Christmas eve is chicken enchilada time for us so match wise neve the
best, so I just decided to go for something I like but normally wouldn't
have so
2003 Ribera de Duero reserva from de Restia a full rich temparnillo that
went well actually great night.
Christmas day, I finally got the OK for pinot for Christmas and thought
that the best way I could do it was with
Chalone the estate bottling. we had a 2004 and a 2007. The 2004 was a
closeout so always a bit of a worry is it over the hill? The short
answer, NO. the 2004 was richer, smoother and perfectly suited for
drinking. The 07 was comparatively green with a hint of sourness in the
finish. To be honest I wouldn't have noticed if it hadn't been in
comparison, but it was there.

Value wise the Ribera was a steal at $18-$19 (IIRC may have been a tad
less definitely not more) while the Chalone at 30 and 35 respectively
was a bit pricy. The Spanish red keep on keeping on.

And speaking of Spanish. my best Christmas present (we don't really do
givts so much anymore) was a bottle of Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez
Solers Gran Reserva from Romate. this brandy is smooth but the really
nice thing is that the underlying wine is evident - in the finish you
can taste the Sherry and it is velvety smooth to boot. . .