Best in Show

Klein Constantia "Vin de Constance" 2006, Constantia, South Africa $56.99

($48.44 with GOGO discount)

A stunner! 10% of this South African beauty is made with raisined Muscat de Frontignan Grapes, which gives the wine a rich, concentrated fruit evocative of figs, elderflower, honeysuckle, and apricot. Vibrant and balanced, “Vin de Constance” is rich and mouth-coating, but possesses a gorgeous vivacity. Napoleon had gallons and gallons of it delivered to him in his exile, and Jane Austen described it as possessing “healing powers on a disappointed heart.'' High accolades for a deserving bottle!

Friendliest

Umberto Fiore Moscato d'Asti 2010, Piedmont, Italy $11.99

($10.19 with GOGO discount)

It’s hard not to love a Moscato…fresh with bright peachy fruit, citrus, and a lightly sparkling texture called “frizzante.” From northern Italy, this is a great addition to brunch or a light and easy-going alternative to more densely-textured dessert wines. A charmer for sure.

Best Bargain

Borges Tawny Port NV, Douro, Portugal $10.99

($9.34 with GOGO discount)

It’s hard to find a good value Port with this much to offer. Borges is loaded with dried fruit flavors of apricots, fig, and an edge of nuttiness. Tawny Port is made from red grapes, then aged in wood barrels and allowed to oxidize, giving it its distinctive toffee and raisin aromatics and caramel color.

Most Interesting

Scubla Cratis Verduzzo Friuliano 2003, Friuli, Italy $35.99

($30.59 with GOGO discount)

One of the most unique dessert wine offerings, Scubla's Cratis is the perfect pairing for blue cheese after dinner. The handpicked bunches of Verduzzo grapes are left to dry on straw mats in the cool autumn winds of the Colli Orientali del Friuli region of far northeastern Italy to slightly raisin. Amber colored with aromas of almonds, dried figs and candied apricots, it is surprisingly savory in style.