Robert Mondavi Moscato d’ Oro 2006 – California

Mondavi winery initially made its name with two iconic wines – their Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc dubbed “Fume” Blanc. Both wines captured the American wine-making and wine-drinking spirit, but this Moscato has been around just as long. We remember tasting it many years ago when the winery was newly opened. The nose is distinctly of apricots. This is very low alcohol (8%) and exhibits tastes of apricot, peach, and tangerine. It has an almost sparkly zing, and is very sweet but not sticky, with just a hint of acidity. Yes. $20 (375 ml bottle)

Carlos Basso Vendimia Tardia 2005, Mendoza – Argentina

I don’t think we’ve ever had such a divergence of opinion about a wine. This should serve as a perfect example that the writers and tasters in Wine Spectator, or John and Dorothy from the Wall St. Journal, or Lettie Teague from Food & Wine, are all human, with human opinions and personal tastes. Francesca thought this sweet dessert wine was full of apricot and honey; Ken thought it tasted like mouthwash or cough syrup. The nose is of grapes and honey and peaches. Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Viognier, it’s decidedly sweet, with only the barest hint of acidity on the finish. Ken compares most dessert wines to Hungarian Tokaji (“the wine of Kings and the King of wines”), and this comes up incredibly lacking. We suggest you make your own opinions on this one. For Francesca a Yes; for Ken a No. $16 (500ml bottle).