Winter Solstice Crunch Time!

Here we are, the winter solstice is upon us once again! Wow, where did the year go? It seems like yesterday that the harvest was in full force but now we are racing to the end of the year at break neck speed searching for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. There are so many ads on television not to mention the 'pop-up' ads that drive you crazy on your computer! Terms like 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' have become familiar catch phrases in our quest to shop for true bargains. If you are like me, and start to sweat when you think about getting in your car and going to the mall to start Christmas shopping, fighting the crowds for a parking spot or going from store to store hoping that you can find the perfect gift for each person on your list, the Internet option is a viable alternative. My first experience in this world was buying guitar strings online and at first it seemed strange..there was no element of hassle! Where was the excitement in just filling out the columns on the computer and hitting 'purchase'? But when all the merchandise I ordered showed up within a couple of days...how easy was that? In terms of wine, there are many, many Internet sights offering great deals on wines from all over the world, and depending on where you live, you can have it delivered right to your doorstep; but when it comes to my wine, I still like to get in my car and travel to a local wine shop, or even better, visit the winery! Shopping this way means I get to interact with humans which often leads to conversations about the wine and who knows, maybe I learn something new. Don't misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with shopping on the Internet, and for buying guitar strings it's perfect, I don't need the interaction with the guitar store "dude", but buying wine is more personal to me. There are so many times that I have walked into a winery with my sights set on exactly what my purchase would be, only to engage in a conversation with a fellow enthusiast or maybe even the winemaker and all of a sudden the conversation leads me to try something new! Where else but in a wine store can you get the 'war stories' of the growing season or the experiences of others in a setting without 'pop-up' ads screaming at you for attention? A wine shop is also a great place to meet people of like mind...I love getting to know the people who work there and their different tastes and recommendations because that is where the fun begins! So as we enter the winter solstice with the holiday spirit in the air, and as you search for the perfect bottle of wine for a party or gift, get out there and mingle with the masses, ask questions and experiment, but remember that if you like it, you have picked the right wine!

Here are some of my holiday favorites:

For the party:

Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley $19.99
Smooth texture with great balance and a hint of almond.

Bernardus Chardonnay 2009 $19.99
Good intensity with a focus on citrus, green apple and honeydew.

Cline Zinfandel Ancient Vines 2010 $14.99
Very rewarding to the palate with dark berry finish.

For the dinner:

J Sparkling Brut Cuvee 20 $24.99
Sleek and fruit forward with appealing lime and creamy green apple finish.

Decoy by Duckhorn Sonoma County Chardonnay $18.99
Perfectly integrated oak and acidity with notes of pear and tangerine.

Estancia Meritage 2007 $29.99
Soft and layered red blend with a black current finish.

I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season!