Wine Guy holiday recommendations

With the kickoff of the holiday season, I’ve put together some great bargains below. Nearly all the wines are currently on sale, with some of them up to $10 off per bottle. I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday season!

White and Rose Wines

• Goodfellow Pinot Gris 2018. Characteristics: Fragrant nose leads to a clean finish. Accompaniment: Turkey, pork. Origin: Willamette Valley, Ore. Under $17.

• Pierre Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature 2016. Characteristics: Lovely French bubbly at a great price — quality at a steal. Dry fruit flavors and a taut finish. Accompaniment: Appetizers. Origin: France. Under $25.

• Shannon Ridge Chardonnay 2018. Chracteristics: Green apple and citrus nose. Very food-friendly and another great bargain. Accompaniment: Appetizers, fish, chicken. Origin: Lake County, Calif. Under $10.

• Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2019. Characteristics: Grapefruit and lemon flavors lead to a crisp finish. A little higher end but worth every penny. Accompaniment: Baked chicken, fish, shrimp, vegetable dishes. Origin: Napa Valley, Calif. Under $25.

• Gnarly Head Sauvignon Blanc 2019. Characteristics: Fresh apple and peach flavors at a great price. Accompaniment: Fish, vegetables, salads, appetizers — party wine. Origin: Monterey Valley, Calif. Under $14.

Red Wines

The Convert Red Blend 2016

• Pierre Tailleur de Vins Cabernet Franc 2018. Characteristics: Lush red fruit flavors and a very clean finish. Accompaniment: Steak, grilled meats. Origin: Languedoc, France. Under $20.

• Basel Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Characteristics: Textbook Columbia Valley Cabernet with a touch of Malbec and Syrah for the finish. Accompaniment: Roast beef. Origin: Columbia Valley, Wash. Under $16.

• Thorn Clark Terra Barossa Shiraz 2015. Characteristics: Spicy stone fruit flavors with a touch of spice on the finish. Accompaniment: Steak, roast pork. Origin: Australia. Under $17.

• The Convert Red Blend 2016. Characteristics: Plush-tasting, multi-grape red blend from the Columbia Valley. Accompaniment: Pork chops. Origin: Columbia Valley, Wash. Under $17.

• Greg Norman Estates Shiraz 2018. Characteristics: Juicy cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Very well-made wine. Accompaniment: Barbecue chicken, strong hard cheeses. Origin: Limestone Coast, Australia. Under $18.

Bookmark for your next wine-buying trip!

John Webster, The Wine Guy

Photo by Joan Yanchick