Antinori 'Casasole' Orvieto Classico 2005
DOC Orvieto Classico, Italy $11.15 (52308)
This is an off-dry—'Amabile' on the label indicates this—beauty with gorgeous aromas of tropical fruit and honeycomb. It's very well balanced and has a profusion of sweet ripe fruit flavours with peach and nectarine to the fore. The finish sports that fabulous yin and yang, sweet and tangy experience that pairs so well with spicy Asian dishes, lobster or creamy pasta. Antinori is one of the wine world's most respected producers. (VH)


Bouchard Père & Fils 'La Vignée Pinot Noir 2005
AOC Bourgogne $17.75 (605667)
This exhibits deft balance and lovely fruit flavours that far exceed its lowly 'Bourgogne' provenance, tasting more like a 1st Cru. The aromas are sweet lilac and crushed dried berries while the generous flavours are red cherry, cranberry and spice. It's light to medium bodied and offers amazing balance with the moderating acidity, ripe tannin and fruit flavours forming a wonderful and pretty amazing partnership. If price has previously prohibited you from trying good red Burgundy, this removes that barrier. (VH)