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Wine Spectator offers
guide to bottles
worth sharing

Among the pleasures of working at R. Field Wine Co. are the after-work gatherings. A couple weeks ago, this meant a beautiful home, gracious hostess, friends, great food and the UH-Michigan State game on the tube! Of course, the usual lineup of suspects was present -- whites, reds and a few surly co-workers.

Champagne seemed the beverage of choice that evening. The Gloria Ferrer NV Brut ($15.99; Wine Spectator score 90 points) was a nice start with its lively froth, bright fruit and round dough-like aroma -- great with the salmon rolls. We think it's the best value in sparkling right now.

The richer Charles Heidsieck 1995 Brut ($54.99, WS 95 points) with its creamy, fine, aged quality followed. We also enjoyed the wonderful Bollinger Special Cuvee NV Brut ($39.99, WS 93 points). Rich, full and toasty with a creamy, lingering finish -- the best value in real champagne and Chef Eric's choice.

We were curious about the Numanthia Termes 2002 ($25.99 WS 93 points) from Toro Spain that recently placed third on Wine Spectator's 2004 Top 100 Wines list. We discovered a big, brooding wine with loads of blackberries, cassis, graphite, mocha and herbs. Made from the tinta de toro grape, a clone of the classic Rioja grape tempranillo. Massive! As great as the Termes was, there was still no denying the outstanding value of the Sierra Cantabria Rioja ($9.59). Along with the smooth, polished Forman Napa Valley Cabernet 2001, the Rioja worked well with the grilled rib-eye steaks.

Carol's apple cake was sublime with Domaine du Baumard's Coteaux de Layon (chenin blanc) from Loire France and the sauternes found a home with Brian's coffee cake from Aunt Sara.

During the festivities, we got to thinking about our customers who are planning holiday gatherings of their own. So, all rolled into one handy list, here are a few tips for food pairings and gift ideas, featuring recent several Wine Spectator 2004 award winners (in parenthesis are their Top 100 rankings and Wine Spectator points):

Appetizers and lighter fare: Gloria Ferrer Brut (No. 97, 90 points, $15.99), Roederer Estate NV Brut California (not ranked, $19.99); Piper Heidsieck (No. 13, 96 points, $54.99).

Seafood and fish: Leeuwin Estates Artist Series Chardonnay 2001 (No. 24, 98 points, $58.99), Nugan Chardonnay, Australia (not ranked, $8.99)

Grilled meats or roasts: Numanthia Termes 2002 (No. 3, 93 points, $25.99), Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2000 (No. 65, 91 points, $15.99), Rosenblum Cellars Sauret Zinfandel 2002 (No. 41, 92 points, $21.99).

Fish or poultry: Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2003 (not ranked, $11.79), Sierra Cantabria Rioja 2002 (not ranked, $9.79).

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