ANALYSIS/OPINION:
“All our holiday were always such a mess. How’d you get through it, Dad?”
“I had a lot of help from Jack Daniel’s.”
— “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
Remember, we’ve all got to get through the holiday somehow. And as with every other time of the year, alcohol invariably makes it, if not all better, certainly more tolerable.
For amateur oenophiles and serious wine drinkers — uh, I mean, “choosy” wine drinkers — alike, here are some bottles to keep your eyes open for as the holidays transition us into 2017.
Like you need an excuse to drink anyway.
Kalyra 2014 Chardonnay
Perennial Santa Barbara County vintner Kalyra (you may recall its surftastic tasting room from “Sideways”) remains a top destination in the Santa Ynez Valley for selective drinkers — and for good reason.
The grapes of hope spring eternal on this magnificent chard, which offers a fruity bouquet that doesn’t overwhelm that first sip, which gives hints of apples and pear. The buttery finish at the back of the palate offers just a hint of buttery aftertaste.
Great as an aperitif or to pair with a barramundi fish. Best served chilled.
Ken Brown 2013 La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir
Eponymous winemaker Ken Brown was the first vintner to bring Syrah to the winemaking regions of Santa Barbara County, and tourists and locals alike have thanked him ever since. After founding and running Byron Winery for two decades, Mr. Brown named his new enterprise for himself. Harvesting his grapes primarily from the Santa Rita Hills, his vintages can be sampled at his tasting room in nearby Buellton. (Mr. Brown also makes the Windrun line, which I have written about before.)
An absolute gem in Ken Brown’s line is the 2013 La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir, of which only 287 cases were produced. Earthy and mature, this pinot offers a smooth, even taste that becomes even more amazing after decanting. The grapes likewise come from the Santa Rita Hills, which become less chilly at night than the Santa Ynez and other depressions used throughout the county for the harvests, and are thus better for the grapes used.
Epicurious 2015 Chardonnay & 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
The food brand you know and trust has gotten into the wine biz, and their collaborations with Wines That Rock have something for everyone.
The 2015 chardonnay offers a buttery nose and a slightly acidic aftertaste that’s perfect for a cheesy pasta dish or a charcuterie platter. The cab tastes a little young to my palate, however, its hidden complexity makes it ideal for light red sauce dishes of a tomato base.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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