A Guide About California and Australia: Dessert Wines

I have always had an appreciation for wine, but I admit I really didnt know much, but when I was married, my husband had a passion about wines, so I was able to deepen my love of and knowledge of wine, here is a guide about California and Australia: Dessert Wines

California

Chumeia 2005 Silver Nectar Mendoza ($10). A blend of Torrontes and Chenin Blanc, this fun white offers vibrant peach aromas that are repeated on the flirtateously sweet palate, with a kick of spice on the finish. Not overly complex, but still likeable. Works with Thai or Mexican food, but we liked it best with a fruit dessert. Ready to drink now.

2002 Moscato Paso Robles Late Harvest Tears of Dew ($22, 375 ml). Delicate and aromatic, with layers of soft tropical melon, citrus, and wildflower honey. Nicely balanced. Serve chilled with fruit desserts. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two.

2001 Zinfandel Port Paso Robles ($29, 375 ml). Luscious jammy character, with ripe red cherry and blueberry fruit, with waves of cinnamon spice, espresso, and milk chocolate. Finishes with hints of herbs and black licorice. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years.

Maple Creek 2001 Symphony Yorkville Highlands-Mendocino County Late Harvest Artevino ($34, 375 ml). Fabulous nose is rich and honeyed. Palate offers very good acidity underlying beautiful fig and apricot fruit, with a long lingering finish. Loved it! Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years.

Merryvale Antigua ($30, 500 ml). Fortified with brandy, apricot-hued Antigua packs a velvet-gloved punch with spicy orange and apricot fruit flavors and toasted nut and oak accents. It's addictively delicious stuff! For a cheese and fruit course, try pairing it with Summer ripe peaches with dollops of fresh goat cheese, sprinkled with chopped pistachios, slivered and toasted almonds, or crumbled amaretto cookies.

Australia

Brown Brothers 1999 Noble Riesling Late Harvest Patricia ($33, 375 ml). A "wow" dessert wine, featuring heady kumquat, dried apricot and caramelized sugar aromas and flavors, with excellent acidity vs. sweetness. Velvety mouthfeel, with a mouthwatering finish. Outstanding to the last drop -- now and over the next six to eight years.

Campbells NV Tokay Rutherglen ($17). Loaded with aromatic caramel, toffee and nutty flavors that introduce spicy dried fruit, fig and vanilla. Ready to drink now.

Chambers NV Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards ($16, 375 ml). A luscious mix of dried apricot, citrus, raisin, honey and toasted caramel flavors that linger nicely on the long, rich finish. A great value out of Australia, and easy to pair with practically any dessert, cheese courses and foie gras. Ready to drink now and should continue to evolve over the next several years.

Dutschke NV Muscat Australia ($36). Ripe and very nearly thick, with loads of dried apricot, creme brulee, treacle, and spices that stay bold through the long finish. Ready to drink now.

Yalumba NV Muscat Victoria Museum Release ($18, 375 ml). Spicy fig, toffee, plump prune, candied orange peel, and nutty oak flavors are rich and persistent -- another good example of how Australia's stickies are hard to beat! Ready to drink now and over the next few years.