Capricorn Season Has Arrived—Drink These Wines
We have officially entered Capricorn season, which runs from December 21 to January 19. The sign of the climbing sea goat, Capricorns are known as pragmatic, hardworking visionaries and leaders. These strategic planners are both serious and fun, often with a hidden sense of humor you only get to encounter once you become part of their inner circle.
There are two main types of Capricorns. These types are designated by their ruling planets: Saturn, Venus, and Mercury, which span across December and January. Both months share their hardworking characteristics, with some important distinctions.
Saturn rules the December Capricorn—the traditional hardworking truth-teller, who gets it all done. They work hard and play harder when they’re ready to let their hair down.
The January Capricorn is co-ruled by Venus and Mercury. So, these folks are full of charm, drawn to beautiful things, and have excellent people skills. They tend to be more conscious of work-life balance, and are more in tune to their surroundings and the people in their world.
If January Capricorn were a wine, it would be high-toned, light-spirited, sunny, and open, while a December Capricorn would be on the more introspective side of the spectrum.
Obviously, no two people, like no two wines, are exactly alike. Sun, moon, and rising signs, as well as other houses (there are 12 total), all play a part. But, just as certain wines share similarities based on varietals—like the rose aromas often found in a good Pinot Noir or grassy, herbal notes in Sancerre—people that share the same Zodiac signs have some striking similarities.
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As a longtime student of astrology and wine professional for more than three decades, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how the two intertwine.
Capricorns are going through a major awakening this year. This transit has been ongoing since 2008 and is ending now in 2025. Like a well-made Bordeaux, for many of these Caps, it has taken 15 years of lessons to fully mature and reach their highest expression. The ones who had the rough transitions should finally be feeling comfortable in their own skin.
What better way to come out of that chrysalis and experience these upcoming changes than with a comforting meal and a bottle of vino?
Choosing what to drink is obviously a matter of free will, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following styles are the wines I believe a Capricon would love to drink.
These styles, varietals, and regions all demonstrate endurance and longevity, as do the bottles I handpicked for each category. I hope you enjoy the ride and the wines.
Late-Disgorged Sparklers
Late-disgorged sparklers are the ultimate beverage of choice for an awakening. The liquid, most often from a specific vintage, can age on the lees in the bottles for seven years or longer. That time produces a complex mouthfeel and an opulence with an unrushed steadiness full of joy. This is like a Capricorn coming out of their shell and rising to the top in all endeavors they put their mind toward. It is the recognition of not just surviving but thriving, moving forward with joy, strength, and beauty.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Schramsberg 2007 Reserve Late Disgorged Sparkling Blend (North Coast)
The tiniest bubbles, with stony minerals, slivers of Nectarines, peach, baked apple, and cinnamon, are concentrated with caramelized notes in the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked apricot, orange, and clove, creamy in the mid-palate, and toasted chestnuts with dry, earthy notes. 97 Points — Tonya Pitts
$225
Schramsberg
Domaine Carneros 2018 Late Disgorged Brut Sparkling Blend (Carneros)
Crushed hazelnut and pecan, citrus blossoms and honey comb swirl from the nose into the palate with flavors of alpine berries and honey pastry. Depth combines with a lengthy finish. 93 Points — Elaine Chukan Brown
$60
Domaine Carneros
High-Elevation Chardonnay
There is something about high-elevation white wines that reminds me of the boldness and tenacity of Capricorn. Like, I am going to do it my way, even though I might fail—but, if I succeed, it sure as heck is going to be brilliant. The two wines below are prime examples of this tension.
This Mendocino Chardonnay is grown at a light elevation from old-vine Wente clones, which are the salt of the earth, like Capricorn. It is reliable and mind-blowing at the same time. The Arbois similarly represents the slow, steady, and methodical nature of the sign.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Ernest 2021 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay (Mendocino County)
This wine is exuberant, lush, with aromas of Pink Lady apple, orange blossom, Kaffir lime, on the nose. The palate is pink grapefruit, freshly crushed green herbs, descending into green apple, spearmint, lemon honey, finishing with orange zest and mineral. This is a classic example of fruit from this vineyard. Beautiful. Pair with steamed crab and butter. 94 Points — T.P.
$65
Ernest Vineyards
Domaine Dugois 2022 Terre de Marne Chardonnay (Arbois)
Widely planted in the Jura, the Chardonnay here is a ripe, spicy wine. Its creamy texture and white fruit and toast flavors give the wine a rich character. It is vibrant and young with intense acidity. Drink from 2025. 90 Points — Roger Voss
$27
Princeton Corkscrew Wine Shop
Chillable Red
The versatility of light red or chillable red wine is very December Capricorn. It is agile, nimble, and able to take on anything you put in its path—the ultimate workhorse. Yet, like Caps, these wines remain generous, amenable, ever-evolving, and continue to surprise and excite you. They can be the life of the party, once you get to know them. Both selections below speak to the diversity of the category. Like December Capricorns and January Capricorns, these selections span from stoic and brooding to warm, gentle, and more inviting.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Ciavolich 2023 Fosso Cancelli Montepulciano (Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo)
A very savory nose of wild oregano, wild thyme, hibiscus, warm bricks, tea leaf and dried cranberries is balanced by a palate of tangy, salty, crunchy berries, herbs and citrus. A vibrant, fresh, structured wine that acts as an incredibly sophisticated platform for Cerasuolo. 94 Points — Danielle Callegari
$45
Solano Cellars
Ovis 2021 Nero d’Avola (High Valley)
This selection, grown in Lake County’s High Valley region, is a more robust version of its Italian counterpart. The aromatics are vibrant, with notes of raspberry, dried cherry, and toasty vanilla, along with hints of dried herbs on the nose. The flavors are pomegranate, plum, and coriander, which slip into creamy, dry tannins on the finish. Editors’ Choice. 92 Points — T.P.
$96
Good Clean Fun
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Aglianico
Aglianico is the strength in the velvet glove. The fruit is fleshy and full, yet firm with earthy characteristics and tannins to highlight its grip. Like the sea goat, this tenacious, long-lasting grape thrives in mountainous regions. These qualities remind me of the December Capricorn’s ability to stay the course, remain focused, and let nothing deter them from their goal.
Taurasi, from Campania in Southern Italy, is higher in acidity and tannins than its more opulent American counterpart. But they both boast deep, long-lasting flavors and an extended shelf life in the bottle. Like Capricorns, this grape takes time to show itself, but is a reliable friend and collaborator in the cellar.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Mastroberardino 2018 Stilèma Riserva Aglianico (Taurasi)
An irresistibly savory nose with hot tar, low tide and petrol, then bursts with juicy, almost spicy figs and plums. The palate turns warmer and sweeter with bright ripe red berries and citrus, bound up in sleek tannins are nonetheless powerful, polished wrought iron. The Stiléma project has always been intriguing, and this Taurasi only adds to the excitement. 97 Points — Danielle Callegari
$180
Zachys
Monte Volpe 2020 Aglianico (Mendocino County)
$40
Graziano Family of Wines
Sierra Foothills Syrah
Just like Capricorn is the workhorse of the Zodiac signs, so is Syrah. It can be added to other blends and varietals to enhance weight, color, and depth. The same can be said for Capricorns, who bring introspection into everything that they touch. Syrah grown in the Sierra Foothills, which can be planted up to 5,000 feet, is particularly reminiscent of Capricorn’s long-lasting boss babe nature. The Sol Rei has more tannin structure with higher tone fruits and white pepper spice to represent the more ominous nature of the December Capricorn, while the plusher, sunnier, less spicy Cedarville speaks to the easiergoing traits of the January Cap.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Sol Rei Wine 2023 Syrah (Sierra Foothills)
This wine is a beautiful expression of high-elevation Syrah grown in the Sierra Foothills. Most people think the regions are always super warm, but it also snows in the area. The aromas are ripe, boysenberry confiture, black olive, violet, and toasted vanilla on the nose; the palate is youthful blackberry, habanero jam, rosemary, and silky tannins on the finish. Aerate and enjoy baked meatloaf. 91 Points — T.P.
$52
Sol Rei
Cedarville Vineyard 2022 Estate Syrah (El Dorado)
This bottling is a nod to the Rhone Valley in France. It is a high-elevation planting with low yields and dry-farmed. The aromas are fresh and opulent, with Black raspberry, lingonberry, Black licorice, dried potpourri, and toasted vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are complex with dark plum, Blood orange peel, coriander, sedimentary rock, and a mouth-watering finish. Decant and Enjoy pair with roasted suckling pig. 93 Points — T.P.
$36
Cedarville Vineyard
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