Grape Crush: Three wines for the holiday table

Remember 2013? It was the year Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became the lovable Pope Francis, and the year royal cherub Prince George was born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. President Barack Obama was sworn in for a second term, and the steamy political thriller House of Cards was released on Netflix. It was also a good year for wine.

Bill Hounshell, general manger of Matherne’s Supermarket on Highland Road, helped us choose these 2013 vintages, a chardonnay, a pinot noir and a cabernet sauvignon. Each one is food-friendly, yet complex, and will please the guests gathered around your table this season.

Simi
Cabernet sauvignon
Alexander Valley
2013
$20

A silver medalist earlier this year at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, this Simi cab is juicy and bright. It’s matured for 16 months in small oak barrels. Look for notes of cherry, blackberry, cassis and plum as well as spice and chocolate on the smooth finish.

Pair it with: Lamb tagine with cinnamon and apricots, stuffed flank steak and grilled tenderloin with port wine sauce

J. Lohr
Arroyo Vista
Chardonnay
Monterey County
2013
$17

This chardonnay resembles a French white Burgundy more than a California chardonnay, Hounshell says. Look for spice, crisp apple, stone fruit and lemon, along with toasted brioche, crème brûlée and hazelnuts. There is a lot to enjoy here.

Pair it with: Crown roast of pork with sausage apple stuffing, grilled salmon and an assertive cheese plate

Sean Minor
Point North
Pinot noir
Oregon
2013
$17

Produced from grapes from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the Umpqua Appellations, this medium-bodied pinot has soft round tannins and a complex finish. It’s slightly heavier in style than most Oregon pinots. It features a bright brambleberry profile, with slight earthiness. It’s a true crowd pleaser, Hounshell says.

Pair it with: Pork loin with dried cherry reduction, blue-cheese-stuffed burgers and wild mushroom risotto