While we believe moms should be celebrated every day of the year, Mother’s Day is particularly special. However, it can be difficult to find a gift that you know she’ll love.
So we’ve made it easy for you by compiling a list of 11 “mom-worthy” bottles. Whether she enjoys popping open a bottle of bubbly with brunch, sipping on a Scotch, or anything in-between, here are some bottles that are (almost) as exceptional as she is.
Sparkling
Louis Roederer 2012 Vintage Brut (Champagne); $80, 95 points.This beautiful wine, with its poise, elegance and balance, has both a steely mineral core and an outer ripe-fruit character. It has citrus, tight acidity and rich apple and green-plum flavors. The wine is still a little young and will be better from 2019. Maisons Marques & Domaines USA.—Roger Voss
Cà di Rajo 2016 Cuvée del Fondatore Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore); $32, 91 points. Fragrant scents of spring blossom, wild flower and orchard fruit escape from the glass. Silky and elegant, the tangy palate doles out white peach, green apple and lemon drop alongside a refined perlage and refreshing acidity. Superior Wines. Editors’ Choice.—Kerin O’ Keefe
Rosé
Margerum 2017 Riviera Rosé (Santa Barbara County); $21, 92 points. Tight, bright and refreshing on the nose, this very pale Grenache-based rosé shows strawberry and wet river stones on the nose. There’s an immense grip to the sip, with pithy lime rinds framing the tightly wound strawberry flavors that carry far into the finish. Beware the ease with which it vanishes. Editors’ Choice. —Matt Kettmann
Château de Trinquevedel 2016 Tavel; $19, 91 points. Equal parts fruit and mineral, this dry, full-bodied rosé offers loads of pristine strawberry and red currant juxtaposed against a crystalline minerality. It’s vibrantly fresh, finishing on savory tones of bramble, thyme and rosemary. This lovely wine could function easily either by the pool or through dinner. Drink now through 2020. Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.—Anna Lee C. Iijima
White Wine
Jean-Marc Brocard 2016 Montmains Premier Cru (Chablis); $34, 93 points. This crisp, steely wine comes from the cooler left bank of the river in Chablis. It is a tight wine, strong on minerality and tangy acidity, with the steely texture that gives the ability to age. Drink this nervy, crisp wine from 2020. Verity Wine Partners. —R.V.
La Pitchoune 2014 Chenoweth Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley); $88, 91 points. From a great site, this tiny production wine is dark gold in color and oaky on the nose. Baked caramel apple, lemon chiffon and nutmeg all play a role—bold flavors that highlight this well-made effort that offers a throughput of bright acidity.—Virginie Boone
Red Wine
Patricia Green Cellars 2016 Estate Vineyard Bonshaw Block Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge); $60, 100 points. This 100% Pommard clone wine from a 1990 planting is immensely deep, dark and textural, with complex aromas that instantly draw one in. Its compact berry, plum jam and baking spice scents come with underlying mineral and earth notes. It hits the palate with a powerfully woven matrix of lush flavors: blueberry, plum, cherry, chocolate, butterscotch and toasted coconut. It’s thick, supple and lingering—an ethereal and extraordinary wine. Editors’ Choice.—Paul Gregutt
Château Bélingard 2015 Ortus de Château Bélingard Red (Côtes de Bergerac); $25, 92 points.This top red from the Bélingard estate is produced from selected parcels. The ripe tannic character goes well with the rich blackberry fruit, elegant acidity and spice from the wood aging. This Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend is ready to age further. Drink from 2021. Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits. Editors’ Choice. —R.V.
Spirits
Glen Grant 12 Scotch; $47, 95 points.This burnished gold whiskey shows apple and pear drizzled with butterscotch on the nose and palate, plus campfire smoke and gingerbread spice on the exceedingly long exit. A splash of water tames the heat and transforms the oak into vanilla and buttery brioche. Best Buy.—Kara Newman
Barrell Whiskey Cask Strength Batch 002 Sherry Cask Finish; $65, 93 points. An enticing, chocolaty and clearly high-octane sipper, this whiskey entices with rich vanilla and dulce de leche aromas. The palate starts with fleeting sweetness—chocolate, vanilla, toffee—but quickly veers toward superdry, resounding with dark chocolate and mouth-puckering leather. It stands up well to substantial dilution—it needs plenty. Aged nine years, six months. American straight whiskey, sherry cask finish.—K.N.
Rey Campero Mezcal; $53, 93 points. Brash and complex, look for bright bell pepper and fresh basil aromas. The mouthwatering palate also shows plenty of bold vegetal notes, drying to rubber, a moderate amount of smoke and a spicy flicker of cayenne on the finish.—K.N.
Published: May 2, 2018
