2014 Campesino Cellars Alina Sonoma Valley California

Tonight's wine was in the back of the cellar and I knew without a doubt it would be a good one. Campesino Cellars, small lot handcrafted wines which can be enjoyed young or if you prefer lay them down and watch them age gracefully. Just don't forget they are in there like I did (humidity damaged the label)

Alina is a blend of 50% Marsanne and 50% Roussanne harvested from the Sonoma Valley. The nose is full of citrus and floral notes followed by a kiss of honey and a faint hint of spice. The mouth is crisp and refreshing with sweet pear, peach, tangerine, grapefruit, honey and toasted nuts with a touch of barrel spice on the finish. Allow it to warm and watch the flavors intertwine and dance across your palate. Really nice wine Macario.

Swing by their website and pick up the 2016 vintage of this exquisite wine before it's sold out. One of my all time favorite white blends.

Cheers
Dan

Stone's Throw Winery Uncle Gino's Daily Red California Table Wine

A Wisconsin Winery located 2500 miles northeast of Napa who has been trucking in carefully selected grapes from California vineyards is tonight's feature wine. We make the vacation trek every year to Door County Wisconsin because well once you are there you never want to leave. Each little town is unique whether it's shore line graces the Bay of Green Bay or Lake Michigan and the people are so nice. Great food and you will not find chains but owner/family operated eateries. Plus they have wine and my stop on one of the days was at Stone's Throw Winery in cute Baileys Harbor.

A very unique story where grapes are harvested and immediately trucked from California to Wisconsin, crushed and then handcrafted into fine wine. So naturally I needed to stop, taste some wines and make a purchase of a few bottles. After all named Door County's Best Winery 2018 and Best Wine Bar 2018 and 2019.

The nose on Uncle Gino's Daily Red shows a nice spice to start things off with cherries, blackberries, raspberries, vanilla and a hint of earthiness following. The mouth is seductive with cherry, raspberry and hints of dried herbs and so smooth. I agree with Uncle Gino I could serve and drink this daily. Paired with a deep dish pizza and oh so good.

If you are up in Door County swing by Stone's Throw Winery for a tasting and even some food. it's a great stop and great wine!

Cheers
Dan

2017 Ceja Vineyards Bella Flor Rose Wine Of Syrah Sonoma Coast

Pre-Thanksgiving festivities kicked off with this wonderful rose' wine from the grapes of Ceja Vineyards. The Ceja family as you know their story are first generation Mexican American wine growers in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys who have been producing premium wines since 1988. Every bottle I open and poured in the glass will be consistent, quality, delicious juice which can be paired with food, sipped on the porch or by the fire and shared with friends. Their wines never disappoint the palate.

I'm a big fan of this rose' with it's subtle hint of spice surrounded by fresh cut rose pedals and sliced strawberries. The mouth is soft and elegant and that first sip is the kiss of a rose followed by lush strawberries and a faint touch of spice. So crisp clean and refreshing, I'm so glad I have a second bottle stashed to share with family and friends.

When in Sonoma I highly recommend a stop at their Sonoma Tasting Room located on Burndale Rd. They are open Friday-Saturday-Sunday 11-5. A stop you won't want to miss. Looking for a wine club to join Ceja Vineyards has 3 attractive options to have wine delivered to your front door. Enjoy!

Cheers
Dan

An Evening With Mettler Family Vineyards #MettlerWines

*samples received

Welcome to the Lodi Wine Region which sits east of San Francisco on the Sacramento River Delta. Known for it's warm summers and cool winters, Lodi's grapes are treated to maritime breezes to cool the grapes maintaining structure and acidity while the heat of the day produces full flavored ripe fruit.

The Mettler's have been farming grapes for 8 generations traced back to Alsace. While 6 generations have farmed and planted grapes in Lodi they continue to both produce wine from their vineyards and sell grapes to many well known wineries. Truly a family affair with Larry and Charlene Mettler the founders and their children involved from GM to Winemaker, Sales and Vineyard Management. What you taste is handmade wines from a family who produces quality juice, elegant and sophisticated.

As we began the taste with several folks across the county the first wine out was the 2018 Lodi Estate grown Albarino. The vineyard which these grapes were harvested comes from the Mokelume River sub appellation known for its sandy loam soil and cool evenings. The grapes were cold fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation or oak. 1000 cases produced retails for $19.99 per bottle. Open the screw cap enclosure and your nose fills with citrus aromas of pear and honeydew melon. Crisp and clean treats the palate with sweet pear, melon, apple and tangerine. What a great wine....off to a wonderful tasting.

Up next is the 2017 Lodi 'Epicenter' Old Vine Zinfandel. These grapes come from the 50 year old vineyard located in "Old Lodi" Mokelumne River known as historic and perfect for zin. The wine was aged 16 months in both American and French Oak. Only 704 cases produced retailing for $24.99. Awesome zin both on the nose and in the mouth. Pull the cork and your nose is surrounded by plum, succulent dark berries, vanilla cream and a hint of spice. The mouth explodes with triple berry jam of plum, blackberry and raspberry and a kiss of spice and toasted oak on the finish. Love this wine.

Third wine of the evening the 2017 Lodi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine comes from 3 sub appellations Jahant, Clements Hills and Mokelumne River. Each region brings a special character to the wine. Aged 16 months in French oak, the Mettler Family produced 5,308 cases retailing for $24.99 per bottle. A really elegant cabernet easy on the nose with raspberry and cherry, a hint of spice and dusty earth. The mouth bursts with red berry clusters, surrounded by a splash of vanilla and a hint of oak. What a solid tasty Cabernet.

Final wine of this great evening the 2017 Lodi Estate Petite Sirah. The grapes for this wine are organically and sustainable grown harvested from the Mokelumne River vineyard. Aged 16 months in French oak only 944 cases produced. Retail price $24.99. I believe when I opened this wine all I said was WOW! On the nose blackberry, bread dough, honey blossom and sliced vanilla bean. the mouth is intense dark berry clusters with baking spice and caramel cream. Stunning wine.

Well our night has come to an end. Thank you to the Mettler Family and Robert Larsen for including me and introducing me to the Mettler Family Wines. Please stop by and visit them for your own taste of these fantastic wines.

Upshot Blends Sonoma County Rodney Strong Vineyards Red, White Or Both

*Samples Received*

I've tasted a few vintages of Rodney Strong's Upshot White Blend and Red Blend, always come away impressed with the flavors as well as the drinkability of these wines. Blending wine is an art to find the balance between varietals and vineyards. These wines today nailed the balance.

I started with the 2018 Upshot White Blend ($28) which consists of 27% Chardonnay, 21% Grenache Blanc, 18% Gewurztraminer, 17% Pinot Noir, 11% Viognier and 6% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were harvested from Sonoma County, Monterey County and Mendocino County. Once you pop the screw cap you get a tropical feeling with this blend. White peach, apricot, honeydew melon, grapefruit dance around your nose with a kiss of floral and citrus zest notes. The mouth is bright with cantaloupe, honeydew melon and a splash of sliced peach wrapped around notes of wet stone. Sipped on the porch and paired with a grilled white fish for dinner. You will love this wine friends.

Up next the 2017 Upshot Red Blend ($28) which comes 100% from Sonoma County (Alexander Valley & Knights Valley) and encompasses the varietals 31% Merlot, 31% Zinfandel, 30% Malbec, 5% Riesling and 3% Petit Verdot. The nose is dominated by dark fruit with blackberries, plum, dark cherry with a hint of raspberry and white pepper spice. The nose carries over to the mouth with the rich dark fruit showcasing the wines character. Lush with a hint of spice and vanilla on the finish. The tannins are soft. I sipped while making BBQ Ribs and then enjoyed with dinner. another excellent wine and pairing.

Swing by taste some wine and check out their Summer Concert Series and enjoy all they have to offer.

Cheers
Dan

Cameron Hughes Pinot Gri and Rose

*samples received*

First time that I have sipped any of the offerings from Cameron Hughes. The business model to me is challenging but very interesting at the same time. Buying good wine in a barrel or "shiners", protecting the winery from which this juice is purchased then passing the savings and wine onto the consumer who ultimately could be drinking an award winning wine for under 20.00 without knowing the source. Let's pop the corks shall we.

First up the Lot 631 2017 Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Gris. I started with this wine as a prelude to traveling for the first time to Oregon on a business trip that also including tasting Oregon Wines (Hey when in Rome). Once in the glass aromas of apple and pear with hints of almond crème, honeysuckle and citrus treat the nose. The mouth is lively with the pear, tart apple and honeydew melon with a kiss of baking spice. Crisp and clean a really nice wine for $12.00 and especially this region of Oregon.

Second up the Lot 639 Arroyo Seco Monterey County Rose. Pour this wine in the glass and your nose tells you you're laying in a field of strawberries and roses with a sprinkle of cherry juice for good measure. The mouth is full of juicy strawberry almost as if you have a jolly rancher in your mouth followed by a slight tartness but finish with a splash of sweetness. $13.00 for a nice Rose'.

Cheers
Dan

2012 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo Red Blend Napa Valley

Popping the cork on this wine is like visiting and old friend in Napa. I always enjoy a bottle whether a Pinot, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rose' or the multiple other varietals being produced by this wonderful Carneros family. Yes we are talking about Ceja Vineyards and the first generation Mexican-American family winegrowers in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

I've talked about their story in the past, from the first grape harvest job to the owning of a vineyard and then today a world class wine portfolio. Humble beginnings yet they have never forgotten what it takes to create and maintain a successful family business. The wine this evening will not disappoint.

The 2012 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo blend of Cabernet and Merlot, is full of lush fruit and spice aromas. Once the cork is pulled there is this beautiful puff of rich vanilla followed by dark blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry, plum with hints of blueberry and spice. An outstanding nose. The mouth is rich with dark, red and blue fruit with a perfect balance of spice and vanilla. With blackberry, cherry and blueberry rolling across the tongue to this beautiful long soft finish. Amazing red blend my friends. I paired this with homemade lasagna and oh how it complimented the sauce and beef in the dish.

Check out their current releases at their online wine shop by clicking the link. If you plan a visit to Sonoma I highly recommend swinging by the tasting room for a few sips of this wonderful wine.


Cheers
Dan

2018 Isa Rose' Campesino Cellars

I've blogged several of Macario's and Griselda's wines from Campesino Cellars so this label is not new to you or me. Well maybe those of you new to the blog. All I can say is buy this wine and drink it slowly because you will run out and wish you had more. This rose', they produced only 100 cases and damn is it good. Small hands on production wines are my favorite and this label regardless of varietal will not disappoint your palate.

Pop the cork and the fruit races from the glass. Cherries, fresh sliced strawberry with hints of melon and floral notes. The mouth is crisp and refreshing with juicy strawberries and crushed cherries surrounded by splashes of honeydew melon and a pinch of barrel spice. Nice acidity and I love the dry elegant finish. Again amazing juice produced by Macario year after year. A steal at $20.00 per bottle.


Swing by the website and purchase some of this rose' before it's too late. You won't be sorry. Macario we will be sharing a glass together in a few months.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Runquist Wines 1448 California Red Table Wine

I had the opportunity and introduction to these wines a few years ago when my local wine store held a meet the winemaker and their wines event. I have been a fan of Jeff Runquist Wines ever since, and have come to the realization that you better buy early because typically his wines sell out (I might have learned my lesson on a tasty Cab Franc just saying). This was a purchase from First Avenue Wine House and an excellent blend.

Once the screw cap enclosure was removed the bouquet of aromas release gently from the glass. Red, black and blue fruit intertwined with floral and herbal notes are pleasing to the nose. Plum, black raspberry, blueberry, cherry with hints of violets and dried herbs finishing with a nutty toasted vanilla character. The mouth is seductive and juicy showcasing the exquisite ripe fruit of cherry, raspberry, plum and smooth blueberry. As the wine wanders on the palate a quick hint of toasted oak with a finish of creamy vanilla. Fantastic blend and one I could drink daily.

Guess on a next visit I need to stop by the tasting room for a few mores sips.

Cheers
Dan

2018 Passaggio Tempranillo Rose' Clarksburg

In the Sonoma Square you will find shops and wine tasting but one special location close to the fountain you will find Passaggio Wines. Inside you will be invited to taste a variety of wines both red and white, encouraged to ask questions, promoted to sit back, relax and enjoy your experience. Just down the road roughly 4 miles is the winery where all the magic comes together. While you will find owner winemaker Cynthia Cosco in her tasting room on many days, you can also visit her here at the winery on Carneros Vineyard Way, where you will find her checking barrels, blending and tasting to ensure the wines are perfect for the bottle. It's been quite the journey from the early days in Virginia to the wine country of California but ask her and she will tell you I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Today we tasted the newer release the 2018 Tempranillo Rose from one of the vineyards she sources fruit from in Clarksburg. I love the label and it's one dedicated to her Mom who "always saw the world through rose colored glasses." As Cindy says "She's right. Here's to the good life." Limited production and one that sells out quickly (which is why I bought some to stash) only 142 cases produced. Once you uncap the screw cap enclosure, the fruit and citrus race from the glass. Cherry, strawberry with a hint of raspberry followed by citrus and a hint of wild daisys. The mouth shows beautifully with cherry and strawberry, a splash of tangerine followed by raspberry all leading to a crisp clean finish. I keep telling Cindy this wine gets better with each vintage. I'm spot on!!!

Stop by and visit while in Sonoma. I think you will love the wines.

Cheers
Dan

An evening with Lucy Wines and Alma de Cattleya Wines #lucyrose #adcwines

*Samples Received*

Small production tasting and wine conversations with winemakers and winery owners then toss in some wine blogger enthusiasts and you get a fun hour of sipping and swirling. What a great tasting I had the chance to engage in with Lucy Wines Jeff Pisoni and Alma de Cattleya Wines Bibiana Gonzalez Rave Pisoni. We tasted the 2018 Lucy Rose' Of Pinot Noir, a 2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Chardonnay, a 2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir and finished with a 2016 Alma de Cattleya Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lucy is a sophisticated Rose' produced by winemaker Jeff Pisoni and born from the vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands run by the Pisoni family and is described as the younger sister of the Lucia Wines. Production is limited with this offering yielding 1041 cases and as well $1 of each bottle sold is donated to breast cancer aid and research. So what did I think about the Rose'...… delicious. You pop the cork and your nose fills with sliced peach, baby rose pedals, fresh melon and cherries. The mouth starts with white peach just a hint of tartness and finishes with juicy strawberry and melon. Stunning rose' Jeff.

Alma meaning soul and Cattleya is the national flower of winemaker/owner Bibiana Gonzalez Rave Pisoni native country Columbia. Put them together and you have her creation of wines which express the character of the Sonoma and Napa County. I found these wines loaded with bright fruit, sophisticated, lush and structured. Pairing these wines with meals would be a delight.

We start this part of the tasting with the 2017 Sonoma County Chardonnay (600 cases produced). The nose is beautiful with a nutty, floral notes, brioche and creamy vanilla circle the apple and pineapple fruit. The mouth is lush with shaved apple, pear and a hint of pineapple with vanilla on the finish. Lovely chardonnay.

Up next Pinoooooooot!!! The 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma County (1600 cases produced) was another outstanding wine. Elegant nose with deep dark cherry notes, cinnamon spice with a hint of earth. I could swirl this forever. The mouth is lush with juicy cherry and strawberry, a hint of cranberry jam and a puff of spice on the finish. I will not lie I had a hard time picking a favorite this evening because they are all so good but I might have a winner here. Bibiana just lay me under a barrel with a slow leak. I promise none will hit the cellar floor!

The final wine of the evening the 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet (330 cases produced). The nose and mouth were both full of concentrated fruit. The nose black raspberry dark cherry with hints of plum, vanilla and cloves. The mouth was fruit forward with raspberry, cherry and plum tossed in toasted vanilla and a hint of spice. Love this cabernet.

This tasting ended way too soon but so lucky to be introduced to these 4 great wines and this couple who create great juice. Jeff and Bibiana thank you for sharing your wines and talking with us. To Robert as always thanks for including me. To the readers..... grab these wines before they are gone.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Passaggio Wines Pinot Grigio Windsor Oaks Vineyards Sonoma Coast

Found this beauty in the bottom of the cellar hanging around waiting to be sipped. I've known the winemaker a few years ( we were both much younger at that time) and always enjoy Passaggio wines. It's been one heck of a journey for her from law enforcement to having her own winery and tasting room. The result, small lot handcrafted juice which showcases the vineyard and region from which the grapes are harvested.

The 2016 Pinot Grigio from the Windsor Oaks Vineyards is still pouring very nice. Once the screw cap closure was opened (no corkscrew needed so great for a travel companion) the aromas of sliced pear and white peach along with a hint of honeydew melon, lemon/lime citrus and floral notes race from the glass. The mouth shows excellent acidity and bright fruit. Cantaloupe, white peaches with a splash of papaya, zest of lime and honeysuckle. An easy sipper for the patio with friends or pair this with a nice white fish or pasta with white sauce dish.

Swing by the tasting room and visit Cindy and the staff located at 25 East Napa St Suite C in Sonoma. I have a hunch you will enjoy the experience.

Cheers
Dan

An Evening With Berryessa Gap Vineyards

*Samples Received*

Consider being a farmer and planting fruits and nuts but then having the vision to partner with a wine historian/winemaker to develop a grapevine rootstock nursery business. Now let's say you sell those rootstock all around the valleys and beyond. Say hello to Martinez Orchards who continues today to not only sell their rootstock around California but that same rootstock is responsible for the grapes grown at Coble Ranch (Dan Martinez Jr and Santiago Moreno purchase this land together and co own the winery) home to Berryessa Gap Vineyard wines. What Nicole Salengo winemaker does with these grapes is phenonominal. Fruit, spice, floral notes it all comes together showcasing these rolling vineyards which become Berryessa Gap Vineyard wines.

We had the pleasure of tasting 4 wines this evening. Starting with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc. Harvested from the Coble Ranch in Yolo County, then aged for 5 months in stainless steel. Price point on this wine $24. Aromas of green apple, pineapple, peaches, melon, lemon grass, wild daffodils race from the glass. The mouth is oh so tropical with tartness of the green apple, a splash of crushed pineapple, sliced ripe pear, lemon zest, and apricots. Mouth watering acidity. Not your average Sauv Blanc..... it's so much better!

Second wine of the evening the 2018 Rose. A blend of Zinfandel, Barbera and Grenache , the grapes were again harvested from The Coble Ranch in Yolo County and aged 5 months in Neutral French Oak. price point on this beauty $19. Aromas of cherries, strawberry, raspberry with a hint of lime zest. The mouth is delicious with juicy strawberry and watermelon followed by tart cherry, a hint of white peach and fresh lime. Slight hint of spice on the finish. Great Rose'.

The third wine of the evening the 2018 Chardonnay. Harvested from the Antonio Mountain Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, this wine was fermented and aged in new and neutral French oak Barrels. Price point $27. The nose is outstanding with apples and fresh split vanilla bean followed by fresh honey and a hint of lemon. The mouth is creamy and vibrant with lemon custard, juicy peach and sliced apple splashed with pineapple and a puff of toasted vanilla/oak. Excellent expression of chardonnay.

Final wine of the evening comes from a can!!! Yes a can and if you were like me no good wine comes in a can. Guess what I found one the 2018 Tempranillo Rose' Alegria. Fruit was harvested from the Coble Ranch and aged 7 months in neutral French oak and stainless steel. No price point yet as it is not yet released. The aromas of dark cherry and raspberry with a hint of orange peel and cocoa powder. The mouth is juicy with cherry and raspberry followed by olives and dark chocolate. When this is released I'm ordering and taking this wine to the pool and those places that frown upon glass bottles.

Thanks to the team at Berryessa Gap Vineyards for allowing me to taste these gems. Nicole you are making some very fine juice. Thanks also to the Larsen Projekt for including me in tonight's tasting. And for those who wish to taste these wines swing by the tasting room at 15 Main Street in Winters CA from 11:30-8:30 Tuesday through Sunday.

Cheers
Dan

Montagu Wines and Silver Ghost Cellars #TweetUp #MontaguWine #SilverGhostCellars

*Samples Received*

Never like to miss an online tasting but a last minute conflict caused a snafu on this one. The good news is I had the opportunity to taste these 4 wonderful wines over the course of several days. 4 wines 3 varietals and just exquisite amazing juice being created by Montagu Wines and Silver Ghost Cellars.

Westin Eidson founded Montagu Wines in 2012 producing wines which are balanced and complex. His production is limited and the grapes are from some of the very best vineyards in the valley. Really enjoyed reading his family "royal" history.

I started with the 2017 Montagu Pinot Noir Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley. I've tasted some great pinot from this vineyard and this one is near the top. Pop the cork and cola with dark cherry notes, red raspberry and strawberry finishing with a hint of forest floor. The mouth is loaded with warm cherry preserves, cranberries, strawberries and a splash of cola and vanilla. Intense ripe fruit yet so silky smooth. Love this wine Westin.

Next the 2017 Montagu Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley. In the glass aromas grannie smith apples, sliced peach, orange peel and lemon zest with a hint of allspice. The mouth is lush with sliced peach and pear, a hint of orange peel, lemon pudding and caramel cream brought altogether by toasted vanilla. Paired well with lobster ravioli from my favorite local Italian restaurant.

The 2016 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes from grapes harvested in Rutherford, Calistoga and Yountville. This wine is ridiculously good for $35. Red, black and blue fruit race from the glass once you pop the cork. Aromas of dark cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry mingled with sweet spice and vanilla. The mouth is full of lively fruit. Juicy cherry and blackberry followed by blueberry jam with hints of plum, thyme and faint mocha notes. The flavor just outstanding and such a soft long finish.

Finally we pull the cork on the 2016 Montagu Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley correctly named The Baron. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry, plum, cocoa powder, black licorice and spice. The mouth is elegant and rich with blackberry, juicy plum and dark cherry notes followed by a hint of earth and spice. This wine tastes big at the start but so regal and elegant on the finish. Where is that beef filet to pair with this glass?

Weston a big thanks for sharing your wines with me and again my apologies for missing the tasting. I would like to hear more about your story and success. Robert as always thank you for including me. For the readers, above I have links to the winery websites. Buy these wines and sit back and enjoy some of the finest juice your palate will taste.

Cheers
Dan

An Evening With Alara Cellars and Jason Stephens Winery #alaracellars #jswinery

*Samples Received*

These are fantastic tastings when you find diamonds in the rough and these 2 are no exception. Janu and Jason Goelz the wife and husband team of Alara Cellars and Jason Stephens Winery, were our hosts for the evening along with Robert Larsen of the Larsen Projekt.

Janu who is a Bay Area Native has had quite the career. Commercial films to a corporate career, to fashion, weather and now wine. It was meeting Jason that lead to her becoming a wine professional and eventually a winemaker. The labels on her wines are an expression her love of fashion and very cool I might add. Jason who worked in the business world focused in finance, started Jason Stephens Winery in 2008. His cutting edge cellar technologies allows him complete quality control from vineyard to bottle and produce exquisite wines.

First wine of the night the 2017 Alara Cellars Pinot Noir San Benito Central Coast. From the first pour to the last the nose shows wonderful red fruit of strawberry, cranberry, candied cherry with hints of cinnamon spice and a splash of cola. Allow the wine to open and a bouquet of fresh cut roses circle the nose. Such a beautiful aromatic wine. Love the mouth with juicy strawberry, crushed cranberry and cola. This one is a keeper Janu!

Second wine of the night the 2016 Alara Cellars Tempranillo San Benito Central Coast. Pop the cork and notes of cherry and raspberry followed by dark berries, a hint of earthiness and herbal notes with a pinch of white pepper. The mouth shows clusters of dark fruit with an influx of red berry, dusty earth and a peppery herb finish. While I do not drink much Tempranillo I really enjoyed the complexity of this wine.

The third wine of the evening is the 2014 Jason Stephens Merlot Santa Clara Valley. The wine is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet and 5% Malbec. In the glass chocolate and raspberry aromas race from the rim with fresh sliced plum and crushed herbs yelling drink me. The mouth is silky with cherry, blueberry jam, a hint of plum and vanilla bean with a dusting of cocoa. Top shelf merlot here folks.

Final wine of the evening the 2014 Jason Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Clara Valley. The wine consists of 77% Cabernet, 11% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc. The nose is rich with dark fruit (blackberry, dark cherry) with splashes of raspberry, cloves and licorice. The mouth is lush with layers of fruit blackberry, cherry and blueberry followed by cloves and a hint of toasted almonds. While a full bodied wine the tannins were soft and the wine so appealing. One solid cabernet!

If you are looking for small production hand crafted wines which reflect the vineyard and grapes, then I highly recommend the wines of Alara Cellars and Jason Stephens Winery. These wines do not disappoint. Well done Janu and Jason! Robert thanks for the introduction to these fine winemakers and their juice.

Cheers
Dan

Steele Wines Tweet Up With Jed Steele

*Samples Received*

A fantastic evening sipping and talking Steele Wines with a few wine friends across the country, Robert Larsen of The Larsen Projekt and Jed Steele of Steele Wines.

Steele Winery is located in Lake County which is north of Napa County and east of Mendocino County. It has the designation of being one of the least populated grape growing regions with a population of 65,000 residents in this mountainous area, of which you will find 32 wineries and 8,800 acres of wine grapes. While the Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are varieties most popular to the region you will find Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Barbera and Riesling.

Owner/Winemaker Jed Steele has been making wine in California for over 50 years. His longevity in the wine business has allowed him to develop key relationships with some of the very best growers and work with many different varietals. His varietal production is limited to  around 1000 cases so that he can continue to produce small batch hand crafted wines.

We started the evening off with the 2017 Shooting Star Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Dorn vineyards in Kelseyville and has been the source for the past 25 years. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, I loved the clean crisp character of this wine. Tropical on the nose, you get guava, grapefruit and loads of citrus zest. The mouth was vibrant with crushed pineapple and fresh squeezed grapefruit. The wine reminds me of the tropics of Hawaii or was it the guava aroma. Either way a great start to the night and $15.00

Wine 2 of the evening was the 2016 Steele Chardonnay Cuvee. The chardonnay is a blend of grapes from six different vineyards (Bien Nacido and Goodchild in the Santa Maria Valley, Sangiacomo, Durell and Parmelee-Hill in Carneros and finally Lolonis Family in Mendocino. Barrel fermented with the Lolonis steel fermented. The nose shows wonderful character with pineapple, mango, baked apple and spice. The mouth is rich with apple, pear and pineapple followed by baking spice and a hint of cream on the finish. Excellent expression of good chardonnay. $24 seems like a steal (no pun intended).

The third wine of the evening was the 2016 Writer's Block Cabernet Franc and I'll declare my favorite of the night. These grapes are from the Shannon Ridge Vineyards in the High Valley where you will find sandy soils with steep slopes at 1900 feet. The nose is solid with black licorice, plum and red berry clusters and cloves. The mouth is killer with juicy cherry and raspberry followed by a soft plum and dash of white pepper on the finish. At $17 per bottle buy it by the case folks it's that good.

Final wine of our hour tasting was the 2016 Steele Styme Syrah. The grapes for the Syrah come from the Jacobsen Vineyard on Jed's property which he planted in 2002. Additionally Jed gathers some fruit from Fiora vineyard. Aged in oak 22 months in oak prior to bottling, you can age this wine for the next 10 years.  The nose shows dark fruit, spice with a dusting of cocoa powder and a hint of smoke. The mouth fantastic with red berries and blue berries surrounded by chocolate and barrel spice. Only 175 cases produced and a great price at $38.

Thank you Jed and Robert for including me in this excellent tasting. Folks stop by the tasting room at 4250 Thomas Drive Kelseyville Ca. I highly recommend you taste their portfolio.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Legende Medoc

*Sample Received*

A little French wine this evening from the Rothschild family who have been associated with the vineyards of Bordeaux since 1868. The Legende wines were created to be easy drinkers and accessible with immediate charm. The Medoc showcases the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties blended 60% and 40% respectively. This wine can be paired with a variety of dishes and mine happened to be a rustic beef dish. Great price at $24.99

From the moment you pull the cork the deep crimson purple color of the wine catches your eye and leads you to immediately thinking rich wine. The nose shows dark intense fruit with hints of red berries followed by sliced vanilla bean, spice and toasted oak.

The mouth is rich and elegant with dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry and plum. As the berries roll across your mouth, warm vanilla cream and spice compliment the fruit. The finish is long and silky. While you can pair with your favorite dish I also think you can drink on it's own. Valentines day is just around the corner and what a wonderful bottle this would be to share with that someone special. Grand vin!

Cheers
Dan