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This year we have focused on a dozen wines you should be able to find in government stores and or private wine shops.
Each will give you the confidence that you have put some thought into your purchase. You can dress up any bottle with a set of quality wine glasses, a decanter, or perhaps a wine book that has more information about the wine you have selected and the region it originates from. Wrap the bottle, tag it and you are done.
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States, $35
Seghesio is a zinfandel star and this authentic version over delivers for its price. If you are looking for a big spicy red to wrap up for the holidays this is it.
Clos Montirius Vacqueyras 2010, Rhone Valley, France, $35
Syrah and Grenache are the mix here and after two decades plus of biodynamic farming this wine is the perfect example of a transparency offering wild, fruity, spicy garrigue flavours. Wrap this for wine aficionados.
Osoyoos Larose 2009, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, $40
One of the best local red wines to cellar, from a fine vintage and it is half way toward its 10-year peak. Give this to friends who love rich, structured reds and are prepared to cellar it for a few years.
Dr. H. Thanisch Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Kabinett 2009, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany, $44
One of the most prized vineyards in the world, Dr. Thanisch is a Riesling beyond compare starting with its incredible blue slate soils to its tightrope walk of fruit and acidity. Made for Riesling lovers.
Gérard Bertrand Tautavel Hommage aux Vignerons 2011, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France, $48
Bertrand is one of the new stars of France and Tautavel is an ode to Homo erectus Tautavelensis, who lived 450,000 years ago in the region. Serious red wine.
Benjamin Bridge Brut Méthode Classique 2009, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, $50
One of the most talked about sparkling wine producers in Canada this is a great bottle for the curious bubble fan. The Brut is an electric and unique Nova Scotia blend of L'Acadie, Chardonnay and seyval.
Alvaro Palacios Les Terraces 2011 Velles Vinyes, Priorato, Catalunya, Spain $55
They don't come more intense than Álvaro Palacios and this Velles Vinyes' made from 60 per cent cariñena vines over 100 years old as well as 30 per cent garnatxa, with a little cabernet sauvignon and Syrah. This is the perfect gift for the true wine geek.
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2008, Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy, $60
Who doesn't like Brunello, one of the great ambassadors of Tuscan wine? A very good vintage from a classic producer, the 2008 is full of grace and finesse. Drinking beautifully right now, but this wine will continue to impress over the next 6 to10 years. One for the boss.
Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012, Chablis, Burgundy, France, $70
One of the greatest sites in Chablis and a steal when compared to top white Burgundy. Precise and fresh in the finish but long and intense. A super gift for collectors or white Burgundy fans.
Rock Wall Wine Co. Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard 2012, Sonoma County, California, United States, $50
From the legendary Monte Rosso Vineyard in the Sonoma Valley AVA, owned by Gallo, but made by Zinfandel icon Kent Rosenblum. Big, bold and spicy red made from 108-year old vines. Real Zinfandel.
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Real 2009, Maipo Valley, Region del Valle Central, Chile $45
Santa Rita's super-premium cabernet is a careful selection of grapes from Santa Rita's historic vineyard at the Alto Jahuel Estate in the Maipo Valley. Complex brooding smooth you can drink or cellar. Perfect for cabernet lovers.
La Pèira 2011 Las Flors de la Pèira, Terrasses du Larzac, Coteaux du Languedoc, France $56
Can't say enough about this amazing property in the south of France that I visited earlier this year. Buy this wine now before the price goes up. The mix is 55/30/10/5 Grenache, Syrah, mourvèdre and cinsault aged in 25 per cent new French oak. The perfect bottle for the curious wine drinker.
