42 Excellent Wines for Every Personality & Palate
We’ve selected 42 top-rated wines to gift everyone on your list, no matter the target price point or their taste preferences.
—Anne Krebiehl
To avoid breaking the bank.
These three inexpensive, easy-drinking elixirs prove price does not equal quality.
Clos Henri 2013 Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough), $16; 91 points.
Kendall-Jackson 2012 Vintner's Reserve Syrah (California), $17; 91 points.
La Vida al Camp NV Sant Sadurní d’Anoia Sparkling (Cava), $20; 89 points.
If the recipient is a chocoholic.
These wines either offer cocoa overtones or pair perfectly with chocolate dessert.
Alma de los Andes 2012 Reserva Malbec (Mendoza), $25; 91 points.
Viña La Ronciere 2011 Quiron Syrah (Colchagua Valley), $30, 91 points.
W. & J. Graham’s NV Six Grapes Special Old Vine Edition (Port), $42, 91 points.
For a friend newly addicted to Asian food.
These light-bodied, full-flavored Rieslings have the hints of sweetness needed to tackle spice.
August Kesseler 2012 Lorcher Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage (Rheingau), $36; 93 points.
Fritz Haag 2012 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Feinherb (Mosel), $NA; 92 points.
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2012 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett (Mosel), $33; 92 points.
For the fizz lover.
These three oft-overlooked options are totally worth popping.
Château Moncontour 2012 Cuvée Prédilection Brut (Vouvray), $20; 91 points.
Donkey & Goat 2013 Lily’s Cuvée Chardonnay Sparkling Wine (Anderson Valley), $30; 90 points.
Hansen-Lauer 2012 Riesling Sekt Brut (Mosel), $25; 90 points.
For the beach bum.
These brisk, expressive rosés offer perfect refreshment.
Château Sainte Marguerite 2013 Cru Classé Grande Réserve Rosé (Côtes de Provence), $29; 92 points.
Pietradolce 2013 Rosato (Etna), $21; 92 points.
Red Car 2013 Rosé of Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast), $25; 93 points
For the single-malt Scotch sippers.
The peaty, floral and smoky notes of single malts can be found in these luscious, aromatic wines.
Argyros 2013 Estate Assyrtico, $35; 91 points.
Les Vins de Vienne 2011 Les Archevêques (Saint-Joseph) $60, 91 points.
For those who stop and smell the roses.
If flowers are the recipient's fave, try these three that boast lovely honeysuckle and jasmine blossom notes.
Kobler 2013 Kobler Family Vineyard Viognier (Russian River Valley), $38; 90 points.
Michel Gassier 2013 Les Piliers Viognier (Vin de France), $15; 90 points.
Pacific Rim 2013 Twin Vineyards Gewürztraminer (Yakima Valley), $15; 91 points.
If he or she is adventurous.
These three delicious undiscovered gems would excite any daredevil.
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2012 Rkatsiteli (Finger Lakes), $15; 88 points.
Johanneshof Reinisch 2012 Satzing Rotgipfler (Thermenregion), $40; 92 points.
If they prefer living on the lighter side.
These racy, ethereal options might be dainty but they aren’t light on flavor.
Drappier NV Zéro Dosage Brut Nature Pinot Noir (Champagne), $49; 91 points.
La Grille 2013 Single Estate (Muscadet), $14; 87 points.
Red Tail Ridge 2013 RTR Estate Vineyard Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes), $19; 91 points.
If they embrace the great outdoors.
These three bottlings boast aromatic notes of woodlands, garrigue shrub and terrain.
Efeste 2011 Emmy (Wahluke Slope), $45, 92 points.
Gérard Bertrand 2010 La Forge (Corbières-Boutenac), $75, 92 points.
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