2011 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Sonoma County

Been awhile since I sipped some Ceja Vineyards Wine so tonight was a perfect time with some Iitalian sausage lasagna. It started as I cooked after all one must taste what wine he is planning to serve with dinner.

Ceja Vineyards is an ultra premium Latino family winery located in beautiful Carneros and owned by Amelia, Pedro, Armando and Martha Ceja. Armando is the winemaker, one who grew up in the vineyards with dirt under his nails. He understands the vineyards, the terroir and it's influence on the aroma and flavor profiles of the wine he creates. You can taste his perfected craft in every bottle of Ceja wine.

Who leads this organization and relentlessly promotes the brand many times crossing the country to talk with potential customers and those friends of the wine.....yes it would be Amelia Ceja. I remember the first time we met in their home. Gracious, welcoming, knowledgeable and willing to talk about their story from the early days in Mexico to the owning of their own business today. It truly is a family business with many in the family providing a helping hand. With each varietal tasted the story behind the vineyard location to harvest to cellar and finally to the bottle.

The nose is full of red berry clusters (cherry and raspberry) with hints of plum and cola. Earthy herbal notes greet the senses as you continue to swirl. Love the aromatics on the coastal pinot.

The mouth is rich and elegant with the juicy berry clusters of cherry, red and black raspberry from start to finish. Intertwined among the lush layers of fruit is a hint of dried herbs. A beautiful wine which treated my palate. Nicely done Armando!

Swing by their tasting room in Sonoma and taste this families portfolio of wine. A stop you won't want to miss.

Cheers
Dan

2014 Campesino Cellars Grenache Steel Plow Vineyard Sonoma Valley

A great evening when I open a bottle of Campesino Cellars wine from winemaker Macario Montoya. Along with his wife Griselda, they together own this wonderful boutique winery. You could say they were both called to the vines at an early age. Macario as he tagged along with his parents to wine tastings and Griselda who grew up with the vines and dirt in her blood with her parents and siblings. Destiny called and they answered.

When you taste their wines a picture is painted of the earth, vines and climate of the vineyard. The fruits are ripe, harvested at optimal rippening. The tannins are soft and elegant. Regardless if Grenache, Rose, or their Red and White Blends, every bottle is consistently outstanding and a true expression of hands on wine making.

Tonight's 2014 Grenache shows beautifully on the nose with dark cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry clusters bursting from the glass followed by cinnamon, pepper and earthiness. Wonderful aromatics.

The mouth is so juicy with raspberry, strawberry and hints of dark cherry with a kiss of spice. Delicious fruit forward wine and such a long juicy finish. Another exceptional bottle Macario and Griselda (pairs well with spaghetti)! Can't wait to see what's next!

Currently their 2014 Alina and Baybos blends are available by clicking the order wine link. I've had both and you will thank me later!

Cheers
Dan

2013 Rodney Strong Symmetry Red Meritage Alexander Valley

*Sample Received*

Big fan of blends and this Symmetry Red Meritage from Rodney Strong Vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot aged 19 months in French Oak make up this lush aromatic wine.

The grapes were hand harvested from the vineyards on the hills overlooking the valley. Cluster pre-sorting, berry sorting and extended maceration are some of the state of the art techniques used in the Artisan Cellar, named for making small lot wine. Yes this is where Symmetry turned itself into this beauty of a wine with a little help from the winemakers.

The nose screams dark fruit with dark cherry, blackberry and plum clusters with floral hints, mocha and baking spice. Rich, elegant aromas treat the senses.

The mouth is complex and layered with blackberry, raspberry, cherry and hints of blueberry and plum surrounded by silky chocolate, vanilla and baking spice. Love how the flavors roll across the mouth with each sip. Savor and enjoy this gem my friends.

Cheers
Dan