The neighbor with the snow blower, the co-worker who helped on that big report, the friends who organized a heartfelt reunion—there are occasions when you want to show your appreciation with a bottle of something special.

There are so many fine wines to choose from, it is difficult to zero-in on a select few. However, the following selections were given high ratings by a tasting panel from Sante magazine, a publication for restaurant professionals.

Among white wines, two California chardonnays were listed under the highest "prestige" category: Iron Horse Vineyards 2002 Corral Vineyard and Steele 2002 Durell Vineyard. Both of threes delicious wines are medium to full-bodied, with the Iron Horse featuring an abundance of apple, pear, vanilla and cream caramel, while the Steel is said to offer restrained apple, white grapefruit, and stone fruit with a hint of earthiness and crisp acidity.

Included in the magazine’s premium picks for chardonnays are Bannister Wines 2002 Rochioli and Allen Vineyards, Geyser Peak Winery 2003 Block Collection, Ricci Vineyard; St. Francis 2003 Behler Reserve, and William Hill Estate 2002 Reserve.

Other noteworthy white wines include Bianchi 2004 Pinot Grigio Signature Selection, a medium to full-bodied wine with concentrated ripe peach and grapefruit flavors and crisp acidity; and Whitehaven 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, a New Zealand wine with an amazing nose of apricot, citrus, and tarragon followed by a crisp mouth-feel.

For prestige reds, Sante recommends cabernet sauvignons from J. Lohr’s 2000 Hilltop Vineyard, and Raymond 2001 Reserve. The J. Lohr is full-bodied with smooth tannins, excellent structure, and ripe, concentrated aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, black currant and chocolate. The Raymond is medium to full-bodied with mint, licorice, and blackberry; and soft tannins on a rich, full finish.

Another critically acclaimed choice in red wine would be the Dunham Cellars 2002 Syrah Winemaker Artist Series from Washington’s Columbia Valley. This is a full bodied wine with good structure and aromas of blackberry, clove, dark chocolate, and white pepper plus concentrated blackberry and raspberry flavors with a dark chocolate note and a persistent finish.

Also impressive is the Penfolds 2002 Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 from South Australia. This is a full-bodied red with concentrated, rich, ripe blackberry fruit, peppers, bacon, spice, and herbs.

Among the numerous highly rated red blends, the Castello Banfi 2002 Sant’Antimo DOC Cum Laude from Montalcino, Italy, is a stand-out. Hailed by the tasting panel as being profound, this wine is multi-textured and full-bodied with dense, concentrated blueberry, blackberry, lead pencil, red fruit, and hints of earth and black pepper. It also possesses an excellent concentration and balance with a long finish.

Other gift-worthy bottles of red include Clos Pegase 2001 Mitsuko’s Vineyard, an elegant blend of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot; Toasted Head 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Willamette Valley Vineyards 2004 Pinot Noir Whole Cluster Fermented.