Wines make great holiday and hospitality gifts

Wine is a terrific gift for the holidays. Well-chosen wine rarely lasts long enough to go out of date. It goes well at most parties. Some AAers and Carrie Nations may demur. There is enough available variety that with a bit of observation you may satisfy most recipients. No bunny pajamas or fishnet leg lamps with red shades from Italy, thanx. With these idea in mind, here’s a list.

Let’s start with three 2018 reserves from Domaine Bousquet Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina. The Reserve Cab repeats its quality from the 2017 90-point rating. You may remember I wrote up the 2017 last year. These folks are making quality wine at very affordable prices. I have actually seen them around $15. Dark purple, red rim, berry, violets and spice aromas; opens to raspberry, currants and  tobacco riding a smooth, balanced frame. The wine does show a bit of bell pepper in the finish. Next up, the Reserve Malbec can also be found around $15. This also continues to score 90 McD as did the 2017. Dark purple color, intense blackberry aromas with black pepper, black currant, and cassis nuance. Red and black fruit flavors ride smooth tannins and proper acidic frame. Both these reds will improve over a few years. Buying a mixed case  would satisfy your friends and you. The 2016 was a lesser vintage; stick with ‘17 and ‘18. The Reserve Chardonnay is a buy if you like tropical fruit style and can afford a case. I’ve seen it on sale at $122-$125 for 12 bottles. Aromas of tropical fruits, butterscotch, and buttered popcorn open into citrus and apple flavors with some barrel notes of vanilla and spice. Medium body, nicely balanced, and medium finish repeats the flavors, 87 due to price points.

Those thinking antipasto or serrano ham and tapas appetizers for Thanksgiving may wish to look into Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2016 and a Spaniard, Ramon Bilbao Rioja Reserva 2011. Both work with turkey, burgers, charcuterie, spicy pumpkin soup and aged cheeses. The Cvetic is a consistent 88-90-point $24 winner since 1998 in my records. Best vintage was 2001. It spent 12 months in barriques, half new wood and half used, ruby-colored, redolent of black cherry and violet with dark chocolate barrel notes. The palate shows pepper with slightly elevated tannins that are just coming together. The Bilbao was a very nice surprise, $23, 89 points. This is another consistent producer that has a long history of scores from 88-90. The 2011, 90 percent Tempranillo, won a couple of golds and some other medals. I think it was critically wine snobbed: “It’s just another blend.” Complex nose of  strawberry, cherry, balsam, tobacco and spice supported by bright acidity and  appropriate tannic grip to allow the nose and palate to incorporate. Pleasing finish with tobacco, barrel spice and leather says wait a bit. It is just coming into its own.

Those who love Robert Parker’s reviews should enjoy Il Borro Rosso (Super Tuscan) 2015 blended of Merlot, Cab Sauv and Syrah; RP said 95 points. While I do agree it is a stellar choice, I think 93 is more appropriate at $50. I preferred their Polissena 100 percent Sangiovese. Please shop carefully here. Pennsylvania Liqour Control is selling them for $37 per 750ml, but most others are ripping out $50. I’ve seen magnums at $63. Great buy at $37/750 or $63/1.5L. At $50 and $75, “Meh.”

Let’s finish the week’s recommendations with Ferraton Crozes-Hermitage La Matiniere 2017, 90 points at $24, 100 percent Syrah, macerated and pumped over for 20 days then matured in oaken barrels for one year. Ms. Jancis was impressed; she said ready next year. Regulars are well aware she’s my guru on Cotes du Rhone. The review, however, was actually done by Richard Hemmings, who wrote, “Cask sample. Tasted blind. Stunning aromatic range on the nose, with rosemary and lavender herbal character as well as black-pepper spice, black-cherry fruit and a savoury, leather note. Impressive and opulent.” I love the “savoury” comment.

A big thank you to Meineke Car Care Center, Beebe and all  the merchants who cooperated on the Veterans Day blowout, BBQ and free oil change. The generosity of all those who made this happen was beyond description. The owners of the Meineke shop particularly stood up for veterans, closing their business to provide free oil changes to vets and service people. I think this may have been the 10th year they have done so. God bless you all. Sure beats being spit upon.