2019 Eric Ross Winery Rose' Russian River Valley Sonoma County

Never a bad time to sip one of this guys many varietals of wine. Photographer, winemaker Eric does it all but for the sake of wine grapes watch out for that mascot rooster of his.

When we all get back to visiting wine country and you have a chance to stop at Eric Ross Winery, you will notice the unique tasting room and it's rustic character almost as if you stepped back in time to the early Sonoma tasting days. Once inside you will be greeted by the tasting room staff and many times the winemaker himself is pouring and talking about his wines. Listening to Eric talk about his philosophy, winemaking and the vineyards from which his grapes are harvested, you start to "feel" and "smell" the vines/terroir characteristics with each swirl. Once you sip his wines you are hooked with lush fruit rolling across the palate and thinking how lucky you are to have discovered this juice.

The 2019 Russian River Rose' starts with a beautiful salmon color followed by hints of citrus, fresh wild strawberries and floral notes. The mouth is so full of fresh ripe strawberry with a splash of cherry, tart cranberry and a kiss of herbs on the finish. So good and paired well with the porch and 80 degree weather. Nicely done Eric.

Give the tasting room a call at 707-939-8525 and order some Eric Ross Wine today!


Cheers
Dan

Passaggio Wines Airedale Red Blend

Now more than ever small production wineries need your support as they continue with interruptions due to covid-19. Reliant on curbside pickup, online orders and wine clubs to keep their business going is life today.  One of those wineries happens to be tonight's wine Passaggio and owner Cindy Cosco.

Her tasting room is located on the Sonoma Square just a short 8 minute drive from her wine production facility. I remember meeting Cindy when she was working in the lab at Crushpad and making maybe 250 cases of her own wine. Oh those early bottles of Unoaked Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio were so good and we chatted about one day she would have her own winery and tasting room. Today she not only still produces those 2 varietals but many more. You can order your own bottle online at www.passaggiowines.com or call the tasting room at 707-934-8941 or even join the wineclub. Every purchase helps a winemakers livelihood during these unchartered times so please support her and all small wineries.

Tonight's Airedale Red is a tribute to Cindy's favorite dog breed. A blend of 50% Coplan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Hux Vineyards Petit Verdot. Lush dark and red fruit on the nose with a kiss of spice. The mouth is full of ripe fruit that floats across the tongue with dark cherry, a splash of plum followed by a burst of blueberry and a subtle warm spice on the finish. Love this wine Cindy and folks it's still available for purchase.

Cheers
Dan