Golden Bubbles

Tiny bottles of sparkling wine have been the rage for a while now, but some -- let's be honest -- really weren't much more than Champagne-flavored soft drinks. Champagne Pommery's POP line is far better than that, and their latest effort, Gold POP, is not only decent bubbly but also comes in the best package to date -- a gorgeous shiny gold bottle. And it represents the first vintage offering in this miniature (187ml) format.

You'll Love U'Luvka

You'll love U'Luvka vodka -- after all, what's not to like? This Polish spirit claims inspiration from 16th century alchemists, blending rye, barley and wheat and then distilling three times. The unexpectedly curvy bottle offers its own appeal, as do legless shot glasses that must be drained completely before being set down.

Better than Gold

Forget the "Gold" standard. When it comes to Jose Cuervo, Platino shines brighter. A new entry in Cuervo's ultra-premium Reserva de la Familia line, which previously had only an extra anejo bottle, Platino represents the silver or plata category of unaged tequila, more or less fresh from the still. Priced at $60, Platino is surprisingly reasonable, especially compared to Patron's Platinum, a similar product that sells for more than $200 and is not nearly as good. The Cuervo family did not dumb down this tequila to sell more of it. Platino is really made for tequila lovers -- it is 100% agave, and it really tastes like its ingredient, with tons of herbaceousness and a hint of smoke. With the holidays approaching, it's also good to know this tequila lover's tequila comes in a lovely bottle and a beautiful box. It's a winner from every angle.

International Wine

In these post-Mondovino days, "international" winemaking gets a bad rap. But open-minded enophiles should open a bottle of Cheval Des Andes, a wine from Bordeaux' Cheval Blanc, one of the most prestigious and highly acclaimed chateaux in France, and Terrazas de los Andes, owned by an old Argentine wine-producing family, and judge for themselves. The vineyard is near Mendoza and the wine, produced only in superior vintages since 1999, is a Bordeaux-style blend with a heavy dose of Malbec, the grape that originated as a supporting player in Bordeaux but has gone on to leading man status in that Latin American country. Providing French cred is winemaker Nicolas Audebert, who worked for Krug Champagne and others before heading to Argentina, bringing many years of French training and tradition with him. This opulent wine is one of South America's most most notable, and the '04 will be soon be on store shelves and wine lists of top restaurants.