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TOP 12 Holiday Picks for December |
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Here is our TOP 12 Holiday Picks! Typically our monthly email highlights the TOP new releases, but this month we spotlight the BEST OF THE BEST from this year and make them our TOP Holiday Picks!
The following is a really outstanding selection of wines. We are looking forward to a great Holiday Season and assisting you with your wine and craft beer selections!
Cheers,
Matt and Team
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Pra
2017 Veneto
OTTO
Soave Classico
#73 in TOP 100, W.S. 2018
90 Wine Spectator
Doesn't get much better than this in Italian whites. So refreshing and thirst quenching, it's no wonder it has become our #1 selling Italian white wine the last few months.
The Pra winery, although only started in the early 1980’s, has come to be not only one of the top producers in the Soave appellation, but also one of the most important and visionary white wine makers in all of Italy. The winery is run by Graziano Pra, whose family owned their vineyards for generations but never commercialized the wines in bottles. Hints of fresh peach, apricot and floral notes with a mineral-driven finish.
Great as an aperitif.
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Secret Indulgence
2016 California
Chronology
Red Blend
92 Wine Advocate
We have not been able to keep this wine in stock! Having learned our lesson, we've brought in additional inventory to keep up with the demand. Why is this wine so popular?
Probably because it reminds you of The Prisoner Red Blend of 15 years ago, when it was affordable for most, flavor was outstanding and only a few thousand cases were produced.
From Wine Advocate: The 2016 Chronology Red is a blend of 30% Petite Sirah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Grenache, with the balance of Syrah, Mourv�dre, Mission, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. Aged in 14% new French and American oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it has intense scents of cassis, warm plums, black cherries and violets with hints of black pepper.
~Brian's Top Pick~
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$15.99 |
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$19.99 |
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Halter Ranch
2016 Paso Robles
Synthesis
Red Blend
Halter Ranch is a favorite stop for those who love the Paso Robles wine country. It's no wonder as it is a spectacular property with an incredibly beautiful winery and tasting room. Oh and the wine is pretty darn good. The winemaker Kevin Sass, who left Justin Winery after 11 years and has now been at Halter Ranch for 7 years clearly has a hold on this region. It shows with this delicious red blend that our customers keep coming back for month after month. Smooth and approachable, this wine is great on its own but will compliment most meat dishes and any B-B-Q. A Red Blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Petite Sirah. |
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Badge
2014 Santa Barbara
Syrah
$36 at the Winery!
This is one heck-u-va Syrah for the price!
This is the last few cases of the vintage that we purchased at a reduced rate and we are passing on the savings to you!
This is as good as Syrah gets at this price point. Great depth and concentration. Classy notes of blackberries, crushed violets, blueberries, and toasted notes. Drink this full-bodied, elegant and ultra-fine Syrah over the next 3-4 years. However, it's drinking incredibly well right now!
Utilizing 50 years of combined winemaking experience, Bruno D’Alfonso & Kris Curran offer a collection of exceptional wines and unique varietals. Today the husband-and-wife team focuses exclusively on their own collection of fine wines under four different labels including Badge. |
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$18.99 |
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$15.99 |
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The Calling
2015 Russian River Valley
Pinot Noir
$37 elsewhere
50% OFF HERE
One of our BEST SELLING Pinot Noir.
An absolute no-brainer! WOW!
Notes from the Winery: Fruit for this vintage was sourced from several locations in the Russian River Valley, each vineyard site contributing critical, unique aspects to the complexity of the resulting wine. Vineyards located in the warmer end of the Russian River Valley contribute ripe fruit elements. Vineyards from the cooler areas lend a strong minerality and structural backbone, and vines at altitude with sandy, well-drained soil add complexity and structure.
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Roth
2015 Alexander Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
91 Wine Spectator
Roth is back and in a BIG WAY! This 2015 vintage is an exceptional value! Without a doubt the best value Cabernet Sauvignon under $20 coming out of Northern California!
It is amazing the number of cases we have sold over the past 6 months. If for some reason you have missed this wine, put it on the shopping list for your next visit!
From Wine Spectator: Complex aromas of creamy oak, mocha, gravel and dark berry combine for a dense, rich and concentrated effort that's firmly tannic, with a seam of elegance. Drink now through 2030.
~Limited~
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$17.99 |
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$19.99 |
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Gregory Graham
2016 Carneros
Chardonnay
One of our TOP SELLERS! Big, rich, creamy vanilla with a butterscotch finish.
A San Diego Wine and Beer Co. customer favorite. Greg Graham worked at ROMBAUER VINEYARDS for many years, so you can bet that you'll find this wine exudes some similar characteristics.
After nearly 25 years of experience producing Chardonnay for other wineries, Greg now produces his own version of this classic California Chardonnay under his own label. Our fruit comes from the Sangiacomo Family Vineyards just south of the town of Sonoma in the Carneros area, which provides ideal soils and climate.
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Teso La Manja
2014 Toro
Almirez
Red Blend
92 Robert Parker
91 Wine Spectator
You are in for a treat if you purchase this tasty Spanish red! Just read the reviews below to understand why this has become a best seller! Full-bodied with blackberry, cassis, roasted game and savory notes on the long, lusty finish.
From Wine Advocate: The 2014 Almirez, which spends much longer time in oak and comes from vines 15-65 years old in slightly higher elevations.Full body and a long, lusty finish. Some licorice also makes an appearance in this impressively constituted wine. Drink it over the next decade.
From Wine Spectaor: This rich red is plush yet graceful, delivering expressive flavors of raspberry, cherry, cola and toast, supported by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Big yet balanced, in the modern style. Drink now through 2024.
~Mark's Top Pick~ |
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$23.99 |
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$21.99 |
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Chateau Graville Lacoste
2017 Graves
Bordeaux Blanc
Probably the best white Bordeaux value we have offered in the last 5 years! This wine is off the charts delicious! We have sold boatloads over the last few months and this is LAST CALL
This Graves is distinguished by its high percentage of Semillon (nearly 60%) the remaining is Sauvignon Blanc. Try it with fresh seafood, poultry, picnic fare or it will delight the senses when paired with Indian Curries. Imported by Kermit Lynch.
~Matt's Top Pick~
Also available in Half bottles |
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Les Carrelets
2015
Bordeaux
A red Bordeaux we introduced months ago and we continue to re-order weekly! Exceptional value from a remarkable vintage has made this our our #1 selling Bordeaux for under $10 this past year! Off the charts value! Great Bordeaux vintages turn out exceptional quality even at this crazy, inexpensive price-point! Don't miss this one!
Awesome Price!! |
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$14.99 |
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$9.99 |
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Foley Johnson
2014 Rutherford
Meritage
#100 in TOP 100, W.S. 2018
92 Wine Spectator
92 Robert Parker
$45 at the winery
Boom! An incredible buy from Foley Johnson! Their Cabernet Sauvignon has been a huge hit, so wait till you taste this Meritage! Amazing quality at this price!
From Robert Parker: Their 2014 Proprietary Red Meritage is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It is another striking value among the stratospherically priced wines of Napa. More floral than its counterpart, with more uplifted aromatics, but similar weight and richness, this full-bodied, pure, ripe, delicious and complex wine has attractive aromatics, medium to full body and velvety tannins.
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Purple Corduroy
2013 Lodi
Red Siren
Zinfandel
This wine in the past 2 months has slowly become one of the most popular Zinfandels of the year! The Lodi appelation is known for Zinfandel and this wine is the perfect example of the juicy, tasty Zinfandels that come from this beautiful appellation. Full and rich with black cherries, dark cocoa, caramel and hints of truffle. Sustainable winegrowing.
Notes from the winery: Our 2013 Red Siren is a full-bodied red zinfandel, with a plush tannin profile that is balanced with integrated acidity, dark fruit influence and French oak barrels.
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$25.99 |
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$12.99 |
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