We love red wine. So does our fiancé. So does our sister. So do our good friends, Brandon and Taryn. Our boss, he loves red wine too. Because so many people love red wine, we enjoy giving it to them.
Red wine is delicious, of course, and it makes for a simple, versatile and much appreciated gift. For example, we have a co-worker, Chris, who gives all the colleagues with whom he works closely the same variety of red wine every December. That’s ten or so people who get identical gifts. If he’d given us all the same tacky ornament, that’d be lame. But, he didn’t. He gave us all red wine, so he wins Co-Worker of the Year. Plus, when the holiday luncheon ends, the in-office celebration can continue. Cheers!
This holiday season, be a hero like Chris. Give bottles of wine to those you adore, those you like, and—hell—even those you tolerate. It’s the giving season. You can correlate the price point to the strength of your feelings for each recipient. For those you hate, there’s always Two-Buck Chuck. We actually don’t mind Two-Buck Chuck. But we also drank homemade wine in an Eastern Europe village for several years, so we have tolerant palates.
For your holiday gift giving, here are some gentlemanly ideas:
1. Oso Libre Winery 2012 Carnal — $46
Blend of Grenache 41%, Syrah 30%, and Petite Sirah 29%
Winemaker’s Notes: This is a Grenache lover’s wine. Due to the exceptionally cool summer in 2012, we didn’t harvest any Mourvédre, so Carnal is not a GSM this year. But the Syrah is especially aromatic, so I don’t think you’ll miss the “M”. We’ll call it a GSPS. Look for top notes of violet, blackberry, honey and fresh pipe tobacco. The finish is pronounced with vanilla, almonds and coffee.
2. Anaba Sonoma Coast 2012 Pinot Noir — $35
Winemaker’s Notes: This is a classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with pure aromas of lavender, sweet red cherry and just a hint of toasty oak. On the palate, the bright, juicy, red fruits are layered with roses, root beer, bing cherries and a hint of nutmeg. A go-to wine, this Pinot Noir is consistent year after year.
3. Stinson Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc — $24
Winemaker’s Notes: A seriously spicy mouthful of white pepper tobacco with hints of sweeter baking spices like clove and vanilla. Whole berry fermented and aged in French oak.
