New Kent Winery Chardonnay (New Kent) – Crisp acids remain due to fermentation in stainless steel.  Aged for 12 months and blended to be fruit forward with apple lemon and pineapple flavors combined with a light touch of buttered oak.  Pair this versatile Virginia white wine with many cuisines including shellfish, salads, fruit and cheese platters, chicken dishes and vegetarian fare

 New Kent Winery Merlot (New Kent) – A light and approachable red with characteristics of blackberry, cherry and mint.  Rich and intensely fruity with soft tannins.  This Virginia Merlot red wine pairs well with all tomato-based pasta dishes and tastes delicious with red meat.

 Tarara Winery Cabernet Franc (Leesburg) – The dark crimson colored wine has intense aromatics of ripe raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, cocoa and espresso beans that just engulf the senses.  The palate is lush, full and velvety with loads of fruit and sweet cedar and coffee notes leading to a long mouth coating finish.

 Tarara Winery Chaval (Leesburg) – Intense aromatics of tropical fruit like mango and papaya blend with more classic citrus and crisp apple notes.  The palate is dry, with still some fresh acidity from the Petit Manseng holding together the fuller bodied fruit forward wine.  The crisp character of the wine leads to a long citrus driven finish.  Fantastic with some local Chesapeake Rockfish in a ginger and mandarin sauce over grilled Tarara asparagus and Chesapeake Blue Crab hash.

Napa Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, CA) – Offers vibrant aromas of gooseberry, pineapple and fresh pink grapefruit. The 100% stainless steel fermentation allows this wine to retain the fresh fruit flavors of pear, guava, passion fruit and citrus lime tones. The wine has a lush palate with notes of sweet clover and melon. The balanced acidity on the finish offers a fresh, crisp end to this wine – perfect to compliment grilled seafood, Thai dishes or to sip alone as an aperitif.

Seven Falls Winery Chardonnay (Columbia Valley, WA) – Rich aromas of butter, vanilla and ripe fruit greet the nose. Tropical notes and flavors of peaches and pear give way to a long finish and smooth vanilla ice-cream texture. A lovely winter white to enjoy with baked ham and scalloped potatoes, chicken cordon bleu, sharp cheeses.

Seven Falls Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, WA) – Deep ruby in the glass with black cherry and current flavors mingled with pepper and cocoa. Layered and elegant, this Cabernet Sauvignon shows good balance between fruit and tannins. It is dark and rich, with a velvety texture and bright finish. Sip by the fire or pair with steaks, aged cheeses, chocolate.

Napa Cellars Zinfandel (Napa Valley, CA) – Hosts bright aromas of red currant, raspberry and complex notes of black tea and baking spices. The aromas lead to rich flavors of rhubarb pie, fresh cherries and juicy red fruit character. Notes of milk toffee and dates are concentrated in the mid-palate. The wine is well balanced with firm acidity and pointed tannins on the finish. This Zinfandel has pleasing, lingering notes of cream soda and bakers’ chocolate on the extended finish. Try with hickory smoked barbecued pork butt with jalapeno cornbread and a sweet onion potato salad.

Broadbent 5 Year Reserve Madeira – Dark amber colors and gilded golden edges, delicious nut-driven aromas along with a sweet fig essence taunt the nose, while a seamless balance of acid and sugar play out on the palate. A full-bodied, nutty, fortified wine with a hint of concentrated fruit and rich, round flavors coming together for a remarkable dessert wine. Pair with Roquefort or triple cream cheeses.

Gonzalez Byass 1847 Oloroso Sherry – Moderate amber brown. A sweet and nutty sherry with baked pecan pie, caramel, walnut, and dried orange peel aromas which lead to a warm, rich palate layered with cinnamon, baked apple, toasted nuts and candied citrus. Lovely, treacly molasses and burnt sugar nose. Quite light and elegant on the palate balanced, with burnt orange and sage. Goes well with olives, sharp cheeses and baked desserts.

W & J Graham’s Fine Ruby Port – Full-bodied with youthful freshness and attractive luscious fruit. Ruby colour, packed with ripe red and black fruit aromas, on the palate luscious black cherry flavours, with excellent balance and an intense finish. Pairs well with cheeses and chocolate desserts.

Ferreira Tawny Porto – A beautiful red hue with fair hints as well as a fresh and delicate aroma, reminiscent of spices and dried fruits, acquired during the ageing in oak wood. In the mouth it is an elegant wine that shows a fine balance between mature tannins and sweetness, providing it with an attractive, long finish. It makes a delicious companion to fresh fruit and roasted nuts, as well as caramel or coffee desserts.

Pop in for some winter time tastings on the 11th and 25th of this month…. details to follow soon.

Argiano Rosso Di Montalcino  – 100 % Sangiovese Grosso.  Classic fresh black cherry jam, peppercorn, and  spice aromas with juicy acidity and plush tannins, medium body, deep sweet flavors with a roast coffee note. Pair with beef tenderloin, Portobello mushrooms, pecorino.

 Jaume Serra Cristalino Rose Brut Cava - 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Trepat.  Beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth .The finish is clean and crisp and invites another sip.  An excellent match for fried appetizers such as calamari or light desserts such as creme brulee. It is also excellent on its own or with fresh fruit.

Pennywise Pinot Noir  – Light ruby red in color, boasting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spice.  Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and tart cherry finish with  blueberry and a savory sweet touch of French oak. Pair with pistachios, roast pork and sweet potatoes, herbed cheese.

Le Lejania Chardonnay  – This medium bodied wine exhibits a creamy texture, aromas of apple, butter and vanilla, and good definition of stone, citrus and tropical fruit from the first sip.  Pair with shrimp, chicken marsala or piccata, rich and robust cheeses.

Holiday Wine Case 2012   ($150)

Montgravet Cotes de Gascogne  100% Colombard, deliciously dry and fruit forward with beautiful fragrant aromas of fresh pears and peaches, nice a crisp on the finish.  Enjoy alone or with crab cakes, fruit salads, foie gras, bleu cheese.

Chateau Duc d’ Arnauton Graves  50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Sémillon offers a harmonious nose, flavors of citrus fruits and soft spices; supple and rich in the mouth, fleshy and well-balanced. Traditional with oysters and caviar, asparagus,  poultry in cream,  goat cheese.

Giarola Custoza St. Valery  Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Cortese and Trebbianello,  with intense aromas of fresh fruit, soft with concentrated flavors of apple and grass on the palate and a zesty finish. Pair with fennel salad, wild mushroom risotto, garlic rosemary lamb, parmesan.

Post House Bluish White  An elegant  blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc giving a fruity upfront wine for easy drinking.  Aromas of pineapple, guava, citrus and grass lead to a full  intense flavor and refreshing finish. Great with duck a l’orange, Thai curry, pasta carbonara.

 Le Lejania Chardonnay  This medium bodied wine exhibits a creamy texture, aromas of apple, butter and vanilla, and good definition of stone, citrus and tropical fruit from the first sip.  Pair with shrimp, chicken marsala or piccata, rich and robust cheeses.

Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling  Elegant and racy, it shows lucious pear, peach and apple aromas  with a refreshing crisp acidity of mango and lime that cools the palate.  Excellent with spicy foods, buttery sauces, salty bacon, rich creamy cheeses.

 Pennywise Pinot Noir  Light ruby red in color, boasting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spice.  Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and tart cherry finish with  blueberry and a savory sweet touch of French oak. Pair with pistachios, roast pork and sweet potatoes, herbed cheese.

Clos Reyssier Beaujolais-Villages  Presents aromas of raspberries and blackerries with dark berry and hints of spice on the palate, finishing with well-balanced tannins and acidity.  Versatile with charcuterie and antipasti, white or red meat, baked figs, cheese plate.

St. Francis Red  A blend of Merlot, Petit Syrah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, with spicy clove aromas and ripe raspberry fruit flavors, rich and sophisticated with a round  midpalate and well-structured length. Particularly good with grilled foods and smoked cheeses.

Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon   Red berry and black cherry aromas with a sweet vanilla and chocolate oak background.lead to smooth tannins and a full body balanced with a firm finish of lingering sweetness.  Serve with steak, hearty pasta, agedgouda, chocolate.

 Argiano Rosso Di Montalcino  100 % Sangiovese Grosso  Classic fresh black cherry jam, peppercorn, and  spice aromas with juicy acidity and plush tannins, medium body, deep sweet flavors with a roast coffee note. Pair with beef tenderloin, Portobello mushrooms, pecorino.

 Jaume Serra Cristalino Rose Brut Cava  60% Pinot Noir, 40% Trepat   Beautiful scents of raspberry and cherry on the nose with fresh, clean strawberry and cherry flavors in the mouth .The finish is clean and crisp and invites another sip.  An excellent match for fried appetizers such as calamari or light desserts such as creme brulee. It is also excellent on its own or with fresh fruit.