Gary Vaynerchuk ... Winter Survival Pack

Full-Bodied Winter Survival Pack

Six 50ml (1.7 oz.) mini bottles

With the cold weather creeping in, it’s the perfect time to line up some “stay warm” sippers to sniffy-sniff and give a whirl. I’ve lined up this sampler of six wines that are big, bold, and full-bodied, while maintaining the balance and food-friendly character to pair with winter’s finest foods. Whether you decide to pair it with short ribs, or sip it by the fire, this sampler serves as a delicious way to stay warm. 
 
2009 Colomé "Amalaya" Red Blend 
I adore the salty, ocean floor aspects of the nose, which also features ripe black currant and chocolate. The palate brings big bold tobacco, red fruits and cassis that define this as a wonderful blend between old world style winemaking and its new world terroir.  
 
2009 Bugay Sonoma County Zinfandel 
Heavy spiced plum and cassis are downright attractive aromatically. The palate brings intense, bold and heavy raspberry jam flavors, along with some dried red fruits. What really makes this wine Interesting is its contrast between jamminess and dried fruit flavors. Look no further than this wine to pair with savory stew. 
 
2009 Quivira "Wine Creek Ranch" Dry Creek Valley Grenache 
Strawberry and black pepper are up front on the nose, along with some subtle dried rose petal. On the palate there's this lushness that's hard not to like, making it very creamy, packed with flavors of day-old strawberries, squid ink and tree bark. This wine is big without becoming obnoxious. 
 
2009 Wrath "Fairview Vineyards" Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah/Shiraz 
Chalky, smokey, bacon aromas remind me of the great wines of Côte-Rôtie. The savory character of the nose is balanced by raspberry torte, Crème de Cassis, Chambord, and red Twizzler aspects on the palate. This wine is just downright delicious to drink on its own, while maintaining a food-friendliness for those of you looking to drink it with steaks or short ribs. 
 
2007 Cadaretta Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 
Smokey, chalky pencil shavings come through on the nose, making it quite Bordeaux-like. The Bordeaux-esque character comes through on the palate as well, with the balance and richness of a $100 Pauillac. This wine is loaded with black currant, red cherries, and a delightful Crème de Cassis that lingers through the finish. Textbook Cabernet. 
 
2007 Gundlach Bundschu Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: 
Cassis, kirsch, and blueberries drive the nose, with a solid oak presence. Some dark chocolate shavings pour through, too. Then the palate is just straight-up scrumptious, with beautiful full body mouthfeel and structure. The dusty, shredded chocolate on the tail end makes this quintessential, text book Cabernet from California.