Edna Valley Chardonnay • California
This Chardonnay shows the typical delicate character and wonderful fruit aromas of ripe white peach, pear, and citrus that the Edna Valley Vineyard is famous for. With its crisp acidity and long finish, this is a versatile wine that goes well with a broad range of creamy and delicate foods. It complements pasta with cream sauce, fried chicken, sautéed fish, lobster and crab. In other words, it’s the perfect companion for good times and a good meal.
Edna Valley Syrah • California
Fruit from Paso Robles contributes jammy plum and blackberry flavors while the brighter cherry tones in this wine hail from Edna Valley. Other aromas that you’ll discover are white pepper, sage, smoke, meatiness, and cigar box, with chocolate and coffee tones in the finish. This is a wonderful wine to drink with traditional red-wine dishes like barbecued beef, lamb, sausages, as well as wild game.
December 12th-18th
R.H. Phillips Toasted Head Chardonnay • California
Named for the toasted-head barrels in which the wines are aged. Bright tangerine and pear fruit aromas are highlighted by honey, caramel, vanilla, and oak aromas imparted by the barrels. This medium-bodied wine has a crisp acidity and long finish, and a creamy texture.
R.H. Phillips EXP Syrah • California
R.H. Phillips is a producer of fruit-focused, boldly flavored classic and Mediterranean varietal wines, and this Syrah is no exception. Deeply colored, with crushed raspberry and boysenberry flavors, and aromatic notes of lavender and chocolate. This wine is broad in the mouth, with full tannins and toasty vanilla oak finish. Perfect for casual meals.
December 19th-24th • Christmas Wines
J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay • California
Burgundian wine making techniques are used in this California Chardonnay. The complex and delicate aromas of peach and nectarine, lime zest and white blossoms with vanilla and smoky toast from the barrel fermentation are complemented by an almost sweet, oily texture that is balanced by the ample acidity for a palate freshening finish.
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon • California
This wine is deep, black cherry-red in color, with aromas of blueberry, violet and black currant, and a bouquet of vanilla, roasted almonds, tar, and smoky oak. The J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet delivers a structure and power reminiscent of Bordeaux’s finest. The structure allows this wine to age for 10 -15 years while providing a suppleness of texture and balance that makes it enjoyable today.
Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti • Italy
As tradition is respected during the Holidays, it is tradition in Piedmont to drink a glass of Moscato d’Asti at Christmas. It should be drunk while fresh, soon after release, generally Christmas morning. Moscato d’Asti is one of the most sublime and delicate of all dessert wines. The fragrant intensely, fruity bouquet, leads to a clean crisp, finish with persistent flavors of grape and citrus.
December 26th-January 1st 2003 • Happy New Year
Roederer Anderson Valley • California
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut builds on the 200-year wine making tradition established by Champagnes’ Louis Roederer in France. The first California sparkling wine produced by Roederer, the Anderson Valley Brut has established a reputation as one of California's premier sparklers. Wine Enthusiast ask the question, “is there a better sparkling wine in the world at this price?… a dry, lively well-balanced non-vintage sparkler with persistent bubbles and lots of character.”
Taittinger Brut La Francaise • France
The subtle, pale color of Taittinger Brut La Francaise is punctuated by extremely fine, persistent bubbles rising to the surface in fragile strands. The fragrant berry and white fruit aromas, underscored by toasty, yeasty, notes are confirmed on the ample, elegant palate which is strongly marked by refined Chardonnay fruit flavors. A fresh, balanced acidity sustains the whole, and carries into a long, crisp toasty finish of great delicacy.
Santa Margherita Prosecco • Italy
A sparkling wine with a clean nose, pleasantly fruity, with whiffs of rennet apples and peach blossoms. Delicate, and balanced taste. Excellent as an aperitif, ideal with small fish or cheese snacks or all-meal with delicate dishes.