Holiday Wine Selections
Curated BY Erin Pace
This season, I’m thrilled to share five remarkable wines that embody what I value most—quality over quantity.
Each bottle comes from exceptional vineyards, crafted in highly limited quantities, and chosen for their ability to elevate your table, your cellar, or the joy of giving something truly special.
Each of these wines was handpicked not only for their ratings and rarity, but for the emotion they evoke—the kind of wines that make moments memorable. Whether you’re selecting something special for your table or searching for a gift that speaks volumes, these are bottles that overdeliver in every way.
2017 Vice Versa Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast
From one of California’s most dramatic coastal vineyards, the 2017 Vice Versa Platt Pinot Noir captures the essence of the Sonoma Coast in its purest, most elegant form. Perched 800 feet above the Pacific and rooted in Goldridge soils, Platt Vineyard’s windblown slopes yield fruit of remarkable depth and precision—a true Grand Cru site in every sense.
In the glass, this small-lot Pinot Noir reveals layered aromas of Bing and sour cherries, lavender, violets, rose hip, and Asian spice. The palate unfolds with kirsch, pomegranate, plum, and mulberry framed by a supple, silky texture and a finish that lingers with poise and energy.
Crafted in micro-production quantities, this wine embodies flawless balance—the harmony between power and grace that defines both the vineyard and the Vice Versa philosophy. A collector’s Pinot and a perfect centerpiece for refined holiday tables.
2022 The Crane Assembly Disciples Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley
Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon · 2% Petite Sirah · 1% Merlot
Honoring the pioneering spirit of Dr. G.B. Crane, the Disciples wines continue a Napa legacy built on rugged terrain and exceptional vineyards. The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon unites fruit from a small site in western St. Helena with an estate vineyard in volcanic Calistoga soils—each source contributing its own distinctive voice to this powerful yet poised wine.
Dark purple hues reveal aromas of blackberry, raspberry, red licorice, and cinnamon, accented by hints of mint and graphite. The palate is dense and textural, unfolding with fresh blackberry, black licorice, and savory mineral notes framed by firm, mouth-coating tannins. A touch of acidity adds lift and energy to the long, polished finish.
Crafted in just 12 barrels, this limited-production Cabernet delivers both structure and finesse—a collector-worthy wine and a standout for any holiday list or cellar.
2021 Senses Bodega Thieriot Vineyard Pinot Noir
This breathtaking Pinot Noir defines holiday elegance. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 98 points, praising its perfect balance of power and finesse. Aromas of blackberry, lavender, and smoked tea leaf mingle with pomegranate, kirsch, and lilac, while its seamless acidity and ripe tannins deliver a silky, weightless texture.
A long, floral, mineral finish leaves a lasting impression—an ideal pairing for holiday feasts or as a sophisticated gift. Enjoy it now for its charm or cellar it to watch its beauty deepen over time.
2018 The Vineyard House “Block 5” Cabernet Franc
From the visionary Jeremy Nickel, The Vineyard House “Block 5” Cabernet Franc is a masterclass in elegance and precision. Grown on the estate’s hillside vineyard in Oakville, this extraordinary wine captures the soul of Napa Valley with depth, texture, and grace.
Aged 26 months in French oak, it unfolds with aromas of wildflowers, graphite, and blue fruit, balanced by silky tannins and a long, polished finish. This is a collector’s piece that speaks to Nickel’s dedication to craftsmanship and his legacy of quality over quantity.
Beautifully bottled and exquisitely balanced, it’s a wine that shines on the holiday table or as a meaningful gift for those who appreciate true artistry in the glass.
2018 Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon
A showstopper from one of Napa’s finest vintages, this Cabernet brings together fruit from Rockwell Ridge Estate, Atlas Peak, Pritchard Hill, and Howell Mountain—each known for crafting world-class reds. Aged 23 months in 90% new French and Hungarian oak, it unfolds with blackberry, cassis, mocha, and violet, framed by elegant tannins and lasting depth.
Awarded 96 points by the International Wine Report and 95 points by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, this is a Cabernet built for collectors and connoisseurs alike. With only 437 cases produced, it’s a rare find and a stunning gift for any wine lover.
2019 Anthem Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon
From one of Napa’s most iconic vineyard sites, this 2019 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon radiates power and polish. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby hue and aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, and dried bay leaf, unfolding into layers of juicy blackberry, dark fruit, and earthy spice.
Awarded 95 points by the International Wine Report, it’s structured, balanced, and persistent—finishing long with notes of olive and anise. With only 315 cases produced, this is a true collector’s wine—crafted to impress now or age beautifully for years to come.