Go-To Wines for Gifting Siduri's appellation series (as opposed to its vineyard-designate wines) consistently delivers exceptional value. The 2017 Anderson Valley pinot noir is no exception. The nose is fetching, showing a floral note and a bright cherry aroma, and those characteristics follow through on the palate. The wine is beautifully balanced and ready to drink now.

Dark in the glass with red fruit, vanilla, cigarette smoke. A bit too one-dimensional on the palate, with good fruit and drying tannins, but lacking depth. Very Good to Excellent.

50+ high-end wines for holiday splurging: 2019 guide $31-$40 … The 2016 La Crema Pinot Noir (Cal, $40) from Russian River Valley had a beautiful mouthfeel with fresh cherry, just a hint of red licorice and light tannins. …

Elegant and distinctive, offering fresh raspberry, sage and white pepper notes that are precise, supple and juicy, with a thread of fresh loam and forest floor, supported by polished tannins. A touch of matcha green tea lingers on the finish.

Powerful yet restrained, offering creamy notes of fresh wild strawberry, red licorice, toasted cumin and violet. The complexity and detail keeps gaining momentum on the long, expressive finish, where accents of white truffle and spice linger. Drink now through 2036.

Sleek, with powerful minerality to the pure-tasting flavors of pear tart, apple pastry and peach. Rich lemon curd accents fill in midpalate and linger on spicy and well-framed finish. Drink now through 2025.

Shows off a core of silky fresh cherry and raspberry flavors, with accents of black tea, toffee and nutmeg, delivering plenty of concentration and intensity. Hints of blood orange and green tea pick up momentum on the finish, where the tannins provide some appealing structure. Drink now through 2034.

Hints of smoke and gunpowder tea give way to fresh, vibrant pomegranate and cranberry flavors on a sleek frame, with notes of baking spices and caramel coming in on the finish. Harmonious and complex, featuring polished, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035.

Very spicy and well-structured, with firm acidity supporting the ripe pear, apple tart and lemon meringue flavors. Concentrated dried mango accents linger on the finish, along with pastry and nutmeg notes. Best from 2020 through 2025.

Dried lavender and talcum notes add an aromatic detail to the core of airy raspberry and orange zest flavors. Wonderfully elegant and open-knit, with a fresh thread of acidity and thyme accents on the finish. Drink now through 2033.

Bright and juicy, with concentrated cherry, currant and red plum flavors, supported by zesty acidity. Mineral and spice notes show on the lively finish.

Refined and well-structured flavors of dried red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate are accented by notes of cedar and slate. Balsam and sandalwood hints emerge on the finish.

Lively floral components accent the finely textured flavors of red currant and dried red cherry, matched to firm acidity. Lithe and minerally on the finish. Drink now through 2024.

An intense saline note accents the freshly cut apple and citrus flavors, giving this plenty of verve. Stony hints show on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2024.

Steely and vibrant, with strawberry, orange blossom and yeasty spice flavors.

Sleek, offering hints of tropical fruits to the lithe white fruit and citrus flavors. The spicy finish is rich and juicy, showing savory accents.

Pretty strawberry aromas lead to crisp, delicate flavors. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc. Drink now.

A Christmas wine primer Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton have been producing high quality Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills region of California’s south central coast since the late ’90s and, although they eventually sold to Jackson Family Wines, they remain as the winemaking team — and part owners — and the quality has remained solid. The abundant bright red fruit and lively acidity make this a great option for big bird.

Perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life THE CARNIVORE: Beef and robust reds are the matches, and the go-to grapes are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Zinfandel or any combination of the above. Best bets are from Napa Valley, the Languedoc, Uco Valley, Alexander Valley, the Maipo Valley, the Barossa Valley and, well, you get the picture. We have two picks: • Stonestreet 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

Rich and lovely both on the nose and the palate this is another winner. Whoa. Excellent.

Darker in color and in aromas with a touch medicinal. More good fruit and secondary flavors (leather). Excellent.

Lovely nose with subtle fruit, solid palate, juicy and perfectly fine. Yum, even. Excellent.

COMMENTARY: The 2017 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Cabernet Sauvignon is one of California's best Cab deals under $20. TASTING NOTES: This wine is attractive, and it delivers. Enjoy is pleasing aromas and flavors of black fruit and mineral notes with prime rib.

Funky and fruity on the nose. Big rich, extracted to a certain extent. Very Good to Excellent.

Top 100 Wines of the USA 2019 - #41