Jermann pinot grigio
Italy
$20

Yes, there is elegant p.g. if you look high on the northeast cuff of the boot, from alpine Alto Adige to Jermann's Friuli on the Slovenian border. More body, bigger aroma with a mineral backbone, close to pinot siblings blanc and noir.

Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
California
$90

Familiarity with Mondavi, especially its reserve cab, should breed adulation, not contempt. Napa's perfect 2007 vintage is Mondavi's best in years, full of red and black fruit and sleek with licorice.

The Macallan, 12-year-old
Scotland
$60

Old-school, old-world single malt from a barrel-proud distillery in Speyside. This bottling goes through three casks, some old sherry, others old bourbon to make whisky that is clean, rich in vanilla and dried fruits, and smoke free.