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
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