Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV
California, $20
All the grapes are grown on the Roederer Estate, the first California wine produced by the famous French Champagne house, Louis Roederer. The cuvee, or blend, is created by blending oak-aged wines from different vintages, creating a unique style. Fresh and fruity, with deep flavors of hazelnut, spice and pear.

Kendall Jackson Avant 2009
California, $12
From the vineyard that created the most popular Chardonnay ever, the Vintner’s Reserve, this new entry is a bit sweeter with notes of orange, pineapple and vanilla honey. The coastal grapes bring forth a crisp acidity, with more structure and minerality than the Vintner’s Reserve.

Chateau la Chapelle-Lescours St. Emilion Grand Cru 2009       
France, $30
Like most wines from St. Emilion, the predominant grape is Merlot. The blend is complex with chocolate and vanilla notes, focused fruit and richness. Drink it now or hold for another four years. Only 900 cases of this St. Emilion Grand Cru were produced.

Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui
Italy, $17
For the price, the best sparkling dessert wine you can serve with anything chocolate. It originates from the Piedmont region of Italy from Brachetto grapes. Its sweetness is offset by lush flavors of juicy raspberries and ripe strawberries. The cut glass base and neck make the bottle useful afterward.

Graham’s 6 Grapes Vintage Porto
Portugal, $22
Try something special to end a fine holiday meal. This Porto was bottled young to conserve its fresh style. No filtration or fining insures more fruit concentration. A blend of six grapes, selected from the best young wines of superior quality. Enjoy with chocolate and rich desserts after dinner.