January’s Box of Exploration
Winter Wines
One season, six wines, six sensational producers…explore, experience and enjoy the wines that you’ve perhaps wondered about…or revisit and reconnect with wines that you’re nearly forgotten.
$150.00 (plus MD state alcohol sales tax, of course)
Regular price $201.58
Navaherreros Blanco de Bernabeleva, Vino de Madrid, DO 2015
Regular price $21.99
A blend of Albillo and Macabeo, this is a full and rich white that delights with both its weight and vivacity. Hay and orange peel waft from the glass, followed by almond, floral and apricot flavors. A bit of saltiness with crisp acidity finishes and leaves you wanting yet another sip.
Chateau Mondêsir-Gazin, Blaye 2011
Regular Price $29.99
Located in Plassac, this estate is named for two hillside vineyard parcels – “Gazin”, facing directly south, and “Mondésir”, overlooking the Gironde estuary. This wine shows an intense nose of black fruits, spices, cedar, lead pencil, and spicy oak. More of the same flavors on the palate, in a full-bodied style, extremely round, juicy, & supple, with a tightly knit yet very ripe structure and concentration. Superb finish with hints of licorice. 65% Merlor, 35% Malbec
Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2014
Regular price $36.99
The 2014 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is red fruit dominated, with dark cherry, huckleberry, and floral tones of chicory and violet. Roasted coffee and a hint of anise appear on the palate, along with a smooth and opulent mouthfeel and weighty texture.
Villa de Geggiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
Regular price $32.99
The estate has been in the family since the 16th century, and I’d say, not unkindly, that the style of wine is little changed since then. Tart cherry opens this wine, with dusty, round and black cherry flavors seasoned by 2 years in old oak. A pleasant bitterness on the finish with supple tannins allows the wine to hold its own with anything on the table.
Pierre Gaillard Saint-Joseph Rouge 2015
Regular price $26.99
The high altitude of Gaillard’s vines really count for something in warm growing seasons like 2015 and while this is a mouth filling, supple wine, it retains a bright and lively persona. Expect layers of pure, fleshy blackberry fruit tempered by well integrated oak and surrounded by soft tannins and ample brightness.
Tinto Pesquera Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2013
Regular price $34.99
Alejandro Fernandez is rightfully a Spanish icon, having been one of the early pioneers in the Ribera del Duero D.O. He is a champion of the local Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape variety, and has proven time and time again that his vines around Pesquera del Duero consistently produce rich, powerful, fragrant, and elegant Ribera del Duero that is capable of improving with bottle age.