With the new year fast approaching, it’s time to celebrate the closing of one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced as a country, as human beings, and as social creatures. With so much uncertainty ahead of all of us, let’s not forget there are, and will always continue to be, occasions worthy of celebration and reasons to treat yourself to something you love in the new year. Whether you’re choosing to celebrate the start of a new year or the end of a difficult year, we at Napa Technology would like to offer the wine lover inside all of us a handful of award-winning red wines that will be worth the splurge in the year 2021. Even if you’re not sure what the future holds for you, don’t fret, because with wine dispensing products, such as the WineStation or the WineStation Cellar, you can purchase any of the following selections, store them in your wine dispenser for 60-day preservation, and enjoy your new favorite wines at your convenience all winter long.
1. Cabernet – Yao Ming Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – $95
Winner of the Double Gold award from the 2021 Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition in Houston, TX, this deep ruby California Cabernet has layered flavors of cherry, cassis, and violet. Pour this lush wine from your wine dispenser and see for yourself how strong its legs really are and take in the toasted aromas of vanilla, lavender, and wild sage. High in tannins and smooth in texture, this 2017 Cabernet will age well for up to 10 years. Other accolades include 93 points from Wine Spectator and in 2020 Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 95 points.
The relatively young winery, Yao Family Wines, was founded in 2011 by former NBA star Yao Ming, and sources its Cabernet grapes from vineyards ranging from Yountville to Northern St. Helena. A true Napa Valley classic Cabernet from a delightful, modern winery.
2. Pinot Noir – Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 – $130
The state of Oregon, and Willamette Valley in particular, has quickly distinguished itself as the place to be to find exceptional Pinot Noir. Even standing up in flavor and aroma against Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir’s region of origin, this selection is a standout. This year Domaine Serene’s Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 was one of only three U.S. selections to win the Best in Show award at the 2020 Decanter Awards. Earning 97 points at the event, the Decanter Awards is considered one of the highest respected wine accolades a winery could earn.
Coming from a single vineyard terroir in the Dundee Hills appellation, this red Pinot has a flavor profile that is fruit-forward, spicy, and finishes with a rich and earthy texture. Named for their children, Serene and Mark, this unforgettable red wine was conceived at the Oregon family winery, Evenstad Estate, and is the perfect choice to enjoy together as a family this New Year’s Eve. Simply add this selection to your WineStation to ensure this best in show wine is perfectly preserved until the last drop.
3. Syrah – Domaine Christophe Pichon 2017 La Comtesse en Côte Blonde (Côte Rôtie) – $85
Making its journey from across the pond, our next selection comes from the Rhône wine region of Northern France, where the Côte Rôtie appellation is known for its beautiful coast and even more beautiful and delicate selections of Syrah and its white wine sibling, Viognier. A delicious red wine pulled from vines planted back in 1933, this medium-bodied 2017 Syrah is packed with fruit-forward flavors of black cherry and raspberry. To elevate the profile, this selection also has aromas from the earth, including fur and charred bramble.
Meaning “the countess” in English, La Comtesse from Domaine Christophe Pichon earned a 96 points rating from Wine Enthusiast in 2020. So this New Year’s Eve when you’re dreaming of traveling to Northern France after the global pandemic is over, add La Comtesse Syrah to your wine dispenser, and pour yourself a glass of the best red wine to help you dream of a brighter and safer future.
4. Merlot – 2013 Sullivan Rutherford James O’Neil Merlot – $290
Another staple from Napa Valley is the bold and luxurious 2013 vintage Merlot from the Rutherford appellation of the Sullivan Estate. After Merlot gained a rough reputation thanks to Paul Giamatti in the 2004 film Sideways and his character’s harsh view on this red varietal, Merlot is now making a strong comeback into popularity, and the 2013 Sullivan Rutherford James O’Neil Merlot is no exception.
Bold, acidic, and rated 97 points by James Beard Award-winning wine and food writer, Anthony Dias Blue, this Merlot is described as having “an immediate sense of luxury”. Rich with aromas of plum and dark chocolate, this selection is layered with caramelized wood and vanilla. Add this new favorite into your WineStation in 2021 for a little new year variety and begin savoring every tannic finish.
5. Red Blend – Château Margaux 2017 Margaux – $500
You can’t have a list of top-rated red wines without including a stylish Bordeaux-style red blend, so for our final suggestion, we’re traveling back to France to enjoy the highest luxury wine on this list, the Château Margaux 2017 Margaux. This red blend is a lovely balance of the Margaux appellation’s finest grapes, with their Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for 89% of this blend to gain the wine’s perfectly ripe tannins, and then refined and balanced with a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
This high-end vintage red blend earned an impressive 96 points rating from Wine Enthusiast magazine. Pour a glass from your nearest wine dispenser and catch the aromas of wood and fresh fruit.
Bonus – Joseph Phelps Vineyards, 2015 Ovation Sparkling Wine – $125
You didn’t think we’d leave you without a suggestion for sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve, did you? Labeled “The Best Sparkling Wines To Sip This Winter” by Vogue magazine, this California Sonoma Coast bubbly is made with 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir grapes from Joseph Phelps famous Freestone Vineyards, a Chardonnay and Pinot sweet spot.
This sparkling vintage comes with unexpected aromas of stone fruit, white flower, guava, and toasted brioche. Your palette will notice a refined acidic flavor thanks to the layers of lemon, ripe pear, and apricots. A fine, balanced wine worthy of your new year’s “cheers”.
Creating special memories that you can hold on to when times are tough is one of the most important things we all can do for ourselves as we approach the year 2021. We at Napa Technology hope this list of award-winning red wines will help give you just a few ideas on how you can make the holidays, and the next couple of years, something special to remember when you’re feeling down.
Cheers & Happy Holidays!