5 Perfect Wines for Valentine's Day

February 2021
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

Five wines to celebrate this special day of love

Daou Reserve Chardonnay 2018
Paso Robles, CA $30

Aromas of pineapple and lemon with notes of hazelnut and vanilla. A creamy texture, with subtle acidity and bright fruits throughout. Well balanced enough to accompany spicy apps, lemony chicken and fish dishes—even roast pork with sage. You’d have to spend $50 to find a better Chardonnay. Earned a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Château De Berne Romance Rosé 2019
Provence, France $16

Grapes from the shores of the Mediterranean yield a pale pink color and your nose is greeted with light and fresh aromatics. Peach and strawberry flavors with candied fruit notes and a silky texture make this a special Rosé to enjoy by itself or with a variety of light foods. It will fill your mouth with a lingering, tingling, spritzy finish! The unique bottle is worth keeping.

Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon  2018
Napa, California $30

Dark purple in the glass with blue and black fruits on the nose, this Cab offers bold fruit flavors of raspberry and warm plum. Made in classic Napa style, it is medium-bodied with a fresh and vibrant palate, followed by luscious tannins for a smooth, velvety finish. Filet mignon at home for Valentine’s Day? This wine will be the perfect match. James Suckling gave it 87 points.

Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne  NV
Epernay, France $60

Founded in 1743, Moët and Chandon was the first Maison, or champagne house, to introduce a variety of sparkling wines for every occasion. And this example, launched in 2016, was created to be served over ice, just right for fun in the sun. Fresh and zesty, it will please the most discerning bubbly fan.

Graham’s Six Grape Port
Douro, Portugal $26

A rich aroma of ripe plums, cherries and dark chocolate notes. The complex palate has good structure and a long lingering finish. The grapes are blended from different harvests and the same vineyards as the Graham’s vintage Ports come from. Earned a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast. Best served after dinner with rich, nutty or chocolate desserts.

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