2009 Flowers Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Located just 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean rugged cliffs at elevations ranging from 1150 to 1875 feet, there sits a gem Flowers Vineyard & Winery. Cool breezes and coastal fog, it's a perfect setting for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes which produce award winning wines.

Flowers Vineyards were first born in 1990 with the purchase of 321 acres by founders Walt and Joan Flowers. In 1991 they planted 23 acres on what is known as Camp Meeting Ridge which grew to 33 acres. June of 1997 brought the construction of a gravity flow winery specifically to produce chardonnay and pinot noir their two favorite varietals. Soon a neighbor offered an additional 327 acres and Flowers Ranch was born. 47 acres of Pinot Noir were planted from 98 to 01 which is known as Frances Thompson Vineyard and Sea View Ridge Vineyard. The pictures of the vineyards, winery, coast are just breath taking and can be seen by clicking the link Flowers Vineyard & Winery Pictures

My first bottle two months ago was so aromatically pleasing and this bottle as well. Fresh ripe red fruit, cherry, hints of rose, touch of blackberry, a perfect hint of spice and finishing with orange peel. A wonderful wine which becomes even better the longer it releases in the glass.

Pinot Noir made right and perfect. Cherry with hints of raspberry and strawberry really showcase the red fruit. The spice compliments the fruit with the finish long and juicy. So silky and soft. Tastes like heaven in a bottle. My compliments to the staff at Flowers. If you have never tasted one of their fine wines, you're instructed to purchase and taste for yourself. Trust me!

Cheers
Dan

Charity + Wine = Cellar Angels

Many great companies give back to their communities and charities as a way to help those in need. One such company located in Chicago Illinois called Cellar Angels , introduces wine lovers like myself to boutique wineries and wonderful charities. A group of wine loving friends determined to change the world, I admire and applaud their mission.

So how does it work you ask? Cellar Angels for starters partners with small family wineries offering exceptional wine at attractive prices. The wines purchased are shipped directly from the winery to your home or business. In return, a portion of your purchase directly supports one of the fine charities you get to choose such as "The V Foundation For Cancer Research, The Ounce promoting helping children, Soldiers' Angels helping our armed forces and their families, Seathos Foundation which promotes education about our impact on the seas of the world, Auction Napa Valley providing support for healthcare, youth services, housing in the Napa Valley communities. You're asking yourself "What am I waiting for can I join?" The answer is yes by clicking here Join Cellar Angels

Who are the participating wineries? Some past offerings include Cornerstone Cellars 05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Passaggio 09 New Generation Unoaked Chardonnay, Stein Family Wines 09 Gewurztraminer, Michel-Schlumberger 08 Dry Creek Valley Syrah just to name a few. Wouldn't it be great to have tasty wines delivered to your home to enjoy and you in return support worthy causes. Sounds like a win win to me.

Martin and all the folks at Cellar Angels are true angels introducing us to fine wine and allowing us to help worthy charities. Support those who support others!

Cheers
Dan

2010 Stepping Stone By Cornerstone Riesling Napa Valley

Last hot day in the Midwest for awhile I'm afraid so a great time to open my sample from Stepping Stone Wines the 2010 Napa Valley Riesling. Fermented in stainless steel, I absolutely love how the fruit shines both in aroma and flavor. For the past two years I have tasted the the Stepping Stone portfolio of wines and each vintage is solid, consistent great wine and very affordable.

In the glass the tropical melon, hints of flower and honey, lemon zest, lively citrus were so appealing to my nose. The wine smells exceptionally crisp and I'm excited to taste.

Outstanding flavor with grapefruit at the forefront. Tangerine and lemon zest greet you in the middle and a wonderful minerality on the finish. So clean, crisp, refreshing and dry. I tend to shy away from Riesling because others I have tasted were sweet, but this one is remarkable.

Craig many thanks for the wonderful wines you allowed me to taste. Kudos to the staff and keep producing these awesome wines. Fans make sure you check out Cornerstone Cellars to order some of your own Stepping Stone Wines and taste for yourself.

Cheers
Dan

2009 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast

Butterfly jumbo shrimp sounded so good for dinner and I knew the cellar had a perfect wine to pair, an 09 Ceja Sauvignon Blanc. Beautiful acidity, fresh fruit flavors, complimented the seafood dish drizzled with fresh lemon juice.

In the glass the fruit is really showcased. Grapefruit, melon, lemon and lime zest, hints of peach fill your nose. Crisp and refreshing, the aromas make your senses race wild.

Outstanding flavor on this wine and Ceja Vineyards never dissapoints the wine lover. The ripe grapefruit combined with hints of melon followed by the lime/lemon zest is perfect. The finish is long and juicy with a slight minerality note. One of my favorite sauvignon blanc's and Ceja Vineyards produces some of my favorite wines as always. Make sure you grab a case or 2 now because this tasty treat won't last long.

Cheers
Dan

2006 Bonneau Napa Valley Meritage Epos

My last bottle from the wine club shipment courtesy of Scott Jordan for the TV Tuesday tastings at Cellars of Sonoma. John Bambury from Bonneau Wines was the evenings guest. I have read many great compliments about John's wines so I was very excited to have a taste. Today's offering is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stagecoach Vineyards, 20% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot.

Just an unbelievable nose on this wine. While Scott was asking me "Do you smell this wine" I was trying to type the same. The fruit is amazing with the dark cherry, blackberry and blueberry so fresh. The allspice compliments the fruit perfectly and the swirl/smell finishes with a hint of sweet oak.

The flavor on this wine is so delicious and perfect. Ripe dark cherry combined with the rich blackberry and softened by the silky blueberry treats your taste buds. Towards the middle the allspice arrives and then the finish is a juicy raspberry. Kevin Jordan and I commented how outstanding this wine is and grab as many bottles as you can there are only 10 cases left.

Well Scott it's been a great 4 weeks of wine tasting with each bottle as tasty as the next. My thanks to you for introducing me to amazing wines and winemakers.

Cheers
Dan

2007 Joseph Drouhin Vero Pinot Noir

My first Joseph Drouhin Pinot and slightly different than my normal selections most likely a plus to expand my knowledge. Wine from Burgundy France is somewhat scarce in my parts so the online purchase was a bonus (Lot 18 normally $35 per bottle but the deal was 2 bottle for $35).

Once in the glass I really picked up on the cherry followed by a pepper spice. Only after the wine opened up in the glass could I find the red raspberry. Some licorice in the middle as well.

Ripe juicy red raspberry greets your palate on each taste. Traces of the blackberry are evident throughout, hints of pepper and licorice round out the finish. Not used to pepper nuances in my pinot but I'm glad I tasted a style which I'm not accustomed to drinking. If you have tasted this wine would love to know your thoughts.

Cheers
Dan

2007 Krutz Family Cellars Stagecoach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

I was introduced to Krutz Family Cellars wines a few months ago and having a couple wine friends who are fans of cabernet, it was only fitting to share this great bottle of wine with them. Served along with the wine, slices of beef and smoked gouda. Excellent finger food for this outstanding wine.

The comment from both my friends was how amazing the fruit aroma came across. Dark cherry, ripe blackberry, hints of leather and tobacco, sweet vanilla finishing with a smokey oak. The longer in the glass the oak subsides with the fruit coming to the forefront.

When I think of drinking cabernet the first thing that comes to mind is a nice piece of red meat perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection for pairing with a bold red. What I find with this 07 Krutz Cellars cabernet is how the finish of this wine is so silky smooth. Your taste starts out with fresh blackberry followed by ripe cherry. Flavors of vanilla, molasses and a slight spice greet you in the middle. The finish a mild oak and soft. Ranks right up there with some of the best cabernets I have enjoyed. Buy now before it's all gone by heading to their website Krutz Family Cellars

Cheers
Dan

2010 Amorosa Bella Russian River Valley Chardonnay & Cellars Of Sonoma

Wine number 3 for the TV Tuesday series with Cellars of Sonoma was another beautiful wine. Scott's guests for the evening were Chef Christopher Greenwald and from New York Uncle Dean Jordan brother of Scott. Loved the intro music "The Boys Are Back In Town" along with the featured wine from Amorosa Bella. A special treat for viewers was a segment on NY wine courtesy of Dean and included some excellent facts on regions and wines produced. Awesome show and the upcoming wine dinner with Chef's creations along with tonights featured wines will be delicious.

The aroma on the wine was magnificient. Ripe crisp apple, fresh melon, pear, creamy vanilla and the slightest hint of oak. Refreshing and love the absence of the heavy oak nose.

The fruit flavor explodes as you taste the wine. Pear, lemon citrus, green apple and a small accent of oak is perfect. I find myself migrating to these types of Chardonnay's as they showcase the wonderful fruit and are very food friendly. I enjoyed the wine along with Chef, Scott and Dean including a fresh green salad with a drizzle of ceasar dressing. Nice acidity on the wine as well.

Charlyn the wine was amazing. Scott it's fun being able to compare the characteristics of the wine as we both taste miles apart from each other. Truly spoiled drinking this juice.

Cheers
Dan

2007 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

September 1st 2001 was the 2nd annual Cabernet Day where wine lovers across the globe tasted and tweeted about the wine they were drinking. I was fortunate to receive a sample from my friends at Flora Springs the 07 Napa Valley Cabernet.

Flora Springs Winery was founded in 1978 and is located in the heart of Napa Valley at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Over 3 decades of family wine making with over 90% of the red wine made from the grapes organically farmed estate vineyards on their 650 acres. The winery is named after mother and grandmother Flora along with the natural springs that run throughout the property. I highly recommend stopping by on your next visit to see the beauty and taste the wine.

On the nose a wonderful aroma of ripe dark fruit, dark cherry, vanilla, smokey oak and rounding out with a beautiful spice. As the wine opened up the oak faded slightly showcasing the beautiful fruit.

Excellent flavor on this wine. Blackberry, ripe dark cherry, hints of raspberry and vanilla, nice currant spice finishing with oak. I drank this wine with Beef Taquitos and loved the pairing. Beef and Cabernet are always a hit at my house. Yes I tasted while I cooked and the wine can easily be enjoyed on its own.

Margaret thank you so much for allowing me to taste this wonderful Cabernet. Kudos to Paul, Pat and their entire staff at Flora Springs! To learn more about their story click the link Flora Springs . Order wine, schedule a visit I think you will agree the wine is exquisite.

Cheers
Dan