Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Wine Enthusiast Magazine is one of the most respected and quoted authorities in the world of wine and spirits. We feature the hottest trends in everything related to wine. Our seasoned editors do the work for you, with over 700 expert ratings and reviews in each issue. Plus, in-depth features on all aspects of cocktails, spirits, beer, inventive wine and food pairings, trendy recipes, savvy travel features, and more.

Wine Enthusiast • VOLUME 33, NUMBER 9

IN THIS ISSUE: A SEASON TO CELEBRATE • It’s time to raise a holiday glass to the health and happiness of our family and friends.

WINEMAG.COM: YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE • Wine Enthusiast’s annual gift guide is full of our favorite glassware, gadgets and accessories to give and to get this winter. But sometimes, nothing says “you’re appreciated” more than a bottle of wine. Here's where to find the perfect pour to give (or stash).

THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • No silly themes here, just all the best wine and beverage gifts to give and to get.

DOWN UNDER & DISTILLED • Here’s an abbreviated guide to preeminent Australian whisky.

FLIGHT SCHOOL: MERRY POPPINGS • Explore the detail that goes into each bottle of nonvintage Champagne.

CIDER BUBBLES UP • American cidermakers are getting wild and going pétillant naturel.

PAIROLOGY: TRIED & BLUE • Just as evidence suggests that wine may have been first consumed by accident when prehistoric humans ate fermenting fruit and enjoyed the buzz, blue cheese is thought to have been “discovered” by cheesemakers whose milk or cheese was unintentionally tainted by Penicillium molds. Now, of course, inoculation with such fungi produces some of the world’s great blue delicacies: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Roquefort and dozens of other varieties marked by characteristic blue-colored veins are as revered as they are polarizing. While intense, these cheeses are incredibly versatile, and your pairing choices can accentuate what you most love about them.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: A MERRY COUPLE • Bourbon and Madeira syrup make a sweet match in this cocktail.

Q&A: NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER CJ MCCOLLUM SHOOTS AND POURS • Professional basketball player CJ McCollum talks about wine, basketball and how they’ve come together for him in Oregon.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: A BATCH MADE IN HEAVEN • This is a favorite holiday cookie that you’re sure to turn to throughout the year.

NAPA’S NEW ALTERNATIVE • The Napa Valley may have established a reputation for its iconic bottlings (see page 62), but the region is also home to an array of creative-minded winemakers who seek to upend norms, ask new questions and connect with wine lovers who look for something different. Here, get to know some of the innovators you’ll want to keep your eye on in the year to come.

WINES BY CHANCE • These reputation-making selections were created when producers abandoned the plan and pressed their luck.

VIEWPOINT: WITH A GREAT COLLECTION COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY • There’s a fine line, but a great distinction, between cellaring and hoarding.

WINE ENTHUSIAST WINE STAR AWARDS • This year marks the 21st anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Annual Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine and alcohol beverage world. Here are the nominees across 15 categories for the 2020 Wine Star Awards. The winners of these categories, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award and American Wine Legend, will be announced in the magazine’s Best of Year issue. In a challenging year for all industries, we salute the dedicated beverage professionals who have innovated and flourished.

TOP 1OO CELLAR SELECTIONS 2020 • The best wines to buy now and drink later

A TALE OF TWO PORTS • The 2016 and 2017...