In the almost 10 years that I've been writing this column I've covered a variety of topics related to Christmas and wine, from cultural celebrations of wine around the world to wine and food pairings for Christmas dinner. This is my first Christmas Eve edition.
You've made your list, but if you found (while checking it twice) you missed the wine, here are my picks for a variety of circumstances.
THE VALUES
I'm way over my holiday spending budget and need to save money:
2013 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris, Oregon, (about $17 retail)
2013 Gnarly Head Zinfandel, California (about $12 retail)
2013 One Hope Merlot, California (about $15 retail)
2010 Rocks Red by Cornerstone, California (about $14 retail)
I forgot to get a gift for work colleagues, neighbor or hair stylist but don't want to break the bank:
2013 Grayson Cellars Pinot Noir, California (about $13 retail)
2013 Big Guy Red Blend, California (about $13 retail)
2013 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $13 retail)
My family loves anything that sparkles during the holidays:
NV Pascual Toso Sparkling Wine, Argentina (about $11 retail)
NV Traveri Blanc de Blanc, Washington (about $16 retail)
NV Apaltagua "Costero" Extra Brut, Chile (about $16 retail)
THE SPLURGES
My best friend is a wine geek ... where do I start?:
2011 Tooth and Nail, The Possessor Red Blend, California (about $30 retail)
2011 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $59 retail)
I want to impress my in-laws with my wine choice for Christmas dinner:
2011 Reynolds Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $50 retail)
2010 Bell Cellars Clone 6, California (about $94 retail)
Home for the holidays without a budget for family and friends:
2012 Caymus 40th Anniversary Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $94 retail)
2012 Schug Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $55 retail)
2012 Kosta Brown Giusti Ranch, California (about $120 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinectr.com
Food on 12/24/2014