The holidays are here, and with them come time to enjoy with family and friends our favorite traditional dishes, which should be enhanced by the best wines in the world.

Following is a selection of high-rated wines. These unparalleled vintages will delight your guests and bring joy to your table.

Carnival of Love 2012
WINERY: Mollydooker // REGION: McLaren Vale, Australia // GRAPES: Shiraz 100%

With a deep purple color, this wine exudes fragrant notes of ripe berries, crème de cassis and dried berries combined with a beautiful background of dry grass, lavender, dark chocolate and anise. With a proper structure and perfect acidity, this wine is full and rich with a long finish.

Cueva de la Culpa 2011
WINERY: Murviedro // REGION: Utiel-Requena, Spain // GRAPES: bobal (60%) and merlot (40%)

This bright red wine highlights in its aromas the perfect combination of ripe fruit and French oak, with a hint of berries on a background of spices, cocoa, and toffee. The taste is rich and unctuous with an elegant presence in the mouth, very soft, ripe tannins and a majestic and profound aftertaste.

Serralunga D’alba Barolo 2009
WINERY: Fontanafredda // REGION: Piedmont, Italy // GRAPES: Nebbiolo 100%

Its color is garnet with ruby highlights that take on a slightly orange tone over time. It has intense aromas with hints of vanilla, spices, withered roses and grass. It has the strong flavor that characterizes a good Barolo, but at the same time it is soft-bodied, velvety and well balanced.

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2012
WINERY: Brewer-Clifton // REGION: Santa Bárbara, California, USA // GRAPES: pinot noir 100%

It shows a dark red color, with aromas reminiscent of pomegranates, anise, black tea, lavender and cocoa, and mild notes of mint. In the mouth, it is remarkably expressive, bringing back the flavors heralded by its scents— like lavender and black tea. It is a very well balanced wine with a tasty and deep texture.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012
WINERY: Clos des Papes // REGION: Rhone Valley, France // GRAPES: garnacha (65%), Monastrell (20%), Syrah (10%) and secret types the remaining 5%

This excellent wine of dark red color has intense aromas of black currant, cherry, ripe plum and hoisin sauce, typical of Chinese cuisine. It also has interesting toast and vanilla notes, typical of wine matured in oak. In the mouth, it is distinguished by its excellent structure, elegant taste and strong persistence. ■