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Gift-giving is not always smooth sailing, which is why we compiled 8 fun gift ideas to aide you with your holiday shopping. But sometimes just picking up a fun bottle of wine does the trick. The recipient is guaranteed not to exchange it, and they'll likely discover something new if you make your selection right. Here, nine of Wine Spectator's official tasters suggest a great pick from their tasting beats and explain what's special about it.
LAIL Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Blueprint 2017
WS Review: Aromatic and distinctive, with rich notes of honeycomb, coconut oil and lanolin that give way to fresh apricot and mango flavors, freshened by a crisp jolt of acidity akin to a squeeze of lime juice. Despite the lush, refined flavors and smooth body, the finish is pure refreshment, lingering endlessly. Drink now. 1,065 cases made.
Why It's of Note: I reviewed more than 400 Sauvignon Blancs this year, and Lail's Blueprint is one of the most memorable. Winemaker Philippe Melka ferments Yountville and Coombsville Sauvignon Blanc grapes in French oak barrels, nearly half of them new, to give this wine rich aromatics and a lush texture. But then the wine is removed from the barrels and aged in stainless steel tanks, which helps preserve the freshness of the fruit flavors and zingy acidity. It's a standout wine, both pleasurable to drink and an eye-opening example of what Sauvignon Blanc in the right hands can do.—M.W.
MACULAN Breganze Torcolato 2013
WS Review: Bursting with aromas and flavors of apricot and strawberry preserves and accents of spiced orange peel, toffee and fragrant herb, this rich and creamy sweetie is backed by vibrant acidity that carries the range of flavor on the lasting finish. Shows lovely concentration without excessive weight. Vespaiolo. Drink now through 2029. 100 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Maculan, located about an hour northwest of Venice in northern Italy, is a champion of the area's signature torcolato dessert wine style. Their version is made by drying select grape bunches of the native Vespaiolo variety for about four months and hanging them from rafters in long, twisted strands that dehydrate the berries; this concentrates flavors and sugar content before pressing and fermentation. Aging for one year in one-third new French oak barriques rounds out this creamy sweetie and amplifies its lovely range of aromatics.—A.N.
DE MORGENZON Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Reserve 2017
WS Review: Broad and ripe in feel, with creamed pear, melon and yellow apple fruit flavors laced with white ginger and singed hazelnut notes. The long finish features gentle toast, allowing the fruit to play out. Drink now through 2022. 475 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: This De Morgenzon wine makes a great gift for a few reasons. First, you can impress your recipient with your knowledge of Dutch—"de morgen zon" means "morning sun." You can also relate that Chenin Blanc is South Africa's most widely planted white variety and can make terrific wines from quality-minded producers. Its flavor profile will also appeal to Chardonnay fans, but you'll score points for going with something off the beaten track.—J.M.
RAMOS-PINTO Douro Duas Quintas Reserva 2016
WS Review: This generous red gains focus from its solid structure and mineral undertones supporting the plum reduction, raspberry tart and boysenberry fruit. Spice, violet and menthol notes linger on the long finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta da Barca. Drink now through 2025. 506 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Because of Portugal's wealth of indigenous grape varieties that are rarely grown anywhere else, these wines are great gifts for adventurous wine lovers. This Ramos-Pinto bottling is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta da Barca. Full-bodied and packed with fruit, floral and spice flavors—hallmark notes for Touriga Nacional—this wine goes well with winter fare such as leg of lamb, meaty stews or short ribs.—G.S.
BASSERMANN-JORDAN Riesling Pfalz Trocken Forst 2017
WS Review: An enticing dry Riesling, with a savory mineral character and well-integrated acidity. Firm in structure, yet elegant and expressive, sporting notes of cardamom, milk thistle and kiwifruit. The finish is long and complex. Drink now through 2022. 150 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Bassermann-Jordan's vineyards span 124 acres of some of the most distinguished sites in the Pfalz region of Germany. The grapes for this bottling come from different vineyards around the village of Forst, which are covered with volcanic soil. Thus, the resulting wine is rich in minerality. Its savory character and pronounced acidity make it a nice match with food—try it with poultry, seafood or pork.—A.Z.
BRICK HOUSE Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Select 2016
WS Review: Pretty raspberry and strawberry blossom aromas open to delicate and silky cherry and spice flavors that glide on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 640 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Brick House is one of the original cult Pinot Noirs in Willamette Valley. Owner and winemaker Doug Tunnell grew up in the valley and went on to become a foreign correspondent for CBS News. He returned to Oregon in 1990 and bought a few acres in what is now the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Tunnell's Ribbon Ridge Select is a selection of barrels that don't go into the top cuvées like Evelyn's or Les Dijonnais. It's more approachable stylistically than his other Pinots and more moderately priced.—T.F.
BODEGAS VALDELACIERVA Rioja Reserva 2014
WS Review: This dense red shows impressive structure, featuring muscular tannins and balsamic acidity. Offers a core of plum and fig flavors, with cocoa and underbrush notes that emerge on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 700 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Rioja is a good source of wine gifts because of its amazing diversity: The region makes dry whites, rosés and reds that can be powerful or elegant, youthful or mature. There's something for every palate on your list. Rioja also consistently delivers great value. Bodegas Valdelacierva's Reserva 2014 is boldly structured, with a range of flavors that evoke holiday herbs and spices.—T.M.
ACHÁVAL-FERRER Quimera Mendoza 2015
WS Review: A big and strapping red, filled with concentrated dark fruit and spice flavors supported by medium-grained tannins. Dark chocolate notes show on the finish. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2022. 1,112 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: This Malbec-based red from top Argentine producer Achával-Ferrer blends in Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to yield a powerful Bordeaux-style blend. Its structure gives it fine balance and approachability, as well as short-term aging potential. Made with fruit from old-vine vineyards in the Mendoza region, this wine provides more complexity and finesse than many others in its price range.—K.M.
DOMAINE BERTHENET Montagny Tête de Cuvée 2016
WS Review: A bright, juicy version, this offers peach, apple, floral and lemon flavors. Rich, yet backed by a lively structure that extends the finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Montagny is the southernmost appellation in Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise. It's dominated by white wine and by the cooperative Cave de Buxy, which Jean-Pierre Berthenet left in 2001 to bottle his own wines. Though rich, this tête de cuvée, Berthenet's flagship white from its 37 acres of vineyards, offers fine balance and freshness. It's a terrific value for the quality.—B.S.