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With all the running around shopping and social occasions during the Holiday Season, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is what wine to serve guests. So, we continue our series (check out part 1 & part 2 also) featuring some brands & bottles that aren’t too expensive, are rather easy to find, and are consistently pleasing. Hope you enjoy!
Nadia 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Santa Barbara County
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of lime, lemon, and white peach greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of citrus fruit and nectarine along with hints of grass, minerals, and honey. A crisp, refreshing white that still has a slight creaminess, it will work nicely with any white-fish or citrusy chicken. 1,500 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Laetitia Brut Cuvée
Grape(s): Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc
Region: Arroyo Grande Valley
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Notes of cherry blossoms, peach, and apricot rise up from a glass. With a sip, flavors of dried apricot and bing cherries come forth along with hints if fresh baked bread. It’s an approachable sparkling wine that’s easy to enjoy with brunch, before dinner, or for a holiday toast. 3,600 cases made.
Rating: 89
Laetitia 2012 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Arroyo Grande Valley
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of lemon, apple, and Asian pear meld with suggestions of almonds, vanilla, and licorice on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of green apple and sweet lemon accented by notes of toasted almonds, fennel, and wet stone. A Chardonnay that’s not your run of the mill white, give it a try if you’re looking for something that’s a bit out-of-the-ordinary. 15,000 cases were made.
Rating: 87
Laetitia 2012 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Arroyo Grande Valley
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries and boysenberries mingle with minerals and orange spice on the nose. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and plum come together with suggestions of earth, spice, and cocoa on the palate. A Pinot with a nice acidity and bright flavors, it will pair well with pork chops or a chèvre before dinner.
Rating: 88
J. Lohr 2012 “Riverstone” Chadonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monerey County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of pear, apple, and vanilla greets the senses. A sip unfurls flavors of golden apple, pear, and pineapple accented by suggestions of vanilla and buttery oak. A smooth, rich Chardonnay with a friendly acidity, you can pour it with confidence at any holiday gathering.
Rating: 89
J. Lohr 2012 “Arroyo Vista” Chadonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monerey County
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of golden apple and pear meld with suggestions of honey and almonds on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of apples and pears accented by notes of lemon custard, butterscotch, and toasted almonds. A rich, mouth-filling Chardonnay with a nice depth of flavor, you can feel confident serving it for a special occasion.
Rating: 90
J. Lohr 2012 “Falcon’s Perch” Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 76% Pinot Noir & 24% Valdigue
Region: Monerey County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of cherries, plums, and boysenberries mingle with hints of clove and earth on the nose. Flavors of black cherries and plums unfold into suggestions of sweet spice, minerals, and rose petals on the palate. An easy-going Pinot, with a balanced acidity, it could be enjoyed as an aperitif or with holiday party goat cheese Hors d’oeuvre.
Rating: 89
J. Lohr 2011 “Los Osos” Merlot
Grape(s): 84% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Notes of black cherries, plums, and raspberries come together with hints of earth and oak on the nose. Cherry, raspberry, and plum flavors emerge on the palate along with nuances of dark chocolate and earth. A supple Merlot that’s easy to drink, it’s ideal for guests that like red wine before dinner or to pair with mushroom based dishes.
Rating: 87
Downton Abbey 2012 Bordeaux Blanc
Grape(s): 70% Muscadelle & 30% Semillon Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Citrus and floral aromas accented by hints of dried apricot rise up from a glass. Flavors of apricot, peach, and tangerine emerge on the palate along with floral and minerally accents. A rich, round white that’s quite approachable, it makes for an ideal aperitif.
Rating: 87
Downton Abbey 2012 Claret
Grape(s): 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
Region: Bordeaux
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, earth, and spicy oak greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, currants, and blackberry accented by notes of minerals, lavender, and oak. A fairly robust Claret with dark fruit and an earthy backbone, it would do well with a hearty beef stew.
Rating: 86
