BUY ME BY THE CASE

Every year, my real estate agent BFF asks me for a case of wine that she can give to clients as an end of the year “thanks for the business” present – without blowing her budget.  This is a list of wines that over-deliver for the money and won’t leave you feeling like a Scrooge.

Our Daily Red Blend, California $6.99 through the end of the year – This little organic red is a blend of Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The Syrah gives it a smooth cherry ripeness, while the Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and tannin. To top it all off, they don’t add sulfites! Case Price $75.49

Los Dos Spanish Red Blend 2010 – Spain is becoming known for outstanding values and this little devil is no exception.  It’s a blend of Syrah and Grenache, making it rich and supple with loads of cranberry, cooked cherry and a long finish. It comes up big, considering the low price of $8.99! Case Price $97.09

San Lorenzo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2008 $12.99 – This big, rich, round red is perfect for parties and pasta! I like this wine for a gift because with blackberry and spice, it’s both riper and smoother than Chianti, which can be a bit acidic and dry for some palates.  Case Price $140.29

BUY ME BY THE 4 PACK

These wines are limited and a bit higher in price, but they make the perfect gift for the Wine Enthusiast in your life!

Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Merlot Napa Valley 2006 Reg. $59.99 Marketplace Special $29.99 – Refined and elegant, this is what good California Merlot should taste like! Plum and raspberry spring from the glass while a touch of toasty oak rounds out the finish. Four Pack Price $107.96

Orin Swift Abstract Red Blend 2009 $34.99 – This wine just landed itself on the Wine Spectators Top 100 list of the most exciting wines of the year! It’s a blend of Grenache, Petit Sirah, and Syrah. Combining opulent blackberry richness with pepper and spice, this is a hard to find wine that is definitely unique. Four Pack Price $125.96

Celani Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2008 $42.99 – When Detroit’s own Tom Celani applied the Motor City’s spirit and rugged work ethic to California wine making, he created a product that has soared to the top. While his red wines have earned plenty of prestige and praise, it’s his Chardonnay that really takes my breath away.  Buttery in the best possible way, this wine has a rounded mouthfeel with a nice acidity that makes it perfect with lobster and scallops. Four Pack Price $154.76

BUY ME BY THE BOTTLE

These wines are priced at the high end and make perfect gifts for the woman or man that has everything.  Whether your boss has been extra nice, the hubby started taking out the trash, or, like me, you have a pair of doctors in the family, we have the perfect bottle to wow them.

Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve 2005 $99.99 – Wine Spectator rated this wine 94 points out of 100 and I rate it outstanding! Terrific for cellaring or drinking now, this Chateauneuf is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. It packs in a ton of complexity, with cooked cranberry and black currant leading into herb de Provence and coffee.

Sinatra Family Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2007 $129.99 – Coming from one of the best vintages in Californian history, the Sinatra Family had to make sure their Cabernet Sauvignon would not be thought of as a gimmick.  Hand crafted at their 5 acre vineyard, it is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  Bold, mouth filling, and, like Sinatra himself, intensely smooth, this is the perfect gift for the Music and Wine lover!

Hopefully this article eases your holiday anxiety!

Enjoy!

– Jennifer Laurie