Wines Of The Year Dozen

Sentiero dei Pini is a crisp dry white wine with pure citrus and orchard fruit aromas, plus mineral notes and floral hints. The palate is fresh and clean, with apple, pear and citrus flavors, and a long, vibrant finish.

Antipasti, chicken, fish, shellfish, pasta, pork, mild cheeses.

Aluado Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with fresh peach, ripe pear, melon and citrusy aromas. The palate is creamy and well-balanced, with mouthfulling ripe peach, apricot and lemon flavors. Expect a deliciously long, fresh citrus finish.

Chicken, seafood, butter/cream sauces, risotto, soft cheeses.

Antonio Federici Rosso is a full-bodied red wine with ripe Morello cherry and delicate raspberry aromas. The palate has black fruit and cherry flavors, plus hints of warming spice on the long, complex finish.

Hearty pasta dishes, pizza, beef, lamb, cured meats, firm cheeses.

Tenuta Fenice Riserva is a medium-bodied red wine with plum and sour cherry accented by strawberry, blackberry and sweet spice. Warming and smooth, it’s well balanced, with a long, satisfying finish.

Red meat, pasta with meatballs, grilled white fish, barbecue (esp. ribs), baked pasta dishes.

Cooper Point is a medium- to full-bodied red with expressive dark fruit aromas that introduce a lush palate bursting with rich plum, ripe strawberry and a touch of spice.

Steak, burgers, barbecue, pork, duck, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses.

Hayrick is a crisp, dry white wine with orchard-fruit aromas and flavors, plus a zesty herb, floral and hay nuances. It’s fresh, with a long, vibrant finish.

Bendito Reserva is a full-bodied red wine with generous aromas and flavors of ripe red fruits and black cherry, framed by toasty-spice notes on the long finish.

Beef, lamb, game, burgers, meaty pasta, aged cheeses.

Barrel Monkeys is a full-bodied red wine that's vibrant and fresh, fruit forward and approachable. It's brimming with bold blackberry, gentle spice, ripe cassis and subtle milk chocolate notes. Smooth tannins and a plush mouthfeel contribute to its long, enjoyable finish.

Barbecue, sausage, pizza, lamb, meaty pasta, burgers, ribeye steak.

El Tambo is a medium-bodied white wine that’s aromatic, soft and rounded. Its lush palate brims with peach, apricot spice and a touch of minerality on the finish.

Seafood (esp. lobster, crab or scallops with butter sauces), spicy dishes, holiday classics like turkey and honey-glazed hams, cheese platters.

Chasm de Cabrespine is a full-bodied red wine with aromas of cherries, blackberries and violets. The palate offers similar flavors, with hints of jasmine and liquorice framing the long, spicy finish.

Roast lamb, steak (esp. ribeye), game birds, venison, pork, vegetarian, aged cheeses.

NXT BNK Meritage is a medium- to full-bodied red wine with aromatic notes of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry notes and a hint of smoke. The palate is juicy with distinct black currant and black cherry flavors, rounded tannins and mocha nuance on the finish.

Steak, burgers, barbecue, pork, duck, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses.