Now is the time to find special holiday wine

Hopefully, you had a wonderful holiday weekend. I have received several reminders from the Blood Bank of Delmarva that there is a great demand for donations. They’re trying desperately to keep up. The process is quick, and not overly intrusive. Please consider making a donation. It may save a life. 

Several reminders have crossed my alert pages. We are running out of time to find special wine for the holidays. Although there are many lovely selections to be found locally, special orders for those on your list (who don’t need socks or gloves) take time to ship. Here are a few ideas for your winebibbing pals. Another idea is “The Wine List” by Grant Reynolds. Grant made the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2017 and subsequently founded Parcelle, a highly regarded New York City wine business. I just read his book. It is filled with wine info and insider stories, and it’s an enjoyable read. It can be found on Amazon or, better yet, ordered through Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

Turley Wine Cellars is one of my go-to producers of California Zinfandel and Petit Syrah. Larry Turley oversees production of 47 wines, most of which are red, single vineyards. They produce 13 site-specific Zinfandels, from a broad range of AVAs, and most are well-rated and vintage-specific. My job is to locate value to help discriminating buyers find top-rated products at the best price. Recently I was able to sample eight of their 2021, which were successful across the range. The $32, TWC Old Vines Zinfandel is blended of small lots from across their holdings and is a fine example of winemakers’ art. They claim the juice is from vines, ranging from 41–129-year-old, located in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador and Paso Robles. Occasionally, when I read this type of hyperbole it seems too good to be accurate. However, TWC is indeed so widespread and a longtime, reputable producer. The 2021 has just entered its window but has plenty of shelf time left. Ruby red with a dark center, fruit-forward with black cherry, blueberry and forest floor aromas, its flavor reflects nose on the broad palate. This is supported by mild oaken spice and slightly elevated tannins, which with color and balance, indicates aging potential. A pleasing, long finish with an acidity level hollers food wine (91 McD, plus 1 price point). Compares favorably to TWC Ueberroth 2021 (92 McD) $55, or Hayne Vineyard 2021 (92 McD) $100. In many vintages Hayne is top dog for TWC, and while 2021 is better than many, it is below their past few vintages. TWC Rattlesnake Ridge, Howell Mt. has been getting some exuberant reviews. I have not sampled any. Implied price is under $65, and it is rated as high as 96. 

I have fallen behind on my reading. I’m just catching up with Oliver Styles’ work. He is a fine author and commentator who frequently appears in Wine-Searcher. Rather than trying to recap, please proceed (after reading the entire paper, ads and all). Don’t pass because, “I’m not really a Pinot Noir fan.” The article is loaded with well-explained and accurate wine info and science that reaches across the spectrum and will aid in understanding reasons one prefers certain products. This type insight is rarely found in the wine critic biz. Read Changing How We Drink Pinot Noir at wine-searcher.com.

Several years back, I wrote about Stephane Vedeau La Ferme du Mont Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cotes Capelan 2015, and claimed him a producer to watch. He continued to produce wonderful, favorably priced bottles. The 94 McD 2018 came in under $30, and has tripled in price. It just entered its window. Leve and RP both rated 95+in 2019-20 and it doubled. 2021 was deplorable in most of Rhone Valley. The Capelan rouge did not reach 87 McD, even considering price. Avoid it. That said his CDC Vendange Blanc 2020 was lovely (92 McD), under $40.