Whether you are throwing a party, looking for a gift or planning a holiday dinner, great wines for all occasions will be top of mind for many throughout this holiday season.
Rest assured, there is an abundance of great wine to go around. This week's "Wine Talk" is dedicated to wine suggestions aimed primarily at those looking for gift suggestions or eyeing wines for holiday dinner parties. These suggestions are just a small slice of what's out there, so it's important to consider the tasting notes in the event that you can't source a wine of interest from the list.
Most good wine merchants will be able to steer you in the direction of a similar wine that is available. When shopping, don't hesitate to describe what you are looking for and ask for help. Your favorite wine merchant will be happy you did!
Tasting Notes
Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer's enthusiasm for the recommended wine.
Duckhorn Vineyards 2015 Merlot, Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley ($98) — This stunning wine is yet another in a more-than-30-year string of successes from this iconic vineyard near the top of the Napa Valley. Situated at the warmer end of the valley, the Three Palms Vineyard defies the conventional wisdom that a cooler climate is better suited for merlot. The 2015 is richly layered and beautifully structured, with impressive heft that hardly compromises the elegance and sensuality of this beautiful wine. On the palate it exhibits ripe notes of plum, cherry and currant, and subtle notes of graphite and wood spice. The vineyard is a treasure, and so is this wine. Rating: 100.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose, Brut Champagne, France ($79.99) — The Laurent-Perrier has long been my go-to rose Champagne, and nothing with the release of this latest cuvee changes that equation. It is aged five years prior to disgorgement, which allows for the development of complexity and nuance, yet it retains a freshness that beguiles. Showing vibrant notes of raspberry, strawberry and red currant, with a fine mousse and uplifting acidity, the Laurent-Perrier always impresses and never disappoints. Rating: 97.
Black Kite 2016 Chardonnay, Gap's Crown, Sonoma Coast ($58) — The 2016 Black Kite Gap's Crown is a brilliant chardonnay from a brilliant winemaker. It exhibits lush aromas of lemon oil, apple and pear, with a solid backbone to balance the richness of the fruit. This wine shows impressive length and a seductive, spicy finish. Rating: 96.
Black Kite 2016 Pinot Noir, River Turn, Anderson Valley ($60) — Winemaker Jeff Gaffner isn't afraid to build a bit of structure in his pinot noirs, and this vintage from the Black Kite estate in Anderson Valley is an excellent example. It shows deep aromas of raspberry and cherry, notes of wood spice and firm grape tannins that will lengthen the shelf life of this beauty. Rating: 95.
Tongue Dancer 2016 Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir, Putnam Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($65) — Winemaker James MacPhail prides himself on his skill at choosing vineyard sources. The 2016 Pinot de Ville from the Putnam Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA shows off MacPhail's talent as a judge of vineyard character. The Putnam delivers bright cherry notes with exceptional fruit purity, fall spices and impressive length. Rating: 95.
Scheid Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay, Escolle Road Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands ($45) — The Santa Lucia Highlands in northern Monterey County produce some of the most complex and delicious chardonnays on the entire West Coast. Scheid is a prominent grower in Monterey County that owns some of its finest vineyards. The Escolle Road Vineyard chardonnay from the 2016 vintage is classic for the region, showing layered richness, extraordinary depth, excellent acid backbone and seductive aromas of lemon creme, ripe pear and fall spices. Rating: 94.
Vallado 2015 Quinta do Orgal, Douro DOC, Portugal ($39.99) — While you're waiting for the more firmly structured reds of Quinta do Vallado to mature, the Quinta do Orgal from the same producer would be an excellent option for near-term consumption. A blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca and sousao (from organic vineyards), it is a food-friendly, supple alternative that can be enjoyed immediately. With a floral note and enticing red-fruit aromas and spice, it will pair nicely with grilled meats, game birds and fall stews. Rating: 92.
Luisi 2017 Pinot Grigio, Collio DOC, Italy ($17.99) — The Collio district of Friuli is home to many of the finest pinot grigios produced in northern Italy. The 2017 from Luisi is a beautiful example, exhibiting freshness and texture, with bright citrus and melon notes and an excellent persistence through a thoroughly satisfying finish. Rating: 91.
Bel Colle 2017 Verduno Pelaverga, Italy ($30) — Don't be fooled by the light color. This pepper pot of a red wine delivers character and flavor in spades. Spicy with notes of Bing cherry and firm tannins, it's a delightful surprise from a small appellation in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The grape, pelaverga piccolo di Verduno, is obscure and typically used only in blends. Rating: 90.
Henriot Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France ($59.99) — Henriot's Blanc de Blancs is a classic 100 percent chardonnay Champagne crafted primarily from grand cru and premier cru vineyards. The cuvee is bolstered by 40 percent reserve wines, which lend depth and richness without losing the freshness and brightness of the younger wines in the blend. Notes of citrus and apple dominate the flavor profile, and a touch of spice adds nuance. Rating: 90.
Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. 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. Comments are welcome. Reach Robert at [email protected].
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