Christmas wines

With Lili’s Christmas dinner, I recommend this new addition to the Varietals grown in the County by Keint-He Winery & Vineyards. I refer to their 2007 Pinot Meunier for $40. This varietal is not yet readily known here but stands proud to produce super wines. Pinot Meunier is better known in the production of champagne, yet as a standalone still wine, it is truly delightful. It is pleasing to the eye, with hints of almond and berries on the nose and the palate is crushed red fruit with a touch of smoky caramel and long lingering finish.

Black Prince Winery offers a well-balanced 2009 Cabernet Franc for $15.95, which would also be great with the beef tenderloin. I love the claret hue to the eye and a nose that suggests red fruits, followed by a pleasing mouthful of damson plums and crushed raspberries. There is a lingering finish of dark fruits with a hint of caramel, suggesting a touch of oak.