SIX DELICIOUS WINES TO DELIGHT DURING YOUR HOLIDAYS

Juicy, almost sweet, and utterly delicious, Dan Martin's Central Coast Pinot Noir is the perfect accompaniment to the traditional turkey or ham. Hand crafted and named after Martin's Uncle Jack, this is the bottle to open at the table surrounded by friends and family because it's infused with the stories of Martin Ranch… the kind of stories that get shared around the campfire or the holiday table. Like the Ranch itself, each bottle of J.D. Hurley Pinot Noir brings forth compelling stories and even better memories. Like most classics, this bottle is steeped in tradition, says Martin. "I've maintained a consistent style of making J.D. Hurley wines since we introduced the label," Martin says. "The Pinot Noir displays a true Burgundian style. Its bouquet instantly engages you," and it finishes with "a kiss of French oak, cherry and caramel." Excellent for food, this bottle is also superb on its own.

California's Monterey County is unrivaled as a stupendous place for growing superb wine grapes — especially Chardonnay. A 90-mile-long valley within the county is home to more than 175 distinct vineyards, which have a mix of eight soil types. The northernmost areas of Monterey, deemed as on the edge of being too cold to grow wine grapes, are held in high esteem for their exceptional production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Within the county as a whole, there are eight smaller American Viticultural Areas, each a distinct growing district defined by its soils, climate, topography, viticultural practices, and people — the building blocks of a winemakers' craft. Matchmaker taps several vineyards within the Monterey County appellation in crafting its Chardonnay. The result is a medium-bodied, delicious wine that would be an ideal addition to a diverse holiday feast, equally appreciated while preparing the feast, or served with any kind of fowl, from chicken and turkey to roast goose.

Ah… the good life! That's the meaning of "Bon Vie", and when it comes to this bottle, you'll savor every drop. Petite Sirah may be the most misunderstood of all wine grapes, as it's often mistaken for an entirely different variety: Syrah. Or, in some cases, it's thought of as a "lighter" version of that entirely different variety. But there's nothing "petite" about Petite Sirah — a distinctive, delicious variety that isn't shy about expressing itself in the glass. Today, there's even an advocacy group for the variety, known as P.S. I Love You. As that organization notes on its website, Petite Sirah is a vinifera grape variety whose parents are Peloursin and Syrah. What gives Bon Vie it's distinctive signature flavor was the winemaker's inspired choice to include just a splash of pure Syrah in its 2014 bottling of Petite Sirah. It's a nicely textured, medium weight wine that's ideal for toasting the good life. When you're sipping a glass of Petite Sirah, poured from a bottle bearing the Bon Vie label, you're definitely living the good life. Pairs well with all manner of meats, including beef, chicken, and pork. Family and friends will definitely take notice if you serve this at your Thanksgiving table.

Ichanka translates as "water of the condor" ("I" = water). Keep this small fact in mind when you uncork and serve this splendid bottle. Here's the story: The little hamlet of Ichanka, located in the Famatina Valley of La Rioja, Argentina, was an important source of spring water to the indigenous Diaguitas people. This secret water source was discovered thanks to the condors that would be seen hovering over the spring. The Diaguitas believed the condor was the closest creature to divinity, and considered it a messenger of the spirits. Today, Ichanka is home to a dry environment with warm days and cool night—perfect for growing outstanding Malbec grapes. The abundance of water deep below the surface ensures it's available when needed. This is an area ideally suited to producing intensely flavored red wines with wonderful elegance and vibrant character. Wines like the 2013 "Single Vineyard" Malbec, a lightly floral, juicy, round wine with a long, lingering finish. It's a delicious vinous gift from the water of the condor... and a passionate winemaker. And so versatile! Malbec has big shoulders, and is known for its plump dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, so it won't be overwhelmed by sweet-spicy sauces. If your table will include asian flavors or you're firing up the grill for festive BBQ ribs, this bottle is perfection.

If your holiday menu features beef, especially grilled steaks, this is an exceptional bottle to uncork. Why? Because it's actually quite rare to encounter a bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon that pairs perfectly with grilled food. Crown Peak Winery's California Cabernet, vintage 2013, is the exception to the rule. Unlike many Cabs, which are built to age, the Crown Peak bottling was crafted in a style that rewards early drinking. It's the youthfulness of the wine — in concert with the blending decisions made in the cellar — that renders it so grilled fare-friendly. When a California Cabernet is fresh, with limited cellar time, its bright fruit flavors shine through, and those flavors serve as a counterpoint to the scorch on grilled meat. So while we'd normally reach for a bottle of Zinfandel or Petite Sirah when firing up the grill, a tasty alternative for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers would be this bottling from Crown Peak. It's at its peak of youthful fruitfulness right now, so give it a try with your next grilled steak.It will also pair brilliantly with Prime Rib of Beef, pork roast, or duck.