Camille Saves a Bouzy, Champagne Brut, Premier Cru, Carte Blance (France) - What a treat!  I'm not always into champagnes or sparkling wines but this one is special.  I first tried it at a champagne tasting at Federal Liquors in Boston.  Out of the many I tried this was my favorite.  It's bolder than the typical champagne, instead of vanishing in instant dryness it has a complex flavor and a good finish.  Nancy loved it too.  I got this on sale for $42 and clearly this is a knotch above the typical price range I review and write about.  Try this for a special treat.  9 out of 10.

Epsilon, Shiraz, 2006 (Barossa Valley, Australia) - Don't confuse this with a US brand by the same name, this Australian Epsilon is good stuff.  I had asked a store for a different Shiraz and they didn't have it but then recommended this instead as a big bold tasty one.  I'll admit it's rich and tasty, but I've had bigger and for less of a price.  Still this was upper average for a 6 out of 10.