It is no surprise that wine plays a crucial role in all things associated with romance. From the cultivation of grapes to the final pour into the glass, wine embodies passion—a genuine manifestation of love and an emblem of celebration. While it is true that one can find decent wine at any store nowadays, the following selections are exceptional and deserve to be shared with your significant other. This Valentine’s Day, opt for the extraordinary over the mundane.
2017 Frank Family Brut Rosé ($55):As legend has it, Marilyn Monroe used to frequent Frank Family’s historic Larkmead winery annually to indulge in bubbles. One sip of this sophisticated wine will reveal its charm. This Brut Rosé, entirely Pinot Noir, strikes a perfect balance between richness and acidity, making it an ideal match for a romantic dinner featuring oysters or baked brie. With a light coral pink hue, the luscious palate presents strawberries intertwined with citrus notes and a hint of almond, culminating in a refreshing mineral finish.
2018 Gamble Family Vineyards ‘Heart Block’ Sauvignon Blanc ($95):Tom Gamble, inspired by his travels in France, planted Sauvignon Blanc vines at his estate vineyard in Yountville, dubbing it the Heart Block. This blend of Musque and Preston clones creates a velvety palate described by winemaker Jim Close as “layered, focused, complex & refreshing.” Captivating aromas of lime, lemon zest, Bosque pear, and honey suckle harmonize with hints of almond blossoms and toasted brioche. The wine boasts intimate flavors of Meyer lemon, green apple, white grapefruit, and a touch of flinty minerality, allowing you to share in the winemaker’s passion for the varietal.
2020 Alma Rosa El Jabali Pinot Noir ($72):Alma Rosa’s El Jabali vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA stands out due to the nearby transverse mountain range, diverse soils, and marine influences. Samra Morris, California’s pioneering Bosnian American winemaker, is renowned for crafting wines that reflect the vineyard’s character, and this one is no exception. With a ruby red hue, intricate aromatics, prominent notes of red fruit, herbs, and vibrant acidity, this wine is sure to delight your beloved on Valentine’s Day.
2019 Cuvaison Brut Rosé, Méthode Champenoise ($60):Who can resist the delightful pale pink shade of this charming sparkling wine? The delicate texture and lively red fruit accents are courtesy of the Pinot Noir, while the structure and length are attributed to the Chardonnay. The ensemble of wild strawberry, crisp watermelon, grapefruit, and raspberry creates a tapestry of complexity and richness. Pair it elegantly with popcorn or extravagantly with a creamy risotto.
2019 J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon ($100):The inaugural vintage of this wine was unveiled in 2013 to commemorate J. Lohr founder Jerry Lohr’s 80th birthday. Since then, each vintage has represented the pinnacle of the J. Lohr collection. Aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak selected from four cooperages for the winery’s distinctive program, this deep and silky wine is the epitome of indulgence—perfect for a savory Valentine’s Day dinner.
Fulldraw FD2 2018 ($55):Paso Robles-based Fulldraw, founded by the husband-and-wife team Connor and Rebecca McMahon, is an expression of their passion. The FD2, a blend of Grenache and Syrah, captures the essence of the estate’s limestone soils, cooling maritime influences, and drastic exposures characteristic of the Willow Creek District AVA. The 2018 vintage is a harmonious red blend, bursting with opulent flavors—a sophisticated, intricate wine for a special occasion.
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