Friday, May 29, 2015

2013 Stepping Stone By Cornerstone North Coast White Rocks



*Sample received*

Several vintages tasted and I can tell you that White Rocks really does rock Cornerstone Cellars! I love this crisp little blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli. Easy on the palate and the pocketbook. You may just think you have been swept to the tropics with each sip.

The nose is fruit filled with ripe cantaloupe and juicy honeydew melon. Sliced peaches and sweet pears complimented by lemon/lime zest. Layers of aromas are outstanding.

The mouth says you are in the tropics...relax and enjoy. White peach with just a hint of tartness followed by green apple, cantaloupe, apricot and honeydew melon. The finish is a kiss of sweet pear which begs your palate to "pour me more." Balanced, crisp, clean with nice acidity. Well done my Yountville friends!

Wine country visitors make sure you swing by the tasting room for this awesome tasting blend and sip for yourself. I think you will agree this wine is a must in your cellar.

Cheers
Dan



Friday, May 22, 2015

2012 Ceja Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros #ChardonnayDay 2015


A special Chardonnay for #ChardonnayDay from my cellar a 2012 Ceja Vineyards originating in beautiful Carneros. A Latino Family owned winery producing wines which showcase the vineyards and their dedication to sustainable agriculture. Each bottle is handcrafted with "Ceja Love" and you become part of their family with each sip.

The nose is lush showcasing crisp apple and juicy pear with a splash of lemon/honey citrus. Beautiful flow of aromas and so elegant.

The mouth is rich with fruit and citrus. Pear, lemon and green apple with a hint of baking spice and vanilla. Nice balance and love the creamy character giving this wine a delicate feel yet still flavor packed. Delicious! Well done my Carneros Family.

Cheers
Dan






Thursday, May 14, 2015

2013 Zoetic Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma County


Finding small boutique wines outside of their production area is always a bonus and thanks to the folks at Cellar Angels for their continued work promoting these tasty gems. Tonight's wine was showcased by Martin from Kim and David Vance of Zoetic Wines a few weeks back and the special pricing was a steal.

Zoetic Wines was born from the hopes, dreams, hard work and determination by former Texas residents Kim and David. Trips to wine country and the beauty it beholds causes one to fall in love with the land and wines. One day you feel the itch to create your own label and bazinga a winery is born. As with all great wineries the vintage starts in the vineyard. Soil, climate, fruit is not manipulated but allowed to develop naturally. A great vision Zoetic and one that makes your wines superb.

Classic Russian River nose with rich ripe cherry, cola and that earthy forest character known to great pinot from this region. A touch of spice perfects the aromas.

The mouth is oh so good. Juicy cherry with hints of red raspberry and cranberry. Nice red fruit character. Mild clove spice with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Medium bodied, well balanced complex wine. Absolutely delicious.

Limited quantities available and sold exclusively by signing up HERE on the Zoetic mailing list. You won't want to miss out on this juice. While signing up make sure you become an Cellar Angel by joining as a  NEW MEMBER
Enjoy


Cheers
Dan

Saturday, May 9, 2015

2012 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast


Ranks right up there with my  favorite Sauvignon Blancs. I'm talking about the 2012 Ceja Vineyards Sonoma Coast Sauv Blanc which is so delicious. No overpowering grapefruit or grassy notes but balanced soft flavors for easy drinking and food pairings. One of my first visits when touring Napa was a stop to visit with Amelia. I have been a huge fan of their wines ever since.

Beautiful nose of lemon lime citrus with hints of grapefruit and cantaloupe. Nice crisp wine which is pleasing to this wino's nose.

The mouth is fresh ripe grapefruit not overpowering with a spectacular vanilla cream kiss in the middle along with a hint of minerality. The finish is long and zesty with lemon lime lingering. Well balanced and not overly acidic. I could drink this wine all day.Well done my Carneros Family.

Stop by the Sonoma Tasting Room Wednesday -Sunday 11am to 5pm and taste these exquisite wines. An experience you won't want to miss.

Cheers
Dan


Sunday, May 3, 2015

2012 Passaggio Unmarked Code Seven Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Sonoma County


Tonight's wine is my favorite varietal Pinot Noir. Cynthia Cosco winemaker/owner of Passaggio Wines , made 50 cases of this gem and as of this writing the wine is sold out. If you were fortunate enough to taste a bottle, then you know all too well why you should buy more than 1 bottle (unlike yours truly who didn't follow his own guidance).

The inviting nose exhibits tart cherry and cranberry with a hint of cloves. A touch of earthy character compliments the fruit and spice perfectly. Elegant!

The mouth is a blast of bright cherry and fresh cranberry followed by a kiss of warm cinnamon/clove spice and strawberry. The finish is long and silky smooth.One beautiful Pinot Noir Cindy. I sure hope the winemaker held a few back and in that case I'm coming for a visit.

Stop by the beautiful Passaggio tasting room when in the Sonoma Square on your next visit (25 East Napa Street Suite C Sonoma) to sip and taste this award winning winemakers offerings.

Cheers
Dan