While undeniably mainstream, gifts of libations are usually quite welcome. Knowing the etiquette of giving liquor as a gift will help you choose something commensurate with the status of the recipient. Is this for a pal or your boss? If the former, anything goes – silly, ridiculous, over-the-top. If the latter, avoid the discount rack and match your selection to the status of your superior. As uncomfortable as it may feel to admit it, your goal here is to impress with your insight into their tastes to either gain or retain their favor. Giving your boss or someone else you’re trying to impress a long-lasting fine spirit, fortified wine or a bottle of an exceptional vintage will give them a chance to reflect upon on the swell cat who gifted it to them every time they draw a sip.
The first rule in choosing an appropriate gift is to confirm that your gift will be a welcome one. If someone is an abstainer, it may be for religious or health reasons. They may also be in recovery, and wine or hootch will be embarrassing, inappropriate and potentially disastrous.
Once you’ve decided, it’s time for a bit of product research, and Avenue is here to assist. We consulted both national and local experts to help you make informed decisions.
Let’s start shopping!
Under $50 $
$50-200 $$
$200-500 $$$
Over $500 $$$$
Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino
Bold and juicy flavors taper off to minerals and a hint of red licorice. On the nose there are notes of rose, bright strawberry and cherry.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at The Wine Seller, Acquistapace Market
$
Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Rosso
This very interesting wine has plenty of red fruit and white pepper with great texture and amazing minerality. It finishes with a deep smoky aroma. Like drinking a volcano.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Acquistapace Market, Spirit Wine
$
Jessica Norris is the Advanced Sommelier for Vineyard Brands. She handles the company’s exclusive, members only/invitation only Wine Club and assists those members with their private events, private cellars and collections. She’s an internationally trusted authority on top-tier wines, earned Wine Spectator’s Grand Award in 2016 and is certified as an Advanced Sommelier in Theory, Service and Blind Tasting. Norris recommends nine wines available in the New Orleans market for holiday gifting.
Umani Ronchi “Jorio” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The full-bodied palate is serious, and the wine is bold and fragrant and ready to drink with a rich bouquet of oregano, sage, forest notes, blackcurrant and citrus. This blows many Montepulcianos out of the water for an amazing price.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Elio’s Wine Warehouse, Acquistapace Markets
$
Chateau Miraval Côtes de Provence Rose
A consistent favorite from the Perrins (in partnership with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie), one of France’s leading wine producing families. The color is a beautiful light pink with a bouquet of delicate white fruit, strawberries and floral notes.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Acquistapace Markets, Brady’s Wine Warehouse, Dorignac’s.
$
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2014 DOCG
“This is the highest-end Sangiovese varietal from Tuscany we carry.” The color is an intense ruby red with garnet reflections. The bouquet is ethereal, violet and vanilla with hints of licorice, and the taste is full, soft, velvety, with traces of spice.
Recommended by Christian Havener
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$
Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2017
“It’s Duckhorn!” Havener says. “Merlot is one of the things Duckhorn does exceedingly well.” A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, this wine offers alluring aromas of lush cherry, raspberry, cocoa and freshly baked pie crust. The cherry and raspberry notes are echoed on the silky palate, where fine-grained tannins and flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, licorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.
Recommended by Christian Havener
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
“Before this, it was thought that good wine only came from France, maybe some from Italy,” Havens says. “This winery won the Chardonnay category at the 1976 Judgement of Paris. That moment is considered the first time American wines were recognized on a worldwide stage.” Driven by lemon curd, the palate leans toward creaminess but with enough bright acid, green apple and toast to bring balance and finesse. The ripeness of the vintage drives the mouthfeel as the flavors exude freshness and vibrancy, a unique combination.
Recommended by Christian Havener
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$
Ridge Vineyards Montebello 2018
This is the flagship wine from one of California’s most iconic wineries. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend is a stunningly beautiful expression of the mountaintop Montebello Vineyard in Santa Cruz.
Recommended by Marc Pelletier
Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits
$$$
Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst 2018
Part of Spottswoode’s storied history inspired the name Lyndenhurst, a tribute to the fragrant linden trees that still bloom there today. This dynamic wine made from grapes grown at the family’s estate vineyard blended with those from other family-owned neighboring vineyards, making it a collaborative wine. There are notes of raw fresh blackberries, crushed graphite, cassis, baking spices and cocoa powder
Recommended by Ben Lazich
Available at The Wine Seller
$$
The Mascot 2016
A very limited-edition Napa Red wine from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory. The Mascot shares a unique glimpse into the evolution of a collection of wine-growing estates. This is only for the serious wine collector who will appreciate its rarity.
Recommended by Ben Lazich
Available at The Wine Seller
$$
2011 Penfolds Grange Bin 95
Although the 2011 is considered early in drinkability, Penfolds Grange is an icon of Australian wine. Developed by Max Schubert – Penfolds’ first chief winemaker – as his answer to the French cellared-style wines he experienced on a trip to Bordeaux, the wine has only grown in influence. On its 50th birthday in 2001, Grange was listed as a South Australian heritage icon. The 2011 is only the sixth vintage to ever consist of 100 percent Shira
Recommended by Patrick J. Brady
Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse
$$$$
Patrick J. Brady is a French Wine Scholar, WSET Level 2 Wine & Spirits Certified Executive Bourbon Steward and Owner of Brady’s Wine Warehouse. Brady offers three suggestions for over-the-top holiday gift giving, all available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse.
Grande Krewe Barrel Select 1792 Full Proof Bourbon
“In February of 2021, we went to the Barton 1792 distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, to taste through multiple barrels of their award-winning Full Proof Bourbon. We were able to purchase an entire barrel of our favorite expression and it’s available at the store now! Made from 1792’s signature high-rye recipe, it’s bold, rich and smoky with a surprisingly soft and sweet finish with notes of vanilla and caramel.”
Recommended by Terry Quire
Available at Grande Krewe
$$
Macallan 18-Year Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This is a “perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.”
Recommended by Terry Quire
Available at Grande Krewe
$$$
Pinhook Bourbon Heist Bourbon – Rouses Small Batch Select
With an average age of three years and four months, the 2021 vintage of Pinhook’s flagship bourbon shows bright aromas of orange blossom, nutmeg and fresh roasted coffee. This transitions to a vibrant palate of butterscotch, toasted coconut, almond and sassafras. Pinhook owner, Sean Josephs, lives in New Orleans and was the restaurateur behind the former Kenton’s at Nashville Avenue and Magazine Street.
Recommended by Bill deTurk
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$
Peerless Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Double Oak Selection – Donny Rouse Select
Bottled at barrel proof (111.7 proof) and well-balanced. It is bolstered by sweet tones of maple, brown sugar and light citrus, with a hint of oak in the finish.
Recommended by Bill deTurk
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$
Terry Quire is the Store Manager of Grand Krewe, a premier neighborhood fine wine and spirits shop in its seventh year of business in the Marigny. Grand Krewe features an international selection of small production wines and an eclectic selection of hard-to-find spirits. The shop hosts frequent tastings and seminars, including “Thirsty Thursdays” every week, 5:30-8 p.m. Quire offers three suggestions for memorable holiday gifting.
Peg Leg Porker Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Pitmaster Reserve
This is Peg Leg’s extremely allocated, top of the line Signature Series offering. It is aged 15 years, bottled at 90 proof and comes in a satin-lined wooden box for an exceptional gift presentation. It also has a cool peg leg porker stopper!
Recommended by Bill deTurk
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$$
Imperio del Don Extra Anejo 10 Year Old Tequila
This bottle still shows amazingly fresh Agave flavor after 10 years in barrel. Notes of cocoa and cinnamon add to the beautiful complexity of this aged Tequila.
Recommended by Marc Pelletier
Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits
$$
Thierry et Pascale Matrot Bourgogne Blanc
A creamy white Chardonnay with citrus aromas, white flowers and light almond touches. On the palate it’s unctuous, mineral and rich. A rounded wine with a long and persistent finish.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Whole Foods, Total Wine, Faubourg Wines
$
Famille Perrin Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve Rouge
Fresh and medium-bodied with notes of jam and pepper. A bargin.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street, Rouses on Baronne Street, Brady’s Wine Warehouse
$
Marc Pelletier is a Wine and Spirits Consultant with Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits.
2012 Gérard Bertrand Minervois La Livinière “Clos d’Ora”
Located at the convergence of two distinct terroirs – Bartonian and Lutetian – and composed of chalk, sandstone and marl soils, the Clos d’Ora vineyard is located in the Minervois La Liviniere AOP, Languedoc-Roussillon, and is farmed using only biodynamic methods. 2012 is the very first vintage of this wine to be released and comprises Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre. Full-bodied and concentrated, there’s a meaty, savory edge to the nose and it still has years to go before reaching its prime.
Recommended by Patrick J. Brady
Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse
$$$
Comtesse de Malet Roquefort Bordeaux Rouge
Considered one of the best discoveries in value-priced French Bordeaux, this wine is made by the traditional family that owns and makes Château La Gaffelière in Saint Emilion. This is a well-structured, yet subtle red wine. It is silky and fresh with juicy red fruits. The tannins are soft and nicely harmonized. This pairs well with grilled meats, rich pasta dishes and complex cheeses.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at The Wine Seller, Zuppardo’s.
$
Christian Havener has worked in retail, fine dining and as a wine brand representative for the past 20 years. Presently, he’s the Certified Sommelier for Rouses Markets and he can be found most days at the Tchoupitoulas Street location. He recommends four bottles, all of which are available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street, for spirited holiday gifts.
Egly-Ouriet “Les Crayères” Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes
“This truly outstanding single vineyard Champagne comes from some of Egly’s oldest vines dating back to 1947. Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir, the pure chalk soils of ‘Les Crayères’ showcase one of the best terroirs in Ambonnay. It’s full-bodied and powerful with refreshing notes of honey, ginger and spice with toasty aromatics.”
Recommended by Terry Quire
Available at Grande Krewe
$$$
Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Vintage Brut Champagne 2008
“This is to Feuillatte what Dom Perignon is to Moët.” Aromas of bracingly fresh white fruits, dried almonds and apricots, and a slight hint of spice. Upfront, permeating flavors of redcurrant and citrus fruits. A second wave of pinot noir freshness and streak of minerality, underpinned by a distinctive chalk signature and acutely delicate smoky edge.
Recommended by Christian Havener
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$$
1998 Krug “Clos d’Ambonnay” Brut Champagne
In 1994 the Champagne House of Krug secretly bought Clos d’Ambonnay – a tiny, walled vineyard of less than 1.7 acres at the southern edge of the Montagne de Reims – after first setting its sights on the vineyard sometime in the 1980s. After patiently waiting for the then-owner to sell, Krug waited a further 13 years before releasing its first vintage (1995) to the market. Krug Clos d’Ambonnay represents the absolute pinnacle in Champagne and to even put together a six-pack of this vintage one would probably have to call not just multiple states, but multiple countries.
Recommended by Patrick J. Brady
Available at Brady’s Wine Warehouse
$$$$
Bill deTurk is the Author of The Big Easy Bartending Guide. You can find him working with Christian Havener at the Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street as they strive to satisfy a thirsty Uptown crowd. DeTurk offers suggestions for gifts of holiday spirits, three of which are exclusive to Rouses.
“As one might expect,” deTurk says, “exclusive store selections generally will be finer quality than the regular style of the same product.”
Marques de Caceres Rioja Gran Reserva
Full-bodied and intense with cherry, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and allspice flavors mingling through a spicy, floral finish.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Dorignac’s, The Wine Seller
$
Warre’s Otima 10 Year Tawny Port
Racy, fresh and light amber in color, with notes of green fig, dried cherry and hazelnut. Drink now or age for 8 to 10 years. A bargain.
Recommended by Jessica Norris
Available at Total Wine, Whole Foods, Faubourg Wines
$
Rhum J.M’s 2003 Vintage Agricole Rum
A wonderful expression of the terroir of Martinique. Bottled at a (relatively low) cask strength, this is a rum-sipper’s delight.
Recommended by Marc Pelletier
Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits
$$$
Bayou Rum – Rouses Select Special Release Single Barrel
Bayou Rum is distilled in Lacassaine, Louisiana, from locally sourced sugar cane. This limited edition is aged in California red wine barrels for three years. It offers rich aromas of oak, figs, red berries, spices, plum, black pepper and earthy flavors with a long, round finish.
Recommended by Bill deTurk
Available at Rouses on Tchoupitoulas Street
$
The affable Ben Lazich of The Wine Seller suggests two premium bottles of red wine.
E. Guigal Côte Rôtie
Their treasured single vineyards always rank among the world’s most collectible Syrahs. These 2017 vintage wines from the vineyards La Turque, La Mouline and La Landonne showcase the dense structure of this rugged appellation without losing the floral essence of great French Syrah. They’ll age for decades if you can keep your hands off of them for that long!
Recommended by Marc Pelletier
Available at Martin Wine Cellar & Spirits
$$$
RESOURCES
Acquistapace Market
125 E. 21st Ave., Covington
985-893-0593
Acquistapace.com
Brady’s Wine Warehouse
1029 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., C
504-662-1488
BradysWineWarehouse.com
Dorignac’s Supermarket
710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
504-834-8216
Dorignacs.com
Elio’s Wine Warehouse
6205 S. Miro St.
504-866-1852
EliosWineWarehouse.com
Faubourg Wines
2805 St. Claude Ave.
504-342-2217
FaubourgWines.com
Grande Krewe
2305 Decatur St.
504-309-8309
GrandeKrewe.com
Martin Wine Cellar
3827 Baronne St.
504-899-7411
MartinWine.com
Rouses
701 Baronne St., 504-227-3838
4500 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-896-7910
Rouses.com
Spirit Wine
3500 Magazine St.
504-309-8744
Spirit-Wine.com
The Wine Seller
5000 Prytania St.
504-899-6000
benlazich.wixsite.com/winesellernola
Total Wines and More
3780 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
504-267-8866
TotalWine.com
Whole Foods
300 N. Broad St., 504-434-3364
5600 Magazine St., 504-899-9119
3420 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-888-8225
3450 Highway 190, Mandeville, 985-231-3328
WholeFoodsMarket.com
Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket
5010 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
504-887-1150
Zuppardos.com
