Christmas is a time for celebration, indulgence, and sharing exceptional moments with loved ones. The most wonderful time of the year is also the perfect opportunity to indulge in the taste of delicious wines to commemorate the holidays, and choosing the right bottle to open at any time of the festivities is no small thing.
The following fine wines, all hailing from exceptional years, offer a perfect balance of flavour, provenance, and phenomenal quality for Christmas celebrations. Whether one prefers a spicy, robust red, or a delicate rosé that settles sweetly on the palate, the following recommendations in each category are essentials to uncork over the holidays.
Red Wines
Château Margaux 2010 (Bordeaux, France)
The 2010 vintage of Château Margaux is widely regarded as one of the estate’s finest in decades. This structured yet elegant wine produces deep aromas of blackcurrant, violet, and graphite, layered with notes of cedar and spice from oak ageing. With silky tannins and a remarkable finish, it pairs superbly with darker meats like venison,and is an essential addition to the Christmas day fine wine arsenal.
Henschke Hill of Grace 2010 (Eden Valley, Australia)
The 2010 Hill of Grace, a Shiraz produced from century-old New World vines, is a high point of Australian winemaking. Complex and deeply aromatic, the vintage offers blackberry, star anise and dark chocolate flavours alongside earthy undertones. Its refined structure and velvety finish make it an ideal match for game and poultry or slow-cooked red meats at the table over the holiday period.
Château Latour 2009 (Bordeaux, France)
A product of the legendary Pauillac estate, Château Latour’s 2009 vintage is rich, concentrated, and obviously, age-worthy. It features notes of black cherries, plum and tobacco, with light traces of liquorice and espresso that pair marvellously with this wine’s rich texture and body. An excellent companion to roast meats or a Christmas ham, but also one to enjoy late into the evening on Christmas Day.
White Wines
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2014 (Burgundy, France)
The 2014 vintage of this wine is a benchmark for white Burgundian vintages. Aromas of peach, lemon curd and crushed stones caress the nose, while the first sip reveals delicious layers of citrus and hazelnuts, underpinned by a mineral-rich backbone in what is a wonderfully complex affair. Perfect for pairing with a very big Christmas turkey but can be enjoyed long into the evening thanks to its depth and crowd-pleasing body of flavour.
Hermitage Blanc Domaine Jean-Louis Chave 2011 (Rhône Valley, France)
Jean-Louis Chave’s Hermitage Blanc 2011 is an extraordinary offering of viticultural excellence. This rare white wine offers a delicious bouquet of flavours including apricot, white flowers and marzipan, creating a luscious sensation on the tongue with distinctive honey and almond notes. Best served as an accompaniment to lobster or creamy dishes - perfectly suited for enjoying a hearty feast on Christmas Day.
Château Haut-Brion Blanc 2015 (Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France)
This Bordeaux Blanc, crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, is a rare and pleasing gem to enjoy over the holidays. The 2015 vintage delivers aromas of citrus and pineapple - with just a hint of smoke, balanced with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Ideal for pairing with scallops or rich vegetable dishes for Christmas dinner.
Sparkling Wines
Krug Vintage 2008 (Champagne, France)
Hailed as one of the Champagne region's greatest vintages (no small feat indeed), Krug 2008 is a masterpiece of depth and elegance. Layers of citrus, honey, and roasted hazelnuts are interwoven and result in a fine, persistent mousse that shall list low sighs of approval after the first sip. Perfect for toasting the holiday or pairing with oysters and caviar.
Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 2012 (Champagne, France)
Salon produces its Blanc de Blancs only as the result of exceptional years, and 2012 certainly met the criteria for that. This wine is a standout that boasts notes of lemon zest, green apple, and chalky minerality, with a creamy texture and long finish. Best served with fine shellfish or as an indulgent aperitif, perfect for kicking off the celebrations on Christmas day, or opening for the toast when all are gathered at the table.
Dom Pérignon P2 2004 (Champagne, France)
The second plenitude of Dom Pérignon’s 2004 vintage is just as delicious as the first, still offering extraordinary complexity and depth for wine of its age. Toasted brioche, ripe pear, and hints of truffle create a symphony of flavours and a persistent finish that makes it a luxurious pairing for foie gras or festive pâtés, an ideal entry to begin the festivities at dinner time on Christmas day.
Rosé Wines
Château d'Esclans Garrus 2016 (Provence, France)
The 2016 Garrus rosé is a testament to the art of fine winemaking. Pale salmon in colour, it reveals delicate aromas of peach, wild strawberry, and vanilla, with a creamy and long finish, making it an excellent table partner for salmon with Christmas Day breakfast or, the perfect palate cleanser with soft cheeses in the evening.
Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 (Champagne, France)
A truly exquisite rosé Champagne from the masters of the craft, Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 combines the power of their signature grapes with the sweet finesse one should expect from sparkling rose. Aromas of wild berries, blood orange, and spice are complemented by a velvety texture and just the precise amount of acidity, making it a perfect bottle to help whet appetites at the table for Christmas dinner or share a celebratory toast during the day.
Château Miraval Rosé Muse de Miraval 2020 (Provence, France)
How can one complete a Christmas wine arrangement without sampling the delights of Provence? Produced by Château Miraval, the 2020 vintage offers notes of ripe melon, rose petals, and a touch of citrus, balanced by a silky texture. Best enjoyed with either a festive seafood platter or fruity desserts to inject a dose of sweetness into proceedings over the holidays.
From the bold and complex to sweet and creamy finishes, these wines represent standout vintages and the exceptional craftsmanship of the world’s finest winemakers. Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in the best, making many memories with family and friends, whether it be a decadent affair at dinner or, a quiet Christmas by the fire enjoying choice sips of this year's vintage of choice.
