Uncorked

Buy wine by the case for holiday soirees and last-minute gifts

Illustration by Kelly Brant
Illustration by Kelly Brant

I recently asked a reader, "What do you want to know most during the holidays about wine?"

The answer was shockingly simple: "Just make it easy and tell me what to buy."

I'm fairly certain many readers feel this way.

Buying wine for your events should be one of the most stress-free items on your checklist. You will need to buy wine for holiday dinners, parties, quick impromptu get-togethers and, possibly, a quick gift or two. Checking all of these off is much easier when you buy well-made, well-priced wine by the case. This eliminates multiple trips rushing back and forth to your favorite wine shop.

Over the past couple of weeks, I shopped around in our local wine stores searching out brands and prices. By far, the most common complaint I get from Uncorked readers is when I write about wines in short supply that can be difficult to find. So, keeping that in mind, I've focused my recommendations on wines that -- as of deadline -- are in ample quantity in our market.

THE VALUES

2017 Lapis Luna Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $15 retail)

2015 Sean Minor Pinot North Oregon Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $12 retail)

2017 Bell Red Blend, California (about $15 retail)

2018 Charles Smith Band of Roses Rosé, Washington (about $15 retail)

2018 1924 Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $14 retail)

2018 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $13 retail)

2017 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail)

2017 La Vieille Ferme Rosé, France (about $11 retail)

2017 Sean Minor 4-Bears Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail)

2018 The Pinot Project Pinot Noir, California (about $16 retail)

2017 Silk and Spice Red Blend, Portugal (about $13 retail)

THE SPLURGES

2017 Presqu'ile Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California (about $21 retail)

2018 Terlan Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $23 retail)

2017 Chateau Bonnet Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon/Muscadelle, France (about $17 retail)

2016 Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $29 retail)

2018 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico, Italy (about $19 retail)

2017 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $28 retail)

2016 Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay, California (about $19 retail)

2017 Quilt Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $64 retail)

2017 Decoy Merlot, California (about $26 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, AR 72203, or email:

uncorked@thewinecenter.com

Food on 12/04/2019

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