Perfect choices to share with your favorite wine pals

Christmas comes but once a year. When it does, I’m glad it’s here. This year, in an effort to buoy our local economy, I’ve done all my shopping at small local businesses. In addition, I’ve bought only products made in USA.  No mean feat. Due to the paucity of product and the often-higher prices, the search for an appropriate gift took quite a bit more time than usual. All that writ, I was able to accomplish my task, and I feel better for the effort.

Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has been a bellwether for the restaurant trade for about 30 years. It has rated 88 or 89 McD points since 2004 with the exception of the 85-point 2006. The 2018 is the typical crisp profile with green apple, citrus and barrel spice riding a slightly elevated acidity frame to a palate-cleansing finish. Those who enjoy bigger buttery may search for the 2016 Sonoma-Cutrer The Cutrer, 89 points, or the 2017, 88 McD. You will pay up to $45. The better food wine is the RRR. Sonoma-Cutrer is owned by Brown-Forman. Big props to them for their recent donation of $100K to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation. 

Recognizing I give a lot of ink to Nassau Valley Vineyards, I would be remiss not to recommend their holiday deals, 10 percent on 6-paks and 15 percent on cases. Of particular interest to gift searchers, check out the Brix chocolate wine-pairing packages. Go to www.nassuavalley.com to explore their website. They do provide curbside service for those who wish it. Peggy and Suzette brought the wine biz to Delaware; they fought tooth and nail to change the laws to allow it. On a recent visit, Peggy showed me NVV’s latest technological advancement. They have installed AERUS air purification/sanitation systems, used by NASA at the International Space Station, in all of their buildings. I read the docs. This product will kill viruses including C19 not only in the air but on exposed surfaces in a very brief time, and it works in a room full of people. This past summer, Aerus Medical Guardian was designated by the FDA as a medical device for use in healthcare settings. At the time, it was shown to kill 99.98 percent of the live virus on surfaces within seven hours. An additional break for restaurant operators, NRA has garnered discounts for its members. Those who are interested in extra-clean air in large commercial spaces should read this Washington Post article: washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/12/10/air-purifying-covid-indoors/. I’ve read extensively, and this product has been vetted. 

Those looking for an inexpensive 90 McD Viognier should bring in some 2017 Zaca Mesa Estate Viognier. ZM does a fine job with varietal wines originally associated with the Rhone Valley. This lovely Viognier is available around $17. I was reluctant because 2017 was a difficult growing year in Santa Ynez. Somehow ZM pulled it off, providing a pale-golden wine that opens to spicy white peach and floral aromas. On the acid-bright palate, citrus, white peach and mineral hints balance the slight fruit-sweet effect. Finishes long and clean; it is fowl and shellfish friendly. The 2017 will keep in your cellar through 2022, if you can refrain.

Break out a brown bag, invite some wino pals over and serve them Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha. I revisited this great QPR value Spanish Grenache with a roast leg of lamb. I initially reviewed the wine in 2013 after reading Robert Parker’s critique, thereby learning it was a collaboration project of Eric Solomon and noted winemaker Jean Marc Lafage working with true old vines, some in the 100-year-old range. The 2015-19 all came in at 88 McD. At $8-$9 per bottle, it gets two price points. I would give it three if that wasn’t outside my parameters. Look for a dark-berry, fruit nose with some leather, earth and black pepper nuance on a dry, medium-tannic frame with balanced acidity. I’m betting most pals will picture this wine as a $30-$35 bottle.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful, healthy Christmas season.