkling | d'Arenberg 'Peppermint Paddock' Red Chambourcin | | | At first it's a little disconcerting to drink red wine with bubbles, but after a few sips there is nothing like it. Juicy raspberry fruit combines with a creamy texture and bright acidity in this sparkling rouge. |
| Shiraz | Delicato Family Vineyards Shiraz | | | Even if the wine cost twice the price, it would be worth it. Intense and concentrated with blackberry fruit, licorice notes and smooth, supple tannins. |
| Gewurztraminer | Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer 'Fleur' | | | Explosive aromas of orange blossom and freesia befit a wine named 'fleur' (or flower). Dry and medium-full bodied, it marries beautifully with most holiday fare from turkey to ham. |
| White blend | Fairview 'Goats do Roam' | | | Not complex, not overpowering, simply fun to drink. A blend of unique grapes such as crouchen blanc, clairette blanc and muscat de frontignan, the wine (named after goats that roam the vineyards and nosh on grapes) is floral, juicy and medium-full bodied. |
| Sparkling | Fox Creek Vineyards 'Vixen' | | | Australia's specialty is red sparkling wine. This version -- made from shiraz, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon -- is deep garnet in color. Full bodied and juicy, there are no bitter tannins, only massive amounts of fruit. Drink with everything. |
| Sparkling | Gratien & Meyer Cuvee Renaissance Brut Rose | | | Finesse is the key word for this bubbly made from cabernet franc. Pale salmon in color with aromas of toast, minerals, peaches and cherries. Medium-bodied, it has the structure to go with pork and chicken or just to be enjoyed on its own. |
| Merlot | Grgich Hills Merlot | | | Merlot is about texture and Grgich Hills captures it here. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and chocolate are highlighted by a lush character and balanced acidity. Drink it with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. |
| Sparkling | Iron Horse Brut Rose | | | Rose sparkling wines are usually very pricey, but this is a real deal. Deeply colored with a lovely pink hue, the wine sports dusty aromas, intense cherry flavors, a full-body and voluptuous texture. Drink it before, during and after dinner. |
| Merlot | Jacob's Creek Merlot | | | What merlot should be: soft and juicy. The velvety texture coupled with bright fruit make this medium-bodied red an ideal party pick. |
| Sparkling | Kendall-Jackson 'Grand Cuvee' | | | In this price range you don't often find vintage bubblies (that is, ones with a year attached), but this is a special bottling. Multifaceted and layered, it coats the mouth with smoothness and tastes of nuts and baked apples. |
| Chardonnay | Lewis Cellars Chardonnay | | | A chardonnay for purists. Full and creamy but with a racy core of acidity, this wine showcases pineapple, pear and melon fruit and spicy, toasty flavors. Delicious to sip by itself or with rosemary-infused roast chicken. |
| Red blend | Marques de Caceres Rioja 'Reserva' | | | Smooth is the key word here. Reserve wines are aged in barrels and in bottle for years which makes everything from the fruit to the tannins mesh together seamlessly. This version showcases deep berry fruit, earthiness, strawberry jam and a kick of clove. |
| Chardonnay | McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Chardonnay | | | From one of the country's top producers, this wine is a mainstay in Australia. With the 2001 vintage the chardonnay is starting to make a splash here, too. Ripe and full with toasty oak notes and a soft, creamy texture, it's a real crowd pleaser. |
| Pinot Noir | Palliser Estate Pinot Noir | | | Elegance and style epitomize this wine and demonstrate why Palliser Estate is one of New Zealand's top pinot producers. Redolent of raspberry fruit with hints of black pepper and plush texture the balance is impeccable. Ideal with Christmas ham. |
| Red blend | Perrin Cotes du Rhone Villages 'L'Andeol' | | | Spicy and smooth with just the right amount of black cherry intensity and a lingering finish, Perrin's affordable bottle offers loads of complexity and pairs well with just about everything on the holiday table from ham to turkey. |
| Pinot Noir | Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Noir | | | Burgundian fans should line up for Sinskey's delicate yet powerful pinot. Red fruit and moist earth aromas are followed with sweet black cherry and cranberry fruit flavors and touches of licorice. |
| Sparkling | Roederer Estate Brut Rose | | | The Anderson Valley pedigree shows through in this vibrant, pale pink sparkler. Peach and orange zest aromas are followed by strawberry fruit flavors and touches of spice. Medium-bodied with a long finish. |
| Sparkling | Segura Viudas 'Heredad' Brut Reserva Cava | | | A very Champagne-like Cava. Toasty and yeasty with ripe fruit flavors, a touch of spice and a long, lingering finish. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc | | | Bright and intensely fruity, but with underlying layers of fresh herbs, touches of earth and a succulent texture. |
| Pinot Gris | Trimbach Pinot Gris 'Reserve' | | | A wine that will appeal to lovers of rich whites as well as fans of crisp, light whites. Medium-full bodied with a round, voluptuous texture, vibrant acidity and appealing baked apple character. A good choice for cocktail hour. |
| Sparkling | Willm Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Noirs | | | If you only buy one bubbly all season, make it this one. Made with 100 percent pinot noir, it sports a creamy yet crisp texture, ripe pear fruit flavors and hints of toasty notes (like a toasted, buttered croissant). |