iDealwine shares top picks for Christmas gifting

Online auction platform iDealwine has curated a wish list featuring eight fine bottles to ask for this Christmas “if money were no object” — and all the wines on it are French.

Fine wine expert iDealwine has selected eight exceptional wines that its team would ask Santa for… “if money were no object”.

Tellingly, every bottle on its wish list hails from France, albeit from a wide range of regions spanning Languedoc Roussillon and Jura to Sauternes, Burgundy and the Alsace. The list also includes a special lot that will be auctioned directly from the cellar of one of Saint Emilion’s most prestigious producers in a sale starting on 21 November.

Speaking to the drinks business, iDealwine co-founder Angélique de Lencquesaing explained the focus on France: “While iDealwine champions wine from all over the world, we cannot hide the fact that the majority of the wines in our catalogues come from the country in which our story started. Our Christmas gift guide highlights the treasures that can be found in each of France’s regions.”

Bottles on the dream wine list start from £67 and climb to £729 for something truly special, with global delivery available.

“Just like Father Christmas, iDealwine delivers worldwide,” the company said.

Read on for the auctioneer’s top picks and notes on the wines.

1. 1945 Rivesaltes L’Archiviste, £121
It’s always an occasion to taste such a historic vintage, but to taste a wine of this age and calibre, in this price range, is extraordinary. Sure to sell out, this naturally sweet, fortified wine was bottled in 2018 after many decades resting in the château’s cellar. While 1945 may be the more famous year in world history, the 1946 vintage Rivesaltes from the excellent Domaine La Solibane is highly-rated by wine critics, and is also available for purchase (£117).

2. 2021 Cevins Améthyste Domaine des Ardoisières, £67
Domaine des Ardoisières was founded high in the Savoyard French Alps in 1998 on land that had been planted with vines in Roman times, but which had not produced wine for centuries. Today, it’s high on iDealwine’s (annually published) ‘watchlist’ of future icons, and has been since 2022.

3. 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Télégraphe Vignobles Brunier, £112 
Lauded by critics and wine lovers alike and in its drinking window, there’s a lot to like about this Vieux Télégraphe. Consistently a bestseller on iDealwine, this is crowd-pleasing safe bet gift this Christmas.

4. 2016 Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune Domaine de la Borde, £84
Almost 10 years old but with immense ageing potential, Vin Jaune is a highly distinctive wine that will impress discerning wine lovers, particularly those who favour organic and biodynamic wines like this one from Domaine de la Borde. Produced in very small quantities, in a unique 620ml bottle, after 82 months sous voile.

5. 1988 Château Gilette Crème de Tête, £438
A very special Sauternes, Château Gilette’s Crème de Tête is only produced in outstanding vintages. The wines are aged for up to 18 years and brought to market after 20 years – pour it this Christmas and pair with a creamy blue cheese like Young Buck.

6. 2019 Riesling Clos Sainte Hune Trimbach, £284
Riesling lovers can geek out over this wine, produced by 12th generation winemaker Pierre Trimbach, who just harvested his 46th vintage. Angélique de Lencquesaing, co-founder of iDealwine, notes: ‘A vibrant nose revealing aromas of yellow fruit, enhanced by exotic notes, complemented by flavours of honey and sweet spices. The attack is direct, incisive and very lively. On the palate, the wine is intensely mouth-watering, developing great freshness and beautiful minerality. Very invigorating notes of liquorice and citrus complete this ample bouquet. The finish is delicious, salty, elegantly mineral with a lovely hint of bitterness, full of pep and freshness.’ We see immense ageing potential in this 2019 – we’re sold.

7. 1970-2010 Vertical of Château Haut Bailly – direct from the property
Opening November 21st and closing December 4th, iDealwine will host an auction of more than 200 lots sourced directly from the cellars of Pessac-Léognan’s Château Haut Bailly. Boasting impeccable provenance and optimal storage conditions, wines in vintages ranging from 1970 to 2010 will go under the hammer. This private collection is a first for the prestigious property which has never sold at auction before, with some very rare bottles and large formats listed in the catalogue. What’s caught our eye? A single jeroboam of the (exceptional) 1985 vintage, perfect for anyone turning 40 this year, with bids opening at €500. There are
several exclusive wine experiences at the château available too. The auction will be held entirely online at www.iDealwine.com/en

8. 1983 Savigny-Lès-Beaune from Maison Leroy, £729
Serious Burgundy lovers will need no introduction to this name. The legendary Maison Leroy was founded by François Leroy in 1868 in Auxey-Duresses on the Côte de Beaune. Today, under the direction of Lalou BizeLeroy (known as the Queen of Burgundy), its exemplary wines are sought-after all over the world.

*All prices listed are accurate as of 16 October 2025.

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