Audacia translates into courageous and a spirit of adventure, characteristics epitomized in theviticulture and winemaking. Those traits also embody this fleshy wine explodingwith deep plum and currant flavors. Give this medium-bodied wine some time tobreathe, and the aroma and taste will linger. Audacia exclusively plants red grape varieties in its vineyards situated in what is known as The Golden Triangle of Stellenbosch, South Africa's prime vine growing and winemaking region. The particular area is so special because it is where some of the country's best red wines are grown.

This Austrian Grunersets the bar high. It is the epitome of everything you want in a Gruner, full-bodied and spicy with mineral aromas. Then it goes above and beyond with itsmulti-layered flavors of zesty hay meddling with pear and a white pepper finish. Enjoy this wine chilledwith cold appetizers like sushi, pastas and delicate salads, or alone as an aperitif. Hopler Winery attributes the unique complexity and character of its wines to its contrasting soils ofchalk, gravel, sand and slate. The vineyards are located in Breitenbrunn on the western banks of lake Neusiedl in the Austrian province of Burgenland.

A clear, crispy and fruity wine with light yellow-green color, bright and transparent. The aroma shows its power and super Sauvignon Blanc character, also showing the full potential of its cold zone origin, with morning fogs, low temperatures and long hanging period. Denomination of Origin: Leyda Valley.

Very good Washington state red blend from the Columbia Valley. JM Cellars sources fruit from eight of the states most notable vineyards including Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Conner Lee, Red Mountain and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. Nose of bright cherries and raspberry, blackberries and cedar. Fresh dark black fruit upfront with toasted notes of cedar and toast in some supple tannins ending in a medium finish.

Michael Chiarello, Napa Valley chef, Emmy-winning TV personality, author and founder of NapaStyle, has taken his personal flair for layering flavors to a new challenge, making small productions of handcrafted estate wines. The 2005 Zinfandel Giana is a supple-textured effort displaying fragrant aromas of black cherries, currants, licorice, spice box, and herbs. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years. Giana Zin pairs easily with barbeque, ribs grilled meats or spicy dishes.

The non-vintage J Cuvée 20 Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of Fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The mid-palate is interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish. This wine pairs beautifully shellfish and caviar.