What Our Wine Pros Are Popping for the Holidays
Our legendary fine wine buyer Barbara Hermann invited wine managers, Emily from Montgomery and Gabe from Lincolnwood, to come up with a wide-ranging list of wines for every holiday occasion. The three each made numerous submissions and then tasted them all, winnowing the large list down to their favorites. These are their top picks. Happy Holidays from Binny’s!
availability varies by location
Domaine Cazes Rolle in Stone Vermentino 2024
Fresh, floral, fruity. Soft texture, honeysuckle, peach, lime, tangerine, zippy finish. Excellent aperitif with light appetizers or with fish.
Runquist 1448 Red Blend 2023
Dark, rich, dried plum, blueberry, raisin, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, eucalyptus. Crowd pleaser by the glass or with slow braised meats.
Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Very aromatic, rounded mouthfeel, sweet citrus, cut grass, peach, apple, fresh, focused finish. Fresh cheeses or The Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Binario Grenache Blanc Orange Skin Contact 2024
Textural, light tannins that will stand up to rich foods. Tasty on its own. Perfumed, honeyed Mandarin orange, apricot, pineapple. Complex and versatile.
Pike Road Pinot Noir 2023
A fruity, forward style. Retains pinot finesse with earthy, smokey undercurrents. Easy apéritif drinking. Great with turkey and ham.
Masseria Li Veli Askos Susumaniello 2023
Rare grape, mass appeal. Cranberry chutney, tart cherry, blackberry. Subtle smoke and thyme. Gutsy but smooth. Will handle varied cuisines beautifully.
Max Ferdinand Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2024
Impeccably balanced kabinett! Sweet/tart pineapple, apple, lemon zest and salty slate. Utterly delicious alone or with fish, turkey, spicy dishes.
Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino 2023
Beautiful “Baby Brunello” loaded with cherry/berry fruit, blood orange, wildflowers and sweet herbs. Along with Uccelliera’s Brunello, this was our Italian buyer’s pick of the year too!
Grgich Hills Merlot 2021
Bold, cab drinker’s merlot. Violets, plums, blackberries, chocolate, earth. Suave with a lingering, spicy, finely textured finish. Pair with comforting winter dishes.
Mayacamas Chardonnay 2023
Crisp, classic. Not flamboyant; complex, age worthy and food friendly. Structured, lemon/lime, tart apple, mint, chamomile and mineral. Oysters, fish, turkey.
Chateau Cantenac Brown Margaux 2016
Nine years old, drinking like a dream. Candied violets, fine herbs, barrel spice, blackberry and cedar. Show it off with standing rib roast or beef tenderloin.
Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve
The best way to start any holiday! Classically styled- creamy mousse, bright and citrusy, orchard fruits, toasty and so satisfying. It’ll go fast, get extra.
