JAUME SERRA CRISTALINO BRUT CAVA - NV

50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel-lo. From the Can Suriyol and El Padruel vineyards in Spain. 11% alcohol. Non Vintage.

TASTING NOTES:

Extra dry sparkler with light golden yellow color. Toasty, yeasty nose with lots of citrus and minerality on the palate. Very clean and crisp. Sharp acidity with hints of sour green apple and bread on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87+ PTS

For $10 a bottle this is a steal. If you like dry Champagnes and sparklers, this is a wonderful substitute for New Year's Eve. Bypass all those low end California Sparkling whites that disappoint and reach for something unique with both complexity and spunk.

CHATEAU PETIT BOCQ - 2005

Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux. 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Deep purple-red color. Nose of sweet, black fruit, pencil lead and dark chocolate. On the palate there's charred oak, pencil shavings, earth, tar, bitter tannins and black cherry on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS

Perhaps it is not ready to drink yet, but this Bordeaux from the stellar and buzzy 2005 vintage came up short. One note. No character. Grapey oak with some classic terrior. If you've got this one, I'd hold it and hope it comes around. If you are contemplating a buy, I would avoid. Retails now for around $25.

WATERBROOK RESERVE MERLOT - 2007

From Columbia Valley, Washington State.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with aromas and flavors of cranberry-pomegranate, cherry, plum and mocha. Good fruit that turns from sweet to tart on the finish. Integrated oak that is prominent but not quite overwhelming.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS

A well-produced Merlot for the price. Retails for around $20. Round, balanced acidity. I was hoping for a bit more complexity based on some of the stellar reviews this wine has be given.