Re-imaging Cellar Sips The Future

 I look and it's been a year since I posted anything on wine. Life got in the way. I can blame it on work if I want which has been crazy but honestly, we have enjoyed grandkids and traveling just as much.

Some who have followed know a few years back, I added a pseudo podcast where I interviewed wine industry experts and winemakers. I think it's time to not only revive the podcast with wine, but expand to food and travel. The idea is to showcase small family business in the industry (wine, food or cities that we visit). Wisconsin, Texas, and Oregon have been the main travel destinations, but there is an upcoming trip to Sonoma and Napa visiting family wineries. Destinations for people to enjoy, the food to eat, the sunsets, music nothing is off the table. Would love to grab some guests in the various industries as well. 

Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

Let's see where this journey takes us.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley Barrel Select

 

I definitely have a preference for family wineries and Pedroncelli Family Winery hits near and dear to the heart. I mentioned in an earlier post they have been growing grapes and making wines for 95 years and still to this day family owned and operated. Amazing after all these years and the quality of the wines are exceptional.

Tonight, we popped the cork on the 2018 Cabernet Franc as the weather felt more like fall than the hot temps we just encountered. On the nose, rich blackberry and raspberry followed by a hint of wild violets and black pepper notes. The mouth is lush with dark berries, juicy raspberry and plum, with a hint of spice on the long juicy yet soft finish. Wine is a keeper.

Visit the Pedroncelli Wine Store to grab your bottles of Cabernet Franc and many of the other award-winning exceptional wines they produce. Rather visit them, reserve a time to taste these wines in person and hear more about the Pedroncelli story.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Michael Pozzan Merlot Napa Valley

 

Picked this gem up on a last visit to my friends wine store before she retired from the business. I'm a big fan of the Giapoza wines so this was a no brainer.

Definitely a family business with Michael, his wife Mary Ann, sons Dante and Matthew plus Matthews wife Kimberly. What I have found with the Pozzan Family wines, they are very versatile and pair with a variety of foods or they can be enjoyed on their own with family and friends over a conversation. 

The 2018 Merlot nose shows notes of fresh sliced plum, hints of redberries, a dusting of cocoa powder and wild violets. The mouth is soft yet extremely flavorful with juicy plum and a red raspberry/cherry combination with a splash of mocha and spice. Really nice Merlot and one you should keep on hand.

Cheers

Dan

2017 Harbor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Door County Wisconsin

 

I can't tell you how many times I've driven past Harbor Ridge Winery on Highway 42 in Egg Harbor and never stopped but it was always full of cars and folks sitting outside. Well on our yearly trek to the Door County Peninsula I just had to stop and see for myself why all the visitors. Found out pretty quickly they produce wines for all types of wine lovers from dry aged to fruity and sweet. Do a little tasting, check out all the winery swag, listen to live music on the weekends and finally grab that bottle and sit on the patio enjoying wine in the outdoors. Oh and the staff is so friendly and helpful. They did appreciate my Packer attire.

So the labels are both fun and serious I'll say. Now today I'll talk about the 2017 Pinot Noir but the other wines I purchased on my visit were the Three Wise Guys Pinot Grigio, 2018 Chardonnay, Savvy Blonde Sauv Blanc and finally Bouquet Rose. I'll taste those in the near future (although I did kill one of my bottles of Pinot Grigio on a hot July day).

The 2017 Pinot has a really nice nose of dark cherries and cranberries, woodsy forest floor and a kiss of spice. The mouth is really really good with the dark cherries intertwined with a cranberry/strawberry cluster combo and finishing with a hint of vanilla and spice. Flavor packed wine yet sophisticated and elegant. My only regret was not grabbing more of this wine. It's only a 6 hr drive..... roadtrip!

Put Door County Wisconsin on your bucket list and make sure you stop by Harbor Ridge Winery when you visit. As they say "Solving The World's Problems One Sip At A Time".

Cheers

Dan

2019 Pedroncelli Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

Imaging 95 years of growing grapes and producing wines. How many berries have been harvested or barrels of juice have been fermented and aged? Think over those years the number of bottles and cases of wine that have been sold and consumed at family gatherings, weddings, relaxing by a fire or a nice dinner. I wonder if Julie or Ed would guess the number of bottles produced over the years (no Ed a lot was already used by me)?

Happy 95 years to all the Pedroncelli's! They continue to produce food friendly and stand alone wines which do not break the pocket book, yet deliver a luxurious mouth feel as if you are drinking $100 bottles. Consistent quality vintage after vintage. 

Tonight, we opened the 2019 Pinot Noir Signature Selection. On the nose crushed cranberries and cherries with cinnamon spice and a kiss of toasted oak. The mouth is full of ripe juicy cherry and strawberry, cola and finishes with a dusting of warm barrel spice. One of if not my favorite pinot noir. 

Looking for a great opportunity to taste their food and wine together, book your place at their Sip & Savor Dinner on August 20th. Great looking menu and awesome wines. Why stop there and equally delicious stop by the tasting room for a taste, purchase and sign up for the wine club. Sounds like the perfect pairing.

Cheers

Dan

2020 Hook And Ladder Olivet Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

 

Hot weather called for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and this crisp delightful wine from Jason Deloach and Hook & Ladder Winery was just what the glass needed.

The grapes were planted in 1985 in front of the winery in the home vineyard Olivet Ranch. Once harvested and pressed, the juice aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels until bottling.

Once in the glass the aroma of fresh cut melon with floral notes, lemon grass and citrus zest please the nose. The mouth is a citrus blast so crisp and refreshing. Flavors of meyer lemon and key lime with splashes of nectarine roll across the tongue. The bottle never lasted the night. Must buy more.

Make sure on your next visit to Santa Rose you swing in for a taste and then grab a few bottles for your cellar. Located at 2134 Olivet Road in Santa Rosa, you have multiple reservation options based on your tasting preference. Trust me they make the good stuff.

Cheers

Dan

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga

 

Just so happens this wine was a sample received a few years ago and while letting it age, I wanted to pull it for a special meal. Tonight, was that night to serve with braised beef short ribs over mashed potatoes.

It was 12 years ago when I first was introduced to Cornerstone Cellars and then a tasting when I paid a visit on a trip to Napa and Sonoma. The tasting room has changed over the years, but the wines have remained exquisite.

I opened the bottle a couple hours prior to dinner and poured a small glass without drinking (I know you find this hard to believe) but continued to swirl and sniff in 30 minute intervals to allow the wine to open and to feel it evolve. Loads of dark fruit on the nose with blackberry dominant followed by plum, black currants, coffee bean and toasty oak. The mouth is rich with blackberry, plum, a hint of juicy raspberry wrapped around fennel and star anise. The fruit lingers long in the mouth. 

I would highly recommend a stop by Cornerstone Cellars Tasting Room on your next visit to Napa. 

Cheers

Dan

2019 Cantine Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Atessa Italy

 

A really nice inexpensive Italian from the Central Region of Italy, tonight was the 2019 Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.  The wine includes both the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and Sangiovese grapes and fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks.

Nice color in the glass with ruby red and purple hues. The nose shows nicely with dark fruit aromas of dark cherry and plum followed by a hint of earthiness and a peppery spice. The mouth starts with cherry and juicy plum, a little dusty earth and spice on the long soft finish. Great starter wine I paired with cheese and genoa salami.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend Sonoma County Cry Creek Valley

 

Some wise gentleman at Pedroncelli once told me I would really enjoy this wine and how ironic he was correct. So thanks Ed for introducing me to this wine. Every time I open a vintage for some reason I start blurting out "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore" and big surprise I paired the wine with pizza pie. 

The Sonoma Classico is a proprietary blend of Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. The grapes were all harvested in the Dry Creek and Alexander Valley Appellation. 2018 what was a very good year for growing with excellent ripe fruit and the perfect amount of acidity. The wine was aged 14 months in seasoned American oak barrels which softens the wine and gives it its complexity.

Swirl and smell and the fruit rises with plum, cherry, blackberry with a hint of violets and baking spice. The mouth is to die for if you love Italian wines with Sangiovese because this one does not disappoint. Jammy fruit from the start with blackberry, plum, cherry followed by vanilla cream and a subtle yet soft spicey finish with a touch of oak. A wine I keep on hand at all times. Pizza is from a local restaurant and a recipe I grew up on as a kid. Delicious pairing.

Support this family winery by stopping by for a visit or ordering wines online. 

2018 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo Red Wine Napa Valley

 

Always a favorite winery I like pulling from my cellar, tonight was the Oxomo from the Ceja family who continue to produce premium wines from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. They have been featured in many interviews, publications and events all across the region and country. Their story is one to admire going from immigrant vineyard workers to growers and now winery owners. Hard work and a passion for what they love shows in each grape grown and wine produced by this family winery.

The 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Ceja Napa Valley Vineyards. In the glass the color is rich deep red showing aromas that match the color with intense red and dark fruit clusters, a hint of wildflowers and a nice kiss of toasted spice on the nose. The mouth is big on flavor showcasing the ripe berries of raspberry, cherry, blackberry, blueberry with a subtle hint of toasted vanilla cream on the long elegant and silky finish. Just an outstanding red wine from winemaker Armando Ceja. Knowing Amelia Ceja and her love of food and wine pairings, it was only fitting I paired this wine with a nice beef tenderloin, thick pan steak sauce (yes a splash of the wine was in it) and a simple baked potato. Stunning.

Next time on your wine region visit swing by their Sonoma Wine Tasting Room for a splash of their offerings, to hear their story and to purchase some of the award winning delicious wines the family produces. I'm due for a visit too.

All links on here are safe and direct you to the winery website. Leave us a comment in the comments section if you have tasted this wine or others from the Ceja portfolio.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Hook and Ladder Severson Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

Tonight's wine was a purchase from Hook and Ladder Winery, their limited production pinot noir from the Severson Ranch Vineyard by winemaker Jason DeLoach. 

The vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley in the Olivet Road area known for its cool climate best suited for growing these grapes. Once harvested, the fruit was fermented in open top tanks using native yeasts and punched down by hand 3-4 times each day for 3 weeks. The juice was then aged for 9 months in French oak barrels. The result is outstanding.

Swirl, sniff repeat several times and what you get on the nose is rich dark cherry notes with forest floor accents, a splash of cola, crushed herbs with a hint of spicy notes. No doubt the region on this wine if you are a fan of the RRV.

The mouth is lush with juicy cherry, tart cranberry and a hint of plum. Continue to let the wine roll across the mouth and herbs and spice dance over your tongue. Medium bodied with a long, elegant finish. Only 125 cases made. Jason I never wanted this wine to be gone but sadly the bottle is empty. I paired this wine with olive oil and thyme rubbed pork medalions with rice. 

If you are in the Santa Rosa Ca area on your next wine tasting trip, I highly recommend a stop on Olivet Road at Hook and Ladder Winery. Taste, buy and even sign up for the wine club. I promise you will enjoy the experience.

Links on this blog are safe and point you back to the winery website. If you have tasted this wine or others from this winery, drop us a comment on the blog. We would love to hear from you.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Chardonnay Signature Selection Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County

Italian dinner night with lobster ravioli in a pink sauce, bruschetta, Italian herb roll, salad and a 2018 Pedroncelli Family Winery Chardonnay. Love the pairings with these wines as they are complimentary to the dishes without overpowering, enhancing your experience. 

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested from the Frank Johnson Vineyard which is located at the southern end of Dry Creek Valley, known for its cool microclimate and alluvial soils, a vineyard perfectly suited for chardonnay. Once harvested, the juice is fermented mainly in stainless steel with just a few months of oak aging leading to that little kiss of creaminess in each bottle. One thing to always remember is the wine really begins in the vineyard and when you have an exceptional vineyard manager along with an excellent winemaker you have deliciousness in any varietal you open with the name Pedroncelli on the label.

The nose on this wine screams the tropics with pineapple, peach, apple with just a hint of spice and toasted oak. The mouth is full of flavor again with the tropical fruit and granny smith apple and a kiss of creamy vanilla and baking spice on the finish. Crisp and refreshing for a Chardonnay with a lot of flavors, not over oaked, and one of my favorites in the Pedroncelli portfolio of wines.

Grab a bottle or 6 from this wonderful family winery on your next visit  

If you aren't in the area you can still purchase from the website or sign up for the wine club.

Drop us a note on the blog if you have tasted this wine. All links in this story are safe and go directly to the winery website.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Argiano NC Toscana Rosso OGT

 

Decided it was a nice night to open an Italian wine from the beautiful vineyards of Tuscany. Ever since engrossing myself in Italian history, I've found myself not only learning about the foods of each region but also the culture and the simple ways of life and that includes the wines. But who doesn't like pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, fresh fish and beef. 

Tonight's wine opens with intense berry aromas of raspberry and plum with a hint of toasted nuts and a little dusty earth. The mouth is rich with cherry, raspberry and plum followed by a kiss of blackberry finishing with the earthy notes and a warm spice. Nice full-bodied wine with a soft silky finish.

Cheers

Dan

2020 Pedroncelli Rose Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County

 

Spring has made an early appearance and I craved a crisp refreshing wine so what better than to open a Pedroncelli Rose' made from the Zinfandel grapes harvested from the Bushnell Vineyard. Since 1954 the family has produced rose in a style that showcases the flavors of the fruit with a crisp and spicy character. Rock solid vintage after vintage. 

I've raved about the wines the Pedroncelli's produce, and you know how much I enjoy tasting through their portfolio. I'll say it one more time You Want To Drink These Wines Everyday All Day!

The wine is destemmed and pressed, with the 100% free run juice transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The wine was then bottled a few months after harvest. From the moment the wine is poured, aromas of fresh red fruit clusters and fresh cut roses race from the glass. The mouth is juicy with ripe cherry and strawberry lending to a bit of a creamy nuance followed by a gentle kiss of baking spice. Crisp, refreshing and so enjoyable. 

Make sure you grab some Rose and a few other bottles of the Pedroncelli varietals for your sipping pleasure.

Cheers

Dan

2016 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

This was a special pickup Pinot Noir made by the late Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat for his special partnership with Barbara Barham Mendelsohn and Richard Mendelsohn. The grapes for this wine are harvested from the Lala Panzi Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg, consisting of a 5-acre plot of carefully selected clones. Each year, one limited edition Pinot is produced in limited quantity. I wish our paths had crossed because this guy made some really fine wines.

The nose is full of fresh pressed cherries and raspberry with earthy tones and some toasted spice. The mouth is lush, rich and elegant with cherries, strawberries and a kiss of blueberry followed by black currant and dried herbs. Outstanding Pinot friends. I paired this with honey-cayenne salmon and the simple staples of baked beans and potato salad. Oh so good!

Seemed like an appropriate time to pull the cork on Open The Bottle Night. 

Cheers

Dan 

2019 Achille IGT Toscana Rosso

 

The I Colli estate can be found in the northern part of the province of Siena, specifically in the territories of Monteriggioni and Vagliagli. It is here that 23 generations of the Bindi Sergardi Family have prospered and grown.

The land from which the vines prosper consist of limestone. It is this soil and microclimate of this region which gives the Sangiovese identity from vineyard to vineyard. It's worked pretty well for over 700 years. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 15 days and following malolactic fermentation the wine is then aged in oak barrels.

The nose shows nicely with ripe fruit of cherry, plum and blackberry. The mouth is juicy with cherry strawberry, and a hint of dark berries. The finish is long and juicy but so soft. Glad I have several more bottles of this Italian gem.

If you tasted this wine drop us a note on the blog and tell us what you thought.

Cheers

Dan

2015 Arcos Toscana

 

Today's wine sings Italian from the vineyards of Tuscany. Produced by the Castellani family since 1903, the winery is located in Pontedera outside of Pisa. The vineyards from which these grapes are harvested consist of sand, clay and calcareous soils. The family has an extensive history of sustainable farming practices within these vineyards.

The 2015 is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Fermented in stainless steel tanks in a temperature-controlled environment, the aging then takes place in oak casks and small barrels for 12 months. 

The nose shows nice clusters of red fruit including cherry and raspberry with just a hint of dusty earth. The mouth is quite juicy with cherry, strawberry and plum long into the finish. Such a soft easy drinker and one I really enjoyed. Simple yet flavorful.

Let us know if you have tasted this wine and leave us a comment on the blog what you thought of it.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County

 

Born in a bar in the Dogpatch neighborhood in San Francisco, Banshee Wines was launched with borrowed funds and 8 barrels of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Fast forward to today they reside in Healdsburg with a comfortable tasting room and strong relationships build with some of the best vineyards in Sonoma County.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from select vineyards including the Banshee single vineyard program. The blend for this wine includes 10 clones was fermented in small stainless-steel fermenters for 21 days then aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak.

The nose shows nicely with tart red cherry, cranberry with hints of strawberry all wrapped around woodsy earth notes. Excellent aroma. The mouth is full of beautiful fruit with cherry, strawberry and a hint of cranberry followed by dried herbs and a kiss of oak on the silky-smooth finish. I enjoyed this wine paired with pasta and a light red sauce, but this drinks very well on its own. Afterall when cooking you must taste the wine to ensure it is of the best quality!

If you are in the Healdsburg area on your next visit to wine country, you should make a stop in the Banshee Wines Tasting Room and sip a few of these gems they offer.

If you have tasted this wine or like this winery, drop us a note on the blog and tell us about it.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir Michael Pozzan Winery

 

Another local wine store purchase and one of the favorite labels of the customers of the wine shop. The owner brings in wineries for a meet and greet and Pozzan I believe was one I missed. I'll be happy when we are passed covid and once again wineries will be showcased here in town for all of us wine lovers.

The 2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir is so aromatic with red berries, fresh cut rose pedals with hints of orange peel, barrel spice and toasted oak. The mouth shows beautiful layers of fruit and spice. Strawberries with a hint of cranberry, orange zest with herbs and a warm cinnamon spice. A really nice Pinot under $20.00 and drinks like $40.

If you have tasted this wine or any of the Pozzan wines drop us a comment on the blog.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pasqua Sangiovese Puglia

 

A local wine store purchase, the Italian wine drinking fun continues. Hopefully in the near future a trip to Italy will get a check mark on my bucket list.

The 2018 Sangiovese on the nose cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit race from the glass with hints of floral notes and vanilla. The mouth is quite juicy with beautiful red fruit clusters of cherry, strawberry and raspberry followed by a nice kiss of blueberries and vanilla. Big on flavor but soft and delicate. A really nice wine for the price. Paired with deep dish pizza but tastes just as good all by itself.

Cheers

Dan