Calling all wine connoisseurs -- EOY gifts

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Not sure if Costco or Sam's sell it, but I would first look for Faust. Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 was named No. 4 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in their 2024 Top 100 list (released in late 2024). You can buy it at Total Wine in Baton Rouge for $44.99/bottle if you buy 6 or more bottles Total Wine - Faust.

Faust wine is made by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus who also own Quintessa (a very high end Napa Bordeaux style wine). You don't have to buy the 2021 year, but it was the one rated very high.

If you don't want a Cabernet and are looking for something different, I would suggest Red Schooner Voyage 11 or Voyage 12. It is a Malbec made in Napa by the Wagner Family (they make Caymus wines). The price point at Total Wine is closer to $26-$28/bottle. Total Wine - Red Schooner

I hope this helps. Both of these wines rate 4.2 - 4.3 (out of 5.0) on the Vivino App, which I think is a good rating. Anything over a 4.0 (on a 1 - 5 point scale) is a good wine to drink and share.

You might buy a bottle of each and try them, then you can decide which one you like better.

Cheers! I hope this helps.

Awesome. I was thinking of buying half red, half white, and giving people the choice.

Any white recs?

If you are in Louisiana, I'd get a bunch of Vending Machine wines. Good wine, great labels, and a good story.

Lewis Cellars has produced some great wines.

Here is a thought. If you're local go to some place like Martin's and tell them what you're wanting. Try a few and see what you like. To my way of thinking, pick a French wine that doesn't seem like a familiar label people often see at a place like Costco. Maybe get a bordeaux that is heavy on the cabernet so it tastes in line with what most people will like. This will make it seem a bit more thoughtful and less like the typical gift basket.

Lots of nice suggestions here already. Below are a few options that I've tried and enjoyed. In addition, they are also bottles that I've gotten as gifts for folks. Whether they are into wine or not, they have always enjoyed them. I've tried to stick with wines that are going to at least be at Total Wine and included at least one option for red and white that I often see at Costco. If you go to a dedicated wine shop, they can provide some more hard to find options that are probably great.

Whites:

Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Available at most Total Wine locations for right at $50 (will be a little cheaper if you buy more than 6). Expensive for a Sauvignon Blanc, but it really is fantastic.

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay - Will be available at Total Wine and places with a decent wine selection. Between $40-45. Aged in oak but not overpowering. Some people are snobby about Cakebread, but I think this is a nice simple Chardonnay that people will enjoy and appreciate as a gift.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champage - You will almost always find this at Costco for between $50-55. I'm a little snobby about champagne, but this isn't bad and lots of people like it. Plus, getting a decent bottle of champagne is always fun. It's one of those bottles that everyone has seen before and know is a nice gift.

Reds:

Abstract Red Blend - Available at Total Wine and lots of other spots. This red blend is one that people always seem to enjoy. Usual price is between $35-40.

Prisoner Red Blend - If you want another red blend made created by the same winemaker as Abstract that is often available at Costco then check this out. It's not my personal favorite, but lots of people enjoy it. Should be sub $50 at Costco.

Ridge Three Valleys Red Blend - Available at Total Wine for between $30-35.
Blend Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Grenache. Ridge always makes quality stuff.

Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot - Available at Total Wine for right around 50 bucks. From the makers of Duckhorn wine. This has always been a favorite when given as a gift.

Below are two higher end options in case you want to get something a little nicer for a special client or employee:

Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon - One of my personal favorites, and really a stellar bottle of wine. Can be found at Total Wine for about $75 for the 2023 vintage. Other vintages can get expensive.

Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve, Grand Cru, Brut Champagne - Really great bottle of champagne that got me started down a path into trying higher end champagne. Will be between $80-$100 a bottle. It can be somewhat hard to find, and it usually is only available at wine shops.

Ultimately, I think a really nice bottle of wine to say thank you at the end of the year is a great gift, and you have lots of good suggestions here. Let us know what you pick up!

I would go to Martin Wine Cellar on Vets and ask them that question. They are great at customer service and will steer you in the right direction.
They will probably give you a deal on that many bottles.