Tempranillo, Abacela Vineyards 2010
Sleek black fruits give way to a silky mouthfeel with a whisper of tobacco and sturdy tannins, making for something unusual, from a surprising source — southern Oregon. (K&L Wine Merchants, $18)
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Pinot Noir, Talbott 2011 Sleepy Hollow
Shimmering cherry, plum nuances and the balanced acidity that the Santa Lucia Highlands are known for integrate with soft tannins and a hint of sweet oak in this lovely wine. (The Wine House, $42)
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Vintage Port, Croft 2011
Drink now or lay down for a decade — this stellar port is viscous and rich, with hefty black cherry, smoky wood, dusty cinnamon, superb tannins and proper acidic undertones; it’s a lavish wine to lavish on yourself. ($120, Vintages.com)
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Merlot, 2010 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa
Merlot got bashed in Sideways. No more. Duckhorn defines Merlot with rustic black cherry fruit, plum, pomegranate, and a leathery mid-palate with mild tannins — indicative of what Merlot is supposed to be. (BevMo, West Hollywood, $54)
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Carmenere, Grey 2011
This Chilean wine offers a boatload of zesty black cherry, rich red and black fruit, spicy pepper and a slight bitterness. Carmenere, aged 18 months in French oak, has softer tannins than Cab, but better acidity. (Whole Foods, Beverly Hills, $24)
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Greenhook American Dry Gin
There’s a sweet juniper and floral nose. It's viscous and herbaceous with a lively controlled citrus, near mint note and an overall clean taste. This gin is, texturally, very comprehensive. (sherry-lehmann.com, $35)
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Corsair Triple Smoke Whiskey
Unabashedly assertive smoke, cedar, oak, resin and sweet vanilla, this is for the hardcore peat fan. They smoke their barley three distinct ways, using cherry, peat and beech wood. (Vendome Liquors, $65)
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Domain de Canton Ginger Liqueur
This viscous, smooth and spicy sweet ginger concoction is distilled using global ingredients including Tahitian vanilla, Vietnamese ginger and French cognac. It’s a lively, potent elixir. (BevMo, $35)
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Herradura Reposado Tequila
Herradura means "horseshoe," and you might get lucky with this 11-month aged tequila. With intriguing smooth caramel and butterscotch flavors, sweet oak and a stealth citrus back note, this is smooth and refined. (BevMo, $40)
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Karlsson’s Vodka
This potato vodka from Sweden smells like a sweet mild pine forest in a bottle. It’s balanced — neither burning nor benign — and has a creaminess that leads to mild aromas of clean clove and mint. (BevMo, $35)
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Mumm Napa DVX Brut 2006
It’s always time for bubbles! This sparkling blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produces tight, buoyant bubbles, with biscuit, pear and mulled apple subtleties on the back end. (Santa Monica Liquor, $60)
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Rose, LaZarre 2011 Vin Gris
Rosé — guys think it’s girlie, girls gush over its pretty color. This Paso Robles/Monterey rosé will turn your head with acidity perfect for food; flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, and strawberry; and its lean earthy quality. (LaZarreWines.com, $18)
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Gruner Veltliner, Loimer Lois 2012
Austria’s signature grape is full of minerality, understated peach, lemon and lime with a vibrant acidity, like it’s multitasking on your tongue. (Vendome Liquors, Beverly Hills, $20)
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Pinot Gris, MacMurray Ranch, 2012
Grown on late actor Fred MacMurray’s ranch, this is what Pinot Gris is supposed to be — light, bright, citrusy and with a backbone of acidity — a perfect little food wine. (Whole Foods, $15)
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Chardonnay, Patz & Hall 2011 Hyde Vineyard
Opulent, creamy, expansive and nearly operatic, this classic Chardonnay is all rich butter, vanilla, and soft acidity. It's way too easy to drink. (The Wine House, $56)