Miscelaney

Miscelaney Holiday SURVIVAL Guide:

12 Days of Christmas

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Ouch…it hurts to see it in print, doesn’t it? TWELVE DAYS. As part of our Holiday Survival Guide, the 12 Days Before Christmas series will offer daily tips from now up until Dec. 24th to help you down the homestretch towards a great Christmas (et al) holiday. Look for wine suggestions, expanded gift ideas, beauty tips, cocktail recipes and other great stuff to help this holiday season be the most enjoyable one yet.

On the twelfth day before Christmas, 
Miscelaney sent to me 
Twelve wines a’breathin’….. 

From our wine cellars (or closets) to yours, Heather and I put together our top 12 wine picks that range from good value buys to ”spoil yourself silly” picks, and all things in between. Every choice is versatile enough to tote along to any holiday event, be the shining star at Christmas dinner, or be the winning gift to the most hard-to-buy name on this year’s holiday list.

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1 ) 2008 Conundrom White Wine California–I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Conundrum. Really. Made of a blend that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Muscat Canelli, it’s packed with creamy peach, tangerine, vanilla and honeysuckle flavors.  / $19

2 ) 2007 Woodinville Wine Cellars Little Bear Creek–Staff calls this everyday red the “BBQ” wine. It’s got the depth and fruit of the big boy reds but stays modest with it’s everyday price point. Sure to be a crowd pleasure at any event. / $20

3 ) 2008 Darby “Le Duece”–One of my new faves. This viogneir/roussane blend is a perfect accompaniment to any holiday dinner. Served super chilled, it’s a like a little slap of love. / $24

4 ) 2007 Longshadow’s Poet’s Leap Riesling–This is my go-to white when I want a perfectly balanced white to pair with my first courses. Crisp flavors and lively acidity give this off-dry white a supple texture and good length. / $24 (go with the 2008 if you can’t find the 2007)

5 ) 2006 Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon– Great price for such a dense and chewy wine with notes of cherry, blackberry, coffee and smoke. / $25

6 ) 2005 Rulo Silo Red–I’ve had a soft spot for  Rulo ever since 2002 when I poured for them at a charity function and they dubbed me “Ben”. Besides good people, they make good wine! This balanced wine has explosive blueberry/blackberry nose and deeper notes of smoke, charcoal and a whiff of white pepper. / $35

7 ) 2006 Owen Roe Lady Rosa Syrah–YUM. Always a favorite. rich plum, dried blueberry and mocha flavors with a long, delicious finish. $45 (get the 2007 if you can’t find the 2006)

8 ) 2006 Justin Isosceles– This wine knocks my socks off year after year. This particular blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot has aromas of blackberry, black plum, leather, mocha and cassis that combine with hints of caramel, vanilla and even a touch of smoke. One word: Yum. / $50

9 ) 2006 Truchard Cabernet Franc– This is, hands down, my favorite Cab Franc. One of the lesser-known Bordeaux varietals, it’s often blended with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. But this wine proves that the grape has enough character and structure to stand on its own! / $60

10 ) Gosset Brut Grand Rose Champagne – Someone once bought me this champagne as a gift, and I’ve been in love with it since. With a salmon pink color, it has just a hint of spiciness and a flavor that manages to be delicate and intense at the same time. So festive! / $65

11 )  2000 Moet et Chandon Dom Perignon Champagne – So it’s the holidays and every body’s making wish lists. Mine always included a bottle of Dom, named for the Monk believed to have discovered sparkling wine / $120

12 ) 2006 Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Napa Valley – No doubt, this wine is legendary. Yes, the price reflects it but, trust me, it’s worth it. Intense blackberry fruit with red berry, anise and oak vanillin accents. / $199

Let it breathe, let it breathe, let it breathe.