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

2019 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros

 

A purchase from one of my favorite wineries Ceja Vinyards a Mexican American family-owned winery in beautiful Carneros. Ironically, they were the first winery I visited on my trip to Napa which seems light years ago. I've been buying and drinking their juice ever since.

The 2019 Pinot Noir has a beautiful nose of crushed red cherries and cinnamon followed by herbal notes and spice. Exceptional aromatics and so pleasing. The mouth is lush and juicy with tart cherry, cranberry and a perfect kiss of herbs and spice on the long finish. A perfect expression of Carneros.

Highly recommend stopping at the Ceja Tasting Room on your next visit to the Napa Valley and taste sip and savor some very delicious, handcrafted wines. Join the wine club while you are there and have these wines delivered right to your door.

Cheers

Dan