I want three core elements for any wine: high quality, fairly priced, and small production. I’m the type of Wine curmudgeon who doesn’t bother with mass-produced wines but doesn’t want to pay for that pleasure. It’s a fine line between quality and value, but I’ve been straddling it for decades.

I also need an extra layer of complexity and decadence for my holiday wine recommendations, and that’s what the following wines offer. These wine bottles won’t be in every wine shop, as they are small production wines, but they are reasonably easy to find nonetheless.

Sixto 2019 “Uncovered” Chardonnay, Columbia Valley (Washington)

The 2019 Sixto ‘Uncovered’ Chardonnay, a product of a cooler, more balanced growing season, showcases finesse and character. Sourced from distinct vineyards—38% from Frenchman Hills, 31% each from Moxee and Roza Hills—this wine benefits from the unique terroir of each site. Frenchman Hills, with its ancient limestone and basalt soils at 1650 feet, contributes to the wine’s maintained acidity and long hang time for the grapes. Moxee Vineyard, at 1450 feet elevation, adds complexity with its silt loam and limestone. Lastly, Roza Hills’ loamy silt and chalk soils at 1350 feet elevation introduce a distinctive profile. This blend offers a lovely nose of lemon peel and white flowers, leading to a palate of bright citrus and floral notes. Its moderate body balances acidity and minerality, unfolding into a tangy, vibrant finish. The cooler vintage brings out incredible balance and lovely flavors, maturing elegantly over time.

At the time of writing, the Sixto 2019 “Uncovered” Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, was less than $25.

Two Vintners 2020 Grenache, Columbia Valley (Washington)

Two Vintners, a renowned Washington State winery, has once again showcased its expertise with a striking Grenache. This robust yet versatile wine is a testament to the winery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Sourced from three distinct vineyards—Olsen, Boushey, and Monnete—the blend predominantly features Grenache, complemented by a modest inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Cinsault (5%).

Each grape variety undergoes individual fermentation using natural yeasts, a process meticulously designed to maintain their unique characteristics. The wine’s subsequent 15-month aging in used French barrels results in a profound, mature, and dark profile, abundant in fruit flavors yet retaining the signature finesse that Morgan Lee’s wines are known for. The wine’s aromatic profile is a complex tapestry, weaving together notes of cherries, fresh strawberry sorbet, orange peel, quince, and a nuanced hint of smoked pork. On the palate, it offers a tannin-rich experience with a sweet fruitfulness, balancing freshness with a substantial structure and a lingering aftertaste. This wine embodies a juxtaposition of robust fruit intensity and refined elegance, a hallmark of Washington State wines.

Founded in 2007 by the young winemaker Morgan Lee alongside David and Cindy Lawson, Two Vintners has consistently challenged conventional wisdom in the American wine industry. Initially focusing on then-underappreciated varietals like Syrah and Merlot, the winery has proven its foresight, as these grapes have contributed to some of the state’s finest wines. Positioned near Seattle in the Pacific Northwest, Two Vintners has solidified its status as a top producer, continually experimenting with new styles and grape varieties, a strategy that has yielded significant success.

Two Vintners 2020 Grenache was under $30 at the time of this review.

Zaha 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Toko Vineyard, Paraje Altamira (Argentina)

Alejandro Sejonovich and Jeff Mausbach, seasoned veterans in Argentinian winemaking, have come together for a new venture, Bodega Teho. Their collaborative expertise is vividly expressed in the Zaha 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Toko Vineyard in the Uco Valley. This wine is a compelling blend of rich, fresh fruit and intricate nuances, sourced from a vineyard that speaks volumes of its unique terroir.

The Zaha 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon presents a harmonious balance of juicy black cherries and tarry notes, intermingled with roasted spices, hints of figs, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it offers a generosity matched by a structure of fine-grained, fresh tannins, suggesting its potential for both immediate enjoyment and aging. The wine’s profile is further enriched with deep, unctuous dark fruit, blueberry, and Asian spice flavors, complemented by decadent dark chocolate and mocha notes that persist through the finish.

Toko Vineyard, named “Stone” in the Huarpe language, is situated at an altitude of 4,000 feet in Paraje Altamira. The diversity of its soil profile, a result of varied alluvial activity, contributes significantly to the wine’s complexity. Spread over 7.5 hectares, the vineyard comprises four distinct soil types — silty northern soils, southern coarse-grained sands, rocky limestone, and silty soils with light gravel. Each soil type imparts a unique array of aromas, flavors, and textures to the grapes, culminating in a wine that truly embodies the heart and soul of Paraje Altamira’s privileged terroir.

Zaha 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Toko Vineyard, Paraje Altamira was under $25 at the time of this review.

Vignobles Marie Maria 2018 “Greviere” Madiran

Founded in 1950, the Crouseilles Wine Cooperative, which powers Vignobles Marie Maria, brings together 130 winegrowers and spans 658 hectares of vineyards. This includes a significant portion of the AOC Madiran, making it a pivotal player in the region.

One of their most notable offerings is the 2018 Madiran”Greviere.” This wine stands as a testament to the cooperative’s dedication to quality and the potential of the Madiran region. The “Greviere” showcases a smooth, rich, and smoky texture, harmoniously weaving together layers of black-plum fruits with tight acidity that brings a juiciness to the palate. I recommend drinking in the next five years., it is a clear example of Madiran’s potential for producing good value wines with near-term aging capabilities.

Vignobles Marie Maria 2018 “Greviere” Madiran was under $15 at the time of this review.

Chateau Lamartine 2018 “Cuvee Particuliere” Cahors

Château Lamartine, a name derived from a centuries-old oak tree that once sheltered romantic rendezvous at its site, has a rich heritage dating back to the 1870s. Originally, the Gayraud family, ancestors of the current owners, were stone cutters, not yet specialized in winemaking. Their transition to viticulture began in the 1920s when Edouard Sérougne, the great-grandfather of the current generation, replanted the first 5 hectares of vines. This marked the evolution of Château Lamartine from a classic farm to a dedicated winery.

The winery’s significant turning point came in 1955 with its first bottling, a major step in valorizing its wines. By 1971, under Edouard’s leadership, Château Lamartine, along with other Cahors winemakers, successfully advocated for the recognition of Cahors Wines, securing the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) status.

The 2018 Chateau Lamartine ‘Cuvee Particuliere’ Cahors blends concentrated, wood-aged richness with balance. Aromatic with black fruit, olive, and smoked thyme, this sleek red features ripe berry fruits, damson plum, and blackberry, complemented by peppery tannins, juicy acidity, and a hint of cocoa and toasted cedar. Its complex palate is both savory and vibrant, promising graceful aging.

At the time of writing, the Chateau Lamartine 2018 “Cuvee Particuliere” Cahors was less than $15.