What Are the 66 Best Bargains in Wine for 2008?See the process we use to select the best value wines in this earlier article. The key to the process, is the comparison of quality level to price level. Both are rated at Spirit of Wine in a five-point scale. If the quality of a wine is two or more levels  above the price level, then this is considered an awesome value. When quality is even one level above, that signifies good value. But two levels or more means this is a simply stunning value. At low price levels, these are some of the best bargains in the world of wine.It is impossible to predict the type of wineyou’ll most enjoy. But choose one from among those featured below and you’ll know you’re getting great value. The number of stars represents quality level; the number of dollar signs represents price level.For 48 wines selected as top values from the first half of 2008, please see this article. Meanwhile, here are the top picks reviewed during the second half of 2008. Cheers!Five-star second half 2008 wine values:***** $$ 2006 Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia - Review and RatingFour-star second half 2008 wine values:**** $ Columbia Crest Grand Estates Shiraz, 2003, Columbia Valley, WA - Review and Rating**** $ Yellow Tail The Reserve Shiraz, 2006, South Eastern Australia - Review and Rating**** $$ Martini & Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine, N/V, Torino, Italy**** $ Heartland Stickleback Red, 2006, South Australia ****+ $$ The Winner’s Tank Shiraz, Eskadale Vineyards, 2006, Langhorne Creek, Australia **** $$ Penfolds Private Release Shiraz Cabernet, 2006, South Eastern Australia**** $ 2006 Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red, Padthaway, Australia**** $$ Step Rd Black Wing Shiraz 2005, AustraliaThree-star second half 2008 wine values:*** $ King Fish Shiraz, 2006, CA - Review and Rating*** $ Copperidge White Zinfandel, CA - Review and Rating*** $ Thorpe Nymph Shiraz, 2004, McLaren Vale, Australia*** $ Haddon Cellars Pinot Grigio, 2006, CA *** $ Winzerverein Deidesheim Dornfelder, 2005, Pfalz, Germany***+ $ Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Zinfandel, 2003, CA ***+ $ NV Alvear Fino Sherry, Montilla, Spain

Complement Your Dinner Experience with the Best Tasting WinesThere’s nothing better than sitting at the dinner table with your family on Christmas night, feasting on a tender steak, delicious mashed potatoes, and best of all, a fine wine to make a superb finish to any real Christmas dinner. Wines are exquisite in nature because their tastes vary so  much to different people. However, it remains a huge part of tradition in many holidays, especially in countries such as France. Wine is the more sophisticated drink of society, one could say. Here are three of the best wines for Christmas dinner - affordable, genuine, and refined.Shiraz Wine - Charles Cimicky 2005 Shiraz Reserve 750 mLSyhiraz wine (or Shyra) is indisputably one of the best holiday wines. It is well known in countries such as the US, France, and Australia as a fine red wine. The flavors are definitely something to behold, encompassing a spicy blend of different flavors, such as pepper, plum, and blackberry. Remember, It can be aged up to five years.Syrah wine is produced using red grapes, and from personal experience and my family’s endeavors during Christmas and other special dinners, one of the best foods to go with it is meat. A lean steak is a great complement to its spicy addition to your taste buds, and can even be eaten with spicy Indian and Mexican food. Such a combination should be reserved for the truly adventurous diners.The product to purchase here is the Charles Cimicky reserve, which can be bought at the Saratoga Wine Exchange site at only $43.95.White Wine - Miner Family Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay, Wild YeastChardonnay is one of the most popular white wines in the world and its being sold more and more every year. It is known to be affordable to the average person and still retain its fine taste. They can have a variety of different flavors and like red wine, they go well with a heavy Christmas dinner with lobster, poultry, steak, seafood, and other delicacies.

A Good Bottle of Wine Does Not Have to Break Your BudgetYou are invited to a friend’s house. You know they enjoy fine wine, but you have not a clue how to tell a good wine from something extraordinary. Besides, your budget does not allow $50 or $75 for a hostess gift. On the other hand, you sure would like to show them you have some class.Take heart. Buying good wine on a budget is easier than you think. In fact, you might even end up with your hosts asking you for wine buying advice. All it takes is a basic understanding of common wines coupled with a reliable authority - and you  are set to impress.Understanding Common WinesBefore you can buying good wine on a budget, you need to understand some wine basics. Wines come in red or white. Reds offer a bolder, stronger flavor. White are more subtle; sometimes tart, sometimes sweet.Common White Wines- Chenin Blanc ranges from dry to very sweet and goes well with salad, seafood, white meats, and mild to spicy rice dishes.- Gewurtztraminer comes in sweet or dry varieties and pares well with spicy dishes and Asian foods.- Pinot Blanc is a light wine with fruity flavors over a mineral or smokey undertone. It goes well with seafood, light sauces, cheese dishes, and lightly flavored meats.- Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is straw colored with a honey or smokey base and fruity overtones. It complements seafood, cheese and cracker combinations, and light pasta dishes.- Riesling combines fruity and floral flavors which compliment a wide variety of food including pork, fish, poultry, and spicy foods.- Chardonnay is a popular white wine. Boasting a rich citrus flavor and full body, Chardonnay goes well with most fish and chicken dishes.- Sauvignon Blanc is a light wine with herbal undertones and fruit accents. It will compliment seafood, chicken, or salads.Common Red Wines- Shiraz (Syrah) bursts with wild black fruit flavors, black pepper undertones, and gripping tannins. It pairs well with beef and wild game.- Merlot blends well with any food. Often boasting plum, blackberry, and herb scents, Merlot has a less tannic flavor than Cabernet.