2015 Passaggio Connect 69.23.8 Red Wine Coplan Vineyards Sonoma County

Tonight's wine is a creation from winemaker Cynthia Cosco owner/winemaker of Passaggio Wines in Sonoma Ca. The 2015 Connect Red Wine is a blend of 69% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. This wine clocks in at 14.5% but is so soft.

For those of you who might be wondering who Cindy is how about a little background. The year 2004 and her venture from the East Coast to the West. Walking away from a 15 year career in law enforcement to make wine. I never asked her if anyone thought she was nuts to walk away from stability to the unknown. She worked her first harvest that fall of 2004 and moved into the lab after the harvest. Classes till 2007 and she was well on her way to making her own wine. Hello Crushpad and while the Lab Manager there she launched Passaggio. Let's fast forward to today and those original 50 cases of unoaked Chardonnay have turned into 1700 cases of both whites and reds in many different varietals. Her own production facility and tasting room are open and she has become a household name in the California wine circles. Passion, drive, nurturing are just some of the descriptors which in my opinion define her success. Oh and she makes really great wine too!

The nose shows fresh blackberries and blueberries with dried herbs and cloves. The mouth is lush and rich with blackberry, plum, raspberry and blueberry followed by a hint of leather and herbs. I love the fruit on the finish with just a hint of spice. Allow the wine to open in the glass and you get this splash of red fruit which compliments the dark fruit in perfect harmony. Cindy please never stop making this wine!

Swing by her tasting room at 25 E Napa St Suite C Sonoma in the Sonoma Plaza the next time you are out for a sip. I think you will love what you taste.

Cheers
Dan

Lautenbach's Orchard Country and Winery Seyval Blanc Fish Creek Wisconsin

Door County Wisconsin the beautiful peninsula home to shops, excellent restaurants and some of the best views of both Lake Michigan and Green Bay along with sunsets to die for. September was the perfect time to visit with families picking fresh apples, leaves turning colors and a crisp wind blowing off the lake. A stop at Lautenbach's and I swear the entire state might have been visiting at the same time. The apple orchard was full of pickers and inside the market the lines were gigantic. No economic issues here. The tasting bar is a horseshoe and people were 5 deep tasting the many wines they have to offer. Naturally I'm snooping the shelves looking for a couple bottles to bring to my daughter for watching the pooch and me because well I like wine LOL. (By the way she took the Frontenac Rose the little thief)

A bottle of Seyval Blanc caught my eye as I scoured the room. The grape known for it's ability to grow and produce in colder climates, I thought what a perfect way to taste "Wisconsin Wine". Screw cap closure and under $14 for this refreshing sipper. Produced and bottled in Fish Creek Wisconsin.

I paired this with shrimp this evening and would highly recommend any seafood dish with this Seyval Blanc. The nose shows green apple and a hint of lemon zest with fresh honey and wild flowers. The mouth is crisp and clean full of citrus and acidity. Green apple, lemon the kiss of honey with a slight sweetness all zip across your tongue leaving you wanting more. 

I'll need to swing back next year grab more Wisconsin Wine when we pay another visit to this beautiful state. Several wineries to tour and taste along with Lautenbach's I need to visit. Hurry up spring!

Cheers
Dan

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

*Sample Received*

The year 2010 and my visit to the Cornerstone Tasting Room. I had been sampling their wines for some time and drinking through their portfolio and just amazed at the quality and consistency of each vintage. Cornerstones Cabernets come from some of the best vineyards and in each bottle you feel and smell the character of the soil/vines. Kari Auringer is indeed creating some very memorable wines.

Tonight I opened the 2014 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with my beef stew recipe. I will also tell you I do not decant. I love to see the wine open in the glass and evolve just like it would age in the bottle. I'm swirling and smelling for 20 minutes at 10 minute intervals to take in the beauty of the aromas. A rush of ripe blackberries when first opened intermingled with spice and a dusting of cocoa powder. Allowed to open at 20 minutes the fruit and spice have married together and then there is this small puff of cedar. Just beautiful on the nose.

The mouth is amazing with intense chewy dark fruit clusters bursting from the seams . As the layers of dark fruit and spice gently caress the mouth along comes a hint of red berries, chocolate and vanilla oak. A sophisticated elegant cabernet. The pairing with the beef stew you ask. Heaven!

Make sure on your next visit to Napa you stop at one of the tasting facilities to enjoy your own sip or 10 of Cornerstone Cellars.

Cheers
Dan

2012 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir Napa Valley-Carneros

Ceja Vineyards is a Latino family owned winery located in beautiful Carneros. The Ceja family produces a wonderful selection of varietals from whites to reds to blends and even a dessert wine coming from their vineyards in Sonoma and Napa. The owners are first generation Mexican - American winegrowers. They understand the land, soil and the grapes which transfers to every barrel of juice they create and a true expression of the vineyards from which they care and harvest.

The 2012 Pinot Noir is pouring nicely with aromas of ripe plum, cherry preserves with earthy tones and flowering herbs. So pleasing on the nose.

The mouth is spectacular with clusters of wild red berries rolling across the tongue with intermingled accents of dried herbs, black tea and barrel spice. Bright, elegant rich flavors with a soft lingering finish. This is 100% pinot noir aged 24 months in French barrels from their Las Amigas Road vineyard. Beautiful expression of pinot noir and Carneros.

Wanting to taste some Ceja wine then I recommend stopping by their tasting room located in Sonoma (click the link for directions and the address). Have you already tasted and found your cellar is missing their wine then click the shop link and head right to their wine page to order yours today.

Cheers
Dan

#ZinStories An Evening Celebrating Zinfandel Tweet Up

*Samples Received*

What a great evening celebrating the heritage wine grape Zinfandel in the first ever tweet up for the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers @TheZinfandelOrg. Having an opportunity to taste and discuss wines from the following areas Dry Creek Valley, Contra Costa, Lodi and Alexander Valley, we tasted several distinct characteristics of each vineyard. The wineries showcased this evening included Pedroncelli Winery and their 2016 Faloni Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Courage Zinfandel, Three Wine Company 2015 Zinfandel Live Oak Contra Costa County, Oak Farm Vineyards 2017 Zinfandel Mohr-Fry Ranches Block 417 Vineyard Lodi and last but not least the 2014 Alexander Valley Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel Alexander Valley.

How about some fun facts about Zinfandel before we jump into the tastings. We can date the first Zinfandel grapes and vines back to 1829 but it was around 1850 when first found in California with the first wine produced around 1857. Today 10% of vineyards in California plant Zin. The grapes historically produce a robust wine with the grapes high in sugar content and can be fermented into 15+% alcohol wines. The climate also influences the flavor profile with more red berry flavors in cooler regions and darker fruit in the warmer regions. I have no idea why this grape and wine is not celebrated more as it's broad range flavor profile can treat the palate of any wine lover.

We start the evening with the 2016 Courage Pedroncelli Winery Faloni Vineyard. Zinfandel has been farmed on the Pedroncelli estate since 1906 and in the family for over 91 years. 33 acres of 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation vines grow on the hillsides of Sonoma county. The Falonia Vineyard has been farmed for 3 generations since 1928. Quote from Julie or Ed "Dry Creek Valley's climate is unique because of the fog that blankets the valley through summer nights thereby the ripeness and acidity- Zin loves hot days and cool nights". The wine is named "Courage" because it takes a lot of courage to grow and produce this grape. Something tells me Ed was behind this name. The nose shows aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, cloves, wild violets, baking spice and a hint of vanilla bean. The mouth is full of rich fruit with raspberry and cherry with dark fruit intermingled and jammy. Mocha with cloves and baking spice lead to a velvety elegant finish. Aged 16 months in American oak this beauty clocks in at 16% alcohol. Julie and Ed a wonderful start to the evening.

Second wine of the evening is the 2015 Three Wine Company Live Oak Contra Costa County. This wine is a blend of 78% Zinfandel, 4% Mataro, 5% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah and 1% Alicante Bouschet. Matt Cline starts us off with the fun fact the vines are 130 years old and the old gnarly vines are grown in sandy soil. The live oak vineyard was first planted in 1885 and consists of 2 small blocks divided by Live Oak Road. The vines produce small dark berries with intense flavors and a rich intense mouthfeel. I asked what he liked best about working with the Zin grape and vineyard..... "the dirt, the microclimate and the human influence". Zin thrives in Contra Costa due to "the sandy soil, max uv, rain shadow of mt diablo, afternoon winds and dry farming". The nose shows aromas of blackberry, raspberry,  dried herbs, pepper and black licorice. Allow this wine to open and its amazing how the raspberry becomes the key fruit aroma with a hit of wildflower. The mouth is rock solid with concentrated red and black fruit, herbs and white pepper. Just 776 cases produced and clocking in at 15.3% alcohol.  A beautiful expression of Zin Matt.

Third wine of the evening is the 2017 Oak Farm Vineyards Block 417 Mohr-Fry Ranches Zinfandel from Lodi. Block 417 was the first vineyard in Lodi to be deemed Lodi Rules Certified (2005) as well as Historical Vineyard Certified. The vines were planted in 1945 and the soil is sandy loam. I bet you didn't know that Lodi produces over 40% of the premium Zinfandel in California thus it is known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World. Sierra Zeiter one of the winemakers at Oak Farm gave us some background on what takes place in the vineyard. To make the best possible wine they shoot thin, cluster thin and pull leaves to help concentrate the flavors and fully ripen the grapes. They tried to capture the full terroir of Lodi by making this wine light and bright unlike many bold Lodi Zinfandels. The aromas on this wine I love how the ripe cherry and floral notes come racing out of the glass. The mouth shows beautifully with cherry and plum followed by a nice splash of herb spice. In a blind taste I would have a hard time telling anyone this is Zin. Complete different character than the other 2 wines. Beautifully made and small production with 245 cases. You had me at cherry Oak Farm.

The final wine of the evening the 2014 Alexander Valley Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel. Katie Wetzel Murphy joined us from AVV telling how the Russian River makes the southern Alexander Valley is perfect for growing Zin. Warm days give way to the cool down nightly by the fog rolling in. The winery has been producing Zin since 1978, The grapes for this wine was picked from a 55 year old single vineyard located on a hillside. The giant gnarly vines are head trained and spur pruned which tends to produce small concentrated yields. These types of clusters produce some if the best wines we consume. The nose shows a concentration of dark fruit clusters along with plum and blueberry draped with a fresh pepper spice. The mouth is very elegant not over the top and shows plum, blueberry, raspberry highlighted by vanilla, pepper and a dusting of cocoa powder. Beautiful wine Katie. 313 cases produced.

I can't believe how fast the hour went but we sure were treated to some wonderful expressions of the Zinfandel grape. I hope you will click the links to the wineries splashed throughout the write up and visit their websites to learn more about their wines and purchase a bottle or 3. Many thanks to Robert Larsen, The Zinfandel Advocates and naturally our friends at Pedroncelli Winery, Three Wine Company, Oak Farm Winery and Alexander Valley Vineyards for including us in this celebration of Zinfandel.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Vivanco Tempranillo Garnacha Rose Wine Rioja

*Sample Received*

You hear of beautiful wines coming from Spain, proud winemakers who learned from the ground up what it was to make wine. They will tell you the wines are born in the vineyard and today's sample is no exception. Grapes are hand picked and carefully transported to the winery in small batches to ensure the grapes and clusters remain whole.

The rose is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from the family's estate owned vineyards. The nose shows loads of red berry clusters cherry, strawberry and raspberry with fresh clipped rose pedals rounding out the aromas. The mouth is all about the red fruit with mouth watering strawberry, juicy raspberry and cherry. Nice clean finish with an ample amount of acidity. Very nice Rose.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Scarpetta Barbera del Monferrato Italy

It had been a while since I stopped into my friends local wine store (Traci might have wondered if I had quit drinking) and I was on a mission for some Italian Wine. So chatting with her husband Ron (she was MIA which I made sure to point out to her) I told him I was looking for some Barbera. I've fallen in love with this varietal since eating at Ruscianos.

Scouring the shelves here was a 2015 Scarpetta Barbera del Monferrato which was recommended. It was a solid find let me tell you. Monferrato is the birthplace for Barbera. While made in many other areas of Piemonte, Monferrato is where you will find the perfect balance of fruit and acidity in the grapes harvested for this wine. The Northern Italian hills produce some of the most requested wines in the world.

Pull the cork from this beauty and the fruit aromas explode from the glass. Clusters of red fruit cherry, raspberry and plum with dark fruit clusters as well (blackberry, blueberry). A hint of tobacco and earthy forest notes along with a puff of cedar.

The mouth is so lush and elegant. The red and dark fruit intermingle throughout the taste from cherry to raspberry to plum and blueberry to blackberry. Lovely bursts of the fruit clusters with just a hint of earth, leather and cedar on the finish. I picture myself sipping this wine overlooking the Italian hills while enjoying a traditional meal. I might even drink this for breakfast if I could get away with it. I need more of this.

Cheers
Dan

#Tasteup4 Pedroncelli Pinot Noir, Merlot and Wisdom With Slow Cooker Beef and Pasta with Porcini

*Samples Received*

I am blown away by the consistency of Pedroncelli Wines each time I taste a vintage or varietal. Elegant or full bodied their lineup offers value to every level of wine aficionado. Tonight we tasted 3 silky smooth wines in the 2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, the 2016 Bench Vineyards Merlot Dry Creek Valley and the 2014 Dry Creek Valley Estate Vineyard Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon. We paired the Merlot and Wisdom Cab with the slow cooked beef over pasta with porcini mushrooms.

The house was smelling like the holidays with beef in a rich broth making it's way to every corner of the house. We were instructed while cooking to pop open the 2016 Pinot Noir. No need to twist my arm. As folks from across the country and Ed and Julie at the winery started conversing, we learned this wonderful Pinot was sourced from 4 different growers and was picked in the first week of September. The nose shows nicely with ripe cherry and fresh sliced strawberry. Hints of rose pedals and earthy tones and a splash of molasses. The mouth is a blast of red fruit with tart cherry, cranberry and strawberry with a splash of plum. Sprinkle in a kiss of vanilla and toasted oak and you have one delicious Pinot Noir. The wine went down way to smooth!!! I think Ed knew something starting us off with this wine.

Next up was the 2016 Benchland Vineyards Merlot which was also part of the dish. Now I would love to see this wine in a blind taste because I bet 50/50 they can't guess Merlot. Not a plum bomb but a wine which shows plum and cherry wrapped around dried herbs and baking spice finishing with a dollop of vanilla crème. The Pedroncelli's would tell you this is a Cabernet Lovers Merlot. Yep that nails it. This wine works well with the beef and the merlot infused mushrooms. I asked Ed if I could have more and his response "I know where you can get more!" He is one smart guy.

On to the last wine the 2014 Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon. From the minute you open the bottle plum and blackberry race from your glass followed by currants, a hint of thyme and pepper notes. The mouth is rich with dark fruit and the pepper spice and that kiss of herbs and toasted vanilla. The dark fruit works really well with the beef also. Eating and drinking like a king with this wine and dish. While I'm a huge Pinot fan I found putting this wine down was difficult. Might have been my favorite of the night.

I now have another recipe to use courtesy of Julie and 3 more favorite wines thanks to Ed including me in this tasting. Spoiled my palate again! Folks these wines are a must for your table and dinners.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Squadra Rosso Alcamo, Sicily Italy

Many things have changed over the years but one thing remains in Sicily and that is the grape varietals and winegrowing traditions remain a part of the culture. The meticulous attention to both vineyard and winemaking allow some of the best Italian wines to come from this region. Sicilian wines are sought after around the world as they can be paired with a variety of dishes.

The 2015 Rosso is a blend of 75% Nero d' Avola and 25% Nerello Mascalese which are 2 red grapes from the region. The grapes for this wine are organic. On the nose red berry clusters, dark cherry, blackberry and plum with barrel spice, black licorice and leather.

The mouth is lush and fruity with cherry and strawberry, dark berries followed by spice and a hint of licorice. Such an easy drinker and paired nicely with my san marzano tomato marinara over linguine. I could serve this wine with every meal of the day everyday!

This was a purchase from my friends shop First Avenue Wine House. I better go grab more.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Campesino Cellars Grenache Steel Plow Vineyard Sonoma Valley

Grenache just happens to be a grape that is grown in many parts of the world. The vines thrive in hot dry conditions where water stress becomes the vines friend. Typically Grenache has a high alcohol content and needs a very long growing season to mature. Versatile, the wine can be made on it's own or used in blends (GSM or Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) just to name one. The Steel Plow Vineyard is located at the base of Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood and is organically farmed.

Opening a bottle of Campesino Cellars wine is like visiting an old friend. With each cork pulled, you taste the meticulous handling of the grapes from vineyard to bottle. You feel and smell the vineyard characteristics picturing yourself standing among the vines. I just made the hair on your arms stand up didn't I.

The 2015 Grenache opens up with fresh herbs and spice with hints of dusty earth followed by bursts of fresh sliced strawberries and cherries. Continue to swirl and the aromas of fruit and spice float like clouds. So beautifully aromatic. Aged 20 months in used French oak barrels.

The mouth sings red fruit with bright cherry, strawberry, cranberry and a splash of raspberry rounding with cola and spice. The finish is long and juicy. A really wonderful bottle of wine Macario and my favorite Grenache!

Small production wines at their finest.  Only 65 cases produced. Check out their offerings by clicking this wine link and enjoy your own Campesino Cellars wines.

Cheers
Dan

Rodney Strong Vineyards Trio Sonoma County Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet

*Samples Received*

Family owned and operated for 55 years in Sonoma County, Rodney Strong Vineyards is committed to preserving the land for generations to come. They have one of the largest solar energy systems in the wine industry today and are always looking to test and implement new sustainable farming practices.

The 2016 Chardonnay ($17) shows nicely on the nose. Sweet vanilla pops from the glass followed by apple pie and sliced pear, tangerine and lemon zest with a hint of baking spice. The mouth is full of pear and apple with lemon accents, a kiss of vanilla cream and baking spice. Nice long finish and I paired with grilled chicken over greens.

The 2014 Merlot ($20) was next. Black cherry and plum with waves of dried thyme and oregano. The mouth is all merlot with rich ripe plum, a splash of cherries, toasted vanilla and a dusting of cocoa. Beautiful soft finish.

Finally I finished with the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ($20). The nose showed fresh crushed clusters of wild berries, hints of wildflowers and spice. The mouth loaded with fruit. Raspberry, cherry and plum finishing with a dark spice and smokey oak. Rich flavors with a long lingering finish. Well done.

Grab yourself a bottle of Rodney Strong wine today. Wines of quality without breaking the pocket book and this trio was rock solid!

Cheers
Dan

2016 Passaggio Wines Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyards Sonoma Coast #PinotNoirDay

Celebrating her 11th Anniversary of Passaggio Wines, Cynthia Cosco owner/winemaker has not only survived but she has excelled at her craft of creating small lot exquisite juice. I remember that day several years ago when I met her on the Silverado Trail and I saw the lab she was working in while also making her own wine. At the time only 2 varietals graced the barrels an Unoaked Chardonnay (her signature wine) and a Pinot Grigio. Production was maybe 100 cases tops. We talked about her vision and dream to build her label and how one day she would have her own winery and a place for friends of her wines to gather. Talking varietal expansion she boldly told me "I am not going to make red wine" to which I chuckled. Guess what she not only makes red wine today but it rivals some of the best wines in Sonoma and Napa.

The 2016 Pinot is pouring nicely with earthy herbal notes, wild cherry, crushed cranberry, orange peel and cloves. Wonderful aromatics. The mouth screams pinot with juicy cherry and tart cranberry followed by a kiss of earthy herbal tones and a splash of clove spice. The long silky finish is so elegant. Love this wine and the fruit from the Black Knight Vineyards. Nicely done winemaker.

Remember above when I said Cindy had this vision of a place where she would make her wine......well that is now reality at the winery 22020 Carneros Vineyard Way Suite 2 in Sonoma. She even has a tasting room located at 25 East Napa St Suite C in Sonoma where fans/friends new and old gather to taste and talk Passaggio Wines.

Cheers
Dan

An Attune Wines Trio For Your Palate

Attune (v.): to bring into balance or harmony. It's the first words you see on their website and sets the tone for every bottle of their wine you taste. I would also agree with balance but as well sophisticated, elegant, fun and very enjoyable. I have not tasted a bottle of Attune Wines I haven't loved.

My trio starts with a lovely 2015 Pinot Noir Eighth Street Vineyard. Aromas of dark cherry and raspberry with hints of cinnamon, cloves, dried oregano and fresh cut violets.The mouth is rich with cherry, pomegranate, plum followed by leather, toasted vanilla, barrel spice all wrapped into a long velvet finish. Absolutely beautiful wine,

Now for a trip tropical with the 2016 Station Ranch Chardonnay. Aromas of granny smith apple, lime rind and lemon zest. The mouth is crisp and fresh with the green apple, a kiss of sweet sliced pear, lemon and lime zest and a hint of pineapple. So refreshing and pleasing. (Note daughter after tasting "I'll take the rest of the bottle").

The final wine of the trio the 2016 Station Ranch Reserve Chardonnay. Beautiful aromas of lime, green apple sweet vanilla and stone. The mouth screams green apple and pineapple with hints of fresh squeezed lime and vanilla creme. Very nice fruit forward yet elegant chardonnay!

Small production handcrafted wines created from a passion to provide exquisite juice. Attune nails it every time and those who wish to sip exceptional wines must sip Attune!

Cheers
Dan

2014 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast Sonoma County

Always a great experience when I open a wine made by the folks at Ceja Vineyards and winemaker Armando Ceja. Located in the Carneros Region, the vineyards lie in a climate where the pacific breeze and fog cools down the grapes from the warm sunny days they encounter. The results are wines which closely reflect the vineyards from which they were born. Love the history of this winery and the success they have attained. One of the first wineries I visited when traveling to Napa and this family has a special place in my cellar. 

Tonight's 2014 Sauvignon Blanc screams tropical delight. Pineapple, green apple with lemon-lime notes, vanilla bean and a hint of barrel spice on the nose. There is this crisp refreshing tickle with each swirl and sniff. This wine has aged beautifully. 

The mouth is delicious with tart green apple, lime zest followed by crushed pineapple notes and vanilla cream. The finish is long, crisp and juicy. One of the best Sauvignon Blancs coming from Carneros!

Wine clubs offer you the opportunity to have hand picked selections delivered to your front door or office. Take the hassle out of wine buying and allow Ceja Vineyards to do the shopping for you. 3 options await your sipping pleasure. Click the Wine Club link and join today.

Cheers
Dan

Elkhorn Peak Cellars Rose Napa Valley

Elkhorn Peak Cellars named in honor of the Elkhorn Peak Mountains. It is the tallest peak in Jamieson Canyon and sits directly behind the vineyard. In 1983 at the time owner Ken Nerlove purchased the property, no vineyards existed in Jamieson Canyon. His plan was to see if he could grow vines which produced the very best grapes. See the location had all of the great qualities of growing grapes....early morning fog, cool temps with minimal heat spikes and the cool breeze from the San Pablo Bay. Today his vineyards produce some of the very best Pinot Grapes in the region and his limited production wine is some of the finest Pinot Noir to grace your glass.

In the glass wild strawberries fill the nose with hints of cherry, cranberry and a splash of toasty oak. The mouth is juicy with strawberry, tart cherry and hints of blood oranges followed by some barrel spice. As it opens in the glass I love how the wild strawberry dominates. Just an overall really really nice rose' Ken.

Another great find by my friends at Cellar Angels. Limited production (only 100 cases produced) exquisite wines many times not found outside their production area. Are you a Cellar Angel? Join for free today by clicking the JOIN NOW link. Would you like Elkhorn Peak wines delivered to your door. Join their wine club by clicking the WINE CLUB link!

Cheers
Dan

Pedroncelli Tasting 3 Wines + 1 Recipe Must Be #Tasteup3 #ThirstyThursday

*Samples Received*

If it's Thursday and we are tasting wine with a recipe then yes Pedroncelli is in the house. Ed, Julie and the gang at the winery were leading the discussion with a select group of winos/foodies from around the country. The wines this evening were the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2016 Sonoma Classico and the 2017 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel along with a beautiful Grilled Italian Sausage and Cauliflower, Fennel, Red Onion & Basil Gremolada. Amazing pairing this evening.

I had to improvise and cook inside due to the torrential rains but it might be a blessing in disguise. The house was filled with aromas of spicy sausage, intense licorice from the fennel, red onion and then toss the basil gremolada when complete and it's heaven in the house. Naturally when cooking you must taste the wine so in the glass was the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is always a favorite and shows nicely on the nose with tropical notes of pineapple, melon, lemon lime and a kiss of honey. The mouth has a beautiful citrus character and so easy to drink. Love the tropical fruit and the splash of lime and lemon citrus which lingers long into the taste. Every party should start with this wine.

Now it's time to eat and taste the sausage dish with the 2016 Classico. I told Ed every time I taste this wine I break out singing Dean Martin When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie That's amore! My description "Sonoma Classico As if you are in Italy....red clusters of delicious with intermingled dark fruit and spice and a kiss of a rose". An excellent red blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and Syrah. Works so well with the dish. The red and dark fruit pair with the spicy sausage and pull the spice from the dish but deep into the wine everything calms and there is a soft finish. I'm betting on the pecorino Romano cheese shaved over the dish along with plum and blueberry in the wine. My favorite wine and new favorite dish!

Final wine which I also paired with the dish was the Bushnell Vineyards Zinfandel. Big wine on the nose and in the mouth. Dark intense fruit on the nose with a pepper spice and toasted vanilla and oak. The mouth rich jammy dark fruit with a hint of red fruit, dark chocolate and a peppery spice finish. With the dish the wine cut through the spicy sausage, fennel and onion and showcased the dark fruit. Highly recommend this Zin and a steal for under $30.

Tasteup3 is in the books. Another outstanding event with great wine, food and friends. Ed and Julie thanks for spoiling me. Beautiful wines, beautiful people..... drink and celebrate Pedroncelli!

Cheers
Dan

2017 Attune Pinot Noir Rose Eigth Street Vineyard Carneros Sonoma County #NationalRoseDay

#NationalRoseDay so we celebrate with Attune Wines Pinot Noir Rose. You have heard in the past I'm a huge fan of their wines and this juice will again treat my palate. The production on this beauty is a mere 125 cases.

The story behind Attune is amazing how people come together from different walks of life to create something very special. Click the all about them link to learn more. Today 8.5 acres of vines are farmed meticulously to ensure 2 to 2.5 ton per acre is harvested. This technique leads to flavor intensive grapes and beautiful profile wines. The quality of these wines is so consistent year after year and why I seek out their small production juice.

The nose on the 2017 Rose shows intense wild strawberry aromas coupled with fresh honeydew melon and floral notes. A kiss of spice tickles the nose. Allow the wine to warm and hints of cherry and now the floral notes become fresh rose pedals. Perfect aromatics.

The mouth is full of juicy strawberry and ripe melon with splashes of cherry. I can picture this fruit at harvest...small clusters of grapes hanging majestically from the vines with not a raisin among them, nurtured for this moment when it will be hand picked, sorted and become the nectar we love. The flavors roll beautifully across the tongue and I love the acidity in this wine. I found my glass demanding to be filled again and again.  A very fine rose Kenneth!

Swing by their website wine shop by clicking the buy wine link and enjoy your own Attune Wines. Quick before they run out!

Cheers
Dan

2017 Campesino Cellars Isa Grenache Rose Sonoma Coast

When I think small production premium wine my corkscrew heads towards a bottle of Campesino Cellars. Macario Montoya owner/winemaker has a simple philosophy to his wine making: it should be an expression of the earth created in the vineyard. It's the winemakers job to finish the process. Wife Griselda Ceja is the other half of Campesino Cellars. She grew up in the Napa Valley in the vineyards and knows first hand how hard the campesinos work and how vital they are to the quality of the wines. These qualities/values drive the success of their label and contribute the many followers of their wines ( yes I'm a huge fan).

The 2017 Rose starts with a rush of fresh strawberry racing from the glass. Small bursts of red berry clusters follow with a dash of allspice. So crisp and refreshing on the nose.

The mouth is so good with fresh strawberries and red raspberries juicy from start to finish. Love the freshness of the fruit followed by the hint of allspice to make the wine absolutely perfect. Great acidity too. A rose you will (yes me too) want to drink every day it's that good. Only 75 cases produced

Swing by the website and purchase these outstanding wines by clicking this wine link before it's all sold out. You will be a fan of Campesino Cellars too after you sip.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Passaggio Pinot Grigio California

In the middle of the historic Sonoma Plaza you will find the Passaggio Wines tasting room and owner winemaker Cindy Cosco and her staff. Now it's not been all champagne and roses but she has built a fine portfolio of wine and name in the valley.

When I first met her 8 years ago we were standing near the Silverado Trail at a custom crush facility and her total production was pushing 125 cases. She was adamant white wine was going to be her namesake and there would be no red wine. Head to her website and you will find 14 varietals and yes even red wine. Production this year will push 2000 cases. As a result of her hard work and drive these wines are made in her own facility just down the road from the tasting room. I remember when she told me "go ahead and drink it all....I can make more!" You have come along way winemaker!

Tonight's 2014 Pinot Grigio is a wonderful tropical delight. The nose shows lovely notes of pineapple, grapefruit, melon followed by lemon and lime zest. A hint of wild flowers rounds out the aromas.

The mouth is a citrus blast with pineapple and melon surrounded by lemon/grapefruit zest. Crisp and clean this wine is classic Passaggio. As good today as when first released Cindy.

Swing by the tasting room for your chance to sip these excellent small production wines!

Cheers
Dan

Rodney Strong Vineyards Dynamic Duo 2017 Rose Of Pinot Noir and 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

*Samples Received*

Spring time wines you ask? Nope I would sip these two anytime of the year. As a matter of fact Rodney Strong wines are some of the best pocket friendly exceptional wines on the market today.

Starting with the 2017 Rose of Pinot Noir. 100% Russian River Valley Pinot Noir this wine was fermented in stainless steel and clocks in at 12.5% alcohol which I really love. Winemaker Justin Seidenfeld nails this wine with a beautiful expression of rose. Wild strawberries dance from the glass followed by a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. As it opens raspberry and cherry clusters envelope the nose with a splash of the peach. The wine is so juicy with mouth watering strawberry and cherry. Each time the wine hit my lips it was as soft as a rose pedal. The finish is so long and invites you to pour more. Stock up on this wine folks before it's all gone.

Up next the 2017 Charlottes Home Sauvignon Blanc. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Northern Sonoma County the wine was 90% fermented in stainless steel and 10% barrel fermented in french oak. I've tasted this wine over the years and the consistency year after year is amazing. If you're a fan of citrus then twist and sip. Fresh squeezed grapefruit and lime with sprinkles of lemon zest. Continue swirling and tropical notes of melon and pineapple greet the nose. The mouth is a citrus blast full of grapefruit, lemon/lime zest followed by slivers of cantaloupe. Crisp, refreshing yep that's how I love my Sauv Blancs.

Sonoma County is a great place to visit. So is Rodney Strong Vineyards located at 11455 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg CA. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Stop and sip for a while.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Balletto Vineyards Rose Of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Originally vegetable farmers on 5 acres, John Balletto was thrust into the family business upon the death of his father. Along the way the business grew and so did the challenges eventually leading to the planting of grapes on the advice of a friend and neighbor. Today you have your pick of 20 varietal/vineyard designate wines to choose from.

The 2015 Rose Of Pinot Noir shows nice on the nose with wild strawberry and watermelon with hints of fresh silky rose pedal and lime zest. Mouth watering with strawberry, cherry, jolly ranger watermelon and lime zest. Beautiful acidity and paired with my sausage baked 3 cheese Ziti dish.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Attune Station Ranch Chardonnay Carneros Sonoma County

*Sample Received*

There are those wineries, boutique in nature who you run across from time to time. The key is finding them before the world does because when it does, that juice will become hard to come by and sold out in a moments notice. I've said it before if not for Martin Cody and Cellar Angels, I might not know Attune Wines. The perfect discovery for wine lovers outside of California. Cellar Angels showcases these wonderful creations and tells their story to the world.

The story like many small wineries, acquaintances and friends come together to make the very best wine they can in small batches. Hand harvested by the light of the moon, carefully transported to protect the fruit which will be made into liquid gold, fermented slowly and finally to the barrels to grow up. Small production at it's finest. Said Martin Cody "Few people recognize how ridiculous this wine is. Oh my, it makes me weep it's so damn good." The only word I could utter after the nectar hit my lips "WOW."

The nose flows with green and yellow sliced apples, poached pear, fresh cut impatiens, vanilla bread pudding, lemon citrus and a slight hint of toasted oak. Pleasing on so many levels.

The mouth is juicy, satisfying and one of the best Chardonnay's tasted in the past couple years. Juicy apple and pear with splashes of lemon and slight drive by of spice and vanilla cream. The finish lingers long with beautiful acidity. I could go for some lobster ravioli and another splash of this wine right now.

Swing by the shop for Attune Wine link  and grab some of yours today before it's all gone. Wines you won't want to miss.

Cheers
Dan

2013 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

*Sample Received*

At Rodney Strong Vineyards the term "Reserve" refers to their ability to craft wine from the very best barrels from the very best of their Cabernet vineyards. The grapes for these wines are hand harvested from selected lots within the vineyard,  fermented separate of each other in french oak. After 6 months the barrels are tasted and graded (oh let me be part of this process please), of which only the most worthy are then blended together and returned to the barrels to grow up and become exceptional wine. The growing season was close to perfect in 2013 with minimal heat spikes, warm summer sun but cool evenings and little to no rain as harvest approached. Picking of grapes commenced early around mid September and finished by the end of the month in Alexander Valley.

Pop the cork and pour and the richness of this wine races from the bottle. Ripe blackberry and raspberry fruits fill the nose. A hint of molasses and fresh vanilla bean with big currants and toasted oak. So appealing.

The mouth is elegant with the blackberry front and center with splashes of  raspberry intertwined. The molasses and vanilla add a smooth rich mouthfeel followed by a dusting of baking spice and currants giving it a grown up feel. The finish is long and your mouth begs for more from the glass. I paired this with a nice beef roast and the flavor profile was to die for.

Swing by Sonoma County and visit their tasting room nestled in the Russian River Valley and experience these wonderful wines of Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Cheers
Dan