La Sereinite Chardonnay 2009 ($70). This smooth-tasting Chardonnay from Lynmar Estate (www.LynmarEstate.com) is very complex with notes of jasmine and orange peel. It’s perfect before, during and after dinner. After I recently discovered it, I realized I’d visited Lynmar Estate’s beautiful vineyard in 2005 with my husband. The vineyard occupies 100 acres in California's Russian River Valley and features a modern, airy tasting room that’s surrounded by lush gardens. Lynmar offers a four-course Estate Lunch Wednesday through Sunday for $125/person (reservations required).

Fernando Remirez de Ganuza Trasnocho Rioja 2006 ($115). This outstanding wine, made by a small producer in Rioja Alavesa, Spain, is newly available in the U.S. in limited quantities. Nuanced with blackberries and cocoa, it was made using an overnight water press developed by the owner to extract the most concentrated part of ripe berries. The wine is available at Tinto Fino (www.TintoFino.com) at 85 First Ave. in New York’s East Village. In my opinion, this is one of the most charming, special shops in the city. Specializing in Spanish wines, it offers every range of price and vintage, including some unusual, obscure varieties of sherry and cava. A friend first brought me here for a Saturday wine tasting and I've been going back ever since.