Latino leaders' cellar

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Dec, 2004 by Jorge Ferraez

On Christmas Day, we always open some of our best bottles. Days before, I start wandering about the cellar to review the pairing options for the menu of the long awaited dinner. Wines have always been part of the excitement. We always start with Champagne--nothing better to spark our appetite--but the best is saved for last, for when all the family sits together once a year to make a toast with a good glass of wine.

Beringer Alluvium Blanc Knights Valley 2002

A sophisticated blend of white varietals (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon mainly), this wine shows great toasty oak van a aromas that lead to a smooth textured, well rounded structure. Figs, coffee, and cocoa notes nicely wrap a citrus-based background flavor. Fruity and acid, perfect for a walnut avocado salad or a Bacalao a la Vizcaina. $16.00

Williams-Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Westside Road Neighbors 2002

Pinot Noir as good as it gets, this delicate and velvety wine offers warm aromas d cherries and blackberries. Great finesse and structure, evolves to more complex flavors of cherry jam, nutmeg, prunes, and even some anise. Wait for a long, long finish. Will pair fabulously with a butter squash and mint cream or a caramelized ham. $88.00

Alex Sotelo Cellars, Dalraddy Vineyard, Zinfandel Napa Valley 2002

This is an elegant wine: grape jam, blueberries, and ripe fruit are the prelude to layers of spices and green peppers. Balanced and jammy with a nice hint of red ripe fruit at the end that mixes with some hints of mint and forest herbs. This wine will be a nice match for that golden roasted Christmas turkey. $38.00

Shafer Vineyards "Hillside Select" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2000

Powerful dark red with robust aromas of incredible fruitiness. Full body and great balance shows a nice minerality, black berries, vanilla, and black pepper. Beautiful roundness with some hints of dark chocolate and mint. A perfect companion for a braised leg of lamb with cranberry sauce. $120.00

Chateau St. Jean "Cinq Cepages" Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2001

Trustworthy wine, a Bordeaux style blend with five varietals in perfect harmony. Dense and seductive with a creamy texture. Autumn spices, cinnamon, and nutmeg give some vivacity to a well structured and balanced fruit. Great with that rack of lamb with apple-mint sauce. $ 75.00

Domaine Chandon, Etoile Rose Sur Lees Napa and Sonoma Co's. 1999

Rose sparkling wine is always seductive. Pink salmon tones with an elegant aroma of prunes and ripe strawberries lead to a medium bodied, fresh and trusty bubbly wine. Deliciously acidic and creamy. Rose petal flavors emerge as you continue sipping. This one will go fantastic with a grilled ,salmon fillet or a fruit tart as a dessert. $ 40.00

Ironstone Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, California 2001

A nice surprise for a wine that's made of a very unusual stand-alone variety: Cabernet Franc. This variety usually is used to add some character, sweetness, and fruitiness to Bordeaux style blends. Medium body with pleasant notes of blackberries and black currant. Fruity and balanced, it shows finesse and silky, texture. It drinks very well as a starter wine. $9.99