You’ve still got time. Sure Christmas is a week away, but you’ve still got time to find that perfect gift for that special someone … okay, maybe not perfect, but at least one that’ll be memorable.

People often think that a bottle of wine is a cop-out gift – the gift you get when you can’t think of anything else: “Just get ‘em a bottle of wine” are words often heard with a throw off wave of the hand.

But a bottle of wine can be so much more if you just put a little thought into it … get them a special bottle, and by that I don’t mean expensive, special as in good and memorable, that way when they open it they’ll remember you for at least one night of the year – and don’t forget to sign the bottle itself, so they’ll remember who to thank.

Treana 2011 Marsanne/Viognier, California ($29.95)

You usually find this combo in the south of France but here the Californians take their shot and prove they too can make a lush white with tropical fruit, peach, baked and poached pears and apples and a touch of ginger spice; this one is not soon forgotten.

Laughing Stock 2012 Blind Trust, British Columbia ($37.95)

At the ten year mark this winery is really hitting its stride in lovely fashion; this beauty has a richness of dark fruit and silky smooth palate full of vanilla, blueberry and plum; great spice and acidity on the finish.

Vina Chocalan 2012 Reserva Syrah, Chile ($15.95)

This one won’t break the bank but it tastes like you did, lots of meaty, smoky dark fruit with a gentle spice; a real winner and something memorable for anyone on your list.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.