For Special Occasions

I think that when you choose a wine for a special occasion, you should first look at the time of the year. What type of wine would work best? In a way, wine is like life...it is all about timing.

And please don't forget that the best part of wine is the experience-the company with whom you drink it.

Heidsieck Rose Champagne February means Valentines Day, so a nice bottle of Champagne is actually the best choice. I love Dom Perignon, but a Rose Champagne from Heidsieck also makes me very happy.   Fred Brander Sauvignon Blanc Au Naturel May is almost the beginning of Summer, and that's when we start drinking the light and fruity wines. I love the Sauvignon Blanc, especially the Au Naturel from Fred Brander in Santa Barbara.   Domaine Ott Rose July and August are Really Summer, and I love to drink French because the wines are lighter, so you can drink more (just kidding). I love the Rose from Provence like Domaine Ott or Domaine des Tempiers.   Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon September brings us back to the big reds from Napa or Sonoma. One of my favorites is Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon.   Zaca Mesa Syrah October is marked by Halloween, so we should all drink some nice bloody-colored Syrah! I love the Zaca Mesa Syrah from the Santa Ynez Valley.   Volnay BurgUndy November is the beginning of the Holidays, which means you have so, so many choices on what to drink. I think November should actually be the month of the Pinot Noir. I love to drink ones from Burgundy, like a wonderful Volnay or a Pommard.   Pommard Burgundy December is the month where you probably can be the most creative with wines. A perfect meal in December should include nice Champagne, a special white and a Great Bordeaux. What I also love to do in December is to drink an older vintage that might bring back memories. When pairing with food, I love the Baron de L from Ladoucette for all the shellfish and I would recommend most of the 2000 Bordeaux for the game.   Baron de L White   2000 Cos D'estouRnel Bordeaux