'Tis the Season as they say…for drinking multiple bottles of wine in good company. Here are 8 great wines to be purchasing in case quantity. For sure, they are excellent values. But importantly for this time of year they are wines that pass several of my tests for purchasing by the case:
1) Great quality to price ratio
2) Wines that are less familiar – good conversation starters
3) Perfect for drinking with or without food – great “cocktail” or aperitif wines
4) Pairing proficiency – they will pair with a variety of foods, cooking styles, seasonings and seasons (spring through winter)
5) Palate pleasing – wine that will please all guests
6) Ready to enjoy – at least with some air, or time in the glass, the wine will show itself well
Here they are listed in alternating White and Red, just like a candy cane!
2006 Cheveau, Michel - Macon Solutre-Pouilly Sur le Mont $18
Chardonnay
Fresh! That's the name of the game here with a sublime entry of apple-citrus, fresh creamery butter and liquid quartz mainline mineral. This is a fabulous wine that attains a much higher plain then its humble appellation reveals. A palate that is crisp and polished with perfect lift and golden apple, crème brûlée and fresh fig vying for prominence. Very elegant and precise. You could easily pay double. - Cyrille Hanson,
Vinfolio 2003 Sportoletti - Villa Fidelia $33.95
Merlot, Cab, Cab Franc
Clean red, with plum, berry and a hint of floral and dark chocolate character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a well-balanced, fresh mineral finish. Delicious even now. Lots of new wood. 3,000 cases made. - James Suckling,
Wine Spectator 2005 Margerum - Sauvignon Blanc Purisima Mountain Vineyard $22
Doug Margerum produces many wines but this would be my choice for the "Desert Island" providing I had a corkscrew. This is the last of the 2005 available, so don't be shy. The aromas are violet, creamy white peach, flint and a pure expression of grape. The flavors are beautifully focused with crisp stone fruit flavors that continue to soften on the palate. - Doug Wilder,
Vinfolio Issue 122 2003 Rockburn - Pinot Noir $ 29
Good medium red. Dark cherry, spices, smoked meat, fresh herbs and brambly underbrush on the nose. Sweet, silky and fresh, with nuanced flavors of red berries, mocha, sassafras and earth; showed increasing definition as it opened in the glass. Finishes with rather soft tannins and a slight edge of acidity. - Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar Issue 1222006 Hiedler, Ludwig - Gruner Veltliner Thal $25
Medium green-yellow. Pronounced tropical fruit and nutty components are interwoven with tobacco-like spice and pineapple on the nose and in the mouth. Full-bodied and juicy, thanks to playful acidity. Flavors of sweet yellow peach, green peppercorn and minerals persist impressively on the finish. Still has tremendous potential for further development in the bottle. Drink 2008 to 2018. - Peter Moser,
International Wine Cellar Issue 1352005 Numanthia - Termes $25
Tempranillo
Dark ruby. Ripe cherry and plum aromas are complicated by espresso and dark chocolate. Powerful, densely packed dark berry flavors are distinctly ripe, with chewy tannins adding structure. And yet this is surprisingly light on its feet, finishing with gentle acid lift and brighter red berry character. Not a blockbuster by any stretch. - Josh Raynolds,
International Wine Cellar Issue 1342006 Pra, Fratelli - Soave Classico Superiore Vigneto Monte Grande $25
Garganega
A rich, perfumed nose of golden apple and pear leaps out of the glass. Fresh, effusive notes of mineral-laden lemon oil, apple butter and crisp Anjou pear hang about and are finished off with a dry, honeyed/marzipan aspect. Lively and refreshing despite its broad, intense palate. Gorgeous and bursting with flavor. A top-notch producer that doesn't skimp on quality. - Cyrille Hanson,
Vinfolio 2004 Pallieres - Gigondas $23.95
Grenache blend
Medium red. Highly complex aromas of red fruits and pungent herbs, warmed by a gentle toasty oak tone. Suave flavors of raspberry and cherry are accented by lavender and bitter chocolate. Finishes on a sweet note, with dusty tannins and a lingering spice character.
2006 Venica & Venica - Pinot Grigio $19
Great fruit and structure with clean, crispness despite a more giving, lushness than lesser Grigio.