Reliable
Wines for the Holiday Times - Part 1
By FBWorld Team
The
Holiday Season is inevitably a hectic time of year.
With the running around shopping and social occasions, the last
thing anyone wants to worry about is what wine to serve guests.
So, we thought we'd help. Here are some brands & bottles
that aren't too expensive, are rather easy to find, and are
consistently pleasing. Hope you enjoy!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Robert
Hall 2012 Chardonnay
Winery:
Robert Hall
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of peach and tropical fruits are accented by hints
of creamy oak and caramel on the nose. Flavors of pear,
peach, and pineapple meld with suggestions of vanilla
and butter on the palate. A Chardonnay that's not too
crisp and offers a nice amount of creaminess, it's a solid
buy for any casual holiday gathering.
Rating: 87 |
|
Robert
Hall 2011 Syrah
Winery:
Robert Hall
Grape(s): 180% Syrah, 17% Grenache, &
3% Petite Sirah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, currants, and blueberries meld
with suggestions of anise, dark chocolate, and toasty
oak on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry,
cherry, and blueberry accented by nuances of licorice,
pepper, and cola. A rich, fairly hearty red with supple
tannins, it will work nicely with roast beef or brisket.
Rating: 88 |
|
Robert
Hall 2012 Cuvee de Robles
Winery:
Robert Hall
Grape(s): 37% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 17%
Petite Sirah, 13% Cinsaut, & 9% Counoise
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, raspberries, leather and spice
greets the scenes. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruits
that unfold into notes of pepper, game, and minerals.
A hearty Rhone-Style blend that's rather lively on the
palate, if you're serving lamb or other gamy meats during
the holiday season, this bottle will make for a very nice
pairing.
Rating: 89 |
|
Robert
Hall 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Robert Hall
Grape(s): 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5%
Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah & 2% Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Notes of blackberries, currants, and cherries come together
with hints of cedar and dark chocolate on the nose. The
palate delivers flavors of black cherry, baked currants,
and blackberry with accents of minerals, toasty oak, and
spice. A lighter Cab with plush tannins, it's easy-going
and a fine match for roast chicken.
Rating: 88 |
|
Robert
Hall 2011 Merlot
Winery:
Robert Hall
Grape(s): 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc,
5% Petite Sirah & 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of black cherries, plums, and blackberries mingle
with suggestions of earth and cedar on the nose. Flavors
of cherry, plum, and raspberry open up into hints of minerals
and oak on the palate. A smooth Merlot with soft tannins,
fans of easy-going reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 88 |
|
Shannon
Ridge "High Elevation" 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of grapefruits, guavas, and lemons rises up
from a glass. The palate offers flavors of lemon, lime,
and pineapple with just a hint of minerals. A supple white,
with a welcoming acidity, it will compliment a first course
of shrimp cocktail nicely at any holiday dinner.
Rating: 87 |
|
Shannon
Ridge "High Elevation" 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): 92% Cabernet Sauvignon &
8% Petite Sirah
Region: Lake County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromas of black cherries, boysenberries, and blackberries
mingle with notes of creamy oak and earth on the nose.
A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry
that unfold into nuances of cedar and spice. With plush
tannins and bright fruit flavors, it's a Cab that will
pair well with roast beef or lamb at a holiday table.
Rating: 88 |
|
Shannon
Ridge "High Elevation" 2012 Chardonnay
Winery:
Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Lake County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of Asian pear and golden apple are accented
by hints of vanilla and buttery oak on the nose. Flavors
of pear, apple, and peach come together with suggestions
butter and creamy oak on the palate. Smooth and fairly
round, it's a very approachable wine that will make a
fine aperitif at your holiday gatherings.
Rating: 88 |
|
Shannon
Ridge "High Elevation" 2011 Wrangler Red
Winery:
Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): 45% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 10%
Petite Sirah, & 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of bright red berries, spice, and creamy oak
rises up from a glass. On the palate, flavors of black
cherry, raspberry, and blackberry emerge, along with notes
of all-spice, white-pepper, and cedar. A smooth red with
a few lively, spiced highlights, it's a likely to please
a crowd.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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