Being the conscientious wine professional I am, I keep extensive notes on wines I’ve drunk, wines I love, and wines I can’t wait to try. This list, of course, is very useful in my day-to-day work. But recently I found myself looking it over with another goal in mind: assembling my wish list for the holidays. And that’s what this holiday sampler is—twelve cheer-inspiring bottles that I’m looking forward to enjoying, giving, or sharing with family and friends this December.
     Included you’ll find Marco Tintero’s Moscato, a festive apéritif that doubles as dessert; Sommariva’s over-delivering rosato to pop the cork on anytime a celebratory sparkler is called for; and a bone-dry Petit Chablis from the Savary family for sipping alongside oysters. Warming up after a day spent in the snow? Open Clos La Coutale’s hearty Cahors. Hunting for a present for an old friend? Grab Castagnoli’s Chianti Classico—it’s ready to drink tonight. And, when it’s time to tuck into your holiday roast, there’s Domaine Jolivet’s real-deal northern Rhône Syrah. Now we’re ready to start celebrating!