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