La Posta Malbec

La Posta Malbec

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The Stocking Stuffer

You can’t go wrong with an affordable and juicy red to warm the hearts of your loved ones this season. Blackberries and spice make everything nice in the 2010 La Posta Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. For $18, you’ll be sending the right message. winestealssd.com

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The Splurge

Properly thank your clients or impress your in-laws with a first-class wine. Cathy Corison makes magical wines that age for decades. “My philosophy is to make complex wines that walk the fine line between power and elegance.” Anything from her is worth buying. corison.com

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The Selfie

You deserve your own bottle. It’s been a heck of a year! Indulge in Abiouness Cellars’ 2008 Hudson Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir. It’s loaded with strawberries, cherries, a lush mouthfeel, and a vanilla finish. Worth every penny at $40. protocolwinestudio.com

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Wine

Poolside Sips

As San Diego heats up, choose these refreshing white wines to cool down

white wines

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A tongue-twister for sure, the Domaine De La Quilla Muscadet Sur Lie De Sèvre & Maine from the Loire River Valley (France’s longest, in fact), 2011, is worth a taste. With its high acidity, light body, and delicate flavors of apples and pears, this dry Melon Blanc white wine is the antidote to a hot afternoon. $11. protocolwinestudio.com

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Galiciain northwestern Spain is known for its shellfish and white wine. Go for this region’s flagship grape: Albarino. Think Riesling crossed with Sauvignon Blanc: Dry, crisp acidity; flavors of apricots, peaches, and lime zest. Nora Albarino, Rias Baixas 2011 pairs well with ceviche and is a great intro to the region and grape. $15. thewineconnection.com

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With a rep for being cheap and overly sweet, the image of German Rieslings in the U.S. has suffered over the last  30 years. Shrug ogg your skepticism and taste what makes this grape genius. Try a cvariety from the Rgeungauu region like the Hans Lang Charta Riesling 2010. It is dry, pairs with anything and has layers of complexity. $24. trulyfinewine.com

—Lindsey Pomeroy

Culture Brewing Company

New Brew

Solana Beach Gets Cultured

Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach finally has its own brewery, Culture Brewing Company (111 South Cedros Avenue). Started by a group of local investors who live nearby, it’s now open Wednesday through Sunday with a selection of its mostly darker beers. You can also find them on tap at local bars and restaurants, including Solace and the Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas and South Park Bar & Grille in South Park.

Turns out there isn’t a brewery on every corner in SD… yet. Here are three more hot blocks we think need a local brewing co.:

• Shelter Island Drive, Point Loma
• Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills
• Girard Avenue, La Jolla

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