2013 Gallegos Chardonnay Charmer Vineyard Yountville Napa Valley

The story is similar to many, a family immigrating  to America where they build a business based on hard work and determination to succeed. The Gallegos family is no exception and their passion for growing grapes and understanding the vineyards is second to none. Learning the basics of grape growing was key and the family was one of the first Mexican farming families to settle in St Helena (grandfather in the 1950's with the entire family in the 1960's). Making wine from vines planted over 30 yrs ago by Eric's father adds a little special love to each bottle. Case production for all varietals is 1000 and if not for Cellar Angels and their showcase of this wonderful family winery, many outside California like myself would never have an opportunity to taste these beautiful wines so Martin well done. This was a great Cellar Angels buy for me.

The minute you pull the cork the quality of this wine is evident. Layers of caramel/vanilla, fresh apple and pear, tropical mango and pineapple. Big fruit and crisp on the nose. Swirling and sniffing is as gratifying as tasting.

The mouth is full of beautiful fruit with pear, tart apple and a kiss of pineapple finishing with a soft creamy vanilla custard. So luscious and elegant this handcrafted gem is so unbelievably good. Ignacio you and your family are making outstanding wines.

Support small family wine operations like the Gallegos Wines who pour their heart and soul into each bottle. Have an opportunity in the future to taste boutique wines by becoming a Cellar Angel and taste what Martin Cody is finding in wine country. Both are opportunities you can't pass up.

Cheers
Dan

Daily Double Dose Rodney Strong Vineyards 2013 RRV Pinot Noir and 2013 Sonoma County Chardonnay

*Samples Received*

Easy drinking everyday wines to sip or pair with your gourmet meal you cannot go wrong with a bottle of Rodney Strong Vineyards Tonight I sampled 2 of my favorite varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known as a winery which protects it's resources they are certified sustainable and solar powered. It's about green and reducing your carbon foot print.

Up first the 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Swirl and it's complete harmony with luscious cherry and strawberry followed by a bouquet of fresh cut roses. Allow to open and a hint of earthiness, vanilla with a touch of clove. Wonderful expression of the Russian River Valley and Pinot Noir. The mouth explodes with cherry, strawberry and pomegranate and silky smooth. The finish showcases a perfect splash of spice and toasted vanilla with the fruit still juicy and inviting. I could drink this all day. I like pairing this with my pork medallion dish and so do my guests. Robert just plant me under a barrel will you.

The 2013 Sonoma County Chardonnay is another favorite in the house. The nose takes me to the tropics with melon, green apple, lemon zest and a hint of pineapple. The citrus is crisp on the nose and the baking spice notes compliment the fruit nicely. The mouth is fresh and lively with the tart green apple, fresh pear, lemon and pineapple followed by vanilla with baking spice. Love sipping on the back porch and paired with any chicken dish!

Swing by the winery on your next visit to Healdsburg for some quality tasting.

Cheers
Dan

Rocks By Cornerstone

*Samples Received*

Always enjoy this time of year when the new releases hit the streets especially  Rocks by Cornerstone.....White, Red and Rose. Versatile fun food friendly wines meant to drink now. Share these with friends at your next dinner party or cocktail get together. They taste more expensive than their price tag!

I started with the 2014 White Rocks a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Orange Muscat. Aromas of peach, grapefruit and tangerine with a citrus zest. Crisp and tropical on the nose. The mouth explodes with flavor sweet peach, pink grapefruit, ripe pear and sliced tangerine, with a lemon zest finish. The longer I taste a hint of green apple. Intriguing complexity of flavors and really tasty. I paired this with Mongolian Chicken. Quality juice Craig!

Up next is big brother 2013 Red Rocks a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. Nice earthy aroma . The fruit is big with blackberry, cherry, raspberry and blueberry with a white pepper spice. Excellent juicy character with cherry and blackberry followed by smooth blueberry. The finish is long with a nice earthy/spice tone. I paired this with bbq baby back ribs and I declare a home run!

Last wine of the tasting was the 2014 Rocks Rose a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Syrah. At first glance this is a deeper red colored rose not your salmon or light red. The nose exhibits aromas of strawberry, cherry, black raspberry and a hint of black pepper, anise and liquorice. The mouth is full of red juicy jammy fruit with the strawberry and cherry flowing nicely into a spicy finish. Simple and soft. Might just be my favorite of the evening. Paired with fresh salmon patties and wild rice.....so delicious.

Now who wants to stop by Cornerstone Cellars and grab your own bottles of Rocks!

Cheers
Dan