Christmas eve is chicken enchilada time for us so match wise neve the best, so I just decided to go for something I like but normally wouldn't have so
2003 Ribera de Duero reserva from de Restia a full rich temparnillo that went well actually great night. Christmas day, I finally got the OK for pinot for Christmas and thought that the best way I could do it was with Chalone the estate bottling. we had a 2004 and a 2007. The 2004 was a closeout so always a bit of a worry is it over the hill? The short answer, NO. the 2004 was richer, smoother and perfectly suited for drinking. The 07 was comparatively green with a hint of sourness in the finish. To be honest I wouldn't have noticed if it hadn't been in comparison, but it was there.Value wise the Ribera was a steal at $18-$19 (IIRC may have been a tad less definitely not more) while the Chalone at 30 and 35 respectively was a bit pricy. The Spanish red keep on keeping on.
And speaking of Spanish. my best Christmas present (we don't really do givts so much anymore) was a bottle of Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez Solers Gran Reserva from Romate. this brandy is smooth but the really nice thing is that the underlying wine is evident - in the finish you can taste the Sherry and it is velvety smooth to boot. . .