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