2012 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, White Label

*Sample Received*

A Sauvignon Blanc with classic structure and minerality from Cornerstone Cellars this beauty will take you to the tropics.

The grapes were harvested from the Ink Grade Vineyard located in the prestigious Howell Mountain region as well as the Talcott Vineyard in St Helena. Picked in the pre-dawn cool, the fruit was gently pressed to extract the high quality free run juice. Fermented in stainless steel then racked to mature french oak barrels for sur-lie aging. Case production 853 and priced nicely at $30.

The nose shows layers of ripe honeydew melon, fresh pineapple followed by lemon zest and floral notes. Vibrant fruit which captures a refreshing crispness. Beautiful.

The mouth is superb with honeydew melon, tart lemon and pineapple. The flavors flow nicely and the creamy soft character lends an elegance to this sauvignon blanc. One very good wine Craig!

Looking to join a wine club then look no further than Cornerstone Cellars Wine Clubs and choose the option which best fits your palate. Three decades of producing excellent wines, welcome to Cornerstone Cellars.

2011 Ceja Vineyards Merlot Sonoma County Carneros

Vinum, Cantus, Amore translation Wine, Song, Love. Welcome to the wines of Ceja Vineyards. Tonight's wine was another club purchase,  the 2011 Merlot. A mighty tasty wine I proclaim.

The nose is beautiful with aromas of luscious blackberry and ripe raspberries. A hint of plum with dark chocolate and spice.A true reflection of the magnificent fruit and vineyard which theses grapes were harvested and crushed.

The mouth is perfect on this wine. Juicy raspberry intertwined with dark berries, cocoa and spice. The wine is soft and elegant with the finish long and juicy. A wonderful expression of Merlot and ranks in my Top 5 all time!

Make plans to visit Ceja Vineyards tasting room located at 22989 Burndale Road, Sonoma CA to taste a diverse range of award winning wines. When you're finished treating your palate to their premium juice, wander next door to their sister business the Carneros Brewing Company for handcrafted beer. A great way to spend the afternoon.

Cheers
Dan

2013 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast

The church bell rings calling families and friends to join in celebration or gather at Sunday Mass. The symbolic bell on every bottle of Ceja Vineyards rings each time a bottle is uncorked calling all friends and family to share in great food, wine and celebration. President Amelia Ceja will say as a fan or club member you are now part of the Ceja family and welcome you with open arms.

Today's wine is the 2013 Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc from my wine club purchase. The nose exhibits a rush of lemon lime, pineapple and grapefruit with a nice splash of citrus. It is so crisp and refreshing with a tropical flair. Just love the aromatics on Ceja wines!

The wine is so elegant with grapefruit, juicy pineapple and lemon from start to finish. The layers of flavor are soft and flow nicely complimenting each other perfectly. Versatile as well from an everyday sipper conversation wine, to being paired with an elegant dinner, a Sauvignon Blanc that will never disappoint.

Looking for a wine club that will deliver great wine right to your front door then click the Ceja Wine Clubs link and start enjoying this ultra premium latino family owned winery juice.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Rodney Strong Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Charlottes Home

*Sample Received*

The heat continues and so I keep sipping the white wines. Today we have the 2014 Rodney Strong Vineyards Charlottes Home Sauvignon Blanc. Harvested from grapes in both the Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley, the growing season was warmer than normal this year.

The aromatics are lively with ripe peach, red grapefruit, crushed pineapple and lemon lime zest. Crisp and tropical. Year after year this is such a solid wine.

The mouth is fruit filled with pineapple, grapefruit, juicy peach and loads of lemon citrus. Refreshing and light. I think this is my 5th vintage tasted and always a favorite. I served this with rosemary infused cream cheese and what a pairing. Love it.

Stop by the tasting room and choose your tasting adventure....Sonoma County, Estate or Single Vineyard. Either tasting chosen will be a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Passaggio Rose Colored Glasses Tempranillo Rose

"Passage Way" the Italian translation for Passaggio the label Cynthia Cosco has successfully created following in the footsteps of her families tradition of winemaking.

Having a passion for winemaking she walked away from a 15 year career to embark on a journey which can be both rewarding and challenging. Her love of the grape, the ever changing weather pattern affecting the grapes in the vineyard were mere challenges in the road for this female winemaker destined for greatness. She worked her way through the ranks from tastings to harvest to cellar to lab and finally a winemaker.She has successfully built her brand from those early days to include artisan wines covering white blends, rose's chardonnay, pinot grigio, sauvignon blancs, pinot noir, merlot and sangiovese just to name a few. The 2015 lineup will bring even more varietals. Keep a pulse on Cynthia because her popularity is growing among her fans and the winemaking community.

Right from the start the nose is filled with red raspberry, strawberry and melon followed by a hint of currants. Crisp and refreshing. Ok enough of this swirling lets taste this aromatic beauty!

The mouth explodes with layers of red fruit and finishes with a juicy kiss of watermelon. Very clean and a wonderful balance of fruit and acidity. So pleasing on the palate. A very special crazy good Rose` and one which is sadly sold out. Must buy more next time.

Stop by the tasting room located in the Historic Sonoma Square 25 East Napa Street Suite C Sonoma CA. The wines and staff will spoil you and you may even see the winemaker mingling with the guests.Sip and enjoy artisan boutique wines from Passaggio.

Cheers
Dan