Chris Sherman's May 2011 Drink Picks

    White

    Langoureau Bourgogne BlancLangoureau Bourgogne Blanc
    Saint-Aubin, France
    $25

    Fast-rising family winery in the Cote de Beaune delivers elegant chardonnay from vineyards next to the Montrachets. Quality at all levels, from village to premier cru. Vintage alert: 2009 Burgundies, red and white, are terrific. Buy them early because the 2010 crop was down a third and '10s will be scarce and dear.


    RED

    Brancaia Il BluBrancaia Il Blu
    Italy
    $65

    It's so red it's purple. Half sangiovese, the rest merlot and a touch cab, this is all Tuscan from one of the smartest cellars there. Well balanced between raspberry fruit and crisp minerality, 2005 vintage is a good one and ready to drink.


    VODKA

    ChambordChambord
    France
    $25

    The black raspberry cordial is just a strand of flavor and rosy hue floating through 75-proof vodka. Hints of vanilla, too. Try it with bubbly in a French 75 but go light on the sweeteners.