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December 27, 2025

New Year’s Buying Guide: The Best Wines to Celebrate

From a show-stopping 3L sparkling bottle to iconic Napa Cabernets and crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir, here’s a curated lineup to ring in the New Year.

New Year’s Buying Guide: The Best Wines to Celebrate

Whether you’re planning a champagne-style toast at midnight, a steak-and-cab dinner, or a cozy night in with friends, this guide features celebration-worthy bottles (and a few big-format showstoppers) to ring in the New Year in style.


How to Use This Guide

  • Pick your “midnight moment” bottle (sparkling or a special red).
  • Add 1–2 food-friendly bottles for the table.
  • Go big-format if you’re hosting—it pours more, looks incredible, and feels like a party.

Prices shown are based on the list provided. Winery prices are included where noted.


For the Midnight Toast

Roederer Estate Brut — 3L

Price: $119.99

Why it’s great: A festive, crowd-pleasing traditional-method Brut—bright, crisp, and celebratory. The 3L format is an instant party centerpiece.


Big, Iconic Reds for a “New Year’s Eve Dinner” Vibe

Quintessa 2021 — 3L

Price: $619.99

Also available: 750ml $299.99

Notable scores (provided): 100 Wine Enthusiast; 98 James Suckling; 98 Jeb Dunnuck; 96 Robert Parker

Why it’s great: Elegant, detailed, and structured—an estate-driven Napa blend that feels perfectly “special occasion.”

Cliff Lede “Poetry” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $349.99

Why it’s great: Power with polish—dark fruit depth, fine tannins, and a long finish that pairs beautifully with beef.

Scarecrow “M. Étain” 2022

Price: $269.99

Why it’s great: Collectible Napa Cabernet intensity with serious structure and undeniable “wow” factor for a midnight pour.

Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2019

Price: $224.99

Why it’s great: Bold, layered, and built for aging—this flagship blend drinks like a celebration and loves rich foods.

BV “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $169.99

Why it’s great: A classic Napa icon—deep, velvety Cabernet with spice and tobacco-tinged complexity.

Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $151.99

Why it’s great: Reserve-tier Oakville Cabernet with structure and polish—dark fruit, savory complexity, refined finish.

Barbour Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $154.99

Why it’s great: Full-bodied yet elegant—blackberry/cherry depth, cocoa/tea nuance, and a long, silky finish.

Anthem Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Price: $131.99

Why it’s great: Mountain Cabernet intensity with freshness and savory lift—excellent with dinner.


Best “Value-to-Prestige” Picks

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Price: $89.99 • Winery: $170

Why it’s great: An iconic label at a standout price—dense, structured Napa Cabernet that feels like a splurge.

DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Price: $99.99 • Winery: $150

Why it’s great: Big Paso richness with a reserve-level finish—great for hearty winter dishes.

Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $59.99 • Winery: $85

Why it’s great: Classic-leaning, food-friendly Napa Cabernet—savory, structured, and versatile.

Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Price: $59.99

Why it’s great: Full-bodied and easy to love—an excellent “host bottle” with Napa character.

Sinegal Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Price: $69.99 • Winery: $90

Why it’s great: Sleek and polished—modern Napa Cabernet with a refined edge.

Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Price: $49.99

Why it’s great: A great alternative-region Cabernet—dark fruit, savory lift, and structure that overdelivers.


Pinot Noir & Zinfandel: Crowd-Pleasers for the Party

Brewer-Clifton “Machado” Pinot Noir 2023

Price: $86.99

Notable scores (provided): 97 James Suckling; 96 Wine Spectator; 96 Jeb Dunnuck; 95 Vinous; 95 Robert Parker

Why it’s great: Vibrant, layered Pinot with dark berries, savory earth and spice—substantial yet lively.

Ridge “Lytton Springs” 2023

Price: $56.99

Why it’s great: Old-vine, Zinfandel-led field blend with spice and savory depth—perfect for a party spread.


Whites to Start the Night (or Pair with Seafood)

Rochioli Chardonnay 2023

Price: $64.99

Why it’s great: Textured, bright Chardonnay with citrus/orchard fruit and a long, clean finish.

Miner “Wild Yeast” Chardonnay 2022

Price: $69.99

Why it’s great: Wild-yeast complexity—ripe orchard fruit, spice, and creamy texture balanced by freshness.

Continuum Estate “Sentium” Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Price: $59.99

Why it’s great: Mineral-leaning and mouthwatering—great as an opener or with lighter bites.

Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Price: $49.99

Why it’s great: Vibrant, flavorful, and easy to serve to a crowd—fresh, expressive, and food-friendly.


Big-Format Bottles (Host Mode)

  • Quintessa 2021 — 3L: $619.99
  • Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cab 2020 — 3L: $374.99
  • Caymus Napa Cab 2022 — 3L: $374.99
  • Roederer Estate Brut — 3L: $119.99

Hosting tip: Chill sparkling early, decant bigger reds if time allows, and keep a backup bottle ready for the countdown.

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