‘Tis the Season: Wine and Whisky Gifts
When it comes to finding the perfect gift, a truly exceptional bottle is often the way to go. While we take great care every day to ensure that everything we bring in meets the highest standards, these are some of the wines I would go to first. Each one is sure to make a memorable impression and offer an experience that will be appreciated by any wine lover.
Italy
First up, I’m going to keep singing the praises of the 2021 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana $174.99 (1.5L $399.99) 98WA 98VN 97WS 96JS. I remember back when the last great vintage (2016 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana $224.99 99WE 98VN 97JS 97WA 97WS 96W&S) was available, and it seemed to be everywhere—then it was gone, and we moved on to the next. Don’t let this one slip by.
What always brings me joy is Nebbiolo, so I’m recommending as much Produttori del Barbaresco as you can fit in your stocking. The Rabajà Riserva is always their standout, and 2019 Produttori del Barbaresco "Rabaja" Barbaresco Riserva $79.99 97KO is no exception. But the sleeper pick for me is always 2019 Produttori del Barbaresco "Montefico" Barbaresco Riserva $89.99 98KO 98TWI—the wines have such precision and grace, which I love in Barbaresco, while still offering the brightness and fruit that make it impossible to stop reaching for the glass.
California
For Pinot Noir, not enough can be said about the magical wines being made by the team at Cobb these days. They certainly show their cool-climate, Sonoma Coast character in spades. When thinking about gifting, they also have the balance and complexity that will connect with the most discerning lovers of Cru Burgundy and resonate with those looking for the refinement and accessibility of Willamette Valley or Central Otago. Hand crafted, small production, and ranking at the top of most publication’s listings of top-tier Sonoma Pinot Noir, they’re not to be missed and sure to astound the wine aficionado in your life.
2021 Cobb "Emmaline Ann Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $84.95 98DC
2021 Cobb “Rice-Spivak Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $89.95 96VN 95DC 95JD
2021 Cobb “Coastlands Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $89.95 96WA 96VN 95DC
2021 Cobb “Doc’s Ranch Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $89.95 97DC
2021 Cobb “Diane Cobb - Coastlands Vineyard” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $134.95 97WA 97VN 96DC 96JD
Bordeaux
And of course, Bordeaux. Anybody would be thrilled to unwrap a 2010 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac $219.99 98JD 98JS 97DC 97JA 97WA 96WE 96WS 95VN, and we just happen to have some in stock if you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone who loves Pauillac. Speaking of Pauillac, it’s hard to deny the Latour character in their third wine, 2019 Pauillac de Latour, Pauillac $104.99, and the 2019 vintage showcases all the brilliance of this outstanding Cabernet year. While it’s a gift that may continue to impress for Christmases to come, the stunning 2019 Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux $109.99 98TWI 97JD 97VN 96DC 96JA 96JS 96WA is definitely worth keeping an eye on—a truly exceptional vintage from a Margaux powerhouse. And while I’ve shared my love for the 2019 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien $109.99 98JD 97DC 97JA 97VN 96RP 96TWI 96WS 95JS countless times, if a magnum of the potentially legendary 2020 Montrose, St-Estèphe (1.5L) $419.99 100WA 99JA 99VN 98DC 98JD happens to make its way down the chimney instead, I’ll be more than happy to look after it.
Also, don’t forget the whisky—specifically the 2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old "Signatory" K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $179.99. Last time we had a sherried, cask-strength Highland Park of this caliber and age, it was over $400, so you won’t have to worry about impressing even the most discerning collector. But beyond that, what’s in the bottle is simply stunning—one of the most complex Scotch bottlings I’ve tasted in a long time. I could try to describe the dozens of flavors, from spice to smoke to orchard fruit to stone fruit, but words might not do it justice. Add to that one of the sharpest packages we have on the shelf, and it’s an undeniable winner. Be sure to grab one for yourself, just in case.
The Life of the Party: Magnums
Sure, bringing a bottle to your next gathering is always welcomed—and often expected. But bringing a magnum? That’s a whole different story. You’ll definitely see people light up when they realize what’s in store. It’s not necessarily twice the effort, but it’s often twice the fun. And it doesn’t have to break the bank either—here are some of our most affordable, over-delivering large bottles sitting on our shelves, ready to kick off the party.
First up, I still can’t believe we have mags of the fun and undeniably delicious (and 98-point) 2022 A Tribute to Grace "Hofer Vineyard" Cucamonga Valley Grenache (1.5L) $79.95. This Grenache is out of this world and a true piece of history. Its light, fresh profile makes it perfect for holiday meals. From Bordeaux, 2016 Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc (1.5L) $79.99 is easily one of the property’s top vintages. While it will age beautifully for decades in large format, it’s a classic claret that’s impossible not to love. Sansonnet, on the other hand, is polished and finessed—with plenty of fruit for fans of the New World, but still refined enough for those who prefer the Old World style of Bordeaux.
From one of Napa’s top vineyards, 2016 Duckhorn "Three Palms Vineyard" Napa Valley Merlot (1.5L) at our current Insider’s pricing of $129.95 is a steal. We’re thrilled to have regular bottles at $90, and this is one of Napa’s finest expressions of Merlot from one of the region’s standout vintages. But if you really want a mic-drop moment, bring out the mags of Champagne. NV Louis Roederer "Collection 242" Brut Champagne Magnum (1.5L) $119.99 has the perfect mix of age and prestige, but personally, I’m all in on 2019 Egrot Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Magnum (1.5L) $119.99, one of our favorite Direct Import producers—especially since this one’s from the highly anticipated 2019 vintage.
Here are a few others that will knock it outta the park:
2021 Vietti "Perbacco" Nebbiolo Langhe (1.5L) $74.99
2019 Sansonnet, St-Émilion (1.5L) $84.99 96JD 95TWI 95VN
2022 Cristom "Mt. Jefferson Cuvée" Eola-Amity Pinot Noir (1.5L) $89.95 95IWR