There’s still time to find the right gift wine for every palate

Following are a few last-minute, locally findable selections for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Those who enjoy a touch of licorice in their Cabs may wish to buy the 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. You are safe with any vintage beginning in 2012 on and will be delighted to learn that in every vintage there has been both character and price appreciation. Examples: The 92 McD 2015 came in at $70 and is on the market at $115; 92 McD 2012 Anniversary Edition, recommended here for speculators in 2015 at $120, is selling between $195 and $260 at auctions. And the 2019, 91 McD around $82, just entered its window and will cellar at least six more years. Dark purple, it opens to boysenberry, plum, black licorice and vanilla aromas.

On the creamy, smooth-tannin, balanced palate, fruit continues through a clean finish with hints of coffee and cocoa. How about Vino Robles Cab priced under $20? This is a steal if you find either the 2017 or ‘18. I couldn’t trust my buds on the first go-round rating of 91 points/2017 and 90/2018, so I checked on other reputable reviewers. Their calls ranged from 87 to 91. Winemaker Kevin Willenborg is added to my list of folks to watch. The complexity and balance of the 2018 was far above expectation for a $20 Cab. Very dark garnet-colored, opens to a lovely bouquet of cassis, black cherry, mocha, caramel and some floral hints. Easy tannins and appropriate acidity frame more dark fruit and mocha/barrel flavors. Clean finish with some dried-fruit flavors. If you can’t find any and can afford a 6-pack, ask your local guy to bring it in and pay up for shipping and a profit. Trust me on this as a best QPR buy. Serve with prime rib or Bob Cratchit’s roast goose. Your guests will guess $60 plus. If you buy a case, they can be provided a $25 lagniappe.

Raymond asked, “Why don’t you review Spanish Cava? He had seen an ad that this year was Codorniu’s 150th anniversary. I have been remiss. In fact, Codorniu produces a wide range of sparklers, very favorably priced. Look for Codorniu Anna Brut Reserva Blanc de Blancs Cava – it’s in a white bottle with golden trim; the Rosé has a pinkish-purple cork covering, both score 88 McD under $12. Pennsylvania Liquor Control sellsnBlanc de Blancs for $7.50 but only ships to Pennsylvania; I’m unsure of taxes. These are made using Methode Champenoise and are aged a total of 2 years, 12 months after dosage, before shipping. The Blanc de Blancs is bright straw-colored with fine, persistent bead. Look for tropical fruit, citrus and brioche aromas, creamy palate; 11.5% ABV. The Blanc de Noirs is not pink. Pale yellow-colored, effervescent perlage, cassis and blackberry aromas, good acidity lift enhances with mildly spiced foods, Jamon, and fruit desserts. Going upscale to a vintage Cava, I look for Juve y Camps ‘Gran’ Gran Reserva Brut under $60; the 2015 is 92 McD. The 2016 just hit the market. I have not had any but reports claim it is slightly better. Be careful with Spanish reviewer Guia Penin. He tends to be a few points higher than most critics on Spanish wine. Gran Gran is their best effort. It is aged at least 42 months, providing plenty of yeast-driven aromas and flavors complementing the fruit notes. Lots of bubbles, tends more toward very pale amber color.

I plan on taking a spin through the local shops to see which Ports are available. I enjoy port. Here’s a primer! Authentic Port will always have the Selo de Garantia, a white seal that reads “Vinho do Porto Garantia.” Port, in addition to providing a warm glow from its normally 20% ABV, works as an apéritif served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, or a digestif to aid digestion.Ports come bottled-aged or barrel-aged. There are many levels – Ruby Port, Ruby Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage, Tawny and Vintage are the primary categories. With the exception of Vintage Port, these keep at least a week after being opened. I’m guessing this benefit will rarely be needed.