Al and Hugh review their favorite wines from this year, which would be great for gifts.
Bargain Chardonnay
Dom. des Herbauges '15 ** $ (Loire Valley easy drinker)
William Hill Chardonnay North Coast '14 **/12 $ (Good California chard)
Mid-Range Chardonnay
Landmark "Overlook" Chardonnay '15 **1/2 $$ (Very classy)
Ferarri-Carano Chardonnay '15 $$ **1/2 (Powerhouse Chardonnay)
Italian Value
Crossarola Valpolicello Ripasso '15 **1/2 $ (VALUE)
Italian Splurge
Cesari "Bosan" Valpolicella Ripasspo *** $$ (Super Valpo)
Favorite Alsatian
Domaine Sipp-Mack wines, riesling and pinot gris *** $$ (Fabulous quality, great winemaking)
Splurge
Domaine Sipp-Mack Riesling Grand Cru Rossaker *** $$
Zinfandel
Frei Brothers Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek '15 **1/2 $$ (Big zin from a classic zin region)
Sticky
Yalumba "Museum Reserve" Muscat NV *** $ (Fabulous bargain for a great Aussie dessert wine)
White wine value
Simonsig Chenin Blanc, South Africa '14 ** $
Maryland wines
Old Westminster Chardonnay '16 **1/2 $$ (very Burgundy-like)
Black Ankle Terra Sol dessert wine '16 *** $$$ (Late harvest Gruner Veltliner)
Big Cork Cabernet Franc '15 *** $$ (Big deep red, fabulous quality)
Rosé
Guillaume Conet Rosé, Tavel '16 **1/2 $$ (Fruity, finesse, fine)
Long Meadow Ranch Rosé of Pinot Noir '16 ** $$ (Supple, graceful flavors)
French Value
Chateau Massiac Minervois '13 **1/2 $ (Earthy, deep)
Chateau Mignan Minervois '14 **1/2 * (Rustic charm)
Ch. Laudac Bordeaux Superieur '14 *** $ (Great VALUE in Bordeaux )
Viognier
Cambria Viognier Tepusquet '15 **1/2 $ (Juicy, refined, tasty)