Courtesy of Don Melchor
There is nothing quite like a glass of bold cabernet, sparkling bubbly, or classic cocktail to warm you up on a cool fall day. Whether you prefer the complexity of a pinot noir or a well-balanced chardonnay, we have got you covered.
Here is a look at some top picks this fall season:
One of our favorite wines this season is Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
The Chilean winemaker has created a deep-purple wine that has been aged for 15 months in French oak barrels. The result? A complex and intense flavor with fruit and berry aromas. While it may sound like this wine comes off strong, it has a surprisingly smooth and elegant finish – the perfect companion for a special dinner at home.
Courtesy of Palmaz Vineyards
Another favorite red is Palmaz Vineyard’s 2021 Cabernet.
The Estate vintage was designed to showcase how their grapes thrive in cooler and longer growing seasons.
Think fruity dark currant and orange peel aromas combined with hints of cloves and cinnamon, combined with flavors of tobacco and dark cherries. Its boldness and silky finish pairs up best with red meat dishes for an unforgettable meal.
Courtesy of Banfi
Banfi’s Brunello di Montalcino was Italy’s first wine to be accorded DOCG status.
Designed to be paired up with wild game and aged cheeses, the full-bodied wine has a flavor of vanilla combined with hints of licorice, followed by a soft and velvety taste with traces of spice.
What makes this wine so unique is it is aged for a minimum of four years, including two years in oak barrels.
Courtesy of Oberon Wines
If you are looking for an approachable, everyday wine, the folks at Oberon Wines have created a 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
The bold wine features deep colors, flavors of black cherry and blackberry along with a hint of coffee and dark chocolate, making it also serve as the perfect nightcap as well.
Courtesy of Federalist Wines
Another popular red table wine is Federalist Wines’ Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon.
The full-bodied wine is aged for 15 months. Handcrafted in small batches, the rich wine has aromas of chocolate and olive along with bold notes ofblackberry, black cherry, cassis, and cinnamon. It pairs up perfectly with chocolate lava cake for dessert.
Courtesy of Meadows Estate Vineyard and Winery
If you are looking for something a bit different, Oregon’s Meadows Estate Vineyard and Winery features a delicious red blend.
The full-bodied 2013 Red Planet combines cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc and merlot. As for the taste, think flavors of blackberry, dark coffee, and cola for added depth. It is best paired up with grilled meats from one of the last barbecues of the season or a hearty harvest dish.
Courtesy of Boen Wines
If you prefer a lighter red, Böen by Belle Glos Reserve Pinot Noir might just be what you are looking for.
The scarlet red wine designed for a casual fall evening features notes of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, and tart cherry, followed by hints of tobacco and cocoa powder.
Courtesy of J Vineyards
Another favorite is J Vineyards 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Whether paired up with a grilled steak or enjoyed on its own with some cheese, this rich pinot noir has notes of blackberry, black cherry, and dark plum combined with spice, lavender, and rose.
Courtesy of Robert Mondavi Winery
For the white wine lover, the 2022 To Kalon Reserve Fumé Blanc is surprisingly light with hints of mango, tropical fruits, and a touch of spice.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired up with a seafood tower, the lively bodied wine is the ideal companion for a refined dining experience.
Courtesy of Rombauer Vineyards
Another favorite white wine is the Rombauer 2024 Carneros Chardonnay.
What makes this wine so unique is its balanced combination of flavors and aromas – think ripe yellow peach and chamomile aromas combined with nectarine flavors.
Courtesy of Tamdhu
If you prefer something a bit stronger, be sure to check out Tamdhu 12 Year Old.
Surprisingly smooth, this single malt whisky is aged in sherry casks. The result is a rich flavor with sweet aromas of cinnamon rolls combined with orange boiled sweets, raisins, and sweet oak with a hint of mint to coincide with notes of dried fruit, warm spices, and a touch of oak.
Courtesy of Smokehead
If you are looking to try something unexpected, look no further than Smokehead Original.
The bold and adventurous whisky boasts a hint of peat smoke, sea salt, citrus, pepper, and toasted oak. It is best enjoyed neat, in cocktails like the Sidecar Smoke, or Smokehead Skull Sour.
Courtesy of Charles Heidsieck
If you prefer some bubbly, one of the best ways to celebrate is with a bottle of Charles Heidsieck’s Blanc de Blancs.
The pale gold, 1949 vintage Chardonnay relaunched in 2018, offering flavors of juicy white peach, candied citrus, fresh hazelnut, tangerine and lemon. Its ideal pairing is with oysters or scallop carpaccio. The complex wine also offers an impressively long finish.
Courtesy of J Vineyards
J Vineyards Cuvée 20 offers yet another reason to celebrate.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply the weekend’s arrival, the brut bubbly starts off with aromas of toasted almond followed by hints of apple, dried cranberry, and ginger snap – the perfect bubbly for a cool fall evening.
