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The Holiday Season is inevitably a hectic time of year. With the running around shopping and social occasions, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is what wine to serve guests. So, we thought we’d help. Here is our final segment (check out part 1, part 2, and part 3 also) featuring some brands & bottles that aren’t too expensive, are rather easy to find, and are consistently pleasing. Hope you enjoy!
Bonterra 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendocino County & Lake County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of grapefruit, lime, and melon rise up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of pink grapefruit, key lime, and honey dew are framed by hints of minerals and grass. A fresh acidity and crisp mouthfeel make this a lively wine that will work nicely with goat cheese or shrimp horderves at your holiday gatherings.
Rating: 89
Bonterra 2012 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Mendocino County & Lake County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Peach, apricot, and floral notes greet the senses. With a sip, flavors of mangoes, peaches, and apricots unfold into hints of springtime flowers and sweet spice. A round yet still fairly crisp wine, fans of Viognier should give it a try.
Rating: 88
Bonterra 2011 Riesling
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Lake County & Mendocino County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of golden apples and ripe pears are accented by Asian spice and floral notes on the nose. Flavors of apple, pear, and dried apricot unfold into suggestions of sweet spice and perfume. A fairly crisp Riesling with a bit of sweetness, enjoy it with squares of Monterey Jack or Jarlsberg before dinner.
Rating: 89
Bonterra 2011 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of raspberries, cherries, and plums mingle with suggestions of oak, vanilla bean, and earth on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry along with notes of spicy oak, minerals, and sassafras. A fairly light, fruit-driven Pinot with a welcoming acidity, it can be sipped on its own before dinner or paired it with your leftover turkey.
Rating: 88
Jekel Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbara County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of black cherry, plum, strawberry, and floral notes greet the senses. Flavors of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries emerge on the palate with accents of rose petals, thyme, and game. An easy-going Pinot with plush tannins, it a good value that you can serve to guests with confidence.
Rating: 88
Artesa 2012 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Carneros, Napa Valley
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of pear, peach, and citrus fruit mingle with notes of creamy oak and honey on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of peach, apricot, and lemon that unfold into suggestions of honey and buttery oak. A smooth Chardonnay that’s quite pleasant to drink, it’s sure to please a crowd.
Rating: 89
Artesa 2012 Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Carneros, Napa Valley
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries and strawberries open up into nuances of minerals and cedar on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of strawberry, cherry, and cranberry with accents of spicy oak and rose petals. A fairly light, bright Pinot with an approachable acidity, serve it to guests before dinner or enjoy a bottle with pork chops.
Rating: 88
BR Cohn 2011 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc
Region: North Coast
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of blackberry jam, currants, black cherries, toasty oak, and earth greets the senses. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and black currant mingle with suggestions of vanilla and anise on the palate. A rich, bold Cabernet with mouthfilling tannins, if you have red meat for Christmas dinner, this is a wine to pair with your meal.
Rating: 87
BR Cohn 2011 Silver Label Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: North Coast
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Notes of apples, pear, and creamy oak come together on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of tart lemon, green apple, and crisp pear with accents of toasty oak and butter. An easygoing Chardonnay with citrusy highlights, try a bottle with grilled chicken or halibut .
Rating: 86
Wente 2012 “Riverbank” Riesling
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Monterey County
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Notes of apricot, passion fruit, and grapefruit come together with hints of sweet spice and almonds on the nose. Pink grapefruit, pineapple, and apricot flavors unfold into nuances of all-spice, orange zest, and almonds on the palate. A somewhat sweet Riesling that’s balanced by its lively citrus character, enjoy a bottle with your leftover turkey.
Rating: 89
