2014 Ponzi Pinot Gris Willamette Valley Oregon "Quick Sip"

*Sample Received*

A key staple in the Ponzi Winery portfolio is tonight's 2014 Pinot Gris. First planted in 1978, this wine can be used as an every day sipper or for special occasions. The 2014 vintage is known as Goldilocks, a result of perfect growing conditions. Fruit forward character with floral bouquets in each and every bottle. Case production 17,000 found nationwide and priced at $17.

The nose is really nice with lemon curd and tangerine followed by sweet vanilla. As the wine warms some beautiful floral daisy's and citrus.

The mouth is a combination of lemon and orange zest with a little sweet pear on the finish. Nice acidity and paired with my lemon/herb crusted cod plus sipped while I cooked. 

Stop by the winery sit on the terrace sipping delicious wine and views that are killer.

Cheers
Dan

2013 Hardball Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma County Alexander Valley

*Sample Received*

Tonight's quick sip comes from Hardball Cellars owned by Cindy and Mike Westerberg. While each worked outside the wine business it was their passion for wine which eventually, like many formed the winery they are proud to call their creation. Varietals produced include Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Aged 9 months in french oak, the nose exhibits cinnamon, cloves and dark cherry notes. As the wine opens a hint of floral with cut rose pedals complimenting the fruit and spice.

The mouth shows a nice juicy cherry and tart cranberry character followed by cinnamon spice and a kiss of oak on the finish. I paired this wine with spaghetti and tomato basil marinara sauce. Nicely done Mike and Cindy.

Check out their website for all your wine and swag needs plus any new release tastings.

Cheers
Dan

2011 & 2012 Steven Kent Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Livermore Valley

The grill is fired up and nice day to open 2 Cabernet Sauvignon's from Steven Kent Winery. The 2011 is a purchase and the 2012 is a sample. What I find in Steven's wines are a level of sophistication coupled with silky elegance.

Starting with the elder, the 2011 Cabernet the nose fills with ripe blackberry, dark cherry, plum and raspberry. Fresh cut green herbs, cassis and toasted oak with a hint of earth. Very nice Steven. The mouth is big in the beginning with rich dark cherry, blackberry and a silky soft plum towards the finish. The fruit is sensual and juicy with a beautiful oak accent. Outstanding wine!

Up next the 2012 who's character is different than that of his sister. Big herbal notes with cassis and spice when first opened. Swirl and here comes the dark jammy fruit giving you this masculine sensation. Not so fast after 15 minutes another layer appears which is the red juicy fruit. Uniquely complex and pleasing. Much bigger mouth than the 2011 with juicy blackberry dominant. Nice dark cherry accent with a long spicy finish. No doubt my bacon wrapped filet was screaming for this wine and smiled wide. Another delicious wine Steven!

Make sure you stop by the tasting room in Livermore Valley and taste this outstanding juice produced by an award winning winemaker.

Cheers
Dan

2013 Campesino Cellars Alina, Sonoma Valley California

Spring and the perfect time to pull the cork on a wine I have been saving the 2013 Alina made by Macario Montoya winemaker/owner of Campesino Cellars. Along with his wife Griselda and their beautiful daughters of which this wine was named, you will find wines with expression of the vineyard and a passion for creating perfect juice. This particular wine is a blend of 50% Roussane and 50% Marsanne and very nicely priced at $28 per bottle. Have I mentioned how much of a fan I am of their wines?

The nose is beautiful with a collage of crisp citrus. Ripe apricot with notes of juicy apple and an almond creme drives my nose wild. Luscious aromatics. Stainless steel fermented and aged 6 months in neutral oak barrels.

The mouth is equally impressive with soft pear and honey notes complimented with a succulent lemon curd. Love the creamy character of the wine and the beautiful long soft citrus finish. A true expression of Macario's wines in this varietal. Well done my friend!

Visit their website for the current available wines and stock up as they sell out fast! Make sure you sign up for Campesino Cellars mailing list by clicking the Mailing List Link to ensure you never miss out.

Cheers
Dan