It was a Merlot kind of evening so opened the 2016 Ceja Vineyards Sonoma County Carneros Merlot. Aromas of dark cherries, crushed cranberries with hints of cinnamon, sweet spice and a faint puff of oak.
The mouth is both lush and soft with blueberry, ripe cherry, dark berries followed by a splash of dark chocolate and toasted oak. The finish is juicy and long.
Don't miss your chance to purchase your own bottles today by clicking the buy wine link.
Cheers
Dan
Rock solid Cabernet from your friends and Pedroncelli Winery. The 2018 priced at $22 (a steal for a cabernet of this quality) shows aromas featuring clusters of dark berries, dried herbs and earthy notes. The mouth is lush with cherry, plum, blackberry, a dusting of mocha and dried herbs and a long finish with just a hint of spice. Drink this wine now or lay it down for several years in the cellar. Don't miss an opportunity to add a few bottles for your sipping pleasure.
Paired with a filet mignon, rosemary potatoes and salad. Perfecto!
Cheers
Dan
Took this wine on my trip to Northern Wisconsin and enjoyed while on vacation overlooking the harbor. Pairs well with wood fired pizza in case you were wondering.
The 2018 Knotty Vines Pinot Noir a lively wine with notes of black cherry, plum, red berry clusters, toasted vanilla and a slight hint of oak.
The mouth is lush and fresh with juicy dark cherry, pomegranate, soft plum, intense red berries with a hint of vanilla and oak. The finish is long, silky and soft. A powerful little wine for $15 that won't break the bank. Clink the link Knotty Vines Pinot to order yours today.
Cheers
Dan
In South Napa you will find Jamieson Canyon and the home of Elkhorn Peak Cellars, a limited production family winey. Ken Nerlove grower/owner along with his daughter Elise Rutchick co-owner and jack of all trades, winemaker Kent Rasmussen and sprinkle in Faith and Lucas Nerlove and you have the heart and sole of Elkhorn Peak.
In 1983 Ken purchased an old sheep ranch and planted an acre of Pinot Noir and one of Chardonnay. While no vineyards were planted in Jamieson Canyon both the soil and climate were perfect for these two varietals. Just 3 short years later the vineyard expanded to 8 acres with the first harvest in 1987. For the next 5 years this small thriving business sold their grapes to winemakers throughout the region and became known as a top grower. Bam here comes 1994 and Ken's own label is born.
When you think about small clusters of fruit nurtured by the hands of family farmers and how that finished product reflects all the blood sweat and tears in many cases years to accomplish perfection, they hold a special place in my cellar. More importantly they hold a very real meaningful place in the economy called small business, the backbone of America and how the wine region got it's start. Listen to Ken and Elise talk about farming, winemaking and the life while you sit around sipping their juice. Fascinating to listen and learn about their story. I had no idea who Ken was and introduced to their fruit from another winemaker who bought their pinot grapes and made a very delicious pinot noir of their own. Call me a lifer fan now.
The 2017 Pinot Noir is exquisite with aromas and flavors of dark cherry with subtle hints of strawberries and plums followed by a kiss of earthiness and spice. So silky and elegant in the mouth you hate to put the glass down. I've mentioned the comment many times but these bottles are why you drink small production wines and why you should taste this label.
Check out the website Elkhorn Peak Cellars and grab a bottle or 12 and support the small family farmer and limited production winery. It really is the good stuff folks.
Cheers
Dan
