Earlier this summer, I was invited to the Moët Hennessy offices to get a preview of their 2010 USA Holiday Gift Collection which represents a selection of Holiday offerings from their distinguished Champagne, Wine, and Spirits. I’ve highlighted items in their catalog that caught my attention as well as have a great taste. The collection displays the creativity and craftsmanship developed by Moët Hennessy team. Have a look and prepare your holiday gifts to loved ones.

DOM PÉRIGNON SIDE BY SIDE

The “Side by Side” limited edition is a first in the history of wine: two bottles of the same vintage of Dom Pérignon, with two different levels of maturation. Never before has it been possible to discover and compare two moments in the life of one remarkable wine, side by side. Dom Pérignon Vintage 1996 was aged for seven years in the cellars and was disgorged in 2003, when the wine entered its first plenitude and the Dom Pérignon style had been reached.

Dom Pérignon Oenothèque 1996 was aged for thirteen years in the Dom Pérignon Oenothèque cellars, until the vintage acquired its optimal intensity and complexity. This second life entitled the wine to be re-released in 2009 as Dom Pérignon Oenothèque. Two hundred “Side by Side” editions have been created for the pleasure of collectors. This invitation to enjoy a new experience offers an unforgettable introduction to the parallel lives of a single wine and for the first time, a side by side tasting reveals their differences.

DOM PÉRIGNON TRIBUTE TO ANDY WARHOL

This exclusive bottle is a tribute to Andy Warhol by Dom Pérignon. Inspired by Warhol’s unconventional representation of icons, and the playful use of codes and color in his work, Dom Pérignon commissioned the Design Laboratory at Central Saint Martins School of Art & Design to reinterpret its timeless bottle. Each bottle is packed in a colorful sleeve, displaying the blue, yellow, and pink colors that adorn the Limited Edition Dom Pérignon metallic labels. Available in Vintage 2002 with each color sold separately in its individual gift box.

To quote Andy Warhol:

“Went to the gallery where they were having a little exhibition of the glittery shoes, and had to do interviews and pics for the German newspaper and then we had to go back to the hotel and be picked up by the “2,000” people – it’s a club of twenty guys who got together and they’re going to buy 2,000 bottles of Dom Pérignon which they will put in a sealed room until the year 2000 and then open it up and drink it and so the running joke is who will be around and who won’t…”

DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE 2002 TRANSPARENT GIFT BOX WITH TWO FLUTES

This sleek holiday package with an alluring transparent cover containing the iconic Dom Pérignon signature and shield has been created to enhance the Dom Pérignon experience. The eye catching and revealing design gives maximum visibility to the contents: one 750 ml. bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002 and two crystal champagne flutes which have been specially designed to allow the taster to fully enjoy its unique flavor.

KRUG HAT BOX

This beautiful hat-shaped box boasts a textured exterior with the Krug logo emblazoned in gold. Inside, the keepsake box is a dark purple with gold Krug branding and a choice of either two bottles of Krug Grand Cuvée in gift boxes or three bottles without gift boxes.

MOËT CHILL BOX

The Moët Chill Box is an elegant gold metallic piece that transforms itself into an isothermal bucket. The reusable chiller keeps a 750 ml. bottle of Moët Champagne chilled at an ideal drinking temperature for two hours.

VEUVE CLICQUOT “LE FRIDGE”

Inspired by the iconic SMEG™ refrigerator, “Le Fridge” is a stylish and retro-design tribute to Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label. A sleek fridge-like pack is made of durable and glossy plastic and is engraved with the Veuve Clicquot logo on the front. A side button opens the fridge to reveal a bottle holder inside.This highly functional and reusable gift keeps Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label cold for up to two hours.

RUINART: THE GOLDEN THREAD

In 1855 the use of twisted iron wire was introduced in Champagne, preceding the cork cage that would be perfected thirty years later. In 2010 Ruinart, founded in 1729 and the oldest of all Champagne houses, asked Patricia Urquiola to create a gold cork for the 2010 edition of the “Collection Prestige”, to transform each bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs into an art object.

Drawing her inspiration from the time-honored cork-wiring technique, the Golden Thread spread their delicate arcs and curves over the entire neck of the bottle, creating a shining web that inspires admiration even before the bottle is opened. Comes beautifully packaged in a gold gift box with the Golden Thread motif.

GLENMORANGIE DISCOVERY PACK

The perfect introduction to single malts, this elegantly designed gift box is emblazoned with the gold and black Glenmorangie label, contains a magnetic door that opens to reveal a treasure trove from this renown Highlands distillery. One 750 ml. bottle of The Original, is flanked by three 50 ml. bottles of the 12 Year Old Extra Matured Range – Lasanta (Sherry finish), Quinta Ruben (Port finish), and Nectar d’Or (Sauternes finish). Easy to read product information is printed on the back of the door, providing pertinent information on all four single malts from Glenmorangie.

GLENMORANGIE EXTREMELY RARE (18 YEARS OLD)

In a spectacular gift box, Glenmorangie Extremely Rare (18 Years Old) is the perfect gifting for the most discerning of consumers who are ready to experience the finest in single malt Scotch whiskey. If perfection on the pallet exists, this may well be it.

GLENMORANGIE QUARTER CENTURY (25 YEARS OLD)

Only 600 bottles are available of this highly collectible and desirable single malt. Spectacularly presented in its own hand crafted lacquer display box, this gift is sure to make a statement. Perfect for that most discerning person on your holiday shopping list.

HENNESSY BEAUTÉ DU SIÈCLE

Hennessy Beauté du Siècle “Chest of Secrets” was created by renowned French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. The chest is made of melted aluminum and mirrored glass created by master glass workers from the Verrerie de Saint-Just. The top of the chest is adorned with two amber-colored Murano glass knobs and opens with a key decorated with the Hennessy star. A concealed button activates a mechanism to reveal an extremely rare bottle of Hennessy set in gilded bronze lattice and surrounded by four unique cognac glasses, each adorned with gold leaf.

Hidden within the chest is the Beauté du Siècle book from the Talbot Collection, a treasure trove of portraits and fashion photographs from the 1900s featuring original images from this glamorous era. Each chest comes with one selected original print from the collection. The cognac is an exceptional blend of the 100 greatest eaux-de-vie of the past century, selected by Yann Follioux, Master Blender of the Hennessy family. Never intended to be sold, this 31 blend combines full-bodied and balanced eaux-de-vie resulting in a cognac of extraordinary range and nuance.

RICHARD HENNESSY THE MASTERPIECE

Named in honor of the founder of the House of Hennessy, Richard Hennessy is aged up to 200 years creating a masterpiece of perfectly balanced complexity and subtlety. This extremely rare cognac represents the Hennessy excellence that has spanned several generations.

HENNESSY X.O GIFT BOX WITH GLASSES

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy, great grandson of Hennessy’s founder, had the feeling that modernity would become synonymous with rarity. A visionary, he later created X.O, Extra Old cognac, a blend of over 100 rare and matured eaux-de-vie of quality. This was the world’s first X.O cognac. Masculine and powerful, this original cognac releases a full-bodied peppery warmth, spiced cloves, and hints of old leather. This strength becomes a roundness on the palate, sweetened by delicious notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and candied fruit.

For 140 years, the secrets of its preparation have remained unchanged. The same family of master blenders still combines over 100 rare eaux-devie, selecting the most exceptional flavors to create Hennessy X.O, the House’s emblematic cognac. This handsome limited edition tasting box includes one 750 ml. bottle of Hennessy X.O and two beautifully crafted glasses.

HENNESSY V.S AND HENNESSY PRIVILÉGE V.S.O.P HOLIDAY BOX

What a perfect way to introduce a friend to the world of Hennessy Cognac. A 750 ml. bottle of Hennessy V.S is handsomely packaged with a 50 ml. bottle of Hennessy Privilége V.S.O.P to provide a sampling of the two most popular offerings of Hennessy Cognac. The Bras Arme, symbol of the House of Hennessy and the famous vine motif emblazoned in gold, make this a most memorable way of gifting Hennessy.

BELVEDERE LIMITED EDITION SILVER BOTTLE

Back by popular demand, Belvedere is excited to add the Limited Edition Belvedere Silver Bottle to its luxury vodka portfolio for the 2010 holiday season. Limited Edition Silver is Belvedere’s super premium vodka, only delivered in supremely sleek and festive bottle for a limited time. Reflecting the spirit of the season, limited Edition Belvedere Silver is ideal for a host/hostess gift or any holiday party.

Available through December only, the unique packaging is both chic and daring, and cleverly incorporates signature Belvedere branding set against a mirrored background for a modern look. The must-have accessory for the season’s holiday celebrations, Belvedere Silver’s refreshing design offers an exciting entertaining option. Available in 750 ml., 1L and 1.75L

10 CANE HOLIDAY GIFT BOX

This holiday season, give the experience of bottled relaxed sophistication with 10 Cane Rum’s elegant Holiday Gift Box. A one liter bottle of 10 Cane Rum can be found inside the pristine white lacquered box, gently nestled upon a mirrored interior and surrounded by luxurious felt cloth in the brand’s signature orange color. The perfect addition to any bar, 10 Cane’s Holiday Gift Box will have recipients taking pleasure in the best of Trinidad. 10 Cane Rum elevates any cocktail, as it is made with first press cane juice, never molasses, for a light, smooth and better taste. Mojitos, martinis, frozen drinks, cola or grapefruit juice improve dramatically with 10 Cane.

THE ARDBEG DOUBLE BARREL EXPERIENCE

Enjoy an exhilarating taste of Scottish Country life with the Ardbeg Double Barrel and accompanying trip to its origin, the beautiful, remote island of Islay where VIP treatment and a personal Ardbeg distillery tour awaits. This limited edition release of only 250 pieces contains two single cask bottlings of 1974 Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg Double Barrel is exquisitely presented in a luxurious hand-made bespoke leather gun case. The “ultimate Islay single malt” is accompanied by eight solid silver drinking cups which have been hand crafted by Hamilton and Inches, renowned silversmiths in Edinburgh, Scotland. The case also contains a beautiful, engraved Omas pen which has been crafted from oak barrels. Ardbeg 1974 has an amazing depth of peat which has soaked into the oak, combined with sumptuous sweetness, enticing spices and laced with seductively fruity-floral notes. Each pair of casks selected for Ardbeg Double Barrel is a feast for the senses combining the full and complex spectrum of rich, seductive and deep flavors in perfect harmony.

The journey continues. Included with every purchase of an Ardbeg Double Barrel case* is an unforgettable VIP trip to Ardbeg’s birthplace. Guests will be whisked across the Atlantic Ocean and transported to the magical land of Islay for a two night stay. This will include an exclusive Ardbeg distillery tour and a private tasting with a member of the whisky creation team. This is one experience not to be missed!

GRAND MARNIER 150TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT SET WITH RIEDEL SNIFTERS

Just in time for the holiday season, the House of Grand Marnier has released the 150th Anniversary Gift Set, sure to entice the lover of fine liqueur. Created to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Grand Marnier, this rare ultra-premium liqueur combines the essence of orange with cognacs from the most prestigious vine-growing area of Grande Champagne, aged up to 50 years. Packaged in a handsome easy-to-carry case is one 750 ml. bottle of the luxurious Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary Liqueur and two uniquely crafted custom designed Riedel snifter glasses made in Bavaria. An informative booklet filled with tasting notes and pairing suggestions rounds out this very special holiday gift set.

LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE “LA VIE GRAND MARNIER”

Grand Marnier is offering this year its ultra Limited Edition bottle “La Vie Grand Marnier” – only 500 units will be available in the US. The bottle’s silhouette is adorned with vivid red lacquer and its packaging brings to life Grand Marnier’s exciting new campaign, designer by famous illustrator Jordi Labanda of Barcelona, Spain. The Limited Edition Bottle will be on sale through select retailers in the US, in November and December 2010.

ODYSSEY ICON WINE CHEST

This stunning and mysterious black chest is the ideal gift for that special man or woman who appreciates the best that life has to offer. This extraordinary collection of wines – one bottle of each estate’s “icon” wine – is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors and discover the tastes of such famous wines as Cloudy Bay, Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Terrazas de Los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Newton, and Numanthia. Called the Odyssey project, the name symbolizes a journey of discovery; a journey which takes wine lovers to lands and places they may not know and may never have visited. Mystery, new taste sensations, and adventure await the lucky recipient of this gift.

From the elegant, smooth flavors of Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta, grown in a single vineyard from 100-year old vines in Chile, to the rich chocolate and dark fruit flavors of Numanthia produced in Spain’s most exciting wine region, Toro, to the high peaks of the Andes where Cheval des Andes and Terrazas de los Andes are born, to Napa Valley where we savor the beauty of Spring Mountain grapes at Newton and finally, to Cloudy Bay where a glass of extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc aged for three years before release awaits the wine lover. This is truly a most exciting tasting voyage.