My recommendations for the second six wines for the twelve days of Christmas are listed below. Getting into the red wines, I have chosen wines from around the world
Starting with the seventh day of Christmas, I recommend that instead of drinking seven glasses of wine, you should consider inviting seven friends over and suggest that each of them bring a bottle. By the time the twelfth day rolls around, you will have either garnered numerous new friends or have gained the reputation as the biggest lush in the neighborhood.
Day 7: Antinori, Santa Christina, Italian: This wine is an excellent value, whether on the grocery shelf or in a restaurant. It is a blend of Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot and exhibits cherry flavors with the leaner Italian style. I can drink it every night. $14.00
Day 8: Torres Coronas, Spain: Medium to full bodied, a beautiful silky wine made from the Tempranillo grape with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is very ripe with black fruit flavors and a smooth touch of spice. $11.00
Day 9: Alamos, Malbec, Argentina: Possibly one of the best wine values on the planet. Alamos is the value tier from the Catena family of wines. A recent vintage will have excellent fruit and balance with a dark purple color - an older bottle will express more earthy flavors, reminiscent of Bordeaux. If you like the Alamos, try the Catena or the Alta. They are exceptional. $13.00
Day 10: Marquis Phillips, The Scooter, Merlot, Australia: For folks looking for concentrated, full bodied, high alcohol wines with intense flavors, this is for you. This highly rated wine is still a relative secret. Be advised, it is not your easy going Merlot. Lamb chops or game will be your best match or bring to a party when you want to say, "my wine is more impressive than yours is". $22.00
Day 11: Ravenswood, Vintners Reserve, Zinfandel, CA; This wine is a really good example of Zinfandel done easy. Not too powerful, not too elegant. It is made in a style that goes with pizza, burgers, chili, meatloaf, etc. Probably the most recognized example of a varietal unique to the US. $11.00
Day 12: BV, Tapestry Napa Cab, CA; A really excellent wine that is underpriced for its quality. Several years ago, it sold for a much higher price, but because of a reported problem with cork taint, lost considerable value. This is an excellent California Meritage, with complex flavors. I recommend that you buy it. I do, as does my restaurant, Ruth's Chris Steak House. $28.00
The wines I have recommended are excellent values and I hope you will seek them out at your local wine/grocery store. I would really like to hear what you think.
I wish you the happiest of holidays.
