Holiday champagne and wine selections

Charles Heidsieck, Brut Champagne Réserve NV $34.99
The self titled "Unknown Champagne, for Those in the Know". This is our favorite Champagne under $50 period. They do no advertising other than word of mouth. The quality of this bubbly is second to none. Great acidity and citrus fruit with a beautiful velvety biscuit richness. Fun and Fabulous.
 
Egly-Ouriet, 100% Grand Cru Brut NV Champagne $53.99
This is you best bet under $100. This small production, "Grower" Champagne is simply one of the finest Champagne produced, this is their flagship wine; 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, made from all Grand Cru grapes. Ultra complex honey suckle, wet stones with baked dried red-fuits with a long finish. Fantastic.
 
Ruinart, Rose NV Champagne $64.99
Ruinart is the oldest champagne house in Champagne and that tradition and history are reflected in its bottle. The Ruinart house style is known to be light-bodied, elegant and toasty. Rich and refined, this is a pink bubbly with a serious side. It has fine balance with lots of flavor and character, yet still dry and elegant.    
 
Now, on to our wine recommendations for the holiday season. These are all excellent selections from small producers that will match any winter weather meal. These great wines will warm you up on those fridged nights. Cheers.
 
Robledo, Chardonnay, Los Carneros, California, Chardonnay 2003 $32.99
This wine is a small triumph because it shows such balance and rich, concentrated flavors. A further triumph because Reynaldo Robledo overcame his humble beginnings as an immigrant field worker to become one of the most successful vineyard consultants in California's Wine Country - and now, one of the newest winery owners. We love its silky rich flavor of peaches and oranges with a subtle oak finish. One of the best chardonnay producers in California at this price.
 
Carver Sutro, Petit Sirah, Napa Valley, California $49.99
This highly allocated wine is one of the best Petit Sirahs in the world. They only make a handful of this inky/blue/opaque purple-colored juice. It offers up scents of white flowers, pepper, incense, blueberries, and blackberries. Full-bodied and powerful as well as voluptuous and thick, this is a seriously endowed Petite Sirah. Get it will you can.
 
Brancaia Ilatraia, Toscany, Italy 2004 $68.99
If you love big reds like Barolo and Brunello then you'll love Ilatraia. This is our favorite wine in the store. Don't take our word for it; this is what Wine Spectator had to say. "Fabulous aromas of licorice, blackberry, chocolate and mineral. Full-bodied, with ultra fine tannins and a long, long finish. Balanced and complex." - Wine Spectator, 92 points