Holiday gifting for wine lovers is a tightrope walk between flex and thoughtfulness. The good news: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen at Robb Report just dropped a curated list that nails both. It’s less “random bottle grabbed at 5:59 p.m.” and more “I actually know you,” with picks mapped to personalities—from in-laws and bosses to dessert wine devotees and status seekers. Here’s our take on their highlights, plus how to serve, pair, and not overthink it.
For Your In-Laws: Dom Pérignon 2015 Takashi Murakami Edition
Play it classic, but with flair. The limited-edition Murakami collab adds joyful, pop-art flowers outside and textbook DP inside: citrus blossoms, green apple, and warm bakery vibes leading to stone fruit and lemon peel. It looks special and drinks beautifully—just chill to 45–48°F and pair with oysters, caviar, or crispy latkes if you’re going cross-holiday.
For the Collector: Dominus Estate 2021 (Yountville)
Bordeaux-style Napa grandeur from the historic Napanook Vineyard. Black currant, lavender, cardamom on the nose; blackberry, black cherry, and violets wrapped in opulent tannins on the palate. As Robb Report notes, "It’s drinking beautifully right now, but can be enjoyed over the next 30 years." —Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report. Translation: gift it with a note that says “open now or save for a milestone.” A decant won’t hurt if they crack it this year.
For Your Boss: Tenuta San Guido 2023 Guidalberto (Tuscany)
Sassicaia’s more approachable sibling, but still boardroom-worthy. A 55/45 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with cassis, dried thyme, citrus blossom, and lavender aromas; silky tannins and flavors of blackberry, cherry, cigar box, and Mediterranean herbs. Availability matters here: "Only 5,400 cases are imported into the United States, so don’t delay." —Robb Report. Bring it to the office party and suddenly performance reviews feel less scary.
For White Wine Lovers: Animo by Michael Mondavi 2021 Heritage Sauvignon Blanc
Proof that Sauvignon Blanc can be generous without turning into a fruit bomb. Expect nectarine, acacia blossom, white peach, and a lift of vanilla; flavors of key lime pie, acacia honey, blood orange, and honeydew. Serve at 45–48°F and match with goat cheese, ceviche, or a citrusy roast chicken. It’s a vibe: sunny, polished, and quietly confident—basically the Santa Barbara of whites.
For Your Sister: Rare 2014 Rosé Champagne (France)
Sibling diplomacy runs on bubbles. Copper-salmon hue, fine bead, and aromas of wild strawberry, tangerine, candied orange, and red plum; lively flavors of cherry liqueur, dried lavender, cranberry, and rose petals. As Robb Report writes, "The 2014 vintage is remembered as being an exceptional year for rosé Champagne" —DeSimone and Jenssen. Pink, powerful, and perfect with smoked salmon blinis or a fancy potato chip situation.
For the Status Seeker: Screaming Eagle 2007
If your friend’s cellar doubles as a flex, this is the showstopper. Screaming Eagle’s 2007 earned legend status, and yes—people remember where they were when they tasted it. Budget warning: this is the deep end. If that’s not your lane, wrap a top-tier Napa cab or a pedigree Bordeaux and include a handwritten note. The thoughtfulness counts as much as the label—well, almost.
For the Dessert Wine Aficionado: Taylor Fladgate 1975 Single Harvest Port
Vintage tawny magic in a frosted flask and elegant wooden case. Toasted hazelnuts, butterscotch, dried apricot, mint, and tobacco leaf aromas with balancing acidity framing holiday baking spices, toffee, and dried fruits. Serve slightly cool (55–58°F) with pecan pie, sticky toffee pudding, or blue cheese. It’s the fireside bottle people talk about next December.
For Your Parents: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2021 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
Classic name, approachable profile. Napa-sourced fruit from Coombsville, Saint Helena, Suisun’s Wooden Valley, Calistoga, Stag’s Leap District, and Atlas Peak. Blueberry, violet, and ripe black fruits lead to blackberry, black plum, pencil lead, and a cinnamon kicker. This is roast-beef-friendly, crowd-pleasing cab—decant 45 minutes and watch the room go quiet for that first sip.
Gifting Tips from the Cellar and the Shore
- Always include a short note—why this bottle fits them. Personal beats pricey.
- Bring a simple pairing (good chocolate, fancy chips, or a tin of caviar) to make it turnkey.
- Don’t overwrap: sturdy bag, tissue, and a tag. No stress origami required.
- Temperature matters. Hand off cold sparklers and whites; keep reds upright and room temp.
- If the bottle has serious aging potential, add a "drink window" so they don’t rush it.
Bottom line: whether you’re gifting artful Champagne, age-worthy Napa, or vintage Port, this Robb Report lineup covers personalities and price tiers with style. Pick what matches the moment—and remember, the best bottle is the one that gets opened.
Original article by Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report.
Source: https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/lists/best-wine-to-gift-oenophiles-holiday-season-1237378201/
