Happy Holidays!

We have something quite special for you today: the ultimate holiday wine list, from all of us at the Wine School!

We spent a good part of last weekend in a diabolically fun session. The end result was this over-the-top list of the wines we absolutely, positively hope you get this holiday.

Don’t worry, even if Santa doesn’t hook you up, you’ll probably will find these in a wine tasting class or two…

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne NV

The most highly-coveted non-vintage Rosé on the planet. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier blend to create a delicate and complex harmony of fresh strawberries and raspberries carried by crisp seam of minerality. The finish lasts so long you’ll forget how much you paid for the bottle.

Chateau Lynch-Bages 2002

Lynch-Bages consistently produces Bordeaux that far outshines its fifth-growth status. The 2002 vintage is no exception, delivering Lynch-Bages’ signature profile of black currant, cedar and tobacco. A hint of herbs on the finish. Easy to find and a spectacular value, the 2002 Lynch-Bages is a smart gift for any wine lover.

You may know Dave as the notorious food blogger PhilaFoodie and as graduate student from our Diploma Program.

Gaja Costa Russi Langhe 2004

A rich, dark nose leads the way to aromas of warm hazelnuts and the perfume of fresh white truffle. The palate is pure silk and the flavors run the gamut from grilled rosemary and thyme to ripe dark berry fruit to mocha. One of the finest Barbarescos I’ve ever tasted.

Gaja Ca’ Marcanda Magari Toscana 2004 I.G.T.

This blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Cabernet Franc is an elegant, modern-style Super Tuscan with a notably deep plum component that borders on something resembling hoisin sauce. The tannins are pure velvet, and a beam of minerality holds it all together. Thoroughly gorgeous.

Brian just spent a day with Angelo Gaja in the Italy, and he has developed a pretty big wine crush. Brian “the Man with the Perfect Hair” Freedman is the most famous of us all. He writes about food and wine for a myriad of publications along with teaching at the school.

So Santa’s coming down my chimney, eh? Hope he’s toting a Colpetrone Sagrantino di Montefalco ‘99, a massive, mouth filling wallop of complexity and texture with layers of dark, earthy flavors held in check by a balancing sense of refinement. I’d settle for a Moscadello di Montalcino, preferably from Il Poggione. Delicate, aromatic, sweet melon and honey flavors with a crispy acidity that prevents it from being cloying.. delicious. Hmmm, I’ve been good…maybe he’ll bring cantuccini to go with it!

Frank is running our Academic programs, and the only member of the staff to remain undefeated in our Sommelier Smackdowns.The man is the unofficial historian of the school, ever since graduating from our Advanced Program many many moons ago.

While his title of Historian may be honorary, his title of Beloved Curmudgeon is official.

Domaine de la Romanee, Le Montrachet Grand Cru 1996, Burgundy, FR

I love Montrachet! So Santa Baby, a bottle of Domaine de la Romanee Burgundy-for Me! Their Le Montrachet Grand Cru 1996 is the essence of the perfect Chardonnay. Richly textured, with a nose of wildflowers, pears and spice wrapped around a core of stony minerality. So hurry it down the chimney tonight!

Villa Calcinaia Vin Santo 1998, Toscana, IT

I’m also wishing for the Villa Calcinaia Vin Santo 1998, from Toscana, Italy to linger over after Christmas dinner. Because indulging in its mysterious oxidized scent of almond pound cake, sprinkled with fresh orange zest and that maple-like sweetness without the syrupy consistency is holiday heaven!

Maria is the co-host to an upcoming Wine show that is scheduled to air in a few weeks in Philadelphia. Maria teaches for corporate and private events for the Wine School, and is a current student in our Advanced Program.

Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs 2002 is a vintage champagne grown in the coveted grand cru of Cramant. A small grower, Jacques Diebolt along with his wife Nadia Vallois, make exceptional champagnes “the way my grandfather did”. Most of these wines are sold to French restaurants, but a few are exported and well worth seeking out.Being that she is the token musician on staff (she even played at Lilith Fair several years back, which makes her really cool and stuff), she put her other holiday wish to music (check it out on our blog).

Vega Sicilia Unico Reserva Especial

A Solera of the best recent vintages of the Unico Reserva, including the ‘85 and ‘96 vintages. This is the ultimate bottling of a classic Spanish wine. It will will be drinking well into the middle of this century. If Santa brings this to me this Christmas, I hope he also brings me a spacesuit and a jetpack, since I’ll be living in the Jetson-era by the time this is ready to drink.

Château Margaux 1995

In case I don’t live long enough to drink the Vega, then I am asking for the Chateaux Margaux 1995. Is it so wrong to want a perfect Bordeaux? Please, Santa, please?

At this point, Keith is the only instructor who has not attended the Foundation, Intermediate, or Advanced programs at the school. Sure, he developed the programs, but is that really an excuse?

After all, he just got beat by Brian Freedman in the 2007 Finale of the Sommelier Smackdown. Maybe someone should get him a gift certificate to a wine school class this holiday season….

He planned on writing a few recommendations, but we only got so far as a cellphone call while Pete was crossing the Ben Franklin bridge.

Pete : “Could I have a receipt? Thanks. You there? Hello? Keith? Yeah, well how about the Rosenblum Petit Sirah? Its going to be poured at local wine stores during the holidays, and there is a coupon.”

Keith: “Cool, and that’s under fifteen bucks. Everyone else is going kinda crazy”

“I figured. Even Dave? Good guy. What is Beth doing?”

Keith Rambles

“Really? Is she nuts? You can’t even buy that anywhere in the states yet”

“I know.”

CRACKLE CRACKLE

“Think I lost you Pete, talk to you later”

Have a great Holiday!