Gary Vaynerchuk's Top 3 Holiday Wines for 2020

In this episode of Wine Library TV, Gary Vaynerchuk, known for his expertise in wine and online marketing, shares his top three wine picks for the holiday season. He offers his insightful tasting notes and reviews on a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir, and a Cabernet Sauvignon, providing a comprehensive guide for wine enthusiasts looking to elevate their holiday celebrations.

• The first wine on the list is the **Phifer Pavitt Date Night, Sauvignon, 2018**, a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, which Gary praises for its balanced style, refreshing acidity, and clean flavor profile. This wine, priced between $20-$30, is an excellent value option for those seeking a crisp and easy-drinking wine for holiday gatherings.
• For those looking for a more elegant and sophisticated option, Gary recommends the **Marnet Campbell Ranch, Pinot Noir, 2018**. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, with its silky texture, bright fruit flavors, and 92 points from Wine Spectator, is a steal at $50. Gary compares it favorably to higher-priced Burgundy Pinot Noirs.
• Rounding out the top three is the iconic **Joseph Phelps Insignia 2014**, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, which Gary considers a significant wine in California. This $200 bottle, with its complex aromas of jam and chocolate, offers a luxurious experience for wine connoisseurs. While Gary believes it's overpriced, he still acknowledges its quality and heritage.

Exploring Sauvignon Blanc: Phifer Pavitt Date Night 2018

Gary delves into his experience with Sauvignon Blanc, sharing how his perception of California Sauvignon Blanc has evolved over the years. He appreciates the more balanced style of the wine, which has become less sugary and goopy, reflecting broader trends in food and health consciousness.

• He describes the Phifer Pavitt Date Night Sauvignon Blanc as a fun way to start his Wine Library TV journey, especially considering his previous skepticism towards California Sauvignon Blanc.
• Gary highlights the wine's notes of oyster shell, melon, lemon, and lime, creating a refreshing and invigorating flavor profile. The wine's acidity is a key characteristic, contributing to its overall balance and complexity.
• With its high score from Wine Spectator (91 points) and its accessible price point, this wine offers an excellent value proposition for those seeking a delightful Sauvignon Blanc for their holiday meals.

Pinot Noir in Focus: Marnet Campbell Ranch 2018

The second wine, Marnet Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir, exemplifies Gary's appreciation for Pinot Noir's growing popularity in both California and Burgundy. He highlights the wine's exceptional quality, comparing it favorably to high-end Burgundy wines.

• Gary emphasizes the wine's silky texture, a result of its aging in French oak barrels. This contributes to the wine's smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.
• He identifies the wine's core flavors as strawberry, raspberry, and red fruit, giving it a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
• With its 92 points from Wine Spectator, Gary asserts that this Pinot Noir, priced at $50, is a steal compared to similar Burgundy wines that can cost upwards of $300-$400.

Cabernet Sauvignon Icon: Joseph Phelps Insignia 2014

For a truly memorable holiday wine experience, Gary suggests the Joseph Phelps Insignia, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend renowned for its quality and prestige. While Gary believes the wine's $200 price tag is excessive, he still acknowledges its significance in the world of California wines and its rich history.

• The wine's complex aroma profile is described as a mix of jam, chocolate, and artificial candy, showcasing its multifaceted nature. This unique combination adds to the wine's intriguing appeal.
• Gary highlights the flavors of blackberry, black currant, and dark chocolate, highlighting the wine's intensity and complexity. He emphasizes the importance of its cacao note, showcasing its bold character.
• While Gary rates the wine at 90/100, he acknowledges that it's a solid choice for those who appreciate its pedigree and value its quality.

Pairing Suggestions and Conclusion

Gary provides pairing suggestions for each wine, offering guidance on how to enhance the dining experience by complementing the flavors of the wines. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and trusting your own palate, encouraging viewers to explore different wines and discover their own preferences.

• Phifer Pavitt Date Night Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafoods like scallops, oysters, clams, and salads. Its refreshing acidity cuts through the richness of seafood and complements the fresh flavors of salads.
• Marnet Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir complements rich and savory dishes like beef, game, and poultry. Its silky texture and red fruit flavors balance the intensity of these dishes.
• Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect pairing for bold, complex dishes like beef, lamb, game, and poultry. Its bold flavors and rich aromas can stand up to the richness of these dishes.

Final Thoughts on Gary's Holiday Wine Selections

Gary Vaynerchuk's recommendations for holiday wines reflect his deep understanding of the wine world, his passion for exploring different wines, and his commitment to providing value to his audience. He encourages viewers to embrace experimentation and discover their own wine preferences.

• This episode of Wine Library TV offers a great starting point for those looking for high-quality wines for their holiday celebrations.
• By offering a mix of price points and wine styles, Gary caters to a wide range of wine enthusiasts, providing options for both budget-conscious drinkers and those looking for luxury wines.
• The pairing suggestions are a valuable resource for enhancing the holiday dining experience, allowing viewers to create a harmonious balance of flavors.

Further Exploration of Wine: Resources and Insights

Gary's episode highlights the vast world of wine, encouraging viewers to explore further and discover their own wine preferences. Here are some resources and insights to enhance your journey into the world of wine:

• Wine Library TV: Gary's YouTube channel, Wine Library TV, features a wealth of content on various wine topics, including tasting notes, wine education, and interviews with winemakers.
• Wine Spectator: A leading publication in the wine world, Wine Spectator provides comprehensive reviews, ratings, and articles on wine from around the globe.
• Wine Advocate: Another respected publication, Wine Advocate offers detailed tasting notes and ratings of wines, providing valuable information for wine collectors and enthusiasts.
• Local Wine Shops: Don't overlook the expertise of your local wine shop. Many offer tastings, recommendations, and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the world of wine.
• Wine Clubs: Joining a wine club can provide access to curated selections, discounts, and opportunities to expand your palate.

Essential Keywords for Wine Exploration:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic red grape variety known for its bold, rich flavors and aging potential.
• Pinot Noir: A delicate and elegant red grape variety with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to complex and earthy.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and refreshing white grape variety known for its citrus, herbal, and sometimes grassy notes.
• Wine Tasting: The process of tasting wine, paying attention to its aroma, flavor, and finish.
• Gary Vaynerchuk: A renowned wine expert, entrepreneur, and author, known for his passionate approach to wine and his success in building a digital empire.
• California Wine: Wines produced in the state of California, known for their diverse range of styles and growing regions.
• Wine Review: An evaluation of wine based on its sensory characteristics, such as aroma, flavor, and overall quality.
• Wine Library TV: Gary Vaynerchuk's YouTube channel dedicated to wine education, reviews, and discussions.