Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2009
Bordeaux, France $40 (375ml)
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes are the traditional blend for these wines from Bordeaux. This example offers notes of apricot, peach, a touch of honeysuckle and quince. The mouthfeel is thick with honeyed fruit, including dried apricot, nectarine, and a touch of almond and spice. Long and unctuous on the finish. Earned 94-96 Points from Wine Advocate.

The Chocolate Block 2021
Swartland, South Africa $39
A blend of 74% Syrah and four other French grapes unite for an exceptional dessert wine. Intense aromas of black cherries, cardamon and expresso lead to a juicy palate with nuances of ripe plums, violets and licorice. The wine is medium-bodied, balanced with layered fruit throughout. The finish is clean, peppery and lingers with hints of graphite and smoke. James Suckling gave it 91 points. It’s a perfect companion for chocolate desserts.

Trentadue Chocolate Amore Port
Sonoma County, CA $24 (375ml)
Trentadue opened in 1959, and began creating their wines from Bordeaux and Italian red grapes, like this Amore Port. As with traditional ports, this Merlot-based wine has neutral grape spirits added but also a tiny amount of natural chocolate extract for the final blend. In 2024, this delicious, rich Amore port earned the Gold, Best in Class Award at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Decoy Napa Valley Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine
St.Helena, CA $62
Established in 1976, Duckhorn vineyards have produced many legendary wines. Recently, they introduced this 100% Chardonnay sparkler. Using the methode champenoise, the grapes come from hand-selected vineyards in some of the region's coolest vineyards. The bouquet is filled with apple, lemon, and pear. The palate shows hints of puff pastry with a bit of lemony mousse, leading to a well-balanced spritzy.

Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse 2022
Burgundy, France $34
‘POO wee FWE say’ is how you pronounce the name of the most romantic wine you could order in a fine restaurant, back in the 70’s. It’s still popular and like all Pouilly Fuisse, it comes from the Maconnais region of Burgundy, France. The color is various shades of gold, with flecks of green. There is no oak in Pouilly Fuisse or any French Chardonnay, just lots of fruitiness, balanced acidity, and a luxurious mouthfeel. Serve with rich, creamy sauces on chicken, veal and fish.