2008 Ceja Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The holidays are perfect for pairing great food with delicious wine. Nothing better than serving Ceja Vineyards Cabernet with a sharp cheddar cheese and succulent roast beef. Knowing the wines Armando Ceja produces, no doubt in my mind this would be another beauty.

The nose is full of excellent ripe fruit. Plum, blackberry, red raspberry followed by herbal notes and a rich spice. Aged 28-32 months in french oak, you can listen to the winemaker Armando by clicking the link Ceja Cellar. A wine you could swirl and smell all evening.

Outstanding bottle of wine. The dark fruit is showcased with blackberry and plum followed by a hint of red raspberry. Towards the middle of the taste black raspberry and red raspberry set you up for the finish of a soft warm spice which lingers long. The fruit is still dominant on the finish as well. The longer in the glass the wine becomes so silky. Cabernet + Napa Valley+ Ceja Vineyards = handcrafted greatness. Well done Armando!

Taste Ceja Vineyards fine portfolio of wines at their downtown Napa tasting room located at 1248 First Street Napa Ca 94559 from 11am -6pm Sun thru Wed and 11am-8pm Thur thru Sat.

Happy New Year Everyone.
Cheers
Dan

The Wines of Vinho Verde Casa De Vila 2009 Alvarhino Portugal

A new varietal for me this evening from Portugal a 2009 Alvarhino and my first from Vinho Verde. Located in northwest Portugal, they produce wines of light alcohol and balanced acidity. The region produces blends from varietals Loureiro, Trajadura and Alvarinho which are crisp and refreshing.

On the nose a definate tropical influence. Melon, pineapple, lime and lemon citrus with hints of peach

The flavor was crisp with melon and lemon dominant. Hints of fresh pineapple and peach with a nice mineral finish. Nicely priced at $7.99 and a good starter wine for your guests. I look forward to tasting and learning more about the Wines of Vinho Verde.

Cheers
Dan

Sparkle with Freixenet & Gloria Ferrer Tastelive Event

Great event with the holidays upon us and what better way to celebrate than tasting some bubbles from Sonoma and Spain. A distinguished well respected panel of bloggers and honored I had the opportunity to join in the fun. 3 great wines treated our palates this evening.

First up Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava produced in Penedes Spain. Nice pear, citrus zest, melon and warm ginger aromas. The flavor was nice with fresh crisp apple and pear. Toss in lemon, lime citrus zest and a nice hint of ginger spice on the finish. A nice starter to the evening.

Second offering of the evening is an old favorite of mine Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut. Pear, a hint of fresh cut rose followed by warm roasted almonds. Paired with green apple slices the lovely citrus in the wine complimented the tart apples and the creamy vanilla/almond softened the finish. By itself the apple flavor and citrus compliment each other perfectly. Gloria Ferrer never disappoints the palate.

The final wine of the evening Segura Viduas Brut Rose Cava. I'm a big rose fan so this sparkler was a treat. Strawberry, spice and candied cherry on the nose. The flavor was crisp and refreshing. Cherry with hints of strawberry and spice. I commented how wonderful this wine would taste sipping on the back porch preferrably on a warm day. I sense a few agreed.

Another great holiday tasting this time we celebrate with bubbles. Cailyn, Joel and Cindy it was a super evening. Thank you all for including me and the introduction to some awesome bubbles.

Cheers
Dan

2008 Robbins Vineyards Big Alibi Red Merlot Napa Valley

Tonight's wine is a gem from a well stocked wine store Napa Valley Wine and Cigar in one of my favorite places Napa Valley. Carrie said I would love this wine and naturally she was correct. Just adore these small production wines carried at her store and Phil Robbins created a beauty with this Big Alibi Red.

On the nose I get a nice herbal note followed by deep dark cherry. Hints of plum and fresh spice with just the slightest aroma of red raspberry. Lovely nose on this wine.

Easy drinking flavor packed red wine. Plum and dark cherry are very dominant in the beginning of the taste. Spice in the middle with a juicy raspberry finish. Silky throughout the taste. Bottles like these are why I love drinking wine. Phil absolutely outstanding juice.

Stop by and grab a bottle from Carrie and see for yourself what a great wine Phil has created. I recommend sipping by the fireplace too.

Cheers
Dan