Christmas Presents

Having a bit of a delay between posts has worked out quite well, as now that it is truly advent I feel I can legitimately write about potential Christmas gift ideas. Bordeaux and Burgundy aside, I have chosen three wines which I think are interesting, a bit off the wall and above all, great value for money.

The first is sometimes a bit hit and miss when it comes to different vintages, but one that is, in my opinion, one of the best substitutes for a Burgundy that can be found. It is a South African Hamilton Russell Chardonnay. Try if you can to get 2007/8/9, as they are the best expressions of the wine. The vineyard is situated in the far south next to the sea in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation and enjoys a terroir and climate strikingly similar to that of Burgundy in France. The normal South African grapes are not found here, such as Chenin or Sauvignon and the Estate grows only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The soil is full of clay and shale and this lends an intense depth and minerality to the wine. I have tried the 2009 most recently and it is a deep gold colour, despite it's youth. The nose is much more elegant than one would expect from a South African wine and gives hints of lemon and lime, as well as white fruits and a hint of creamy honey that distinguishes it as a Chardonnay. The palate is extremely full-bodied and really shows its Old World style - there is no aggressive sweetness or any overdone flavours: just a fresh and lengthy finish of butter and low acidity. As a whole it is stunning value for money and would add to a great variety of foods. The price per bottle ranges from 22-28 pounds and should be available in most bottle shops. 

The second wine would be an appreciated gift for anyone who has a small cellar or any interest in wine - it is not what one would expect at all. It is Charles Smith's 'Velvet Devil' Merlot from Washington State. Mainly interesting for the simple reason that good Washington wine is extremely underrated. I have tried the 2008 and it literally does what it says on the tin: the tannins are extremely soft and barely noticeable, the flavours are plush, soft and inviting and there is just the slightest hint of spice at the finish. Not one to save for a special occasion, but certainly worth a try - it is an off the wall gift wine. It is available for around 18-20 pounds per bottle from bottle shops. 

The last wine I would suggest as a gift is a Californian Pinot Noir, and one that is simply excellent value for money. Au Bon Climat's Santa Maria is a delicate, elegant and developed wine that would be appreciated by anyone. It is distinctly Californian - the heat shows through in the ripeness and full flavours throughout from the nose to the finish. There are notes of rich leather and a dusty farmyard blended expertly with ripe red fruits and a hint of jammy sweetness on the lengthy well-balanced finish. Interestingly the wine develops with some time open, unusual for a Pinot Noir, but for this one it works. The flowery fruity nose becomes more pronounced and a new complexity is gained on the palate. The wine maker Jim Clendenen describes it as lush, fragrant and bursting with berries, which is exactly what it is. It is attractively priced at between 15-20 pounds per bottle. 

I hope this gives you some ideas for gifts if wine was an option - happy buying!