Christmas 2010 Picks

Global Hostess/ Christmas Dinner Wine Picks

by Anthony Gismondi

89 Codorníu N/V Reserva Raventos Brut Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Spain $17

If you are a fan of Cava you will love the Codorníu Reserva Raventos Brut a chardonnay, xarel-lo, macabeo blend from Penedès. The nose is aromatic with honey and spiced apple notes and a customary nutty undercurrent. We love the refined mousse character in the mouth not normally present at this price level and all the floral mineral, citrus, buttery, melon, peach flavours. A super sparkler with amazing versatility. Serve solo, with appetizers or during and after the meal. Great value too. Load up. UPC 8410013999571

88 Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon 2009, Gascony, France $15

The Grassa family fame is firmly ensconced in Armagnac but it has not prevented them from making a delicious style sauvignon-blanc now under screwcap at a bullet-proof recession price of $15. Expect an exuberant, fresh ripe passion fruit nose with bits of lemons, limes and a hint of asparagus on the palate. The acidity is mild, making it easy-sipping. A versatile oyster or clams wine you can also serve it with chicken curries and sushi. UPC 3359880123314

89 Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $23

Love the spicy, floral, guava, peach, green apple nose flecked with light lees, lychee and sausage aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry but fresh and clean on the palate. A fine mix of flavours including roses, grapefruit, red apple, honey, butter, mineral, lychee, grass and melon rind. Indian food anyone? The blend is sémillon - chardonnay - sauvignon blanc - gewürztraminer. UPC 624802971209

89 Crios de Susanna Balbo Torrontés 2009, Salta, Argentina $15

Susannah Balbo is the queen of torrontés and her 'handpicked' handmade expression of this spicy, floral, high-altitude white wine is one of the best. Look for a dry, elegant, fresh palate with a bit of fat and plenty of fresh lychees, nectarine skin flavours flecked with ginger. Finish is fresh and juicy with more lemon zest and bitter ginger. Excellent quality for the price. Great party wine or try it with Thai curries.

89 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2007, Rhone Valley, France $26

Big white pepper, black cherry jam, licorice, meaty, floral, savoury, smoky eucalyptus aromas. Dry, round, elegant, supple palate but a touch hollow. Peppery, floral, game meat, carrot, tobacco, licorice, rooty, smoky, garrigue flavours. Long menthol, meaty, spicy finish. Good finesse. Try this with turkey.

89 Amalaya Tinta de Altura 2009 Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Argentina $20

Amalaya means waiting for a miracle which aptly describes finding a wine like this in British Columbia. From the highest vineyards in the world this malbec, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and tannat offers a rich palate of sweet dark cherry fruit and white pepper with flecks of mineral and spice. The finish is long fresh and spicy with silky textures that do not quit. Farmed bio-dynamically and certified in what is essentially the highest vineyard in the world. It is a miracle. UPC 7798104763039

91 Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005 Douro Valley, Portugal $25

Big peppery, liquorice, spicy, tobacco, black tea, prune plum aromas. Rich, full, warm, fresh palate with good sugar and acid but some tannins. Chocolate, prune, liquorice, peppery, orange, plum jam, ginger, black tea flavours. Lots of structure to age, but you can drink now in a slightly drier style. Excellent LBV. UPC 5010867200159