Segura Viudas Brut Cava Spain

*Sample Received*

Today's quick sip is courtesy of Segura Viudas Sparkling Wine. Can't think of a better time to break out than Thanksgiving as our starter to kick off the celebration. Served with soft cheese, meats and veggies these bubbles were a huge hit.

The nose showed a big citrus explosion with lime and tropical fruits including melon, pineapple and white peach. The mouth was a splash of lime and melon with nice acidity, balanced and refreshing. Loved the soft fruity finish as well. Excelente!

Grab this affordable delicious sparkler from Segura Viudas today and enjoy with family and friends

Cheers
Dan

2013 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

*Sample received*

Today's wine and no doubt my favorite varietal is the 2013 Ponzi Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from beautiful Oregon. The region is known for growing world class Pinot and on my bucket list for a visit.

Ponzi Vineyards was born in 1970 by Dick and Nancy Ponzi with the first wines in barrels in 1974. Two years later those wines were introduced into the Portland market a mere 96 cases of wine and the rest is history from the New York Times feature to the Legendary Producer status of today.

The winemaker is Luisa Ponzi who at an early age showed her passion for wine making while closely shadowing her father. Educated at Portland State she ventured off abroad and became the first American woman to receiver her certificate in enology and viticulture in Beaune France. Her education and experience shaped her philosophy and is evident in the world class wines she crafts today.

The nose on this wine is so aromatic with rich ripe cherry, strawberry rhubarb, tart cranberry and a hint of cocoa, earth and cloves. A wonderful expression of Pinot. Aged 11 months in french oak and aged an additional 5 months in the bottle, the wine was released in Sept 2015.

The mouth is beautiful with luscious cherry and cranberry fruit followed by notes of vanilla and spice. The finish is long showcasing the fruit from start finish. Pinot Noir at it's finest. Well priced at $40. Make a stop for this wine today!

Cheers
Dan

2012 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

*Sample received*

Today's quick sip comes from my great friends at Rodney Strong Vineyards and their always delicious Sonoma County portfolio. The affordability of an everyday drinking wine with the flavors and aromas of a sophisticated gem, the quality of these wines is outstanding. A couple I know this is their favorite Cabernet and when they stop by I always make sure I have one on hand for them.

The nose is lively with raspberry, vibrant cherry, blackberry with a touch of vanilla, wildflowers and allspice. Nice complex layers of aromas and very pleasing. So consistent from vintage to vintage.

The mouth is very fruit forward with raspberry, blackberry and cherry. The finish is long with toasted oak and spice which compliments the juicy fruit. Nice soft tannins and a perfect pairing with red meat sauce over pasta. Never disappoints my friends.

Stop by for a visit in Healdsburg and enjoy a tasting, tour and check out the many events held at the winery. A true total wine experience you won't want to miss.

Cheers
Dan

2012 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label

*Sample Received*

No need for a special occasion to open a bottle of Cornerstone Cellars wine because every time is special when you open one of their bottles. Wines of elegance, aromatics, terroir and perfect fruit are what you the wine lover will find with each bottle and sip from the folks in Yountville and Oregon. My first trip 5 years ago took me to their tasting room and I have been hooked ever since. A regular sipper/blogger of Craig's juice, I get the distinct pleasure of tasting this labels consistency vintage after vintage with no 2 the same.

Tonight's wine is the 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Black Label. 92% Cabernet, 5.5% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc the wine spent 18 months in French Bordeaux oak growing up and becoming the handsome youngster it is today. The nose provides beautiful aromatics of red raspberry, blackberry with a hint of blueberry. What I first noticed though was this wonderful toasty spice which came screaming from the glass before the fruit intertwines in harmony.

The mouth is lush with layers of blueberry, plum, blackberry and raspberry. A hint of earthiness with a bold spice gives this wine a sophisticated feel. Allow the wine to open in the glass and you will see this evolution to a softer elegant wine. Oh how I love it's complexity.

Swing by the tasting room in Yountville to discover these beautiful wines for yourself.

Cheers
Dan