2015 Cusumano Nero D'Avola Italy

*Sample Received*

Lasagna night so naturally I opened this 2015 Cusumano Nero D'Avola sample which prices out at a $12.99 bargain. Huge fan of Italian wine and how inexpensive yet flavorful they are. If I ever traveled to Italy I may never come back. Reminds me why I need to drink more Italian juice.

On the the nose intense red and dark berry clusters with a not so subtle black pepper spice rounding out with hints of wild violets.

The mouth shows succulent pressed jammy red and dark fruit which leads to a juicy long finish.The black pepper spice is not at all overpowering and the tannins soften the longer the wine sits in the glass. Really enjoyable and pairs perfect with lasagna by the way.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Passaggio Wines New Generation Pinot Grigio California

Nearing the 10 Year Anniversary of Passaggio Wines, Cynthia Cosco owner and winemaker continues to follow her passion and it's truly evident in each bottle and varietal. "I believe something magical happens when you bring wonderful friends, awesome food, and great wines together." are her words to live by. From day one those first 25 cases the quality is so consistent as it is today and almost 1700 cases produced in 2017.

Passaggio Wines is all grown up with a beautiful tasting room to introduce wine lovers to her varietal offerings located at 25 East Napa Street Suite C in Sonoma. It is here where you will find Cindy chatting with customers about her story and wines. I have even heard her rock star status offers "signed" bottles. Not far away is her newest accomplishment "my very own production facility." Here is where the magic continues (22020 Carneros Vineyard Way Suite 2 Sonoma) as she meticulously creates and nurtures each barrel produced.

Tonight's 2014 New Generation Pinot Grigio is welcomed with the heat we are experiencing in the Midwest. Aromas of sweet pear, ripe cantaloupe with hints of fresh lemon and wild daisy's leap from the glass. Love the crisp character on the nose.

The mouth is a citric blast with juicy pear, pink grapefruit and ripe melon with hints of lemon zest.The finish is long and full of fruit. Really nice refreshing Pinot Grigio Cindy.

A stop on the Sonoma Square is always a treat and so is a stop at Passaggio Wines!

Cheers
Dan

2010 Ceja Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

A wine club purchase, The Ceja Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is both rich and elegant on my palate.

If you know the Napa wine scene then you are well aware of the Ceja Family. Featured many times in magazines and various wine articles about their story as immigrants, even having the opportunity to travel to Washington DC talking wine and history. The head of the family is none other than Amelia Ceja,  President of the family winery. From the early years of picking grapes to what she and the family have grown this label to be today, it's a remarkable journey and the accolades well deserved. I also love the fact the entire fmily is involved in the business.

The nose on this wine shows stunning fruit aromas of dark cherry with black raspberry and plum. The spice is a bold anise which races from the glass. Ripe fruit, perfect spice nice inviting aromas.

The mouth is rich with juicy cherry and raspberry followed by hints of plum which softens the wine. The finish is long and the fruit lingers with the anise spice accent. The wine was aged 36 months in french oak and grapes were harvested from Napa Valley, Silverado Trail, La Loma Vineyards.

Make sure you swing by on your next trip to Napa/Sonoma and stop in to see my Ceja friends and taste some of their delicious wines.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Cherry Cove Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon Produced and Bottled By Coleman Vineyards

Purchased from my go to local wine store (First Avenue Wine House), this 2014 Cherry Cove Pinot Noir ($20 and 14.1% alcohol) is a delicious Oregon wine.

Coleman Vineyards at an elevation between 300-500 feet is located in the Coast Range foothills of Yamhill County and consists of 22.5 acres of vines. Owners Randy and Kim Coleman produce Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, many which are estate wines. Their philosophy is to allow the terroir to show in each wine with minimal wine making intervention.

The nose shows deep dark cherry fruit with hints of cloves and cinnamon spice.Continue to swirl and nice earthy tones appear.

The mouth is rich with dark cherry and raspberry followed by a pronounced clove spice. The finish lingers long dominated by juicy cherry. A steal for $20 and drinks much more expensive.

If you're in Oregon I would add this winery to your lists of visits especially if you like Pinot like I do. The tasting room is located in town 801 SW Baker St McMinnville and open Tue-Sun 11-5.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Martin Ray Chardonnay Sonoma County "Quicksip"

*Sample Received*

Tonight's quicksip courtesy of Martin Ray Winery and their 2016 Sonoma County Chardonnay. Clocking in at 13.8% alcohol and priced at $20, it's definitely an everyday drinker.

Aromas of lush cantaloupe and fresh apple with hints of creamy meringue, wild flower and lemon zest. The mouth shows a beautiful lemon apple character followed by cantaloupe and a hint of pineapple. The finish is long and juicy. A very nice inexpensive chardonnay. Paired with the back porch :) feet up and sip away.

Cheers
Dan