2005 La Sirena Syrah Barrett Vineyards on TVTuesday Live Cellars Of Sonoma

The goddess of winemaking graced the camera on Cellars of Sonoma TV Tuesday Live. We were treated to an hour of wine knowledge from Heidi Barrett owner/winemaker of La Sirena while sipping this beautiful 05 Syrah and pelting her with questions. I'm still trying to figure out how she manages any down time with all her wine projects!

Pop the cork and the aromas explode from the bottle. In the glass black raspberry, ripe plum, dark cherry, nice herbal notes giving the wine a woodsy feel, with a touch of oak. Rich aromas and so pleasing to the nose you could swirl this wine all evening and soak in the layers of perfection.

Nicely done Heidi. Plum and red raspberry treat the palate with pomegranate, spice, fresh thyme followed by a hint of smokey oak. Love the long soft finish which showcased the fruit. One fine Syrah!

Scott another excellent selection this evening and what a super guest. Folks stop by Cellars Of Sonoma and enjoy a bottle of La Sirena. Your palate will thank you.

Cheers
Dan

2011 Stepping Stone Corallina Rose of Syrah by Cornerstone Napa Valley

Stepping Stone by Cornerstone in lovely Napa Valley always produces a consistent wine with vibrant fruit. What I love about these wines along with their flavor is the versatility, you can use them as conversation wines, pair them with food, enjoy as an everyday wine all of which are a perfect match. The Corallina Rose was so refreshing exactly what I was looking for to sip and cool off during our hot streak.

Love the nose with fresh ripe strawberry, raspberry, fresh cut roses, cinnamon spice, creamy vanilla, citrus and floral notes. So crisp and sets your senses in motion.

Outstanding flavor with creamy strawberry, ripe raspberry, hints of cranberry and a wonderful cinnamon spice. The finish is long and juicy and really showcases the strawberry/raspberry/cranberry combination. Love the middle of the taste with its creamy character. Rose at it's very best!

Craig three cheers to Stepping Stone by Cornerstone for producing top notch juice. Folks do not miss the chance to stop by the tasting room in Yountville for your Cornerstone and Stepping Stone wines. Relax, taste and buy some of this tasty wine. Cornerstone Cellars Napa

Cheers
Dan

2011 St Supery Sauvignon Blanc for #SauvBlanc Day 2012

My visit a couple years ago to the St Supery Estate Vineyards and Winery was memorable so having the opportunity to join in the #SauvBlanc day fun virtually.... no brainer. Beautiful facility, exceptional wine and a friendly staff its a must visit whenever in Napa. In case you missed the post St Supery Visit

The winemaker has nailed this sauvignon blanc perfectly and captures the essence of the vineyard in each bottle. Right from the start citrus both lemon and lime barrel ( no pun intended) from the glass. Next a tropical sensation of apricot, grapefruit with a slight hint of melon tickle the nose.

I believe a comment I had tweeted was "Oh St Supery how I miss you" as I tasted and enjoyed this delicious treat. Grapefruit with hints of the apricot start the taste off. Follow that fruit up with a long lemon soft finish and you have a wine that is made for sipping or pairing. Naturally I tasted prior to dinner and with a lemon pepper chicken breast during. Many of you know when it comes to sauv blanc if the grapefruit overpowers, I'm not a fan but the fruit and citrus combination from St Supery is a perfect balance. Bravo!

Next time your in Napa and driving on 29 check out St Supery for a tour, tasting or both. You will enjoy the visit. Jenna thank you so very much for including me in your #SauvBlanc Day celebration.

Cheers
Dan

2011 Caves D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose France

Originally scheduled to be discussed on tastelive, the wine ran into a shipping snafu and arrived late. A blessing if you ask me because with the hot summer midwest temps, cool refreshing rose hits the spot. Whispering Angel will treat your palate.

Wonderful creamy rich vanilla on the nose with a blast of fresh strawberry followed by hints of cut roses. Continue to swirl and red raspberry appears.

The mouth is really nice with ripe strawberry and raspberry leading into a creamy vanilla finish. The vanilla is a perfect compliment to the fruit and a crisp minerality begs you to fill the glass again. Keep a bottle or 2 of this on hand, your friends will love it.

Cheers
Dan

2010 Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde

Fresh herb chicken strips and corn on the cob paired with tonights Aveleda Fonte from Portugal. Light, crisp and fruity my wife even enjoyed a glass with me.

Citrus, melon, grapefruit, apricot on the nose. Apricot, pear, grapefruit and minerality in the mouth with a fair amount of sweetness. Nice inexpensive sipper especially before or after dinner. Diggin this fruit from the Vinho Verde Region of Portugal.

Cheers
Dan