Some years offer opportunities to look back and reflect with a good glass of wine. Some years, only a full bottle will do.
You know the ones.
Among wines in handy range on our rack for reflection this year, in no particular order, are:
Double Diamond 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $90), with juicy notes of plum and black raspberry. A bit harsh out of the bottle, maybe even standoffish. But let it breathe, and you’re rewarded with the kind of finish you hope will extend to the rest of the year.
Nothing like walking into a home around the holidays to the scent of a freshly baked pie. Or, if nobody’s in the mood to bake, open a bottle of Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah (SRP: $50) and let it breathe. If this isn’t blackberry pie in a bottle, it might be black cherry cobbler, black plum or boysenberry. Soft as a ruby-colored sunrise right out of the bottle, with a finish that keeps giving till sundown.
A particular standout, Mount Veeder 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $70) is caramally smooth and delicious. You’ll pick red fruits, black cherry and fig from the smorgasbord of flavors here. If there’s any left over after a grilled steak or hamburger, try it with goat cheese. You’re welcome.
Another particular standout, J Vineyards 2022 Russian River Chardonnay (SRP: $40) is crisp and clear as a mountain stream over pebbles. (And just as pretty). A chardonnay for people tired of oaky chadonnays, this one’s a fruit stand of pear, white peach and pineapple flavors. Reserve only for the particularly nice on your list.
For those for whom the holidays would not be the holidays without a big piece of meat, meet Beringer Vineyards’ 2022 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $40). A bold wine that holds its own with prime rib and beef tenderloin, but with enough balance to work with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy as well. Also nice, if you have any left, with soft and hard cheeses. Pace yourself, delayed rewards are the best.
The 2022 The Estates Fumé Blanc (SRP: $65) comes out of Oakville with an autograph on the label from the late Robert Mondavi himself, and a flavorful glass of pear, lychee, orange blossom and maybe even a little mango. At 14.5 percent, it’s one of the highest alcohol recommendations on this list, but a testament to the revered winemaker’s skill at control and structure. You’re going to want to keep the autograph.
For anyone who’s been particularly nice on your list this year – OK, extraordinarily nice – Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (SRP $294) is the stocking stuffer of choice. Our – and a little publication called Wine Spectator’s – favorite of the year, Don Merlchor cabernet is a ruby-red glass of raspberry and plum flavors that will reward any deep look back on the year that was, or look forward to the year to come.
Whether it’s a year for a glass, or a bottle.