What to Toast for Fall’s Best Moments

Five autumn milestones, five pitch-perfect wines.

The Moment: The First Snow Flurry

The Bottle: Channing Daughters 2013 Mosaico (The Hamptons, Long Island)

As temperatures drop and those familiar autumnal aromas of fallen leaves and wood smoke fill the air, you’ll be craving slow, simmered braises again. Whether you choose a root vegetable stew, chicken tagine or beef chili, this aromatic white blend’s exotic haze of cinnamon, orange peel and turmeric spices will pair brilliantly. It’s lusciously phenolic in mouthfeel, with a core of dried peach and pear flavors that lingers on and on. —Anna Lee C. Iijima

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Channing Daughters 2014 Sculpture Garden Rosato — 90 POINTS

Hints of fresh sage lend complexity to cheery watermelon, berry and cherry notes in this refreshing dry rosé. It's buoyantly floral with a concentrated, peachy palate. A blend of predominantly Merlot with proportions of exotic Teroldego and Blaufranksich lending structure and naunce. Read More

—Anna Lee C. Iijima
 

Channing Daughters 2012 Ramato Pinot Grigio — 91 POINTS, Editor's Choice

Like rose gold in a glass, this skin-fermented Pinot Gris glimmers with complexity. Aged in a combination of French and Slovenian oak, it's lavishly aromatic, penetrating the palate with tones of potpourri and spice, citrus rind and smoked tea leaves. Tart tangerine acidity lends vibe and refreshment through a long, long finish. Read More

—Anna Lee C. Iijima

Channing Daughters 2014 Mudd Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc — 90 Points

An intoxicating whiff of musky floral perfume persists throughout this bright, full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Gooseberry and white grapefruit flavors are tart and crisp, gaining plushness through the addition of Chardonnay in the blend. Elegant and substantial in mouth feel, it finishes long. Read More

—Anna Lee C. Iijima