2006 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Bondi Home Ranch, "Water Trough Vineyard"

I have to admit up front that Martinelli Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley and the "true" Sonoma Coast just plain knock my hat in the creek. I love the seamless, dense fruit aromas and flavors that are found in all their separate vineyard bottlings. But I would ask those who favor more delicate, polished Pinots to give this one a try. Now, there is nothing wimpy about this wine from the Green Valley AVA (overlaps Russian River Valley AVA). This cool site gives this wine a lighter color and a delicacy and finesse that is very charming. It says Helen Turley (the consulting winemaker) sotto voce.

The cost was $60 and I have no problems with that price, given the quality of the wine. Parker gave it a 91 and Tanzer scored it 92+. Martinelli's top wines are available only by allocation, but I don't think you would ever regret being on their list.

2005 Vincent Girardin Chassagne-Montrachet, "La Romanee"

Buying white Burgundy can be, like buying red Burgundy, an exercise that often ends is disappointment, and an expensive one at that. My wife Annie bought this wine for me last Christmas and I think I should let her do more of my wine purchases. The aromas that leap from this glass are amazingly intense. To be sure, there is French oak in the foreground, but the pear and apricot notes are fresh and focused. The full, silky flavors and overall balance complete the picture. This was the most satisfying white Burgundy I have had in many years.

Annie bought the wine at the Kansas City Lukas store at 135th and State Line. She paid $63 and, given the quality received, you can't argue with that price. You can pay that price for a California Chardonnay with no guarantee that it will be as satisfying.

2007 Turley Zinfandel, Grist Vineyard

Turley sourced this wine from an old-vine vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. This AVA, a prime location for zins, and an exceptional vintage combined to allow the winery to produce this delicious wine. In typical Turley style, the lush, ripe fruit hides the supple tannins and creates a seamless mouth feel. This is a wine that is all about ripe fruit - raspberries and black cherries with a touch of black pepper. I was amazed the label indicated the alcohol was 16.2%; there is not a trace of heat to be found.

The cost was $40. This is a substantial price for a zin, but the quality is there. These wines are generally available only from the winery on an allocated basis, but I suspect that the economic conditions that now exist will make it much easier for you to get on the mailing list.