Wines to Enjoy at Home with a Holiday Meal
2022 Claude Riffault “Mosaique Calcaire” / Sancerre, Loire Valley, France / Grape: Sauvignon Blanc / $37.99
“I met my wife in Sancerre in 1996, so I have a special fondness for these vibrant, dynamic wines. Sancerre is produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in chalky, limestone rich soil, and Riffault’s wine is worth a special search to find. His Mosaique Calcaire comes from 20 different vineyard parcels. It’s perfectly balanced with a winning combination of delicate fruit and soft natural acidity, which showcases the mineral-laced finish. It’s flavorful, but it’s as light as a cloud—like sunshine in a bottle!” —John Nash, Starr’s Wine & Spirits, Richmond Heights
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2022 Dr. Konstantin Frank “Dry Riesling” / Finger Lakes, New York / Grape: Riesling / $42
“Elegant but bursting with ripe fruit—green apple, honeydew, mango—this dry Riesling comes from a historic estate in the Finger Lakes and is perfect for pairing with richer holiday dishes.” —Kevin McKay, wine director of Take Root Hospitality, The Cellar Shop at Winslow’s Table, University City
2021 Paul Lato “Matinée” / Santa Barbara County, California / Grape: Pinot Noir / $54.99
“I’m a huge fan/follower of winemaker Paul Lato, and the critics love his wine, too! He magically crafts the finest Pinot Noirs made in North America. He came to the U.S. (from Poland) and was discovered by the late Jim Clendenen (founder/winemaker at Au Bon Climat) and wine critic Robert Parker. His Pinot Noirs are sublime, perfectly balanced wines that can compete with the finest French Burgundies. Lato’s Matinée Pinot Noir comes from a blend of single vineyard sources. The color is pale, but don’t let that fool you: The aromas are captivating and complex and seem to change in the glass. On the palate is where this really shines—the ’21 Matinée has an ethereal quality and a $500 finish!” —John Nash, Starr’s Wine & Spirits, Richmond Heights
2020 Montes “Purple Angel” / Valle de Colchagua, Chile / Grapes: Carmenere & Petit Verdot / $110.99
“This may be my favorite bottle in the store right now. It’s great on top of the tree, under the tree, or as a gift for someone special… Massive, dense, and over-the-top good—it’s what I picked for our staff holiday dinner this yea, and it was amazing with the beef Wellington.” —Mike Gray, Grapevine Wines, Kirkwood
Wines For a House Gift
2021 Domaine Font Mars / Pays D’Oc, France / Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon / $15
“This festive cabernet got us excited not only because of the dinosaurs on the label but because of its amazing price.” —Simon Lehrer, Parker’s Table, Richmond Heights
2018 Château de Mauny “Crémant de Loire” Brut / Loire Valley, France / Grape: Chenin Blanc / $16.99
“This Crémant (French sparkling wine that’s not from Champagne) is the perfect balance of delicious and affordable that is exactly right for holiday parties, to bring as a gift or pour for yourself while you’re cooking!” —Diana Gray, Grapevine Wines, Kirkwood
2019 Casanova di Neri “Irrosso” / Tuscany, Italy / Grapes: Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon / $28
“While showing your appreciation for being invited to someone’s home with a bottle of wine, there’s no need to break the bank. If you are going to buy more conservatively, replace price with quality, and choose wisely. Bringing a wine they might not have had before is always a good idea. There’s nothing like a good super Tuscan to give as a gift. The Irrosso is medium to big bodied, spicy and earthy, with mouthwatering fruit and a smooth finish.” —Gus Nanos, VINO Stl, Central West End
NV Lacroix “Cuvee Anthony” / Champagne, France / Grape: Pinot Meunier / $34.99
“This award-winning Champagne will capture hearts at any table. It features a balance of fruit and minerality, with a touch of nutty notes. This wine was made to enjoy during the holidays.” —Brea, The Wine Merchant, Olivette (recently moved from Clayton)
2023 Side Project “Salud” Peaches and Orange Wine / Missouri / Components: Vidal Blanc, Peaches, Saison Beer / $39.99 for 750mL
“Salud crosses the boundary between natural wine and Missouri Saison, aged on the skins of Vidal grapes. From Side Project Brewing, Salud will be sure to impress if you give it as a gift this holiday. It has attributes of both wine and beer. With the addition of peaches, it has something for everyone. And it’s made right here in St. Louis.” —Jeff Brooks, Spirit Wine and Craft, South St. Louis City
Special Wines for Gifting to the Wine Enthusiast
2019 Clos Apalta “Le Petit Clos” / Apalta Valley, Chile / Grapes: Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot / $44.99
“From the family that invented Grand Marnier, this wine showcases French winemaking expertise with everything wonderful Chile has to offer. It’s a solid, well-crafted, highly rated wine that will win over any wine lover in your life.” —Jason Main, The Wine Merchant, Olivette (recently moved from Clayton)
2019 Domaine de Beaurenard “Boisrenard” / Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France / Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre / $70
“Whether you are looking to impress, celebrating something, or simply want to share the love, these wines are beautifully made and worth every penny. The Boisrenard CDP is a Grenache dominant blend of all 13 Rhône varietals, all grown and fermented together, giving the wine a rustic and genuine example of the royalty of the Southern Rhône Valley, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.” —Gus Nanos, VINO Stl, Central West End
2021 Haute Montagne / Napa Valley, California / Grape: Cabernet Franc / $74.99
“Only 75 cases were produced from the famous Pritchard Hill, considered the first growth of California. Wines produced there include Colgin, Bryant Family, and Chappellet. This one is a fraction of the price of those, but it is spectacular and sure to impress. With only 75 cases made, this one is very special.” —Paul Hayden, The Wine and Cheese Place, Clayton
2021 Telos Cabernet / Napa Valley, California / Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon / $125
“This special single-barrel cabernet is a collaboration between CWH and Brandon Saad of the Blues, with veteran 100-point winemaker Keith Emerson at the helm. ‘Telos’ is an ancient Greek term for completion, fulfillment, or attainment of a goal. It is the Telos of these grapes to deliver a delicious wine meant to be shared with friends at the table. Just 25 cases were produced.” —Chris Kolemainen, Clayton Winehouse, Clayton
2021 Kongsgaard / Napa Valley, California / Grape: Chardonnay / $159.99
“Winemaker John Kongsgaard made a name for himself at Napa Valley’s Newton Winery. He was one of the first Napa winemakers to revert to bottling his wine without filtering. This simple technique produces wines with more personality and richness. His 2021 Chardonnay is outstanding! It combines layers of flavor delivered in a balanced, nuanced style. The finish literally lasts several minutes. It’s extraordinary and the perfect gift for the person who has everything!” —John Nash, Starr’s Wine & Spirits, Richmond Heights
Denise Mueller is a St. Louis–based Certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine. She owns the Mid-American School of Wine and the wine course PreSomm, with wine books and wine courses available at PreSomm.com.
