Wine Ideas

We're at that time of year again, when it seems like everyone is looking for a great bottle of wine. Whether you're bringing a bottle to a holiday gathering, giving a gift, or adding to your own collection, Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge has the best selection for you, matched by the best service. Here are some wines to consider on your next visit to one of our stores:

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2011 was recently rated 92 points by Wine Spectator. In fact, their wines consistently score 90+ from both WS and WA. Here's the current WS review: "Very refined, with bergamot and rooibos tea notes, followed by silky cherry, mulled strawberry and cinnamon flavors at the core. Delivers a long, elegant, mineral-infused finish. Seductive. Drink now through 2016." The suggested retail price is $45, but this is on sale in the Bottle Club® for under $31.

Rhone wines are a personal favorite. From a simple Côtes du Rhône to an elegant Chateauneuf-du- Pape, there's a style for every occasion or every day. The Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône Parallele 45 is a blend of Grenache and Syrah (about 50-50) from vines averaging 25 years old. It's a fresh, medium bodied red driven by notes of black fruit and exotic spices with a rounded and delicate mouthfeel. Parallele 45 came in as one of "50 wines you can always trust" from the October 22, 2013 edition of Food & Wine magazine. You'll find this on sale in the Bottle Club® for only $11.99!

Looking for a Napa Cabernet at a generic wine price? Look no further than the Castle Rock Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. According to the winery, "This elegant full-bodied wine has a deep ruby color, has aromas of dark cherry and molasses, and is loaded with nuance and flavor. On the palate it gives flavors of black cherry, ripe plum and spice with hints of light oak. These flavors unite to form a long, smooth and harmonious finish. This wine makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison, pasta dishes and most cheeses." On sale in the Bottle Club® for $12.99.

When you're searching for something that's a bit more upscale, consider the Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. We recently received the 2010 vintage, which scored a 93+ from WA. It's on sale in the Bottle Club® for $74.99.

We could have a team of writers blogging all day about the great wines and great values that we have at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. Your best bet, of course, is to visit our stores and see the enormous selection of wine, beer and spirits that we have, at some of the best possible prices. Find your holiday wines at Joe Canal's.