Valentine’s Day Wine for Every Kind of Love
Sure, the romantic love of eros is what everyone assumes Valentine’s Day is for. But why not celebrate your own happy hearts day inspired by ancient Greek philosophies on love? Take philia, the love of a friend for example—Palentine’s Day, anyone? Friendship is a great reason to celebrate! Then there’s storge, a fond love of family, and nothing brings festive harmony to a family gathering like a bottle of wine. Or philautia, the healthy love of oneself. Treat yourself—you’re worth it. Though wine is one of the best pleasures in life, in the words of Euripides, "The greatest pleasure in life is love.” Let’s celebrate love in all its forms, and start with a round up of wines that are perfect to share with a loved one.
2021 Oakridge "Willowlake Vineyard" Pinot Noir Yarra Valley Victoria $24.99 Beautiful glistening garnet color with a vibrant nose of red cherries and violets, no doubt due to whole-cluster fermentation. Neatly faceted palate of pure Pinot pleasure—Morello cherries, violet-rose florals, nutmeg, vanilla, and dried autumn leaves—a whisper of forest floor brings it all back down to earth. Lovely lingering finish of violet and cherry hard candies—a Valentine’s red if ever there was one. Pair with roast duck and beluga lentils.
2020 de Viaud, Lalande-de-Pomerol $24.99 After tasting this and seeing the price, my first thought was, “WHAT!?!?” Byzantium purple—this dark, sexy elixir of pleasure greets the eyes with the glass-staining promise of richness. A sensual palate delivers in full with blackberries, cassis, rooibos tea, graphite, and a heart-fluttering note of a new Epi leather handbag. Hugely over-delivers for its price point. Pair with rack of venison or filet mignon and chanterelles.
2011 Suduiraut, Sauternes $34.99 (375ml) 96JS 96WS Fresh peaches, apricot frangipane tart, and fine strands of spun sugar spill across the palate with botrytised delight. Fresh acidity and bright hints of juicy mandarin orange balance out the delicate sweetness and full-bodied mouthfeel. Long, generous finish. Pair with Roquefort cheese, dried apricots, and nuts—almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts. For a sweeter take—almond cake, mille-feuille, or fruit tart.
2012 Lanessan, Haut-Médoc $19.99 This Left Bank value stunner is all about class, inside and out. In fine form with 12 years of age, it’s drinking beautifully right now with fresh modern touches of plum, cassis, black tea, and dried lavender. Perfect for savory snacks with people you look forward to spending time with.
2020 Château de L'Ou "Secret de Schistes" Syrah Côtes Catalanes $34.99 Muscular, velvety, and highly expressive — blackberries, baking spices, licorice and dried herbs with the satisfying meatiness of a top-tier Hermitage. Rich and hedonistic with incredible finesse! A natural pairing for aged cheddar, smoked eggplant, or a decadent sausage.
2019 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough $64.99 Though thoroughly accessible now, this will make a lovely sleeping beauty for the cellar over the next 10 to 15 years. Fresh cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, dried orange peel, red roses, savory herbs and earthy white pepper—ethereal with fine structure, minerality, and a delicate sapidity. Long, lingering finish underscores its Grand Cru status. It’s a wine to design a meal with, not other way around.
- Kerry Kirkham, K&L Writer & Editor