20 Best Wines for Gift Giving This Holiday Season

It’s The Most Winederful Time Of The Year!

We are fast approaching Christmas.  Have you shopped for everyone on your list? Wine is the perfect gift for the holidays. If you are looking to give a thoughtful gift to a wine lover in your life, use this list to make an impression.  These suggestions are great for stocking stuffers, or a bottle to take to an intimate holiday dinner, or something special for your boss who happens to be a wine aficionado.  If you are a procrastinator, then wine is a perfect last-minute gift guide, as it is always available.

Holiday gift buying can be stressful,  but it does not have to be when buying wine.  You have the world at your oyster, with many choices styles and price points to choose from.  This list is encompassing of wines from around the globe, whether you are looking for sparkling wine, whites, rosés or reds, there is something here to “WOW” the wine lovers on your holiday gift list. The best thing about wine is that it does not need fancy wrapping, simply slip it into a festive bag or adorn it with a holiday bow and Viola, you are all set…

Wines For Stocking Stuffers ($15-$25)

Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2018 ($21)

The Samuel’s Collection honors Yalumba’s founder Samuel Smith and represents his spirit of independence and conviction to invest in the land and make great wine. The Bush Vine Grenache is a defined wine produced from grapes grown in the Barossa Valley. Expressing the richness and concentration of the vintage, the wine shows intense flavors of plum red fruits, dark cherries and perfumed berries.

Alois Lageder Chardonnay Südtirol Alto Adige 2018 (SRP $15)

Brilliant, clear, straw-yellow with a green hint. Delicate aroma, pronounced bouquet, fresh, fruity (peach, melon, citrus), floral, mineral medium-bodied, well-balanced, fruity, juicy, dry

Garofoli PianCarda Rosso Conero 2017 (SRP $17)

Brilliant ruby-red. The bouquet is complex, full, intense and persistent. Rich with scents of ripe fruit such as plums, cherries and jams. Dry, sapid, soft and warm with prominent but elegant and pleasant tannins. if laid down properly, the wine can age for three to four years or in exceptional vintages up to 10 years.

Les Fréres Bastards Red 2018 ($12)

This carefully crafted Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend pays tribute to the Southern French heritage and the enduring friendship that unites the founders Theirry and Guy, the original Bastard Brothers. Sourced from the finest French grapes from the best growing zones with aromas of plums, black cherries and spices. The palate is rich and smooth with notes of pepper and tobacco and has an elegant finish. A classic southern France style wine perfect for a multitude of meals.

Lapostolle le Rosé 2019 (SRP $16)

Clean and pale pink color, with salmon shades. Elegant and delicate nose of red fruit aromas such as strawberry and sweet cucumber along with subtle herbal notes. Refreshing, light with nice acidity, mouthfeel with a long-lasting finish.

Wines for Hostess Gifts (SRP $30-$40)

Château De Rouanne Vinsobres 2018 ($30)

Louis Barruol, owner and winemaker of Château de Saint Cosme, purchased Château de Rouanne in May of 2019 when he saw a lot of potential in the property and found that it reminded him of Saint Cosme. This is his first vintage of this wine, which comes from a cool climate region located in the northern part of the southern Rhône, and has notes of raspberry, violet, peony, black pepper and gingerbread. The distinctive freshness and savory character of this Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend allows for it to be easily paired with dishes, making if the perfect addition to your holiday meal this year!

MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018 (SRP $36)

The Russian River Valley Chardonnay begins with gorgeous fragrances of papaya and lime. Along with its enticing tropical aromas, this wine displays a sophisticated note of crushed gravel. While it has a full, supple entry with a hint of creamy oak, the finish is refreshingly crisp and reminiscent of green apples.

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic IsKra. Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2015 (SRP $38)

ISKRA is the Serbian word for “spark,” and Gianni Masciarelli dedicated this wine to his wife, Marina Cvetic, who is from Serbia. It is among the Marina Cvetic line of wines, which Gianni created for his wife. Made from a single-vineyard cru of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, ISKRA is a wine of extraordinary distinction and depth.  Inky ruby. Bright flinty, smoky notes complement the dark, spicy plum aromas and flavors. Herbal nuances add a complicating touch on the long finish. Plenty of oak here, but it’s well integrated.

Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo 2015 ($40)

With more than 100 years of winemaking history, the Damilano family’s dedication to tradition, combined with the skills of modern winemaking, produces wines of the highest quality. “Lecinquevigne” refers to the five vineyards where they harvest their Nebbiolo grapes, and produces a ruby-red wine with an intense bouquet of rose, leather and tobacco. The palate is ample and embracing with a soft, persistent long finish. Perfect for pairing with braised meats, mushrooms and aged cheeses.

Donnafugata Tancredi 2016 (SRP $40)

Deep ruby red, Tancredi 2016 is characterized by a fragrant bouquet with notes of red fruit (mulberry and blueberry) with delicate hints of licorice and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, it offers a structure with important and well-integrated tannins. An enveloping and persistent finish.

Wines For Coworkers, Family & Friends (SRP $45-$70)

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut (SRP $45)

The Brut NV represents the epitome of the Piper-Heidsieck style: a classic, well-structured, and fruit-forward champagne. Piper-Heidsieck carefully selects fruit from more than 100 of Champagne’s crus to blend the Brut NV. This Champagne teases and allures us with its festive, light-drenched, pale gold shimmer and joyful display of neat, lively bubbles. Notes of almond and fresh hazelnut accompany the precise ascent of its bubbles. It is lively, subtle and light, leaving a deliciously incisive sensation of smoothness, marked by the pureness of fresh pear and apple and a delicate hint of citrus fruits.

Merry Edwards  Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc (Dessert Wine) 2018 (SRP $48)

This wine’s concentrated, yellow-gold color shimmers in the glass as fragrant aromas entice. Honeysuckle, candied ginger, toasted almonds and lemon meringue tease the senses on the nose. Dense and lush on the palate, the mouth explodes with honeyed pears and pineapple, orange blossom, apricot and a sprinkling of nutmeg. Surprisingly fresh and clean for a late harvest wine, the luscious flavors linger on the finish without being cloying.

Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (SRP $51)

Aged in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.

Gary Garrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 (SRP $60)

Classic Pinot Noir aromas of ripe strawberries, cherries, and cranberry emanate from the glass. These fresh fruit components are carefully balanced with a concert of dried porcini mushrooms, truffles, and leather. Bright and fresh upon entry, the palate is a perfect balance of fruit and earthiness. Silky fine-grain tannins provide a subtle firmness throughout, while the beautiful fruit and natural acidity lead the way to an exceptionally long finish.

CARO (Catena & Rothschild) 2017  (SRP $68)

This wine has a dark, intense color, with hints of violet. The nose reveals a complex mix of aromas including raspberry, black pepper, violets, cloves and subtle notes of dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced with refreshing acidity and ripe tannins that contribute to the harmony and smoothness of the palate.

Wines For The Collector (SRP $90-$150)

Velenosi Roggio Del Filare 2016 (SRP $90)

The “Roggio del Filare” is a red produced by Velenosi in which the dominant Montepulciano grapes are completed, in the blend, by Sangiovese clusters. It presents itself to the eye with an intense ruby ​​color, the nose is orchestrated on an initial olfactory wave fruity with aromatic herbs and touches of lavender. Pleasant and balanced, just think that for more than 10 consecutive years the Gambero Rosso magazine has awarded it the prestigious recognition of the Three Glasses.

Mazzei Siepi Toscana 2018 (SRP $95)

Deep ruby red color with purple highlights. On the nose, intense aromas of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, accented by notes of mint and wild herbs. Highly concentrated palate, with sweet, dense tannins and a lush, velvety texture; dark berry fruit flavors mingle with notes of toast and spice.

Monteverro Tinata Toscana Rosso 2015 (SRP $115)

Paying homage to the great varieties from the Rhône, Syrah and Grenache and proof that excellent qualities are also produced in southern Tuscany. Expressive, aromatic and yet distinctly elegant, smooth, these are the attributes of our second top-class cuvée. The grapes grow on one of our best slopes, all-around a centuries-old cork oak close to the macchia shrubland whose typical aromas of lavender, rosemary and thyme are reflected in the wine. The cuvée from both kinds of Grenache – for freshness and elegance – and Syrah – for fruit, strength and body – makes this complex, deep-flavored wine an exception in Tuscany.  Soft and fresh entrance evolving on velvety mouthfeel lingering on a backbone of acidity and raspberries, tomatoes lingering on cherries and tobacco.

Calla Lily AUDAX Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 (SRP $120)

AUDAX, meaning “bold” in Latin, is Calla Lily’s barrel-selection reserve wine made as a tribute to the pioneers of Napa Valley, many of whom settled in Pope Valley, by our fourth- generation winemaker Cary Gott.  Rich, ripe aromas and flavors of sweet berry complemented by attractive tones of oak, chocolate, and anise fill the glass. With two full years of barrel age, this wine is well structured and shows good tannin depth and weight. The result is a well-integrated wine showing silkiness and finesse with overall balance and harmony.

Daou Soul Of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2017 (SRP $150)

The 2017 vintage displays richness, elegance and balance—the hallmarks of a superb growing season that allowed for extended ripening. A deep, complex bouquet reveals notes of cassis, black currant, licorice, incense, ripe plum and vanilla. The palate is full-bodied, layered and complex, while smooth, silky tannins lead to a persistent finish.