It’s that time of the year again. The time that all of our loved ones start expecting gifts upon arrival to the house, clients needing a little something for their investments all year, the apology gift to the neighbor for your all-night raging parties they weren’t invited to… There are two very important things I think about before going to Liquor Barn to buy a gift for someone. 1: How much do I like this person? Then, after weighing that and deciding what I am willing to spend, 2: What do they like? Below I have a simple guide to help you with these tough decisions.
Under $25
Sparkling: Subsoil “Bubbles” ($19.99) – The perfect gift of sparkling wine that won’t break the budget. Primarily Chardonnay (with a little Viognier to help round it out), this wine has amazing versatility. Have for a toast, appetizers, salads, or dessert. It will not disappoint with its light but vibrant flavors of pear, melon, hazelnut, and cream.
White: Chateau D’Archambeau Blanc ($19.99) – Simply stunning white from Graves in Bordeaux, France. Citrusy, creamy, and perfect acidity! Not to mention the classy Old World label that will make your recipient think you spent WAY more than you did!
Red: The Critic Napa Valley Cabernet ($23.99) – Finding an exceptionally made Cabernet with the Napa Valley appellation under $35 is hard to do, but under $25??? Impossible! Rich aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla give way to a palate of dark berry jam with a hint of coconut. Nice and formidable. Exactly the thing to have with a roast or grilled chops.
Under $50
White: Sojourn Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($39.99 – 92pts Wine Spectator) – I LOVE this wine! The perfect amount of new French Oak lends richness to the wonderful essences of grapefruit, peach, and nutmeg. This is one of those bottles that I have to buy two if I know I’m giving one away. It’s just that good.
Red: Paul Jourdan Grande Reserve Papale Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($44.99) – Classic CDP. Rich and earthy with loads of dark red fruits and chocolate. A beautiful wine not only in the attractive embossed bottle but to swirl in the glass and enjoy with Lamb or Prime Rib. A killer offering for the price.
Under $100
White: Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch ($59.99 – 95pts Wine Enthusiast) – This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg are complemented by toasted oak and lasting structure. PERFECT holiday season white!
Red: Poggio Siresa Amarone ($64.99) – An absolute knockout. Gifting an Amarone is great because the wine-loving friend of yours knows you dropped some decent coin on it. Aromas and flavors of plum, dried fruits, licorice, and smoky pepper positively leap from the glass. Make sure they share!
For the High Roller
Red: Red: Premiere Napa Valley Rombauer Cabernet Atlas Peak ($299.99) – This rare expression of Napa Valley winemaking is one of 240 bottles that will ever be made, and only available at Liquor Barn. Think of it as a bit of Napa Valley history in your cellar and celebrated in your glass. This one-of-a-kind wine was created exclusively for the Premiere Napa Valley auction. This mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is dark purple with ruby highlights and enticing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, brown sugar, molasses, and baking spices. The palate is rich and textured with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, cocoa powder, and a hint of wet stones. The finish is long and smooth, with supple tannins and bright acidity. Each bottle is hand-numbered and initialed by the winemaker. The perfect conversation piece for any collector to have in their cellar.
Red: Opus One ($399.99 – 99pts James Suckling) – A California OG. Not the easiest wine to come by, but we just had our allocation land, so hurry up! This is one of those wines that smells so good, you almost forget to start drinking it. So complex with hints of so many different things from lavender and lilac to cassis, black cherry, rose petals, and chocolate. An absolute treasure. If you’re lucky, you may even find one of its younger brothers in Overture by Opus One ($159.99) laying around!
Cheers!
Brian Price
Wine Buyer
Liquor Barn – Party Mart – DEP’s
