Smart Wine Splurges

By Ray Isle

Some pricey bottles aren't worth the money. Here, six that are.

2007 Woodenhead Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($42). Photo © Theo Morrison.

Woodenhead is an under-the-radar but great Sonoma Pinot producer.

This was an off-the-charts-luscious vintage. Yet Autard—known to Rhône lovers but few others—keeps his wines nuanced even in superripe years.

Have a kid born in 2007? Buy some '07 port. Drink it when you're done paying for college.

Buying top Bordeaux from lesser vintages is a great idea. The 2005 Cos costs twice as much. Plus, the '01 is actually drinking well now.

Star winemaking consultant Philippe Melka is finally concentrating on his own superlative Cabernet Sauvignons.

DP is as good as it's reputed to be, and in the superb 2002 vintage, it's even better than that.

100 Bottles to Drink Right Now