Wine Picks: Holiday Magic + Sweet Wines: Nov. 12 Vintages release

As we get closer to the holiday season, it's time to think about wines for get-togethers. The November 12 Vintage release primary focus is on premium (i.e. expensive) wines. I mostly skipped over these as nearly all were out of budget. However, there are some gems should you wish to purchase a premium wine for your special occasion.

The secondary focus in this release is on the sweet wines. I have chosen two dessert wines, including one Icewine that should satisfy your sweet tooth - or someone else's while making a nice gift.

As for the remainder of this release, there is something for everyone (including your guests) among my top selections. The Sonop Cab Sauv from South Africa is organic and made in a slightly lighter style, while the remaining red wines are on the "big" side.

Among the white wines, the Chardonnay is intriguing. the Pinot Gris is off-dry, and the Savvy is almost made in the classic style. Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• MAIPE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Mendoza, Argentina (#246116) (D) - $17.95
• FERNANDEZ ESCUDO DE PLATA GRAN RESERVA 2004 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#246751) (XD) - $19.95
• DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#729962) (XD) - $14.95
• TERRA NOBLE GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2008 - Maule Valley, Chile (#957050) (XD) - $15.95
• SONOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#606160) (XD) - $13.95
• PODERE L’AJA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#234948) (XD) - $17.95

White Wine:

• LUIGI BOSCA RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2010 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#142836) (XD) - $17.95
• KUHLMANN PLATZ PINOT GRIS 2008 - AC Alsace, France (#224204) (D) - $17.95
• WITHER HILLS WAIRAU VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (XD) - $17.95

Icewine:

• HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2010 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#672402) (S) 200 mL - $39.95

Dessert Wine:

• SIVIPA MOSCATEL DE SETÚBAL 2008 - DOC, Portugal (#246652) (MS) - $15.95