Cheap N’ Cheerful
Sparkling
2021 Korbel Natural, Russian River Valley – $15.99-$17.99
Judges’ notes: A Champagne lover’s party pleaser. Citrous brulée. Hints of brioche. Rocking around the Christmas tree like Brenda Lee. A festival of lights in a glass. Menorah lighting magic. Magnificence.
White
2024 Rodney Strong Vineyards Chardonnay, Sonoma County – $10.99-$18
Judges’ notes: Crowd pleaser. Easy like a Sunday morning. Hints of nutmeg. Perfect party nectar. Bright and fresh. Crème brulée. Fabulous. A partridge on a pear tree. Yummy, yummy, yummy.
Red
2023 Rodney Strong Vineyards Red Blend, Sonoma County – $15.99-$16.99
Judges’ notes: Earth wind and fire. Elf’s best kept secret. Baking spices. Mocha. Rich, luscious, juicy black fruits. Party perfect. Ooh mommy, yes mommy!
High End
Sparkling
2020 Sanchietti Vineyards Breathless Blanc de Blancs, Russian River Valley – $60
Judges’ notes: Delicate. Seamless. Stunning. Crisp. A beauty. Golden delicious. Brioche. Fun. Flattering. Biscuity. Apple orchard. Perfume. Drop my shorts. Really, really, really, really, really, really good.
White
2023 Valette Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – $70
Absolutely spectacular with citrus blossom. Meyer lemon sorbet. Apple pies. Pretty and petrichor. Lemon curd. Magical minerality. Graham cracker. Tantalizing. Layered and complex.
Red
2021 Valette Volet Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – $70
Judges’ notes: Extraordinary. Violets. Sarsaparilla. Earthy. Breathtaking. Red Rudolph to the rescue! Hibiscus. Beautifully balanced. Red and blue fruits. Baking spices. All the presents under the tree. Rose petals. The gift that absolutely keeps on giving.
