The holidays are just around the corner. It is a time for bringing out a special bottle or two to share with family and friends, and this installment of new Pinot Noirs and sparkling wines includes a great many offerings that are guaranteed to make the season all the merrier.

This month's report on new Pinots Noirs includes 125 wines, and, while covering a fairly wide range of vintages including some surprisingly good bottlings from the too-often-overlooked 2020 harvest, it reaffirms our belief that 2019 was a year in which Pinot shines especially brightly.

Good sparkling wine needs not be held for special occasions, and, though we consider it a staple throughout the year, it appears on our tables more regularly yet during the soon-to-arrive holiday season. This issue includes noteworthy offerings at every price point.

Top values in Merlot, Syrah and Grenache head up this month's pick of Best Buys, and those selected are sure to surprise with quality that is unexpected in examples that are as affordable as they are.