Red Wine

Sanzay is a Clos Rougeard neighbor; both have pieces of the same vineyard, “Les Poyeux." Mushrooms, damp-earth wrapped around pure fruit make for umami-goodness. Tree bark & wet stones play minor notes in the background. Soft, chewy tannins. Organic.

Light & dry Piedmont red. Crunchy red fruit: cranberries, plums, cherries; light tannins, lots of minerality. Food friendly.

Estate dates to the 16th century. This Grenache forward /Syrah blend is ripe, fruity, & smooth with black plums, violets, & a touch of earthy/spicy pepper. Just the right amount of tannic grip on the finish.

100% Merlot mostly from an old plot of over 100 year-old vines. Blended in an underground glass-lined tank followed by 12 months in barrel. Soft ripe fruit, structured, balanced–crowd-pleaser.

50/50 Cab/Merlot from 40+ year old vines, fermented in stainless & concrete, aged in small oak barrels. Vibrant, plummy, herbal, full-bodied. Have with pasta & meatballs, short ribs, and stick-to-your ribs meals.

Mostly Sangiovese, with added depth from 15% Montepulciano and 15% Ciliegiolo from the Tuscan hills of Montecucco. Spicy, earthy, and stony with notes of cherry, raz, iron, & lead pencil. Light but grippy tannins. See note below.

Red blend vinified & aged 18mos in neutral barrique. The tangy/twangy nose opens up to reveal tertiary, earthy aromas. On the palate chocolate & baking spices mingle w/wild strawberry & ripe raspberry supported by savory/umami notes. Decanting recommended

Elegant, mostly sangiovese, very fine texture, dusty tannins.

Madhavan Vineyard Barbera is from 3.5 acres in Sonoma's Moon Mountain district. This full-bodied but lithe red is made by a former Rhode Islander; it's full of strawberry, oily herbs, rosemary, earthy minerality...limited and delicious.

Certified organic cab franc from an iconic producer. This is an expressive wine with notes of cassis, dark cherries, licorice, and clay, as well as spicy/earthy notes.

Dry, balanced, easy-drinking Pinot Noir. Blackberry, subtle earthy notes, versatile. From a co-op.

For those seeking a slightly atypical holiday selection, this pack veers off the beaten path, but doesn't wander too far afield. Price includes 12% discount.