Holiday Wines from Local Vinesby Laura NessIf you live on the Central Coast and want to entertain a crowd with local style, here are a dozen wines for the Twelve Days of Christmas and beyond:SPARKLINGLoma Prieta Winery Blanc de Noir, $29 (reg $35). This spectacular gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a sight to behold, and the perfect place to take out of town guests over the holidays. It’s also the perfect place to do some holiday shopping, for this awesome bubbly, as well as their beautiful Pinotage and Pinots. lomaprietawinery.comWHITESAromatic Whites2012 Morgan Double L Riesling, Santa Lucia Highlands, $22. Zippy, zingy, thirst-quenching rendition that will have your tastebuds dancing a jig. At Taste Morgan in the Barnyard shopping center.2011 J McFarland “Tribute” Riesling, $19. Just the right balance of acidity and brisk fruit, this wine is not sweet, but rewards with flavors of crisp, ripe apple. At Zeph’s and Star Market.Alternative Whites2011 Mercy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco, $16. Rich in texture, yet imbued with plentiful acidity, this white grapefruit, Asian pear and melon-laced wine will whet your whistle nicely. At the Carmel Valley tasting room.2010 La Marea Albarino, Monterey, $22. Bracingly refreshing as a seaside walk on a winter’s day, this alluring wine has abundant citrus and firm nectarine flavors, and is an all around superb food wine. At Trio in Carmel.Chardonnay2012 McIntyre Estate SLH Chardonnay, $28. This wine embodies the essence of the Santa Lucia Highlands with its aromas of baked golden apples, ripe pears, butterscotch and lemon cream pie. At the McIntyre Tasting Studio at the Hyatt Monterey.2011 Wrath San Saba Estate Chardonnay, $49. Full throttle, oak-laced stunner, with amazingly persistent acidity, and a texture that is addictively rewarding. At the tasting room in Carmel Plaza and at the winery.REDSLighter & Fruity2011 Joyce Vineyards Carmel Valley Pinot Noir, $50. So silky smooth and filled with racy acidity, this is a splurge wine for those of you who like the sensation of a ballerina dancing en pointe all across your palate. At the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village.2011 Holman Ranch Heather’s Hill Pinot Noir, $37. Classically Burgundian in style and made of Calera and Pommard clones, this well-tailored Pinot is packed with impeccable layers of raspberry jam, pomegranate, porcini, dry-cured ham and hints of rye. At the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village.Pinots With A Bit More Grip2012 Talbott Vineyards Logan Pinot Noir, $25. Genuine Pinot aromas of forest floor, flint and brick, with earthy, meaty flavors, like chestnut puree and cherry orange bitters. At the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, the River Road tasting room, and select retail outlets.2011 Puma Road Pedregal Vineyard Pinot Noir, Paicines, $30. A juxtaposition of weather and place, this substantially well-endowed Pinot has deep, dark fruity flavors and a powerful surge of energy that commands attention. At the River Road tasting room and in Carmel.Earthier & Meatier2010 Guglielmo Winery Barbera, Estate Private Reserve, $25. Nicely vibrant acidity braced with blackberry and spice. Wonderful food wine. At the winery in Morgan Hill, open daily. 2011 J. Lohr “Gesture” Zinfandel - $25. Lovely, lively with raspberry and red plum, this is Zin to excite. Great with hard cheeses. At the tasting room in San Jose or Paso Robles. Bold & Hearty2010 Comanche Cellars Mission Ranch Syrah, $30. Flavors of tangy plum tart, ginger, soy sauce, and spicy olive tapenade excite the palate, and sip after sip reveals yet another delicious layer, all the way to a firm, rich coffee-tinged finish. At Taste of Monterey. Also online.2010 Scheid Triple Layer Red, $28. This triple play of bright, ripe raspberry fruit of Grenache, jammy lushness of Syrah, and the subtle spiciness and earthiness of Mourvèdre make for one heck of a fun wine that will delight your guests. At the tasting room in Carmel or on 101.Bordeaux For Those Who Must2008 House Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $46. Cherries, fine Cuban cigars, rich leather arm chairs and hints of juniper and cedar incense meld with intoxicating whiffs of melting chocolate and warm cinnamon spices. Gorgeous, smooth and super velvety tannins support meaty flavors of pomegranate, summer ripe plums and dark chocolate covered cherries. 2009 Heller Estate Petit Verdot, $50. Seriously inky stuff, with massive juniper, black olive and black currant, underpinned by fine-grained tannins. At the Heller Estate tasting room in Carmel Valley Village.
