T’is the season for gift-giving and who doesn’t like wine!

RED WINES:

MICHEL GUIGNIER Beaujolais 2015 |
Burgundy, France | $13 |
Who says you can’t drink red wine with seafood? Beaujolais will pair with any food and this wine is an outstanding value.
Vinous Media 90 rating says “Brilliant red. Extremely fresh and primary, displaying vibrant red currant and strawberry scents and flavors and a hint of candied flowers … it’s a very serious example of basic Beaujolais.”

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 |
Alexander Valley, Sonoma California | $17 |
read more about this wine –> Alexander Valley Cab

CARPE DIEM Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 |
Napa, California | $21 |
Delicious Napa Cab produced by reputable house of Dominus whose flagship red blend is $200 and their 2nd wine, Napanook, is $60. Wine is made with juice from estate vineyards that is used in their expensive wines.

ABADIA RETUERTA Seleccion Especial 2012 |
Rioja, Spain | $30 |
Rated #12 Wine Spectator Top 100 2016  says “a polished texture carries harmonious flavors of black cherry, cola, licorice and mineral in this focused red. well-managed tannins and balsamic acidity lend this to a balanced structure.”

WHITE WINE:

TRUE MYTH Chardonnay 2015 |
Edna Valley, California | $16 |
Winemaker says “Displaying aromas of pear, pineapple, tangerine and vanilla this classic Chardonnay from the Edna Valley shows flavors of tropical fruit, with a hint of minerality and a creamy texture. Refreshing acidity keeps the wine lively and fresh from start to finish.”

DESSERT WINES:

BRAIDA Brachetto d’Acqui 2015 |
Piedmont, Italy | $21 |
Refreshing dessert or aperitif wine with touch of sweetness and frizzante, serve cold.
Wine Spectator 89 rating

SANDEMAN Founders Reserve Port NV |
Porto, Portugal | $17 |
This is not a high priced vintage port but it is a tasty complement for chocolates at dessert time.

WINE OPENERS come in a variety of sizes, designs and price. I recommend the basic “waiter corkscrew” used by professionals. Efficient, sturdy and compact – I have this corkscrew in every drawer in my house – Wineguys never have enough corkscrews!

Merry Christmas to All,
Bob the WineGuy