Cozy February Wines

Love is in the air. This month we feature two categories of wine. First, you’ll see a few high-end, high scoring, rare behemoths that you could cuddle up with on a cold, gray day. Second, intriguing new Italian imports that have captured our heart. Usually the offering is a Hot Seven list, but I figured since this February has an extra day, why not throw in an extra wine and make it a Great Eight list!

2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ($58)

“Taut and vibrant, the 2012 Chardonnay is one of this winery’s finest. This tiny winery in Saratoga is one of California’s underappreciated treasures. Mount Eden is a labor of love, producing small amounts of Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay comes from two shy-bearing parcels on the mountaintop, giving a mix of ripe and structured cuvées that spend a year in French oak and undergo full malolactic fermentation. The wines are styled to age for 10 years or longer.” -#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015, 95 points.

2013 Brick House Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge ($51)

“Fresh and expressive, soft in texture, this offers generous flavors of cherry, raspberry and clove that linger effortlessly against velvety tannins. Drink now through 2023. 517 cases made.” –Wine Spectator, 93 points.

2012 Baer Ursa Columbia Valley ($37)

“The core glows with ripe blackberry, dark plum, mint and floral flavors, gliding over lightly prickly tannins into the long and compelling finish. Feels almost weightless, but has tremendous depth. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2020.” #28 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2015, 94 points.