I dropped by a regional wine store the day before Thanksgiving, and the place was packed. And not just with people grabbing a single bottle have to go with the turkey.
It seems that many people let their stocks run low during the fall before splurging on enough to last them through all the holiday dinners, New Year’s Eve and maybe even to last through the winter.
So if you’re in a shopping mode, here are some buys at all price levels for your consideration.
2022 Auteur Sonoma Cost Chardonnay ($50). Like a fuller Macon white with lots of mellow and crisp apple, a little pear, stony minerality and a little tanginess at the end – quite lovely.
2023 Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” California Cabernet Sauvignon ($10). A little weedy in the nose and on the palate – not necessarily a bad thing – with berry flavors and a hint of brown sugar notes.
2023 Souleil “Vin de Bonté Le Rouge” Vin de France ($17). Basic Syrah/Grenache blend, a little thin with red berry flavors and light tannins.
2022 Talosa Rosso di Montalcino ($20). Straightforward drinking – blackberry and dark cherry flavors with a raspy finish.
2021 Scrimaglio Barbera d’Asti Superiore ($27). A substantial red, with good raspberry flavors and dried berry accents in the finish.
2021 Grassi Family Vineyards “Mezzo Mezzo” California Red Blend ($32). Sangiovese/Cabernet blend – well-structured mix of red and black fruits with a lean and tannic finish.
2018 Nativ “Eremo San Quirico” Irpina Campi Taurasini ($32). Very aromatic, with sweet fruitiness, a tangy finish and lots of dusty tannins.
2019 Talosa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva ($41). The flavors are a bit muddled, though still enjoyable with lots of cherry and oak tastes.
2021 Gérard Bertrand “Château L’Hospitalet” La Clape ($47). La Clape on the Mediterranean is one of the best wine regions of the Languedoc, and this Syrah-dominated blend bears that out – lovely ripe and dried dark fruits, a touch of spice, a silky mouth feel and enough acidity to keep things in balance.
2022 Auteur Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($60). Lovely, rounded fruit aromas and flavors of murky, brandied cherries with enticing oak notes.
2019 Colle Nero “Tra di Noi” Brunello di Montalcino ($75). Delightful gamey aromas with smooth but deep dark cherry flavors and lots of savory notes and a very tannic finish.
2021 Favia Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon ($235). Pricey, yes? Delicious, yes? And a good holiday present for the most-important person in your life – you! Purple fruits with a brownie-like texture. Great fruit up front with a spicy and savory finish.
Prices listed are generally SRP or from wine-searcher.com. As more wineries are now shipping direct-to-consumer, check the winery website if you can’t find a bottle in your retail store.
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