For the November issue of Sacramento magazine (on newsstands now), we asked three local wine experts for their top wine picks for your holiday table. Here’s what they had to say.
Donal Smith, wine buyer, Corti Brothers:
2006 Stratton Lummis Chardonnay ($20.29) An unwooded Chardonnay with flavors of apple and spicy pear. A hint of minerality. Zesty and lively, it will stand up to big, aggressive Thanksgiving flavors.
2006 Handley Pinot Noir Mendocino County ($24.99) Bright black-cherry flavors. Rich, velvety texture. Generous and flamboyant.
2006 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs ($37.49) Traditional and elegant. Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of melon, apple and peach.
Dave Cancilla, junior partner, Beyond Napa Wine Merchants:
2007 Elizabeth Spencer Chardonnay ($18.97) Sexy and succulent, with sophisticated aromas of white fruits and vanilla custard.
2007 Becker Estate Pinot Noir ($17.97) Light yet complex and intense, with alluring aromas of bacon, baking spices and cranberry.
NV Domaine J. Laurens Crémant de Limoux Blanc de Blancs Brut ($14.97) Brilliant color, an impeccable bead of tiny bubbles, vibrant flavors and elegant balance.
Matthew L. Parker, retail manager, 58 Degrees & Holding Co.:
2007 Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier ($14) Delicate aromas of peach, apricot and honeysuckle with underlying notes of allspice. Good concentration and weight, very fresh. Outstanding value from an underappreciated region.
2005 Mas des Chimères Coteaux du Languedoc ($24) Loads of currant, blackberry and blueberry fruit, dark chocolate intermixed with smoke and subtle meat aromas with pronounced clove and licorice spice. Medium to full-bodied, plush and surprisingly nuanced. A truly splendid wine.
NV Domaine Allimant-Laugner Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé ($22) Gentle aromas of watermelon and strawberries with subtle hints of dried fig compote. Dry, with a gentle, persistent fizz and refreshing acidity.
