10 STELLAR BOTTLES FOR HOLIDAY GIFTING
This year, Anthony Gismondi searched for unique wines that would make suitable gifts ranging from $50 to $500. Each has a strong personality and story to tell and without exception could easily be cellared for another decade. Simply choose a bottle from the price range you’re looking for, wrap it up and you’re done. Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos 2015, Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, Spain $36.99
Petalos is all about its old vines, biodynamically farmed and spread across several small, rocky slate-y hillside plots worked by the Palacios clan. Real wine that invites you to drink the entire bottle.
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016, Douro Valley, Portugal $185.00
A sure sign of an extraordinary wine is you can drink this now or put it away 40 years and beyond. Young collectors can be assured this wine will be with them their entire lives.
Zuccardi Tito 2013, La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Tunuyan, Mendoza, Argentina $47.99
Developed to honour Alberto Zuccardi, known to all as “Tito” the visionary who planted the first family vineyards. Tito is a mix of new and old Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancellotta and Caladoc.
Dom Pérignon Rose Limited Edition, Champagne, France $295.99
Rose Champagne is hot, and nothing says you are more appreciated than a gift of this stylish bottle of Dom pink fizz. Smoky, mineral, spicy, satiny, and full of exotic fruit this rose has it all.
Stags’ Leap Petite Sirah 2015, Napa Valley, California, United States $46.99
A handful of very old vines are the story behind this exquisite wine. Winemaker Christophe Paubert also uses a small varying mix of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre to add complexity and balance.
Ridge Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA $323.99
One of the great cabernet Sauvignons made anywhere in the world and one prized by collectors. This will age effortlessly for two decades. Or it can be opened today and served with a favourite cut of steak.
Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Genevrieres 1er Cru 2011, Burgundy, France $132.99
A great starting point for those wanting to discover top-flight white Burgundy and for those who know, it’s a terrific mix of smoke and hazel-walnut lemons and brioche.
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Rhone Valley, France $459.99
This is a great bottle of Beaucastel, but the attraction is the 3L size. This wine will keep for a quarter century so if you have a wedding date or children born in 2015, this is a wine to put away for celebrations down the road.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru 2014, Alsace, France $145.99
Salty stony biodynamic white wine that will leave you asking how in the world grapes can produce flavours like this. Humbrecht is the master and he’s also making a wine in B.C. at Phantom Creek.
Opus One 2014, Napa Valley $499.99
Opus is always subtle, and while it treads that New World/ Old World fine line, we love how they tame most of the overt Napa fruit to concentrate on complexity and finesse. Impressive bottle.