Christmas Dinner was a pot of chili, roasted lamb, wilted garlicky greens and arugula and tomato salad. Wines were two from the 2012 vintage, one from California's Central Coast, and another from the Ribera de Duero
2012 Workman Ayer de Facto Central Coast Red
A gentle, soft, easy to drink red made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. This is a great bistro wine. Lots of fruit, not much in the way of tannins (at this point). It's very easy to drink this wine, as it's all red and black berry, cherry and some purple plums.
2012 Rios de Tinta Ribera del Duero, Spain
Made from 100 percent Tempranillo vines, the deep violet colored red wine from is a gem to have in the cellar. Black fruit, spice, some Asian tea. Terrific wine with lamb and all by itself. Full bodied with lots of structure, elegance and length. A great find from a few years ago, with lots more time to age and develop more of the spicy cherry and black raspberry flavors.