2009 Ceja Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

I had no doubt when I pulled this from the kitchen cellar this 2009 Ceja Pinot would be as good as the day it was released. For the past 12 years I have tasted their wines just after release and those I have allowed to age. Think about 10 years in a bottle what could happen to the wine both good and bad, but then take into account the winemaker, the grapes, the vineyard and style of winemaking. Family wineries take pride in their meticulous attention to detail and care what juice fills those bottles which they sell to family, friends and wine aficionados near and far. This bottle is why you drink small production family wines and especially Ceja Vineyards wine.

Pop the cork and dark cherries and cola race from the glass followed by earthiness and fresh herbs. Just something about cherries and earthiness that gets my senses primed for what's next. The mouth is rich with cherry, plum intertwined with savory herbs. The finish is long and juicy. I just love this pinot.

Make sure you swing in and see my friends at Ceja Vineyards on your next wine country visit. After you taste these wines don't be surprised if you sign up for their wine club and leave with a few bottles

Cheers
Dan

Pedroncelli Winery Wisdom and Courage

Some days you need both Wisdom and Courage and I have the perfect solution in Pedroncelli Wines. Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley is known for producing exceptional grapes and the Pedroncelli Family has been part of that success since 1927, first with grape growing and then adding winemaking to their business.

I've been lucky to have the opportunity to taste so many of their varietals and vintages and each is rock solid. Exquisite and affordable a combination you can't beat. I started off with the 2016 Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon from the Dry Creek Valley Estate Vineyard. Pop the cork and aromas of blackberry jam, a hint of raspberries, barrel spice and soft oak nuances. The mouth is lush with intense dark fruit. Blackberries and plum dominate with a splash of raspberry, crushed dried herbs and a kiss of barrel spice on the soft finish. One of my favorite cabernets.

Up next is the 2017 Courage Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley Faloni Vineyard. Cherry and blackberry followed by cloves and a hint or pepper. The mouth is solid with cherry, raspberry and blackberry followed by a splash of dark cocoa and barrel spice with a kiss of wild violets. For a big wine the finish was as velvety as milk chocolate. Paired this wine with a hickory bbq sauce over chicken and a perfect pairing.

If you are near Geyserville on your next Sonoma County wine trip I highly recommend stopping in at Pedroncelli Winery to sip a savor these excellent wines.