As we’re getting down to the wire here I thought I’d suggest a few last minute wine gift ideas:

2005 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley $200 – A stunning Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that combines warm and friendly California fruit with the structure of a fine Bordeaux. Highly collectible.

2004 Kenwood Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County $70 - This Artist Series originated in 1978 and is still going strong. This year’s label features Shepard Fairey’s “Peace Woman”, a very timely selection. The wine is full-bodied and complex and will mellow with aeration or time in your cellar.

2004 Dry Creek Vineyards Endeavor Dry Creek Valley $55 – For those that like a slightly more approachable high end California Cab, this is a perfect choice for opening now. It is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot from the family’s estate vineyard.

nv Taittinger Prestige Rose Champagne $90 – A bubbly to please all palates, this delicious, raspberry laden nectar also shows violet, rose, mineral and lemony notes.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Even in San Francisco winds are blustering and temps are dipping. To escape the chill enjoy a sip of this exotic, tropical Argentinean white wine, the 2007 Zolo Torrontes Mendoza Argentina $9.99 ($8.99 at Beverages and More). Torrontes is Argentina’s signature white, and is believed to be a cross of the Mission grape, Crioja Chica, and the highly perfumed Muscat of Alexandria. Zolo’s Torrontes is fragrant and heady with aromas of lanolin, honey, peach, apple, banana, lemon and hay bale. This vibrant, unoaked, clean and muscular wine has flavors of peach, pear, banana, starfruit, lemon, honey and nuts, and has a long, dry, zesty finish, like a dip in the sea after a leisurely nap in the sun.