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