2014 Steven Kent Winery Lola Ghielmetti Vineyard Livermore Valley

*Sample Received*

Introduced a few years back to Steven Kent Wines by one of my favorite wine friends Tracey Hoff, I have a great appreciation for Steven's portfolio. Easy drinking, food friendly and sophisticated. Blending is an art and Steven nailed it on this wine. 75% Sauv Blanc and 25% Semillon, single vineyard juice with less than 420 cases produced all for under $25. A steal my wine friends.

The nose is vibrant with lime and lemon zest, honeydew melon freshly sliced and a hint of peach. Fresh cut flowers round out the aromas and compliment the fruit perfectly.

The mouth is crisp and clean with loads of lemon lime citrus. Melon with hints of pineapple gives the wine a tropical feel and the fruit lingers long into the finish. A perfect pairing for my Maryland Crab Cakes with Rice Pilaf drizzled with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Love this wine.

Stop by Livermore Wine Country and visit The Steven Kent Winery to treat your palate. Love this wine region and especially Steven's wines

Cheers
Dan

2014 Passaggio Mourvedre Rose California

Sometimes in life your path crosses with people who turn out to be something special. One of those people is today's winemaker Cynthia Cosco of Passaggio Wines who has become a close friend. We had the opportunity to meet roughly 5 years ago and tasting her creations throughout those years has been a real treat for me. Her growth as a respected female winemaker is due to hard work, excellent wines and that fact she is so down to earth. Yes Cindy you deserve every accolade given!

Tonight's wine is a new one in the Passaggio portfolio the 2014 Mourvedre Rose. Priced well at $26 and going fast I might add. The nose is an explosion of red berry clusters strawberry, cherry and raspberry. A kiss of fresh rose pedals compliments the bright fruit. Beautiful nose!

The mouth is lively with fresh strawberries, ripe cherry and a splash of plums. A touch of herbal notes but as the wine opens I get a berry creme sensation with a nice long finish. Crisp and clean with a nice balance of acidity. A wonderful expression of rose` Cindy!

Make sure you stop by the tasting room in the Historic Sonoma Square 25 East Napa Street Suite C. Open noon to 6 Mon-Thur with Fri-Sun 11-6. A relaxing atmosphere for wine lovers and their friends. You may just see the winemaker chatting about her exquisite wines. 

Cheers
Dan

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, White Label

*Sample Received*

In their third decade of excellence, Cornerstone Cellars continues to amaze with each vintage produced. The quality and expression of the vineyard, make these wines a must in your glass and cellar. I have been a regular consumer of these wines for the past 6 years, and whether I'm drinking them or sharing them with friends, the outcome remains the same. Balanced, impeccable, food friendly are all great descriptors. My friends know great wine. Aged 22 months in french oak and is 88% Cabernet and 12% Merlot.

The nose on the 2011 exhibits dried herbs of sage and thyme followed by rich dark cherry notes which become very pronounced as the wine opens. Plum with hints of raspberry and espresso surrounded by toasted oak. Beautiful.

The mouth is full of ripe dark cherry and plum with a slight jammy raspberry. Cassis with dark chocolate mocha followed by toasted oak. The finish is long, juicy and elegant. I've tasted this over 5 hours and the wine keeps getting better. Wonderful expression of Cabernet!

Stop by the Tasting Room which has an relaxed inviting atmosphere where friends come to taste great wine.

Cheers
Dan