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