While attending the Maryland Governor's Cup tasting, I happened upon Melissa Aellen and Ray Mitcham, and the Linganore Exposure 2021. Linganore Winecellars is one of Maryland's oldest and largest wineries. Exposure is a red blend is part of their dry reserve line, often described as a Bordeaux-style blend. This estate-bottled wine features 67% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot.
Ray Mitcham is the Head Winemaker, known for crafting high-quality, expressive wines and leading barrel room tours. He's been making wines on the east coast since 2005. Melissa, a Cornell grad, joined the winemaking team back in 2017.
The Linganore Exposure 2021 starts with a big lush bowl of stewed, and fresh, red fruit - sour cherries, red raspberry, blackberry, cassis, plum, and a touch of bramble both aromatically as well as across the palate. There's some earthiness there too. The tannins and the acidity are well balanced, and the layers of flavors and sensation provide excellent complexity. With relative soft, but firm tannins, this deep, dark red wine is a perfect accompaniment for steak, roasts, and big pasta dishes. Or just have a glass with some aged Parmigiana. An exceptional wine. A must buy.