Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right. F. Scott may as well have been writing about the historic French house of Ayala, because this is a non-vintage sparkler to stock by the case. You know, just in case you need a Champagne tower. On a Tuesday. Scoring #77 out of Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2011, this is a super-solid sparkler suitable for any and every occasion. It's light and fresh, driven by Chardonnay with hints of green fruit and almonds. Uncage that cork on your first NYE together or just your first morning as a married couple, we won't tell. Champagne secrets and all.
When you want a solid white from a legendary winemaker but don't want to take the whole wine thing too seriously, Conundrum is your wingman. A blend from the famed Wagner Family in Napa Valley (of Caymus fame), this is the kind of wine that winemakers drink when they're off duty: playing with their wine, rather than playing with their food, mixing different bottles together to see what they can come up with - "the heck with the rules," says the legend himself, winemaker Chuck Wagner. And we're all big winners from that kind of earnest rule-breaking, because this light and juicy white blend celebrates everything that's best about California whites from the family that wasn't afraid to bring white blends back to the table. This non-traditional "mystery" blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sémillon and Muscat Canelli has been charming both casual wine drinkers and serious critics every single year since its introduction 1989.
You love a good diffusion brand, happily standing in early morning lines when a favorite runway designer does a collaboration with a department store so you can grab a few key pieces for yourself. Decoy is your wine. For 40 years, Duckhorn has been synonymous with luxury, estate-grown wines, an iconic label that’s a must-have in any proud wine collector’s cellar — quickly snapped up each year by an army of superfans. The Decoy label is a great way to get that Duckhorn legacy and quality at a great price — the perfect Pinot Noir to bring along to holiday dinners with the family. You know, to prove you're a real, card-carrying grownup.
Like a good millennial, you love to say you knew about it and tried it when — back before everyone else. Folie a Deux is a star on the rise, with quality that has skyrocketed since it was acquired by renowned California winemaker Bob Trinchero in 2004, but you still have a chance to stock up before its price tag does, too. It's a polished, rich, black-fruit and cassis Cabernet worthy of its premier-region Alexander Valley peers, but at an incredible bargain value compared to giants like Jordan and Stonestreet. For now!
Life is full of gentle ironies, like waking up one morning and realizing you have the same mannerisms as your least-favorite parent. Luckily, in those moments, there's honest wine — and hopefully an equally honest partner — to get you through. Brothers Jay and Chris Indelicato know all about it, as third-generation vintners who swore they'd never work in the family business, yet now make one of the best-value wines in the Valley. You absolutely can't beat this small-batch Pinot for the price — a real joy that's the perfect balm for both crocodile tears and true paradoxes.
When it's date night and you want to celebrate after work but nothing sounds better than going zero to PJs in 60 seconds, this Italian bubbly has you (and your pizza delivery carpet picnic) covered. After 130 years of making Prosecco, they've seen it all and aren't the least bit snobby about it — partly why Mionetto is quickly becoming one of the most popular sparkling wines sold in the US. Lighter, slightly sweeter than champagne, with subtle hints of golden apples, almonds, and anise, this is a bubbly for literally any and every occasion.
Where you lead, others follow. As a couple, you're not afraid to take risks and you're generally rewarded for them. Lead your friends out of their comfort zone and into this stellar, trendsetting Pinot Noir from Sokol Blosser at your next dinner party. One of the original Oregon winemakers going on 50 years, Sokol Blosser helped Dundee Hills to get recognized with its own appellation within the Willamette Valley in 2005 because of outstanding wines like this earthy, fruity, slightly funky Pinot. Aged 16 months in French oak, on the palate it shows ripe berry and dusty cocoa that linger on the finish. Critics give it high marks for value and suggest this is a wine to cellar.
It's that yellow label, baby! One of the most popular Champagnes in the world, Veuve Clicquot is consistently first rate. Clicquot's chef de cave Dominique Demarville and his team blend up to 500 base wines to make a final cuvee that is as exceptional as it can possibly be. And it's a pretty exceptional gift alongside its own chic little bag.
You're free spirits who met at a live show or festival, and regularly make each other mixtapes — you even share a Spotify channel. Let your analog flag fly with this bohemian California red blend made by Zac Brown — yes, that one — who's just as passionate about California winemaking and bringing people together over food and music as he is about his band. Uncage this bottle, made in collaboration with nature- and music-loving winemaker John Killebrew, and dig in the crates for your favorite vinyl while cooking up something Pinteresting in the kitchen — by yourselves on date night in or with a bunch of friends over. This wine is a stunning value to stock by the case!