Rodney Strong Vineyards Trio Sonoma County Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet

*Samples Received*

Family owned and operated for 55 years in Sonoma County, Rodney Strong Vineyards is committed to preserving the land for generations to come. They have one of the largest solar energy systems in the wine industry today and are always looking to test and implement new sustainable farming practices.

The 2016 Chardonnay ($17) shows nicely on the nose. Sweet vanilla pops from the glass followed by apple pie and sliced pear, tangerine and lemon zest with a hint of baking spice. The mouth is full of pear and apple with lemon accents, a kiss of vanilla cream and baking spice. Nice long finish and I paired with grilled chicken over greens.

The 2014 Merlot ($20) was next. Black cherry and plum with waves of dried thyme and oregano. The mouth is all merlot with rich ripe plum, a splash of cherries, toasted vanilla and a dusting of cocoa. Beautiful soft finish.

Finally I finished with the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20). The nose showed fresh crushed clusters of wild berries, hints of wildflowers and spice. The mouth loaded with fruit. Raspberry, cherry and plum finishing with a dark spice and smokey oak. Rich flavors with a long lingering finish. Well done.

Grab yourself a bottle of Rodney Strong wine today. Wines of quality without breaking the pocket book and this trio was rock solid!

Cheers
Dan

2016 Passaggio Wines Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyards Sonoma Coast #PinotNoirDay

Celebrating her 11th Anniversary of Passaggio Wines, Cynthia Cosco owner/winemaker has not only survived but she has excelled at her craft of creating small lot exquisite juice. I remember that day several years ago when I met her on the Silverado Trail and I saw the lab she was working in while also making her own wine. At the time only 2 varietals graced the barrels an Unoaked Chardonnay (her signature wine) and a Pinot Grigio. Production was maybe 100 cases tops. We talked about her vision and dream to build her label and how one day she would have her own winery and a place for friends of her wines to gather. Talking varietal expansion she boldly told me "I am not going to make red wine" to which I chuckled. Guess what she not only makes red wine today but it rivals some of the best wines in Sonoma and Napa.

The 2016 Pinot is pouring nicely with earthy herbal notes, wild cherry, crushed cranberry, orange peel and cloves. Wonderful aromatics. The mouth screams pinot with juicy cherry and tart cranberry followed by a kiss of earthy herbal tones and a splash of clove spice. The long silky finish is so elegant. Love this wine and the fruit from the Black Knight Vineyards. Nicely done winemaker.

Remember above when I said Cindy had this vision of a place where she would make her wine......well that is now reality at the winery 22020 Carneros Vineyard Way Suite 2 in Sonoma. She even has a tasting room located at 25 East Napa St Suite C in Sonoma where fans/friends new and old gather to taste and talk Passaggio Wines.

Cheers
Dan

An Attune Wines Trio For Your Palate

Attune (v.): to bring into balance or harmony. It's the first words you see on their website and sets the tone for every bottle of their wine you taste. I would also agree with balance but as well sophisticated, elegant, fun and very enjoyable. I have not tasted a bottle of Attune Wines I haven't loved.

My trio starts with a lovely 2015 Pinot Noir Eighth Street Vineyard. Aromas of dark cherry and raspberry with hints of cinnamon, cloves, dried oregano and fresh cut violets.The mouth is rich with cherry, pomegranate, plum followed by leather, toasted vanilla, barrel spice all wrapped into a long velvet finish. Absolutely beautiful wine,

Now for a trip tropical with the 2016 Station Ranch Chardonnay. Aromas of granny smith apple, lime rind and lemon zest. The mouth is crisp and fresh with the green apple, a kiss of sweet sliced pear, lemon and lime zest and a hint of pineapple. So refreshing and pleasing. (Note daughter after tasting "I'll take the rest of the bottle").

The final wine of the trio the 2016 Station Ranch Reserve Chardonnay. Beautiful aromas of lime, green apple sweet vanilla and stone. The mouth screams green apple and pineapple with hints of fresh squeezed lime and vanilla creme. Very nice fruit forward yet elegant chardonnay!

Small production handcrafted wines created from a passion to provide exquisite juice. Attune nails it every time and those who wish to sip exceptional wines must sip Attune!

Cheers
Dan

2014 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast Sonoma County

Always a great experience when I open a wine made by the folks at Ceja Vineyards and winemaker Armando Ceja. Located in the Carneros Region, the vineyards lie in a climate where the pacific breeze and fog cools down the grapes from the warm sunny days they encounter. The results are wines which closely reflect the vineyards from which they were born. Love the history of this winery and the success they have attained. One of the first wineries I visited when traveling to Napa and this family has a special place in my cellar. 

Tonight's 2014 Sauvignon Blanc screams tropical delight. Pineapple, green apple with lemon-lime notes, vanilla bean and a hint of barrel spice on the nose. There is this crisp refreshing tickle with each swirl and sniff. This wine has aged beautifully. 

The mouth is delicious with tart green apple, lime zest followed by crushed pineapple notes and vanilla cream. The finish is long, crisp and juicy. One of the best Sauvignon Blancs coming from Carneros!

Wine clubs offer you the opportunity to have hand picked selections delivered to your front door or office. Take the hassle out of wine buying and allow Ceja Vineyards to do the shopping for you. 3 options await your sipping pleasure. Click the Wine Club link and join today.

Cheers
Dan

Elkhorn Peak Cellars Rose Napa Valley

Elkhorn Peak Cellars named in honor of the Elkhorn Peak Mountains. It is the tallest peak in Jamieson Canyon and sits directly behind the vineyard. In 1983 at the time owner Ken Nerlove purchased the property, no vineyards existed in Jamieson Canyon. His plan was to see if he could grow vines which produced the very best grapes. See the location had all of the great qualities of growing grapes....early morning fog, cool temps with minimal heat spikes and the cool breeze from the San Pablo Bay. Today his vineyards produce some of the very best Pinot Grapes in the region and his limited production wine is some of the finest Pinot Noir to grace your glass.

In the glass wild strawberries fill the nose with hints of cherry, cranberry and a splash of toasty oak. The mouth is juicy with strawberry, tart cherry and hints of blood oranges followed by some barrel spice. As it opens in the glass I love how the wild strawberry dominates. Just an overall really really nice rose' Ken.

Another great find by my friends at Cellar Angels. Limited production (only 100 cases produced) exquisite wines many times not found outside their production area. Are you a Cellar Angel? Join for free today by clicking the JOIN NOW link. Would you like Elkhorn Peak wines delivered to your door. Join their wine club by clicking the WINE CLUB link!

Cheers
Dan