2016 Attune Pinot Noir Rose Carneros Sonoma County

Sometimes you find these "hidden gem wines" or someone with excellent wine knowledge introduces you. In my case the latter is truth and thank you Martin Cody. If not for your vision and passion to bring small producers in touch with wine lovers across the country I would not even know Attune existed. Thank you Attune for making what I call "drop dead great juice."

Fans of Attune know the story which seems to be repeated over and over with small production boutique producers. Friends with a passion for wine share many a bottle with great conversation which leads to let's make wine. It may not be that simple but the results are the same. For Attune the story started with wine, a property which turned into a home and vineyard, which brought a winemaker who produces world class wines. Today's those friends are still the backbone of Attune Wines.

Meticulous about the fruit which represents each bottle of Attune, you will see the winemaker and vineyard workers dropping fruit not worthy. At harvest time, grapes are picked by hand, carefully brought to the winery to continue their journey eventually ending as "nectar of the gods." Once in the barrels, the juice will age and mature from 5-15 months finally reaching adulthood and bottled.

The 2016 Rose is easy on the nose with hints of young fresh cut rose pedals, cantaloupe, a faint hint of ripe cherry and a crisp citrus zest. So appealing to the senses and a lovey light coral hue. The mouth I agree explodes with juicy strawberry and fresh sliced apricots with hints of honeydew melon. Nice acidity and what a beautiful long juicy finish. A grand total of 165 cases produced.

Act fast my rose and wine loving friends as these wines will not last long!

Cheers
Dan

2014 Campesino Cellars Syrah Los Carneros Las Madres Vineyard

It's harvest time in the valley and what better way to honor one of my favorite winemakers by opening his 2014 Los Carneros Syrah. When Macario and Griselda offer these wines, one must grab quickly. This particular varietal yielded a mere 50 cases.

Campesino Cellars owned by the dynamic duo of  Macario and Griselda Montoya, was born out of their love and experience with wine. Both grew up near the vineyards, experienced wine firsthand and have relatives who have worked in the industry. The Campesinos (fieldworkers) who they pay homage to are just as important to wine making as the winemaker themselves. See these field workers are in the vineyards nurturing no matter if the temp is 100 or freezing. While here to make a living, they also wish to make a better life for their family. I've watched them work the fields and truly amazed at their work ethic and dedication. So how was the wine you ask.....here we go.

Aromas of dark, red and blue fruit fill the nose with clusters of greatness. Ripe blackberry, red raspberry with hints of blueberry, black olives, wild violets and cinnamon spice. The mouth is medium bodied but allow the wine to open and the tannins are soft and delicate. Raspberry and blueberry followed by blackberry with hints of earth and leather. The finish is long and berry driven. Nicely done Macario. Your bottles never disappoint my palate.

Do not miss a chance to taste these wines. Sign up for their mailing list by clicking the link and filling out the form.  I can't wait to see what they are releasing this year!

Cheers
Dan

Martin Ray Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir

*Samples Received*

Let's call these a couple screw cap beauties from Martin Ray Winery located in Santa Rosa Ca. Quality juice and very easy on the pocket book. They have wines which will please both the novice and the advanced palate.

I started off with the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley and immediately smiled as this nectar touched the lips. A citrus party to start with pineapple, passionfruit, hints of nectarine and lemon/lime zest. The nose says welcome to a tropical paradise my friends. The mouth is so juicy with the tropical fruits and a very distinct lemon zest finish. Clean refreshing and a wine you just might want to sip daily.

Second up the 2014 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley and for the 1000th time my favorite varietal (I have others but just something about good pinot). The nose exhibits aromas of bright cherry, orange peel, cola with hints of earthiness and cloves. The mouth is loaded with tart cherry, cranberry and hints of pomegranate followed by a splash of orange peel and spicy clove. Nice layers of both flavor and aroma. Nicely done here as well.

Stop by and pick up a few bottles of your own and taste the quality of Martin Ray Wine portfolio.

Cheers
Dan