8 Great Holiday Wines

Viognier (Vee-OHN-yeah), a white wine, and Malbec, a red wine, are a nice alternative to the traditional Cab and Chard for a holiday wine tasting party. Go rogue and serve a selection of unique varietals along with some classics to expand guests' wine tasting palates and spark conversation.

2004 Ignis, Mendoza Malbec, Argentina (around $15.00)

A highly rated wine at 90 points, this juicy and affordable Malbec from Argentina is a lovely blend of dark cherry, licorice and espresso. Available online from Geerlings and Wade.

2004 Arcadian Westerly Vineyard, Syrah, Central Coast, California (around $20.00)

Black fruit and earth notes will be the first scents you experience with this Syrah from Arcadian Westerly Vineyards. A medium to full-bodied wine with a gorgeous texture and ruby color could be the MVP (most popular varietal) in your tasting line-up.

2005 Camellia Cellars, "Bountiful" Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California (around $25.00)

This gorgeously ruby red Zinfandel from Camelia Cellars in Sonoma, California is full of seductive scents of dark fruit, vanilla, and briar followed by flavors of raspberry and spice. Have it shipped to your door from Geerlings and Wade online wine store.

2005 Rubicon Estate, CASK Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (around $50.00)

Layers of ripe red cherries, plum, vanilla, cocoa, and toast are only a few of the gems found in this prized Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rubicon Estate (a.k.a. Francis Ford Coppola's wine Mecca in Napa). An excellent choice for a holiday dinner and a real treat for guests at a wine tasting.

2008 Zaca Mesa, Viognier, Estate Bottled Santa Ynez Valley, California (around $20.00)

Uncorking this Viognier from Zaca Mesa fills the nose with honeysuckle and sweet peaches. However, this wine is dry on the palate with notes of ripe apricot, lemon-lime, melon and lychee.

2008 V. Sattui, Anderson Valley Riesling, Napa Valley, California
(around $20.00)

Jasime and pears are the predominate flavors in this light, sweet Riesling from V. Sattui. Enjoy this varietal with opening appetizers or as one of the first selections at a wine tasting.

2006 Davis Family Vineyards, Russian River Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California (around $35.00)

This award-winning Chardonnay from the Davis Family Vineyards is ripe with peaches and smoked up with toasted oak and spice. Order a bottle or two online from Geerlings and Wade.

2008 Rombauer Vineyards, Chardonnay, Carneros, California (around $35.00)

A benchmark Chardonnay, this bottle of Rombauer gold bathes one's senses in oak, toast, and creamy butter along with deliciously intense pear, pineapple, and tropical fruits that epitomize what the perfect glass of Chardonnay should be. If you haven't indulged, take the plunge this holiday season and buy it.