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‘Tis the season to pamper loved ones or clients with an elegant holiday wine gift. From luxurious reds to winning whites, global finds, and wine gift packs with perks, we’re uncorking our master guide to find the perfect fit!
WINTER WHITES
Aperture Chenin Blanc
From the rich clay loam soils of an old vine California chenin blanc site planted in the 1940s, this vibrant vino by winemaker Jesse Katz showcases notes of passion fruit, nectarines and honeysuckle with brightly lifted acidity giving way to a round, smooth palate. Chenin blanc fans will adore its food-friendliness, and the labels are so artistic, you’ll be tempted to skip the wrapping paper. $30
Inglenook Blancaneaux 2019
Sharing its name with one of the Family Coppola hideaway hotels in Belize, Blancaneaux—meaning “white waters” in French—this is Inglenook’s preeminent white wine. The blend features Rhone varietals roussanne, viognier and marsanne, resulting in an exquisite range of nuanced flavors, a dense palate, and intriguing aromatics. An exceptional bottle for that VSP on your list. $65
Sonoma Cutrer 40th Anniversary Chardonnay Winemaker’s Release
Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. Today, their female-led winemaking team produces sustainable certified wines that we know you’ll love. This year’s Sonoma-Cutrer Winemaker’s Release, the 40th anniversary chardonnay, represents a historic collaboration between winemakers past and present. The wine strikes an exceptional balance between being full-bodied and delicate, with a creamy mouthfeel highlighting the winery’s signature citrus acidity. $69.99
LUXURIOUS REDS
EnRoute Russian River Pinot Noir 2019
Plush and ripe on the palate, the 2019 Les Pommiers offers bright notes of raspberry preserves and forest floor and baking spice and confectionary accents from a graceful balance of new and neutral oak. Notable purity of fruit from beginning to end with generous berry and clove accents that pop on the finish. $60
Goosecross Cellars Branta Red Blend 2017
Featuring a base of zinfandel complemented by smaller amounts of petite sirah and cabernet, this Napa red is a sultry mix of rich blackberry and black fruit flavors comingled with notes of baking spices, star anise and nutmeg. The finished wine boasts good tannic structure balanced by bright acidity. A great match for all kinds of seasonal feasts. $65
Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019
Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, this California beauty sports a deep ruby-purple hue and aromas of exotic spice, blackberry fruit, and vanilla. $36
GIVING BACK
ONEHOPE Wine Christmas in a Box
Napa Valley-based ONEHOPE Winery, one the largest direct-to-consumer wineries in the world, has donated over $7 million to local and global causes. It sells award-winning wines from world-renowned winemaking regions. Deliver some holiday cheer with Christmas in a Box and make an impact this season and beyond. Included: Mini Christmas tree, ornaments, tree topper and Vintner Cabernet Sauvignon ($75) or Gold Shimmer ($89).
2019 Dough Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvested from the Mendocino area in the North Coast of California, this vintage is an expressive cab with elegant depth and body across the palate. Founded on the idea that each glass, bottle, and conversation can make a lasting impact, and become a catalyst for good, Dough Wines is proud to support the James Beard Foundation’s work with an annual donation to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food culture. Dough also produces California sauvignon blanc, several chardonnays, sparkling wine, several pinot noirs, and a red blend. $21.99
FOR THE PURIST
Scout & Cellar 4-Bottle Holiday Dinner Set
Wines free of synthetic pesticides? Check. No chemical additives? Check. No sweeteners? You got it. This global collection of clean crafted wines is perfect for the health nut on your list. From the Holiday Dinner Set to the Imports 2-bottle Duo, there are dozens of gift sets handsomely packaged and ready to ship. $59-$129
Avaline Red Blend
We love our wine but know it can be loaded with sugar. Enter Avaline (actress Cameron Diaz is an owner; hello “The Holiday”). This blend is clean and vegan-friendly—and happens to be Cameron’s favorite—with a light to medium body, hints of cherry and a touch of spice. The organic grenache and syrah grapes that lend irresistible flavor come from Bordeaux producer EthicDrinks, a certified carbon-neutral and plastic-free winery in the Rhone Valley of France. Avaline creates other no-sugar added varietals including rosé and grenache blanc. $24.99
Dry Farm Wines
A favorite of Tim Ferriss and our Travel Editor, Dry Farm Wines is the largest buyer and seller of pure natural wine, sourcing exclusively from small, family-owned organic vineyards. Every bottle has been independently lab tested to ensure it meets strict criteria including organic/biodynamic farming practices, lower alcohol levels, and no added sugar – allowing you to enjoy the taste of the holidays while reducing the negative effects of higher alcohol consumption. From $100
SPLURGE GIFTS
Theorem Vineyards 2019 Hawk’s Prey
Deep, rich 100% Napa cabernet sauvignon, this wine weaves together luxurious aromas of red plum, espresso, cherry pastis, and Tahitian vanilla beans with hints of fresh tobacco and milk chocolate. Silky on the palate, it explodes with a core of ripe richness; balanced tannins lend structure. It finishes with notes of chocolate-covered cherries and ripe blackberries. $150
PlumpJack Collection Best of Napa Valley Gift Set
This trio of blockbuster wines will wow anyone on your gift list: 2020 CADE sauvignon blanc, 2018 Adaptation petite syrah, and 2018 Adaptation cabernet sauvignon. Gift box and shipping included. $213
Rombauer Vineyards Life of the Party Gift Pack
Raise a glass (or two) to this California wine country gift pack. Featuring its two most popular wines, classic Carneros chardonnay and Rombauer zinfandel, this special gift also includes two wine glasses with the Rombauer logo, all bundled in festive packaging. $110
Donum Estate 20th Anniversary Duo
This impressive culinary gift set includes Donum’s 2018 Carneros pinot noir and the 2018 Russian River chardonnay, complemented by a Donum Estate branded cutting board, wine key, and flaked sea salt dusted with organic lavender, plus a scrumptious holiday recipe. $225
Jordan Vineyards & Winery Gift Box Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Jordan Winery has developed a cult following by crafting the classics in an exceptional European style. A vintage that produced incredible wines, the 2019 is one of Jordan’s most elegant Burgundy-style chardonnays. The velvety cabernet sauvignon, a Bordeaux blend, is intense with black cherries, blackberry flavors and spice notes. The wines are packaged in a wooden box and a Jordan note card is included. $110
FOR THE GLOBETROTTER
Coen Classic Reserve 2019
It’s got a classic flavor, just like the name. This dry malbec is elegant and medium-bodied with a young, joyful quality. Medium ruby with beautiful violet undertones, anticipate intense aromas of fresh, ripe mixed red and black berries. With unique additional notes of balsamic and fresh mint, there’s a velvety, round finish on the palate. Great as an aperitif with a wide variety of salads, cheeses, tapas, and pasta, or serve with poultry, mushrooms, stew, and the typical Argentine “asado.” $24.99
Cromas Carmenère Gran Reserva
Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)’s vision to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988 where they became the first French viticultural investment in Chile, modernizing the region for producing fine wine utilizing and adapting their strong viticultural experience of Bordeaux. Los Vascos Cromas Carmenère Gran Reserva is the epitome of that vision, a beautiful red with silky tannins and a balance between density and acidity. A perfect colder weather wine, this bold red pairs well with heartier meals of stew, roasted meats, chicken or steak. $22
Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2017
French wine will win over anyone on your list, and this classic, affordable blend based on syrah is wildly aromatic with black fruits and spices. Pair it with roasted meats, hearty pastas, and a roaring fireplace. $18
Paco & Lola Albarino 2019
For a refreshing, invigorating taste of Rias Baixas, Spain, explore the wide range of Albarino styles. Paco & Lola is a beloved brand with a citrusy flavor and fragrances of orange blossom, grapefruit and lime. Its elegant style and fruity mouthfeel make it ideal for sushi, appetizers, poultry, stir-fry and seafood. $21
Linticlarus Tiefenbrunner Pinot Nero Riserva Alto Adige 2017
Fruity and fresh, this sophisticated pinot noir is full of character reflecting its Italian terroir. The bouquet is ostentatious and engaging with red raspberry, savory herbs and hints of cinnamon. Expect crushed red cherry and white pepper notes on the lovely finish. $58
WINE-FRIENDLY EPICUREAN TREATS
Jordan Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Box
Rows and rows of thriving olive trees on the winery property are responsible for this gold nectar in a bottle. Gourmands will savor every drop—think aromas of artichokes and a creamy palate boasting layers of pistachio, white pepper, and an intriguing hint of jalapeno on the buttery finish. $34
Limited Edition Master Chef Salt and Recipe Box Gift Set
A carefully curated mix of gourmet salt along with recipe inspiration perfect for any master (or wannabe) chef. Included is the best from each SaltWorks’ artisan salt collections: Classic, Perfect Smoke and Fusion all-natural flavored salts, so discerning foodies can create the ideal pairing. $52.11
Cover photo courtesy Nicole Michalou from Pexels
Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Get Lost Houston, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.
