“It’s the most wonderful time of the year …”

Those words are in the air wherever you go during the holiday season. And why? Gift-giving is certainly one reason, but so are food and drink, as special meals and wines add to the joy and appreciation of spending time with friends and family.

With that in mind, I recently attended a Chairman’s Selection® tasting, sponsored by Fine Wine & Good Spirits. Steve Pollack, the buyer for the Chairman’s Selection programs, took us on a guided tour of the offerings, pointing out nuances in these quaffs and educating the participants about the vinous personalities of the amazing wines.

Whether you need a gift for that certain person or a unique bottle for a meal or celebration, I present my tasting notes to help guide you in your selections.

WHITE WINE

Claudie Peguet Pouilly-Loché Blanc 2014, code 78039, $ 19.99: Clean citrusy, peachy Chardonnay from Burgundy, France.

Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Oakville 2013, code 33924, $23.99: Rich, melon-nosed Sauvignon Blanc from Napa. Silky, creamy finish.

RED WINE

Tenuta Ulisse Amaranta Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2012, code 33929, $17.99: Rich, complex Italian wine with spice and licorice flavors, matching a fruity finish.

Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2011, code 33975, $14.99: Ripe and complex with fruit and herbs on the palate. Ready for red meat.

Pianirossi Sidus Montecucco 2012, code 78032, $12.99: Violet-nosed with juicy fruit and an easy-to-drink style. From Tuscany’s “wild west.”

Dezzani Barbaresco Starde 2011, code 33953, $16.99: Tasty Nebbiolo with spices, fruit and an elegant, smooth finish.

Bersano Barolo Nirvasco 2010, code 33949, $24.99: Another Italian Nebbiolo, this one to lay down. Big and powerful.

Windmill Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, code 33873, $19.99: Classic Napa Cab with cassis and cherry. Soft and balanced.

Havens Winery Black and Blue 2012, code 33969, $19.99: Interesting Napa blend of Syrah and Cabernet. Cocoa nose leads to dark fruit and smooth finish.

Stonehedge The Nobel Red 2012, code 33966, $19.99: Odd blend of Merlot and Zin makes for an easy drinking fruit and vanilla quaff.

Gandolini Cabernet Sauvignon Las 3 Marias Vineyards 2011, code 78023, $29.99: Exquisite blend from Chile. Classic to drink now or lay down. 92 percent Cabernet. Spice, cassis and dark fruit dominate.

Château Latour A Pomerol 2006, code 33927, $54.99: Well-aged Bordeaux with balance and elegance. Drink now or cellar.

DESSERT WINE

Feuerheerd’s 10 Year Old Tawny Porto, code 33882, $19.99: Showing a sweet side with caramel, raisin and hazelnut flavors. Nice, dry finish.

Offley Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2010, code 33879, $13.99: A delicious wine to finish a meal or just to enjoy.

Barao de Vilar Vintage Port 2011, code 33937, $39.99: A huge and complex wine. Zings the palate, great finish.

Keep sipping, Steve