Photography by Jessica Turner.

Pogo’s Wine & Spirits‘ staff shares seven wines to try this holiday season, perfect for intimate gatherings or a gift. Plus a twist on the old fashioned.

Descriptions by sommelier Lance Storer | compiled by Amanda Domaschk  

MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY ‘ESTATE’ 2016 – $59.99
Aromas of green apple, pear, peach, nectarine, Meyer lemon, orange blossom, cinnamon, clove and sea spray. The palate is elegant, with savory, earth notes to complement the fresh fruit/floral components, displays mouthwatering acidity and a long, spice-driven finish.

REMELLURI RIOJA RESERVA 2013 – $39.99
The red and black fruit flavors here are alluring enough on their own, but the magic for food pairing purposes comes on with the seamless tannin integration and savory herbs that frame the persistent finish.

AZELIA BAROLO ‘SAN ROCCO’ 2015 – $85.00
Remarkably approachable for such a young Barolo, generously giving aromas and flavors of cherry, currant, plum, licorice, rose petals, tea leaf and crushed rock that lead into similar flavors, folded into a silky texture that is very well aligned with its tannin structure.

CHATEAU MAILLET ‘POMEROL’ 2015 – $59.99
If beef is on the menu for your holiday get together, this merlot/cabernet Franc blend from Pomerol in Bordeaux will dazzle with its captivating aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, black raspberry, plum and dark chocolate. This is rich and full-bodied, with silky tannins and impressive length.

DOMAINE ETIENNE SAUZET BOURGOGNE BLANC 2019 – $43.99
This is incredibly versatile chardonnay, showing lemon, green apple, pear, pear blossom, almond, honey and wet stone aromas and flavors with fresh, food-friendly acidity.

WILLI SCHAEFER RIESLING GRAACHER HIMMELREICH KABINETT 2018 – $48.99
Pristine fruit aromas and flavors, driven by bracing acidity, stony minerality and a finish that feels like it will never end. Riesling is the ultimate secret weapon when trying to tame all of the flavors associated with a holiday meal, and this one is a home run.

CHATEAU GILETTE ‘LES JUSTICE’ SAUTERNES 2016 – $33.99/HALF BOTTLE
Whether it’s a traditional dessert course or cheese to finish the meal, embrace your sweet tooth! The sweetness of this excellent Sauternes is balanced by high acidity so that still tastes fresh and not cloying. It’s a real treat, showing aromas and flavors of fresh pineapple, candied orange, apricot and mango, coupled with white flowers, creme brulee, nuts and spice.

THE HOLIDAY OLD FASHIONED
Warm your toes with this whiskey cocktail during the holiday season. We chose this whiskey for its luscious aromatic quality and deep complexity. The nose has notes of ripened strawberry, rosemary and molasses. The palate is lemon candy, caramelized brown sugar, teakwood and baked almond. Reminiscent of holidays at home. The elderberry enriches the fruitier side of the whiskey and the bolivar bitters adds notes of chamomile, jasmine, cinnamon and dried fruits.

2 ounces Wilderness Trail Single Barrel
1 ounce Rothman & Winters elderberry liqueur
2 dashes Bittercube Bolivar bitters

Combine all ingredients in a lowball glass with ice and stir. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

Created by Hannah Jimenez