2019 Top Holiday Wine Picks
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The holidays are here, is your wine cellar ready? Although “Any wine you enjoy is a good wine”, we all want our home-cooked meals with various dishes to taste better and a single bottle/type of wine simply won’t do. I know it can be a bit overwhelming choosing the “right” bottles when figuring out how to juggle everything that comes with the holidays, don’t worry - I got you covered! Hold onto your corkscrew and let me take you through the cheat sheet of my 2019 recommendations! Let’s make sure you and your loved ones have the best wine-fueled season filled with holiday cheers!
Click on each image to read full tasting notes and pairing recommendations. Prices are from Wine-Searcher’s average prices.
Whites
$25 - $50
Ravines Dry Riesling 2016 ($20)
Ravines Dry Riesling
Domaine Rolet Arbois 2014 ($25)
In the glass, this 2014 Chardonnay is pale straw in color, exhibiting a focused purity and intensity of flavor including Asian pear, blossom, dried flower.
Slight oiliness on the palate with a fennel/wet leaves finish. The fresh acid plus persistent minerality gives it a wonderful structure, making it truly one of a kind.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($28)
To me, it is a perfect holiday wine, the juicy lemon notes, and breathtaking floral aromas will immediately bring a smile on people's faces, definitely a crowd-pleaser but by no means a simple or easy wine.
2019 is a classic vintage and has everything we are looking for in terms of character and flavor profile, intensity, elegance, and acidity. The vibrant and bright aromas will perfectly kick off a night full of fun, love, and laughters!
Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese 2014 ($35)
This 2014 Spatlese was selected as one of the "Editors' Choice" by Wine Enthusiastic - coiled with juicy stone fruit aromas, ginger, subtle hints of jasmine and hay, wet stone, and finished by a salty mineral mouthfeel.
Superbly balanced and surprisingly drinks well already but I wish I had another bottle so I could see how it'd improve in another 5-10 years!
$50 - $100
Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 ($53)
This 2014 Mate's Vineyard, a single vineyard expression, is generous with ripe citrus fruit, beautiful lemon zest, a touch of ginger.
On the palate, it showcased bright acidity, great concentration, rich texture without excessive alcohol. It is quite complex and already showing some hazelnut and toast aromas, while it can confidently benefit from a few more years of maturing!
S.R. Tonella Cellars Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2017 ($60)
Beautiful structure, luxurious mouthfeel with acacia, orange peel, tangerines, progressing to vanilla spice decorated with floral notes, evolved to a harmony of depth and brightness. Wonderful pairing with not only the raw Sushi but also the heavier main course such as Miso glazed cod.
It'll certainly make a terrific bottle on your holiday feast table!
Olivier Leflaive Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2013 ($76)
The 2013 Charmes was a quite delightful “Meursault moment” for me. It offered lemon, green apple, quince, and firestone on the nose.
The most distinctive trait was the grand acidic structure - razor-sharp at the beginning, expanding into 3 dimensional on the mid-palate, and refused to fade till the end of the long finish. Coiled by butteriness and chalkiness, it was quite well balanced and pleasant drinking.
Over $100
Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1992 ($210)
Shy on the nose, but expressive on the palate - high concentration of candied lemons, smoked wood, brioche, and nuts.
Rich texture, firm acids, and a good length, but just starting to fade - drink now if you are still cellaring it.
Reds
$25 - $50
Tenuta di Gracciano Della Seta Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2013 ($19)
Vino Nobile is quite often at the top of my mind when I feel like drinking Italy. It is so representative of Italian wines - classic tart cherries flavors, chunky tannins and most importantly, excellent value!
This beauty made by Della Seta is no exception. The great combo of Sangiovese tartness, bell pepper, and wet stone, accompanied by the initial harsh tannin attack, which mellows out given an hour or two, serves my Italian state of mind just right!
Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2015 ($31)
New Zealand’s wine is thriving fast! Sauvignon Blanc is no longer the only thing to fancy about when we talk about NZ wine - they now have world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and even Bordeaux blend as well!
Lovely ruby in color, it exudes gorgeous strawberries and rose in bloom with underlying rocky earth and cinnamon hints. Ripe silly tannins provide the perfect backbone for the flavor layers and concentration, finishing long and pronounced.
Passopisciaro "Passorosso" Etna Rosso Sicilia 2014 ($36)
Here's one exciting bottle - bright ruby in color, captivating nose immediately jumps out of glass, combining sappy strawberry, raspberry, pebbles and sandalwood aromas.
Rich, ripe and suave on the palate, it conveys a saline note, assorted fresh red fruits and wonderfully polished tannins, and finishes with great length and tangy acidity!
Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir 2014 ($40)
Classic and refined Willamette profile, fresh strawberry and cranberry upfront and carry through till the end, with dried leaves, herbal tea, and wet stone in the background.
Quite earthy towards the finish with bright acidity and alluring spiciness - a perfect wine for everyday drinking and all occasions, as well as a perfect pairing with charcuterie or a winter crisp roasted duck dinner!
$50 - $100
Domaine La Barroche Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014 ($53)
This '14 vintage is pure elegance.
Alluring plum, ripe cherry aromas and chocolate notes on the nose, with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fabulous density on the palate with a delicate aftertaste.
A great example reflecting the long family history with energy and devotion.
Donnafugata Mille e una Notte ($58)
Tis the season to be jolly! I'm here for all the delicious flavors in this 'Mille e Una Notte' - cranberry, plum, spice, concord grape, and fig, characterized by an ample bouquet of floral notes; structured caressing tannins and a juicy finish.
Is it just me or this bottle feels really festive and simply perfect for the holidays?
Linne Calodo "Nemesis" Paso Robles Rhône Blend 2014 ($65)
Aged 18 months in new French oak, it shows dark purple in the glass, smoke-accented blackberry and black cherry on the nose, with pronounced lively wildflowers.
Knockout pepper and spice on the palate, sappy berry and cassis flavors with a similar floral touch that offers a seamless texture and finish.
Domaine Y Clerget Volnay Santenots 2007 ($70)
Complex nose of assorted dry flowers, wet leaves and red cherries; lithe palate filled with caressing tannins and delicate fruits. Savory finish wraps up with a touch of smokiness.
I don't remember how many times, but I'd like to reiterate my love for Volnay! It deserves an elaborately prepared charcuterie & cheese board to go with - a lovely combo to share with family and friends over the holidays!
Over $100
Château Calon-Ségur 2001 ($126)
Château Calon-Ségur
Château Léoville Barton 2000 ($161)
A memorable treat - astonishing dark purple with a slight hint of brick on the rim.
The generous nose showcased the refined essence of left bank Bordeaux. There's cigar box, graphite, mint and a touch of hot tarmac - all in one bottle! Incredible concentration of tart savory blackberries with a bit of a tannic kick coated the palate, leaving a grand finish.
Prime drinking now.
Clos Rougeard Le Bourg 2012 ($504)
Clos Rougeard
Comte Georges de Vogüé Chambolle-Musigny 2006 ($260)
This Chambolle Musigny was very generously offering both blueberries and assortment of red berries with high density.
Herbs, nuts, and woods were dancing vibrantly on the palate, coiled with acidity of great depth. Higher volume of tannins than one could expect from a typical Chambolle.
Still early stage in its drinking curve. A wine of truly great value to explore Vogüé's uncompromised craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
Sparklings
$25 - $50
Juvé & Camps Cava Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva ($17)
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine displays a bright cherry, blueberry and strawberry jam nose, with a whiff of floral notes.
Palate develops more honey, toasted bread, fig and mixed nuts flavors. Quite rich and intense, and has a strong personality.
Chandon Brut ($20)
Segura Viudas Heredad Brut Reserva ($35)
This Reserva is elegant and luxurious, with opening aromas of flower petals and toast, followed by honey and spice. The palate is flavorful with more dried and cooked fruits, finishing with a bit smoky minterality.
As they put it: "a sip of our Reserva Heredad is like a trip down the red carpet – without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions."
$50 - $100
Ayala Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008 ($58)
This Ayala 2008 Blanc de Blancs has a rich and full-bodied profile, a complex nose of rose, ginger, mushroom, apricot layered with brioche, brûlée, and mixed nuts, finishes with nice lemon curd and cheese flavors.
Laherte Frères Les Vignes d'Autrefois Pinot Meunier Extra Brut 2014 ($61)
This is a bottle that powerfully shows what Pinot Meunier is capable of! Extremely balanced and complex, notes of stone fruits, dried herbs, flowers, and toasted almonds. I love its precision and finesse. Great for champagne lovers who are passionate about exploring and trying different styles!
Also a special bottle for me as it was my “finisher champagne” after NYC Marathon – the best bottle to celebrate with!
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose ($80)
Billecart-Salmon
Over $100
Pol Roger Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2008 ($101)
This 2008 blanc de blanc is expressive with a smoky and woody nose, delicate tangerine and poached apple.
Creamy and lingering bubbles, the palate reveals a full-bodied texture with aromas of fresh biscuits, mushrooms and a hint of spice and cheese, as well as a smooth and persistent finish.
A well-balanced wonderful bottle makes it hard for one to stop sipping!
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2007 ($155)
Pale gold in color and wonderful froth. Fresh citrus fruit and floral notes on the nose.
This vintage champagne delivers a dense mousse and lively acidity on the palate with rose petals, pear and a touch of toasted bread, finishing with an impressive length.
Dom Pérignon Rosé Oenothèque 1993 ($300)
There is a reason people believe Dom Pérignon Rosé is one of the best in the world.
A graceful selection displaying wild berries, explosive bouquet, and sexy aromas of a fresh fruit basket. The limited production makes it your go-to-wine for special occasions and this spectacular wine will easily make them memorable.
Everything Else
Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2016 ($22)
An elegant wine, well-balanced and crispy, that seduces because of its very light-pink, red onion peel, salmon color.
This Rosé has fresh, citric, mineral and sweet red berries aromas. Well-textured palate that offers juicy strawberry and cranberry flavors, and a persistent finish.
Clif Family Rosé of Grenache Mendocino 2018 ($26)
This bottle from Clif Family is 100% Grenache, fermented in stainless steel barrels for four months and brings in zippy, vibrant aromas dominated by juicy strawberry, ripe pear, raspberry, with a touch of floral notes.
This cooler vintage offers a mouthful of bright acidity that accentuates the fresh fruit on the palate.
Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 ($46)
PX is a unique sweet digestif that not only has viscous sweetness, but a whole lot of funky oxidative notes to balance it out of the cloying range.
Thick, motor oil-like texture with exploding nose of raisins, molasses, dry figs, dates, caramel, almonds, and hazelnuts - too many to enumerate them all. The palate is consistent, with an extra touch of balsamic and earthiness. Long-lasting finish well anticipated.
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC ($50)
This Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, made from Sangiovese, offers mild aromas of dried stone fruit and maple syrup.
The full-bodied palate delivers stewed apricot, acacia honey and a hint of toasted walnut. The overwhelming richness would be cloying on its own, but perfect to battle with the dessert, Torta Caprese, a traditional Italian chocolate and almond or walnut cake named for the island of Capri from which it originates.
Benoit Badoz Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune ($67)
Full gold in color, with scents of zesty ginger and stewed apple in addition to some bready "flor" warmth.
It’s slender on the palate but with drive and vividness from the wine’s poised and resonant acid architecture. Ample and satisfying finish well expected.
Thank you all very much for following me on my wine journey in 2019. Wish you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, comfort, and good cheer!
Epicure - Le Bristol Paris