Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose Champagne – $99.95, France
It’s Christmas time, if you are not going to splurge for that special someone or special family members now, you probably never will. Soooooooo just do it, splurge and share this refreshing bubbly which just so happens to be the #1 rose Champagne in the world!
What the Experts say: made from Pinot Noir grapes displays aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, flint, sour cherry and citrus. Made for fine dining, it will delight with rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic.
What do I think: Great tasting, crisp and refreshing, aromas of red fruit for sure. Not even sure what red current is and I always thought you used flint to start fires. Love my bubbles pre dinner and then it is generally red wine for me!
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches 2016 – $27.95, Chardonnay, Sonoma California – USA
This might be the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted. Having some dinner at the Charlotte Airport after a solid week of red wine and beer I was looking for something different to go along with a healthyish chicken salad. Needed it as I gained about 5 lbs on a South Carolina adventure with my golf media buddies.
What the Experts say: cool-climate Chardonnay, this favourite features tropical fruit, roasted hazelnut, citrus and butter. Full bodied and rich – Extra dry.
What do I think: Bold and beautiful, full bodied and silky smooth! Not sweet but also would not classify as dry.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2017 – $16.95, Marlborough Australia
Highly recommended by a number of people so I had to give it a try and at 17 bucks how far wrong could you go!
What the Experts say: Extra Dry, intensely flavourful style of Sauvignon Blanc: think gooseberry, pea pods and passion fruit. Vivid and refreshing, it pairs well with steamed clams or mussels with asparagus risotto, or grilled chicken.
What do I think: Dry and flavourful but a little too fruity for my liking. Refreshing for sure. Can taste the passion fruit maybe too much. Maybe I should think more about gooseberries – but why? Pea pods – seriously?
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My unsuspecting wine find of the year – maybe…….. a Chilean gem!
Casa Silva Gran Terroir de Los Andes Los Lingues, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – $19.95, Chile
I had just purchased a selection of new wines to try and was looking for one just to have with a simple dinner and this was it. The next returned to the liquor store and bought another 10!
What the Experts say: Extra dry, full bodied and firm. A voluptuous wine with soft tannins, plenty of red fruit, hints of chocolate and a long soft elegant finish!
What do I think: Could not have said it better myself!
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel – $17.95, Lodi California USA
Gnarly, well maybe only if you drink too much and that would not be too difficult to do! Every time I try another Zinfandel it makes me want to try more! Love the name and can’t wait to try the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay.
What the Experts say: Dry, sourced from some of the oldest vines in California, some 35-80 years of age, this is a robust, rich and complex wine with layered ripe fruit, plum, pepper spice, oak and vanilla notes. Try with spicy ribs.
What do I think: I need to buy some more!
…and from one of my all-time favorite wine producing regions in the world a delectable Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley region in California.
Siduri Pinot Noir 2015 – $44.95,Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
Two things that automatically tell you a wine is over the top.
- When I have dinner on my own and have some wine – rarely do I have more than two glasses. It was a rare evening!
- You have one last sip in your glass and you hate the thought that it is all gone.
What the Experts say: Aromas of dark berry and plum, with hints of mushroom. Medium to full body, beautiful balance and texture. Lots of light chocolate and spice. Extremely well done for the vintage.
What do I think: Definitely full bodied and smooth, get the dark cherry and chocolate aroma. The only mushrooms I tasted were with my steak. Although I generally do not have Pinot with steak this was a perfect steak wine.