Hi! We want to share an opportunity for our wine drinking friends to purchase some special wines that Charlie has hand-selected for the holidays. If you need to stock up on wine for Christmas and New Year’s (or, hey, maybe just for Tuesday night; it’s 2020, no judgment), Charlie has found three wines that are an incredible bargain right now.
Below you’ll find Charlie’s descriptions and our tasting notes of the wines — I tried them all and I can attest, they are beautiful and easy to drink. We’re stocking up on a few bottles for our own holiday drinking. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask — Charlie is really good at not only choosing crowd pleasers but also explaining the how’s and why’s.
Half cases (six bottles) are $90 or buy a full case for $165 and get the 12th bottle free. Text me (919-215-4669) to place an order and arrange payment (Venmo, PayPal or cash preferred). You are welcome to mix and match, but the minimum order is a half-case. We’ll arrange a pickup and/or delivery depending on how much interest we receive, but no later than this Saturday, Dec. 12.
2016 Domaine Amido Les Mûres Lirac
France
In good to average years, like 2013 and 2014, the top wines from the Southern Rhone (basically Chateauneuf du Pape) really show their worth over their less expensive neighbors. But in great years, like 2016, the gap is lessened. So I always go big on value appellations of the Rhone in great years. This wine is a perfect example. Actually just a stone’s throw away from Chateauneuf du Pape, this is nearly as impressive at a fraction of the cost.
This is a great food wine that pairs beautifully with beef, pork, even turkey, and tastes like a much more expensive wine than it is. Open it up a bit before time to serve so it can breathe, and then prepare to be blown away by notes of black cherry, plum, and cocoa.
2018 Ærena Chardonnay
Sonoma County, California
It’s time to re-embrace California Chardonnay! While they lost a lot of fans by going over-the-top with oak and butter, the better vintners have learned to dial it back while preserving refreshing acidity and rich flavors. Honestly, I think there’s never been a better time, quality-wise, for California Chardonnay, than the last several years. And this wine is an inexpensive way and delicious to dip your toe back in. Made by the same people who produce the highly acclaimed Blackbird Vineyards, this wine certainly punches above its weight class.
Aromas of ripe pear with flavors of vanilla and brûlée apricots, but don’t let that description fool you. This is not a sweet wine — in fact, it’s particularly rich and savory, with a hint of earthiness. It will go beautifully with savory holiday snacks or the main event.
Torre dei Nanni SpazzaVento Frizzante
Italy
This very uncommon sparkler is perfect for the holiday table. Hailing from the Italy’s culinary capital region of Emilio Romano, which is known for its prosciutto, cheeses, and balsamic vinegars, this wine has more than enough oomph to stand up to heartier fare. Fans of bone dry and less dry wines can both appreciate the rich, honeyed nuttiness laced with almond and mouth-watering tropical fruits. Just watch out! This one goes down real easy.