Zig's 2016 Holiday Wine Picks:

Holiday Wine Sponsor:
Zazu Kitchen + Farm
Zazu Kitchen and Farm
What is the best affordable wine for a party and every day during the holiday season? What is the best premium wine for gift giving and that special holiday lunch or dinner?

16 Judges blindly tasted near 200 wines from 6 countries ranging from $3.99 to $250. per bottle, to determine what wine is the best value Sparkling, White and Red wine under $16- as well as what is the best high end Sparkling, White and Red wine $35.

I've chosen descriptions from select panel members to highlight each wine profile.

*Top Wines Under $16*

Sparkling Wine

Barefoot Brut Cuvee, California
Citrusy, easy, honey laced crisp apples, melons, floral, white mushrooms, brioche, pretty

White Wine

2015 Toad Hollow "Unoaked" Chardonnay, Francine's Selection, Mendocino County.
Pears, lemon tart, delicious, ocean air, white peaches, oyster shell, zip-a-dee-doo-dah

Red Wine

2013 Ottimino "Zinfinity" Zinfandel, Sonoma County
Spiced plums, dark & delicious, crowd pleaser, blackberry, cassis, heaven


*Top Wines $35 and beyond

Sparkling

2011 Woodenhead, Brut Rosé, Russian River Valley (124 cases produced) $46.
World class, lengthy & luscious, dried rose petals, young watermelon, fresh, rockin’, wild strawberry, hints of rhubarb, amazing

White Wine

2015 Trattore, Viognier, Dry Creek Valley (219 cases produced) $35. Bright & beautiful, honeysuckle, meyer lemon rind, dried apricots, lengthy mouthfeel, scintillating, wet sea shell, impressive

Red Wine

2013 Sedition, Pinot Noir, Chenoweth Vineyards, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (230 cases produced) $75. Elegant, bing cherry parade, balanced, cola, seductive acidity, baking spices, party in your mouth, stunning, rich, tantalizing