Our Christmas 2025 selection showcases seven exceptional choices, from opulent Carneros Chardonnay and mineral Alsace Riesling to Rioja elegance, Provence rosé bubbles, the legendary Cristal 2016 and a sumptuous 20-year-old Tawny Port. Whether gifting, hosting or simply enjoying winter’s comforts, these wines offer craftsmanship, character and undeniable festive charm.
ROMBAUER Carneros Chardonnay 2022/2023
This is a wine that delivers California opulence with precision. Lush aromas of ripe peach, baked apple and Meyer lemon glide into a palate layered with vanilla bean, toasted brioche and a signature creamy richness. Balanced by the bright acidity of the Chardonnay grapes grown in the Carneros region, it remains both indulgent and poised. A silken, mouth-filling white with real pedigree, finishing long on warm spice and citrus zest. £50 | majestic.co.uk
DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER Grand Cru Saering Riesling 2020
A bone-dry, precision-cut expression drawn from the estate’s finest steep hillside vineyards in Alsace. Its crystalline lime, green apple and white-peach profile is underpinned by vibrant acidity and a striking wet-stone minerality. Complex yet effortlessly elegant, it marries the concentration of fine white Burgundy with the zest of Sauvignon Blanc – a magical combination that slices beautifully through the richness of Christmas dishes. Great value too. £32.50 | brunswickfinewines.com
ORIS SIWFT 8 Years in The Desert 2020/2021
A wine with a Hollywood-worth story. The name comes from the eight-year period winemaker, Dave Phiney was prohibited from making Zinfandel after selling his successful “The Prisoner” brand. During this “desert” exile, he wrote a book of short stories, the first of which was called Eight Years in the Desert, and the name stuck for his return to winemaking. This voluptuous California red blends Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Syrah, weraring its power with surprising grace. Expect an inky, dark-core glass and aromas of wild berries and dark plum, layered with cedar, pepper and subtle coffee-bean. On the palate, it is lush and berry-rich, with soft, velvety tannins and a lingering finish touched by dark chocolate and subtle herbaceous notes. £62 | majestic.co.uk
MARQUES DE MURRIETA Gran Reserva 2015
Red wines don’t get much more elegant than this. Coming from one of Spain’s most historic estates, this Gran Reserva layers aromas of dark cherry, plum and dried fig which unfold into hints of cigar box, balsamic spice and polished oak. The palate is refined and harmonious, its maturity bringing silken tannins and deep savoury complexity. A quintessential and decadent winter red, made for slow evenings, hearty dishes and thoughtful drinking. £50 | vinvm.co.uk
LOUIS ROEDERER Cristal 2016
Louis Roederer’s Cristal 2016 comes from the world’s most admired Champagne house, a prestige cuvée originally crafted in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II and still one of the most coveted wines on the planet. The 2016 vintage marries rich, expressive fruit with a glorious saline freshness, its texture both crystalline and expansive. Sublime for toasting love, life and friendship, it also makes an exceptional pairing with lobster. £220 | thefinestbubble.com
CHÂTEAU LEOUBE Sparkling Rosé
Provence elegance distilled into a single, radiant bottle. Crafted organically on coastal vineyards kissed by Mediterranean breezes, it delivers delicate wild strawberry, white peach and rose-petal aromas lifted by a fine, persistent mousse. The palate is crisp yet gently creamy, with a whisper of saline freshness that speaks of its seaside terroir. Utterly charming as an apéritif and effortlessly chic for festive celebrations. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. £45 | daylesford.com
RAMOS PINTO 20-Year-Old Tawny Port
One can’t – or shouldn’t – finish a proper festive meal without a glorious, silken Port to accompany chocolates, mince pies or Christmas pudding. In the case of this exceptional option by Ramos Pinto, its long cask ageing reveals layers of dried fruits, toasted nuts and orange-infused caramel, all carried by remarkable freshness.
Utterly sublime with mince pies, chocolate or Christmas pudding, it offers a moment of pure decadence from one of Portugal’s great family estates. A beautifully crafted winter warmer that delivers both comfort and complexity in every sip. £58.45 | ndjohn.co.uk
Author: Lina Ress
Show Comments +