Cheers to You!

December 2022
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

Wines to Celebrate Every Holiday Occasion

Beringer PR Chardonnay 2020 
Napa Valley, California   $37
This latest vintage of the Private Reserve Chardonnay highlights the best of Napa Valley single vineyard wines. The hand-picked grapes are fermented in oak barrels and aged for more complexity. Oak and vanilla fill the nose and linger on the palate, then toasty notes and a luscious mouthfeel bring it to a lengthy, memorable finish. 

Les Clos Chartier Sancerre Rosé 2018
Loire Valley, France      $25
Sauvignon Blanc grapes date back to Roman-era Sancerre, a village along the Loire River, where they were first grown. Today, the region produces many other wines, including this Rosé, made from Pinot Noir grapes. It has a light salmon color, with bright stone fruit and berry aromas, plus strawberry and raspberry highlights on the palate. 

Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut
Champagne, France   $45
Established in 1812 and still family owned, Laurent Perrier is well known for its house style of Champagne.  A pale gold color, it has aromas of citrus and honeysuckle, which lead to flavors of orange blossom, peach and lemon curd. Long aging contributes to a lingering, effervescent finish. Rated 91 points by Wine Spectator. 

K Syrah The Deal 2018  
Columbia Valley, Washington $25  
The Deal comes from the Sundance Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope AVA in the Columbia Valley. A big wine at 14.4% alcohol, and complex, with dark berry fruit aromas, followed by a palate full of black fruits, smoked meat, herbs, and tobacco flavors. Plus, it will continue to age for several years. Earned 96 points from James Suckling.

Schlink Haus Riesling Auslese 2021
Nahe, Germany $16
Auslese means "select harvest," so these grapes were hand-picked near the end of harvest. The skin is shriveled, leaving only concentrated juice, which is very sweet. An earthy, light aroma, with honeyed notes of juicy pomelo and lime, and followed by a caramelized, rich finish. It's a true dessert wine, made to accompany after-dinner sweets.

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