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Timeless Wines that will Illuminate the Holidays

Memories Etched in Wine



People often ask what are my favorite bottles that I have opened through the years. While I have tasted many stunning and inspiring wines through the decades, I usually reminisce about the occasions where I have shared wines that I have cellared with close friends and acquaintances during intimate dinners and holiday celebrations. These meaningful wines and close friendships are easy to recall as they have invariably stood the test of time.

There are few experiences more heartfelt than gatherings at the holiday table, where the wintry weather contrasts the warmth we share with close acquaintances along with a remarkable wine. Occasionally, I repurchase a wine, only to remember times that have long faded into memories. Sharing these wines during the holidays elevates the moment, not to impress others but to honor our friendships that have matured through the years. The beauty of older wines lies not only in their taste, but in the journey that has brought us together.

Winemaker 
Profile

Frédéric Dufour:
The Architect of Ruinart’s Renaissance

Wine
Lifestyle

Ruinart Gardens: Where Effervescence Meets Art

Vine
Education

A Wine Lover’s Pilgrimage to Chicago’s Culinary Showcase

Wine Reviews

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2022 Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay, Napa Valley

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Champagne Palmer & Co La Reserve

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2022 La Jota Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

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2022 Cathiard Vineyard, Napa Valley

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2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges De Latour Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

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2019 Caymus Vineyards Special Selection, Napa Valley

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2007 Roederer L’Ermitage Brut Late Disgorged, Anderson Valley

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2018 Champagne Pol Roger

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2022 Justin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

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2018 Frescobaldi CastelGicondo Brunello Di Montalcino_

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2017 Domaine Carneros Le Reve Blanc De Blancs Carneros

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2018 Champagne Louis Roederer Stark Brut Nature Rose´

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Champagne Charles Heidsieck Rose´Reserve

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2021 Moone Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend, Napa Valley

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Champagne Krug Grand Cuvée 172ème Édition

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Champagne Palmer & Co Blanc De Blancs

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2023 Merry Edwards Coopersmith Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

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Roederer Estate Brut Rose´ Anderson Valley

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2022 Stoller Vineyards, Nancy's Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

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Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma County

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2013 Dom Ruinart Blanc De Blancs

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2022 Larkmead Solari, Napa Valley

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Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs

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2018 Champagne Louis Roederer Stark Brut Nature Blanc

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2022 Cathiard Vineyard Founding Brothers, Napa Valley

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2022 Domaine Carneros Famous Gate Pinot Noir

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2022 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

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2022 Dutton Goldfield Walker Hill Chardonnay, Green Valley, Russian River Valley

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2019 Castiglion del Bosco, Campo del Drago, Brunello Di Montalcino

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Champagne Pol Roger Reserve

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2021 Moone Tsai Cor Leonis, Napa Valley

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2022 Mt. Brave Merlot, Mt Veeder

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2022 Cardinale, Napa Valley

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2022 Dutton Goldfield Fox Den Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

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2022 Stoller Vineyards Helen's Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

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Champagne Palmer & Co Rose´ Solera

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2023 Rochioli Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

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2021 Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles

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2023 Merry Edwards Dach Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

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2022 Cathiard Vineyard Hora, Napa Valley

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2022 Baldacci Cabenet Sauvignon, Oakville Napa Valley

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Champagne Ruinart Rose´

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2022 Auteur Ballinard Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

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2022 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars SLV Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

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2022 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Fay Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

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2021 Brandlin Estate “Henry’s Keep”, Mt Veeder

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2021 Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

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2021 Balletto Sexton Hills Vineyard Chardonnay

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2016 Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal

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