This time of year, everyone is shopping for the perfect holiday wine, be it for their holiday parties, office parties, or for the wine lover in their life. However, as the year comes to an end, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle that surrounds us. If you are not quite sure what wines to pick up for the holidays, we can give you quick suggestions that will make your shopping experience fun and speedy. All of our suggestions are wines that we would be more than happy and even fortunate to serve or give for the holidays.
Below are a handful of wines that will also make a great accompaniment to your holiday meal. They include some of our favorites that we've served numerous times and are all wines that you can still buy, receive in time for the holidays and either pour for your guests, or give as gifts.
2006 Sette Ponti Oreno - 96 points WS - $62.99 / btl
Known as a "Super Tuscan," this wine is representative of the amazing winemaking that took place in the 2006 vintage in Tuscany. Outstanding wines resulted, and it will go down in history as one of the greatest vintages. Sette Ponti is a superstar producer, and they definitely got it right with this wine. For anyone who loves Super Tuscans, this bottle makes for an enjoyable experience. It is elegant, sleek, sexy and is a wine you just have to try.
2004 Clos du Marquis - 91 points WS - $38.95 / btl
The 2nd wine of the famed Leoville Las Cases chateau, this wine is classic Bordeaux for a fraction of the price. It is also a versatile wine that will pair well with a variety of dishes that you may be serving this holiday season. It will leave your guests looking for more.
2007 Seventy Five The Sum - 90 points RP - $17.95 / btl
The nose is a beautiful collaboration of buttered toast, cinnamon, cherry, and black fruit. It is so delightful, we didn't even want to take a sip; we just wanted to breathe it in. On first sip, the deep purple liquid coats the entire palate as if a bucket of paint was splashed on an art canvas. Wonderful liquefied fruit pours into the mouth, tamed by firm tannins and oak. Complex, balanced and delicious. Priced under $20 a bottle, this makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys wine.
1999 Charles Ellner Seduction Brut - 92 points WS - $44.99 / btl
This vintage Champagne will take you by surprise and is a must-have for your New Year's Eve festivities. With its notes of yeast, nuts, toast and butter, it is classic Champagne. We recently served this at an intimate dinner gathering in NYC, and it was lovely. It is a perfect selection to welcome in 2011.
Our recommendation: This holiday season, give the gift of wine. It's a classy gesture and is always appreciated.