Zig's 2011 Holiday Wine Picks:

Big thanks to our Holiday Wine Picks sponsor:

200 Wines were entered this year from 9 countries! A panel of 16 judges tasted the wines blindly. The judging panel consisted of Professional Wine Judges, Farmers, Winemakers, Vineyard Managers, Consumers, Wine Journalists and Wine Buyers. With Holiday Wine Picks we have two categories, Lower price point wines that have a suggested retail price of $15 or less and then on the flip side the High end wines with a suggested retail price of $30 and higher. This year, we did have many wines submitted that were $100 and beyond. In all, the wines were terrific across the board. There were some big surprises (like a lot of tied winners!) which is why we love blind tastings! It was a hard decision but the results are amazing. Noted by each wine are the descriptors for the wine by the judges.

Low Price Point Wine Picks ($15 or less)

Bubbly

Zardetto, Treviso Brut, Prosecco $14-
Crisp, Playful, Tropical Fruit, Groovy, Playful, Tasty, Citrus

White Wine

'10 Mirassou, Pinot Gris, CA $12-
Ripe Apples, Tasty, Peaches, Elegant, Lingering Finish, Ripe Pear, Citrus

---Close runner up & worth a big mention---

'10 Vino Valpredo, Bianca Mia, Sonoma County $14-
Nice Mouth Feel, Floral, Delicate, Fun, Tangerine, Citrus Blossom, Peach

Red Wine

'10 Lyeth, Fleur de Lyeth, CA $10.99
Cherries, Cedar, Long Finish, Plum, Nice acid, Beautiful Balance, Strawberry

High Price Point Wine Picks ($30 or higher)

Bubbly

Champagne Henriot, Brut Rosé $70-
Bright, Young Raspberry, Grapefruit, Elegant, Stunning, Creamy Strawberry, Iris

---TIED WITH---

'04 Gloria Ferrer, Royal Cuvee, Brut $32-
Apple, Pear, Citrus, Melon, Stunning Mouth Feel, Almond, Brioche, Fabu

White Wine

'09 Merryvale, Chardonnay, Carneros $35-
Melons, Balanced, Butter, Kumquat, Vanilla, Pretty Laced Acidity, Long Finish, Apples, Citrus

Red Wine

'08 Gundlach Bundschu, Vintage Reserve Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley $80-
Cassis, Mint, Dark Chocolate, Star Anise, Cigar Box, Tea Leaf, Forest Floor, Solid

---TIED WITH---

'08 Kokomo, Cabernet Franc, Pedroni Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley $36-
Black Cherry, Dried Rose Petal, Intriguing, Sage, Sexy, Violets, Rockin



Click here to check out my 2011 Thanksgiving Wine Picks >>