Shopping for the holidays inevitably leads me to the doorstep of my favorite wine merchant, whether the goal is stocking my own wine closet or stuffing the stocking of a loved one. This is more often than not an expensive shopping spree, for it’s the time of year I have my eye on the best bubblies as well as a few choice dessert wines.
And if money were no object and I had in mind an absolutely wonderful white wine for a friend, I would most likely spring for the $80 or so and snag a bottle of the 2004 premier cru white Burgundy Marquis de Laguiche from Joseph Drouhin. Great wine from a great vintage, a premier cru with just as much potential as any grand cru you could think of.
So maybe I don’t like this person to the tune of 80 bucks? No problem. Either the 2004 Domaine Drouhin Oregon ‘Arthur’ Chardonnay ($40) or the 2004 Bouchaine Chardonnay ($20) will do just fine.
Should I decide a bottle of red is in order, I’ve recently tasted the two finest Cabernet Sauvignons from the Napa Valley that I’ve had this year. My first choice would be the 2003 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon ($115), but the 2003 Duckhorn ‘Patzimaro Vineyard’ Cabernet ($95) is in the same league. I give both a rating of 97 points.
My budget red-wine buddies will either get the 2004 Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon ($48) or the 2003 Pikes SMG Assemblage ($20) from South Australia. By the way, SMG stands for Shiraz, Mourvedre and Grenache and it’s an incredibly yummy combination and a downright steal at the price.
Come to think of it, I should try to keep some cash in reserve for the bubbly. My favorite Champagnes these days are the 1995 Charles Heidsieck ‘Blanc des Millenaires’ ($100) and the Laurent-Perrier non-vintage Brut Rose Champagne ($60). The rose sparkler from J Wine Company is a superlative alternative to the Laurent-Perrier, however, and at $32 comes mighty close in quality to the great one from France.
Others I’d love if I can catch a deal are the 1998 Dom Perignon ($140 suggested retail, but the Costcos in California often sell it for less than $100 a bottle around the holidays); Pommery non-vintage Brut Champagne ($40); and the 1999 J Schram ($90) from the Napa Valley.
For a party I’ll be all over the Folonari Prosecco, Brio, which I can find for less than $9 and everyone loves it. It’s light and easy to drink, lower in alcohol than most other wines and it opens with the flick of a bottle opener.
Ah, but I’ve also got a sweet tooth. I’m not sure why I serve more dessert wines over the holidays than at any other time of the year, but I do. It’s the perfect end to a festive dinner. I’m quite fond of the 2002 Dolce ($80), which is California’s answer to Chateau d’Yquem. I know the Dolce gang hates to hear that, but it’s so true.
Now, if I could only lay my hands on a powerful Graham’s Vintage Port ($100), or the more delicate yet superb Smith-Woodhouse Vintage Port ($45), maybe I could skip the malls altogether!
8