Under $20
Yalumba, Shiraz/Viognier, Eden Valley-Australia, 2008
This wine is full-bodied with rich aromatics of plums, cherries, menthol, and even a bit of chocolate. The touch of viognier adds a subtle floral note and sweetness to the fruit. With a smooth texture with soft tannins, it drinks beautifully now and will for the next five to eight years. Available at Bottles and Crushed Fine Wine, $19.99
$30 - $40
Andre Perret, “Les Grisieres,” St. Joseph-France, 2006
Medium- to full-bodied with lots of layers and concentration, this syrah offers flavors of spice box, leather, and black pepper with aromas of blackberries, black currants, and strawberries. It delivers lots of structure that will allow this wine to develop in the bottle for another decade. Available at Bottles, $35.99 (It’s also on McCrady’s wine list.)
$50 and up
Arnot Roberts, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County-California, 2010
Full of heady aromas of cassis, black raspberry, dried violets, and mocha, this wine has a hint of smoke and black licorice on the finish. It’s undeniably velvety, and a dense mouthfeel makes it well worth the splurge. Available at Crushed Fine Wine, $58
