Bargains abound for holiday-worthy wines
This is the time of year when most of us begin our holiday shopping. Of course, with all of the economic upheaval, sales are way down. And as we plan our holiday gatherings, the economic uncertainty drives us to be extra careful in our purchases.
It is even more important than usual to find those little gems that can make an occasion special at minimal extra cost. Whether for a daily meal, a family gathering or a social affair, wine is one ingredient where you can cut costs without sacrificing value.
There is a ton of quality, well-priced wine (here meaning $20 or less) for your holiday shopping and everyday drinking. Any of the wines below would serve you well for either purpose. Note, though, that I have listed them in order of my preference.
• Cabernet sauvignon, with its berry/currant flavors, slight herbal quality and firm structure, is still No. 1 with consumers.
2006 Hess North Coast ($17)
2005 Cupcake Central Coast ($15)
2006 Clayhouse Paso Robles ($15)
2005 Adler Fels RRV ($18)
2006 Louis M. Martini Sonoma County ($17)
2006 Hogue Columbia Valley ($12)
2006 Gnarly Head ($12)
2006 337 Wines Lodi ($16)
• Despite recent bad press, merlot's bright berry fruit and soft texture still finds many fans.
2006 Souverain ($19)
2006 Hayman & Hill Napa Valley Reserve ($15)
2006 Blackstone Winemaker Select ($12)
2005 BV Century Cellars ($6)
• Zinfandel is a particular favorite of mine this time of year. Its assertive, often spicy fruit always brings a smile to my face.
2005 Lake Sonoma Dry Creek ($18)
2006 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines ($20)
2005 Folie a Deux Amador ($18)
• I also recommend several other red varietals and blends for a change of pace.
2006 Marc Kreydenweiss Perrieres ($17)
2005 Greg Norman Paso Robles Petite Sirah ($15)
2007 Cusumano Nero d'Avola ($12)
2005 Valley of the Moon Sangiovese ($15)
2006 Gascon Malbec ($12)
Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot No. 82 ($12)
2005 Domaine de Nizas Le Mas ($13)
2007 Shannon Ridge Lake County Wrangler Red ($17)
2004 Pietra Santa Dolcetto Cienaega ($18)
2007 Sonoma Vineyards Sonoma County ($16)
2006 La Posta Malbec Pizzella Family Vineyard ($18)
The Big Red Monster ($11)
2005 Big House "The Prodigal Son" Petite Sirah ($15)
• Chardonnay is still the most popular white wine in America and I found plenty worth your attention.
2007 St. Clement Carneros ($19)
2007 TAZ Santa Barbara ($20)
2007 Hogue Columbia Valley "Genesis" ($16)
2007 Sterling Mendocino Organic ($13)
2007 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County ($14)
2007 Oak Grove Reserve ($8)
2006 "A" by Acacia ($11)
2006 Ventana Vineyards Monterey ($18)
2006 Lockwood Monterey ($14)
2007 Sebeka South Africa ($10)
2007 Woodbridge Lightly Oaked ($8)
2007 Heron California ($12)
• Sauvignon blanc's juicy green fruits and pleasing herbaceous quality make it a very food-friendly wine.
2007 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County "Fume" ($13)
2006 Markham Napa Valley ($17)
2007 Clif Bar "The Climber" ($15)
2007 Kenwood Reserve ($20)
2006 Paul Dolan Mendocino ($18)
2007 Napa Cellars ($15)
2007 Souverain Alexander Valley ($15)
2007 Sterling Mendocino Organic ($13)
2007 Fortress Red Hills Lake County ($15)
2007 Dry Creek Sonoma County ($15)
2007 Starborough Marlborough ($13)
2007 Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve ($11)
2006 Premius Bordeaux Blanc ($10)
2007 Golden Kaan Western Cape ($12)
• Riesling's floral aromas and apple, pear and peach fruit, all delivered with bracing acidity, make for another versatile wine.
2007 Peter Lehman Eden Valley ($16)
2007 Woodbridge California ($8)
2006 Pacific Rim Dry ($10)
• Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris tends to fresh citrus and melon with good body.
2006 Luna ($18)
2007 King Estate ($17)
2006 Mac Murray Ranch ($18)
2007 TAZ Santa Barbara ($15)
2006 MezzaCorona Riserva ($20)
2006 Big House "The Birdman" ($15)
• I also recommend several other white varietals for a change of pace.
2007 Dry Creek Chenin Blanc Clarksburg ($12)
2007 Feudo Arancio Grillo ($19)
2007 Crios de Susan Balbo Torrontes ($15)
2005 Peter Lehman Barossa Semillon ($16)
2006 Vionta Albarino ($18)
2007 Oak Grove Viognier Reserve ($8)
2007 Martin Codax Albarino ($15)
This time of year - and especially during uncertain times - we are drawn to family and friends. I always find that good wine elevates any occasion and even more so at such good prices.
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Rich Mauro has been writing about wine since 1995. He is a policy analyst for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Reach him at rich@rmpeoplespalate.com.
