TysonStelzer.com

Top 25 Wines to Buy for Christmas 2014

It’s that time of the year when I receive a stream of requests for recommendations for the best wines to buy for Christmas and New Year. Here it is, my list of the top 25 buys precisely a month before Christmas. There’s something here for everyone, from $13 rosé to $70 shiraz – and, of course, lots of champagne along the way (it is the festive season, after all!).

My starting point for this selection is my list of the 400 best wines I’ve tasted in the past few months. Then I spent hours trolling all the catalogues, searching web sites and wandering the aisles of bottle shops to narrow it down to nothing but the very best deals right now. Most of these wines usually sell for something like 50% more than these prices. The prices I’ve quoted include mixed six bottle discounts where applicable.

I’ve decided to cap the list at $70 this year. Not that there aren’t stellar wines out there above this price. But if you’ve got $100 to spend for Christmas, I would almost always suggest two or three bottles rather than one.

You’ll find lots of joy here this year. Spoil someone you love!

Cheers, Tyson.

 

Under $20

Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir Rosé 2014, $13 at Mike Press Wines

Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $14 at Mike Press Wines

St Hallett Faith Barossa Shiraz 2013, $16 at Grays Online, 1st Choice & Dan Murphy’s

Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2014, $16 at Kemeny’s, Dan Murphy’s, 1st Choice, etc

De Bortoli Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2013, $19 at Dan Murphy’s

Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2013, $19 at WineStar

Peter Lehmann H&V Eden Valley Riesling 2014, $19 at Grays Online

Vasse Felix Margaret River Chardonnay 2013, $20 at Jim’s Cellars

 

Under $30

Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Grampians Shiraz 2012, $22 at Langton’s

Hay Shed Hill Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $22 at WineStar, My Cellars & Aussie Wines

Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling 2009, $25 at Grays Online

Champagne Dumangin J. Fils Brut 17 NV, $29 (3 for 2 deal) at 1st Choice

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Sélection Belles Années Brut NV, $30 (3 for 2 deal) at 1st Choice

 

Under $40

Devil’s Lair Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $38 at My Cellars

Teusner Albert Shiraz 2012, $38 at Dan Murphy’s

 

Under $50

Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Vintage 2006, $41 (3 for 2 deal) at 1st Choice

Champagne Dumangin J. Fils Vintage 2003, $41 (3 for 2 deal) at 1st Choice

Tim Adams Aberfeldy Clare Valley Shiraz 2010, $45 at My Cellars, WineStar & No Frills

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2014, $47 at Wine CultureWine Box Warehouse, Kemeny’s & Dan Murphy’s

Champagne Taittinger Cuvée Brut Réserve NV, $48 at Kemeny’s

Champagne Veuve Fourny Grand Réserve Brut Premier Cru NV, $50 at My Cellars

 

Under $60

Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV, $55 at Kemeny’s & Dan Murphy’s

Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV, $57 at Kemeny’s

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2012, $59 at Dan Murphy’s & Wine Cow

 

Under $70

Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2010, $70 at Dan Murphy’s