All I want for Christmas is not wine. Not wine because I already have wine. Not wine because there are plenty of wine accoutrements that are not only useful, but also sometimes necessary.

So, this year my plea is for wine-related gadgets that enhance the wine-tasting experience. In other words, not wine.

Such as:

Cuisinox Wine Bottle Coaster, $19.95 — I found this nifty stainless steel coaster on the Wal-Mart website. The product information guide helpfully informed me that the wine bottle was not included, thus this is the perfect non- wine gift! Bottle coasters are great if you have a wood or marble table because they protect from scratches and condensation rings. And they needn't be expensive unless you opt for a crystal coaster from the likes of Baccarat or Waterford.

Framed Heart Silver Plated Bottle Stopper, $9.85 — I chose the heart-shaped stopper because it was attractive, but the most important aspect is actually the silver-plated plug that inserts into the neck of the bottle. I've used crystal and glass stoppers in the past, but I have been disappointed because they eventually chip around the bottom edge and raise the possibility that you might pour bits of glass into someone's goblet. Whatever design you choose, stopper your partially full bottles of wine with metal stoppers! I found this one at www.beveragefactory.com.

Danby 35-Bottle Free-standing Wine Cooler, $269.99 — Perfect size for wine storage at your office or in the garage. I have a couple of significantly larger wine refrigeration units, but the versatility of a small, free-standing unit that is virtually portable is very appealing. Protect your valuable wines in the heat of summer! The temperature range on this tidy unit is 41 F to 57 F degrees, so it's useful for both reds and whites. And the price on this unit is one of the lowest I could find on the web. Go to www.winerefrigerator.com.

Two-Bottle Insulated Wine Tote w/Cheese Service, $42.70 — The "Corsica" willow and canvas wine tote comes with a corkscrew, a cutting board and a cheese knife. It's insulated, too, so you can keep both wine and cheese cool on a warm day. Wine totes come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but I found this one especially appealing because it conjured up the image of an impromptu picnic in the mountains. Just add wine, some crusty bread and a blanket, and you're all set! I found it at www.winewares.com.

BEST BUY

Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value.

Lockwood Vineyard 2008 Estate Chardonnay, Monterey ($12) — Lockwood grows and sells tons of grapes on its massive plantation in southern Monterey County, and it's my guess that's how they keep the price so low on this positively splendid California Chardonnay, over the years Lockwood's most reliable wine. This vintage shows ripe pear and apple fruit with a suggestion of lemon creme that gives the wine tremendous lift on the palate. Neither the oak nor the alcohol is overdone, leaving nothing but pure Monterey Chardonnay. Rating: 88.

Tormaresca 2008 'NePriCa', Puglia, Italy ($12) — This region of Italy is coming on string with improved quality and sensational pricing. Tormaresca's NePriCa is a curious blend of the two native grapes, Negroamaro and Primitivo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a distinctive Puglia flavor, though, exhibiting aromas of licorice, black fruits and spice. It's well-balanced and full-bodied, with medium tannins that won't get in the way of a juicy steak or any other red meat dish you may wish to serve. Rating: 87.

Georges Duboeuf 2009 Beaujolais-Villages, France ($11) — I have colleagues who consider Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau wine with training wheels, and doubtless there is an element of truth in that description. But the lower alcohol (12.5 percent) holds a certain appeal, and there's no way you wouldn't enjoy quaffing this fresh, fruity, guileless wine by the gallon over a plate of salty pommes frites or other bistro fare. Rating: 86.

TASTING NOTES

Morgan 2007 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands ($48) —This grand cru Pinot Noir vineyard rarely disappoints, especially when the grapes are in the hands of a skilled winery such as Morgan. The '07 Morgan Garys' exhibits that magical combination of power, depth and finesse that only exceptional Pinot vineyards can deliver. Deep aromas of raspberry and plum, nuances of forest floor and cola and firm backbone are merely some of the attributes of this superb Pinot from Morgan. Rating: 94.

Russian Hill 2006 Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($46) — On the nose, there is a heady floral note that bodes well for the remainder of the tasting experience. Russian Hill's Tara Vineyard Pinot Noir is beautifully structured, showing exceptional backbone and an exciting thread of minerality, all of which support bright aromas of plum, black cherry and spice. A good candidate to improve with another three to five years of bottle age, and a wine that will excel with fowl and fish alike. Rating: 92.

Gainey Vineyard 2007 'Limited Selection' Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills ($48) — Gainey's Limited Selection Pinot delivers a mouthful of gorgeous Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. This vintage shows layered fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry, with hints of forest floor and spice, firm acidity and strong tannins that will give this wine long life well into the next decade. Although enjoyable now, ideally this wine would not be served for another two to three years, after the tannins have mellowed and secondary aromas emerge to complement the primary fruit. Rating: 91.

Russian Hill 2007 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($36) — Lovely Russian River Valley Pinot at a modest price for the genre. Offers layered aromas of strawberry and black cherry, with complexities of cola and forest floor. Though this vintage tips the scale at 14.6 alcohol, the wine is balanced and elegant, with quite a long finish. Socko for the price. Rating: 90.

To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.