The Boca Bacchanal ripped through Boca last week, leaving unsuspecting attendees strewn lying around clutching their stomach, eyes rolled back in ecstasy. That’s about how I felt after attending the grand tasting Sunday afternoon. True to its name, it was an incredible event. There were close to 300 wines poured and amazing eats from all sorts of area restaurants.

After completing eight awesome years, this event benefits the Heritage Education and Historic Preservation Programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society, which is a long title to say you’re imbibing for a good cause. I can’t attest to the Vintner dinner or the pairings party, but I’m fairly sure those were pretty great, too.

I had a game plan. Spit everything (sorry!). Taste whites the first hour, reds the second hour. Revisit favorites and try dessert wines while recovering the last hour. It didn’t exactly go to plan but gave me a map to navigate what could have been overwhelming.

All in all, I’d say I tried close to 50 wines. I was exhausted after three hours and fairly full from the wonderful food. The ticket price is definitely steep – $85 prepaid, $100 at the door. But this is one event that is probably worth that amount. The food really sparkled as did the wine. So without further ado, here are some of my favorites.

Remember I most certainly did not try every wine there! This is just a small sampling of my favorites that I did try. And all prices reflect the regular price at Crown, where the wines can be ordered from.

Favorite sauvignon blanc: 2008 Boschendal Reserve ($14.99)
I’m a huge fan of South Africa sauvignon blancs and I really liked this example. This is a very grassy and herbal sauvignon blanc with a lovely creaminess from the 8 percent semillon thrown in to blend.

Favorite white: New Age White ($10.99)
This interesting wine is a blend of 50/50 sauvignon blanc and malvasia, which gave it a little sparkle. I would not hesitate to bring this to a dinner party or pull it out for company. This would make an especially good summer wine.

Favorite Chardonnay: Tie!
A tie between my old favorite, a 2007 Napa Station ($19.99) – very light and creamy with minimal oak and surprisingly refreshing, and the 2008 Boschendal 1685 chardonnay, another creamy dazzler where the grape really shines through.

Favorite rose: 2008 Robert Oatley Rose of Sangiovese ($13.99)
Okay, not a lot of roses, but this deserves mention even on its own merits. It represents everything a rose should be. Crisp, bone dry and full of character. Yes. That is all.

Wine I’d most like to bring to a casual BBQ that may or may not be filled with beer drinkers: 2007 Longboard Vineyards Dakine merlot. $25.99

Wine that made me want to cry: St. Supery Elu, $59.99
This amazing wine stopped me in my tracks. It’s a classic Bordeaux style and is silky as a pinot, wonderfully structured, easy drinker and incredibly smooth. This is a big wine with a corresponding big price tag, so it’s definitely a big-deal wine. But this one is worth it. This is an awesome wine.

Cabernet I’d most like to own: 2004 Kuleto Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $69.99
I tried a lot of great cabs, but the Kuleto Estate is the one I envied for my cellar. With quintessential structure and aromas of a chocolate- covered cherry, I would very much enjoy pulling this out for a special night. Of course, when I learned it comes from Lake Hennessey in Napa Valley, it all makes sense. What an awesome wine region.

Pinot I’d bring back for Earthy:Van Duzer Dijon Block, $49.99
It was fun to do a mini pinot tasting at Van Duzer and while I loved the silkiness of the “Westside” pinot, I liked the spicier taste of the Dijon pinot. I’m fairly sure Earthy would love it, too.