2014 Attune Pinot Noir Sonoma County Quick Sip

A fan of Attune Wines ever since being introduced by Martin Cody of Cellar Angels. Enjoy the quality and profile of these ultra boutique gems. The story behind the label is fate as these folks all came together to produce Attune. Love the history behind small production wineries with a passion for producing the best in every bottle.

The nose is beautiful with ripe cherry, cranberry and pomegranate with hints of cola, allspice and wild violets. Aged 15 months in french oak, allow this to age for another 6 years. Only 320 cases produced. Very nice aroma profile.

The mouth so delicious with juicy cherry followed by tart cranberry. A kiss of the cola and drive by of spice make this a very tasty Pinot Noir and one I really enjoyed. Highly recommend this wine.

Cheers
Dan

#Tasteup1 for 2018 with Pedroncelli Winery

*samples received*

2018 is off to a great start and tonight's tasting was outstanding. Dubbed #tasteup1 the event consisted of 14 bloggers and professionals from across the country tasting the Pedroncelli 2016 Chardonnay, 2015 Friends Red Blend and the 2015 Mother Clone Zinfandel along with a wonderful Spaghetti Squash Carbonara dish. The consistency of the Sonoma County Cry Creek Valley wines from Pedroncelli was summed up spot on by my quote from the night " Quality wines, affordable price, exquisite on the palate every bottle". A trip up Canyon Road in Geyserville is a must and a taste of the wines well who wouldn't want to taste these beauties.

While preparing the dish the first order of business was tasting the 2016 Chardonnay. Loads of tropical fruit on the nose and mouth from pineapple, melon, peach with hints of vanilla cream and subtle baking spice, oak notes. Such an easy drinking Chardonnay it was disappearing at a rapid rate. I paired this wine with this dish as well and the pairing was delicious. The creaminess of the wine worked perfect and the smoked bacon in the carbonara was brought to it's knees. Bravo

Up next the 2015 Friends Red Blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah. I agree with the comment "buy a case and share with friends" because what a fun wine. Loads of red berries, plum, blueberry and blackberry with a nice splash of spice on the finish both in the mouth and on the nose. Such an easy drinker and the glass never left my hand. I might have volunteered to sing in harmony with Ed StJohn and Robert Larsen (Thea will be laughing in the wings) at the winery Dean Martin's That's Amore on my visit while wearing the all important Pedroncelli 90th Celebration Fidora LOL. I guarantee no record label will be picking this event up! Always a favorite of mine to drink anytime.

Finally we moved to the Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015. Raspberry and blackberry clusters on the nose with notes of vanilla bean, black pepper and toasted oak. The mouth is lush with the red and dark fruit enhanced with the vanilla and pepper spice and the kiss of toasted oak. Now the dish what can I say about this pairing but wow. The fruit and spice of the wine pulled the bacon, pepper right to the front of the dish with a very nice nutty character which I will say was showcasing the finely grated Vella Mezzo Secco cheese. I would have never guessed these 2 paired so well together. I went with the poached egg on top of the dish and let's just say this old boy was eating and drinking like a king!

Tasteup2 will be coming to a computer or phone near you March 22nd. Now until then grab some of tonight's wine and the recipe and try it for yourself. If you need more recipes and pairings hop on over to their website via this recipe link and start cooking and sipping. Until next time.........

Cheers
Dan

2013 Passaggio Pinot Noir Code Seven Single Vineyard Warnecke Ranch

Happen to find this gem hiding in the back of the cellar (actually forgot it was there but don't tell the winemaker). I've known owner/winemaker Cynthia Cosco of Passaggio Wines for several years and have watched her rise as an outstanding winemaker. From the early years on the Silverado Trail to her own winery and tasting room today, she still believes "something magical happens when you bring family and friends together and share a glass of wine."

The label on this wine is a tribute to the men and women who work in law enforcement risking their lives for our protection. 5% of the selling price was directly donated to charities benefiting the families of fallen peace officers in the line of duty.

The nose on this wine screams bright cherry and cranberry along with a nice clove spice. A faint little herbal character appears as you allow the wine to open. There is the rich character with every swirl and your palate screams "let me have it now."

The mouth starts with juicy cherry surrounded with tart cranberry and a nice kiss of warm spice. The finish lingers long and soft. Round, simple elegant pinot noir. Sure glad you decided to craft red wines too Cindy.

Swing by the tasting room at 25 East Napa Street Suite C Sonoma California. It's a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Rodney Strong Vineyards UPSHOT Sonoma County Red Wine Blend

*Sample Received*

Super cool red blend from Rodney Strong Vineyards the 2015 Upshot. The wine consists of Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Riesling. The grapes were harvested from the vineyards of Alexander Valley and Knights Valley during the dates August 24th through October 7th. As with all Rodney Strong Vineyard wines,  the winemaker captures the essence of Sonoma County with this beauty.

The nose starts off with blackberry, dark cherry and hints of plum with a nice peppery spice to compliment the fruit. Love the accent on the ripe fruit as you allow the wine to open.

The mouth is lush with blackberry jam, ripe dark cherry, raspberry, blueberry and a hint of soft plum before a dash of pepper spice. The fruit rolls across the mouth in waves which is so pleasing to the palate. Well done Justin!

Swing by Rodney Strong Vineyards Tasting Room and ask for a sip of this awesome blend and all the other varietals in their portfolio of wine. A must stop in Sonoma.

Cheers
Dan