Wine of the Day: Les Pallieres Terrasses du Diable 2011 11-26-16

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone, 2011 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $33 special

Gigondas always represents some of the best value in the Southern Rhone, especially when compared to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Like its more famous cousin, the Les Pallieres Terrasses du Diable (from the brothers behind Vieux Telegraphe) displays all the richness and density you would want, coupled with a savoriness that only bottle age can bring. A real treat at any price and a steal at ours. –Saul

93 POINTS JOSH RAYNOLDS–VINOUS “Vivid ruby. Heady scents of candied cherry, raspberry preserves, anise and potpourri. Shows a darker profile in the mouth, offering palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a strong floral quality. Picks up smokiness with air and finishes with superb focus and length and youthful tannic grip.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele, Champagne NV (2012) 11-23-16

Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($89.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Let’s get straight to the point—Champagne this good should cost way more than this does (also this wine often costs more than it does now). This Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele NV is 100% Pinot Noir and very serious. Not all blanc de noirs are this vinous and that elegance and complexity shines through when paired with food. Serve it in a real wineglass, not flutes, to experience it in full. –Saul

Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine’s depth and overall richness.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: DuMOL Russian River Valley Syrah 2012 11-19-16

DuMOL Russian River Valley Syrah, Sonoma County 2012 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $49 special

There’s a joke that “all the best California Pinot is Syrah.” The idea being that if you want ‘California Pinot’ that’s heavy, rich and bold, you’re better of buying a Syrah from the same producer. DuMOL is known for both grapes and we love their Russian River Valley Syrah. Dark, plummy and rich, it’s got all of the silky texture and powerful aromatics you would want, but it’s ten bucks cheaper. –Saul

Wine Spectator 94 points “Pure, rich and layered, with dense, mocha-laced blackberry, black licorice, dill, anise and cedar notes. The flavors keep unraveling, ending with a long, sustained finish. Best from 2015 through 2028.”… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Bodega Tapiz Zolo Cabernet Reserve 2013 11-17-16

Bodega Tapiz ‘Zolo’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Uco Valley 2013 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Here’s a wine for a chilly evening, a Wednesday dinner, or a Saturday night party. Wines from Argentina provide warmth, rich fruit, and satisfaction, at a fraction of what you’d pay for a domestic or European bottle. Have a glass of Bodega Tapiz Zolo Reserve alongside a steak, gaucho style, or polish off a bottle with a burger and a movie. Cabernet like this deserves a space in every kitchen. – Daniel

93 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING “Dried blackberry and blueberry character on the nose with hints of spice. Full body, dense and powerful fruit and tannins, yet remains firm and fresh. Chewy and structured.”… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: 2012 Camile Giroud Santenay 11-11-16

Camille Giroud Santenay, Cote de Beaune 2012 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 Special

We’ll keep this one short and sweet. We love the 2012 vintage in Burgundy, we love anything Becky Wasserman imports (Giroud especially) and Santenay is always one of the best value areas in red Burgundy.

This is one classy Pinot Noir, with everything you’d want in a ready-to-drink bottle. Camile Giroud’s Santenay is about 20% declassified Premier Cru vineyards and it tends to be one of best early-drinkers in their portfolio of vineyards. It’s a great bottle of Burgundy to drink while you wait for all of your longer term wines to age (though it will only improve over the next ten years).

As with most red Burgundy, this is going to be super versatile at the table and you could drink this with everything from richer fish dishes to chops and roasts.… Read the rest