The Federalist Dueling Pistols 2014

Federalist Wines brings this luscious blend of half Syrah and half Zinfandel from Sonoma/Dry Creek Valley Appellation in California. Each varietal is fermented separately from free run juice. The individual lots spend an average of 15 days on the skins. Upon completing primary fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation then aged for 15 months in 20% new American (adds sweet notes) and Hungarian (adds spicy notes) oak barrels.

Rich and big and chewy... in its prime with bursting ripe fruit and a balance of great acidity and supple tannins.

Dark purple colors with extremely vibrant aromas: deep and dark with a persistent intensity of black fruits (black cherry and blackberry) pressed against cedar planks.

The robust aromas are matched in intensity by a rich palate of chocolate covered cherries, green peppers, marzipan and black pepper with a finish is that is long and satisfying.

A great Holiday gift at $29. Happy New Year to all!

Markham Merlot 2014

Wow, this $26 bottle drinks like it's $50! Chewy with silky tannins and excellent balance. Ruby red colors, aromas of strawberry jam, marzipan and cigar box. The palate shows caramel, baked fruit pie, licorice and milk chocolate. A perfect special red for the Holiday season.

"Located in Napa Valley, Markham owns 350 acres of vineyards, strategically located in several of the area's best growing regions. The Estate vineyards provide the backbone for the blend, totaling 50% of this bottling. Merlot from Oak Knoll contributes sour cherry character while Yountville components provide the classic Bing cherry aromas and flavor. The jammy notes come from blending in warmer up-valley fruit from Calistoga vineyards. Much care is taken to maximize the filtered light and allow the Merlot to hang freely within the canopy during harvest. This allows the fruit to mature and color evenly. The wines are sent to barrel as individual lots to mature, allowing for greater understanding of the direct impact of our viticultural and fermentation practices each vintage. "

Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2015

From Hanna Winery in Sonoma/Russian River Valley, California, this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in stainless steel on the lees.

The colors in glass are pale green shades of lemon or hay. I would call this "off dry", expressing a fresh and vigorous acidity with deep intensity and low tannins while weighing in on the medium side. On the nose I get fresh hay, summer stone fruit and dried fig with floral notes. On the palate is green pepper, ginger, spice, a minty citrus, green melon, grapefruit rind or pomelo and an herbaceous aftertaste with a lingering finish.

This medium bodied white wine can be an excellent holiday pairing with any shrimp dish.

SRP at $20