Have a Dry Creek Valley wine lover on your holiday shopping list, but you’re not quite sure which wine to gift them this holiday season? Let’s face it: selecting the ideal wine to gift can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin, so let us untangle the process with some of our favorite Dry Creek Valley wine selections for this holiday season. Here are some holiday wine gift ideas, in a variety of price ranges and categories, that are sure to please any wine lover!      

Amista Vineyard’s – Blanc de Blanc

Category: A unique selection for the wine lover who seemingly has everything and will appreciate something rare. Here’s a little known fact: Amista is the only producer of Dry Creek Vally sparkling wines in the entire AVA, now in their fifth year crafting sparkling wines using the traditional methode champenoise.

Flavor profile: The tiny delicate bubbles gently spring to the surface with fruity aromas, such as lemon meringue pie, peaches and cream, and a crisp green apple, balanced by a rich yeastiness.

Pairs well with: The acidity on the finish makes it a perfect pairing to an array of dishes including flat, yeast or dry breads, hard cheeses like Gruyère or Pecorino, and certain fish. Not to mention it’s perfect for toasting on any occasion!

Price Point: $34

Notable Accolades: GOLD MEDAL, “Best of Best” North Coast Wine Challenge

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves – 2010 Bella Vineyards Zinfandel Lily Hill Estate

 

Category: Here’s a classic expression of old-vine zinfandel with all that is characteristic of Dry Creek Valley. The grapes for this wine were harvested from from six different “micro-lots” on their acclaimed Lily Hill Estate and then hand-sorted and de-stemmed.

Flavor profile: The boasting ripe aromas of plum, blackcurrant and blackberry jam, as well as hints of vanilla and nutmeg. Very full bodied, ripe without being obnoxiously jammy with exotic earthiness of mushroom, fig, hoisin sauce.

Pairs well with: Poultries and other white meats; roasted vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower and grilled salmon.

Price Point: $39

 

Notable Accolades: 91 Points – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Dry Creek Vineyard – Dry Creek Vineyard’s 2009 Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Category: For a wine lover with a cellar that wants a wine with aging potential, this impeccably balanced cabernet sauvignon blended with splashes of petit verdot and merlot is a crown jewel and represents Dry Creek Vineyard’s vision for what this varietal can be.

Flavor profile: At first swirl, aromas of cherry, chocolate, and cardamom leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine is expressive, showcasing our region’s distinctive character of dried florals, cranberries, bright cherries and earthy, dusty tannins.

Pairs well with: Gamey meats such as lamb and foods high in fat and umami flavors; also, mushroom pizzas, braised short ribs, mushroom stroganoff, and certain hamburger meats.

Price Point: $54

Notable Accolades: 92 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine; 90 Points The Tasting Panel

Pedroncelli Vineyards – 2012 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Chardonnay

Category: A versatile wine selection for the beginner wine lover that’s ready to drink now, available at an incredibly budget-friendly price point.

Flavor profile: While the refreshing lemongrass, honeydew melon and pear aromas and flavors predominate, the blend of the two chardonnay lots adds both fruit forward qualities and toasted oak complexity. Highlighted by bright acidity, the wine finishes clean and crisp.

Pairs well with: Ideal with light and delicate food such as raw or lightly cooked shellfish like crab and prawns; also steamed or grilled fish, fish pâtés, salmons and trouts, chicken or vegetable terrines and pasta or risotto with spring vegetables. Like we said, versatile!

Price Point: $14

Notable Accolades: The Gold Medal: Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition; 95 Points: justwinepoints.com

Happy Holidays!