Interested in having your wine reviewed by Dan Dunn. Contact us editor@californiawineryadvisor.com.
Now on to the reviews...
“Here Comes Santa Claus” with Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
Like Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, this Napa Valley wine is timeless, big, red and revered. A key difference, though, is that Santa doles out free gifts. The Shafer, on the other hand, will set you back several hundred bucks.
“(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)” with Head High Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Every year at Christmas I like to paddle out into the Pacific Ocean past the break and just sit there and float for hours. I do it because it’s an incredibly peaceful, soulful experience. Also, I don't know how to surf. Initially, I bought the surfboard in an effort to impress surfer chicks. Anyhoo, the guys who own Head High are avid surfers, and they donate a portion of every sale to Sustainable Surf, a California-based nonprofit committed to preserving beaches and oceans. Take THAT, over-commercialization of Christmas!
“White Christmas” with Jordan Chardonnay
Jordan has been making Burgundian style Chardonnay since 1979, and it truly is as delightful a wine as you’ll find in the lush Russian River Valley. And, you know, it’s a white wine, which is why I’ve paired it with this song. I’m clever like that.
Interested in having your wine reviewed by Dan Dunn. Contact us editor@californiawineryadvisor.com.
Dan’s latest book, "American Wino: A Tale of Reds, Whites and One Man’s Blues” is available on Amazon.com, Harpercollins.com and other online retailers. Follow him on Twitter @TheImbiber