2011 Harney Lane Old Vine Zinfandel Lizzy James Vineyard Lodi

*Sample Received*

Love. Laughter. Family. The three main ingredients in every Harney Lane bottle of wine. A proud family heritage of farming dating back to 1907. The family in 2006 developed their talents as winemakers. Each visitor that ventures by for a taste at Harney Lane is greeted by family and treated like one of their own. From Kathy "the matriarch" to Kyle the farmer and don't forget Ranger the beloved winery dog. I'm told he demands a lot of visitor attention and might just tucker you out playing a game of fetch. It's family wineries like these that I have so much respect for and enjoy tasting their wines.

Today's wine is the 2011 Lizzy James Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel. Handpicked  and hand sorted fruit, fermented in small lots and barrel aged you will find nothing but quality juice in these wines. A wise winemaker once said never put my wines in a decanter or run through an aerator. Always let them open up naturally in the glass and that's exactly what I did with this wine. The results are stunning with a first opened bottle yielding a powerful cinnamon, red currant and pepper aroma almost masking the fruit yet when you let the wine open just 5 minutes this beautiful bouquet of raspberry, blackberry and dark cherry released from the glass. Absolutely beautiful on the nose.

The mouth is bold yet subtle with raspberry, blackberry and pepper notes as you first taste while later on dark juicy cherry notes with currants and a nice long finish which warms the heart. Love that little kick of cinnamon on the finish which by the way was perfect on this cold Midwest night in front of the fireplace. My first bottle of Harney Lane and yes you have a new fan.

Next time you plan a trip to California wine country consider a visit to Lodi and a stop at Harney Lane!

Cheers
Dan

2011 Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

*Sample Received*

By now Thanksgiving Day has passed and many bottles have as well. For our feast one of the wines opened was the 2011 Cornerstone Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir a perfect pairing with turkey. Aged 14 months this wine is 100% Willamette Valley with the grapes being harvested from Yamhill-Carlton, Eola-Amity, Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountain and Ribbon Ridge.

The nose is lush with strawberries, wild violets and dark cherry. The spices of cinnamon, cloves and white pepper are soothing. Wonderful aromatics on this classic pinot.

The mouth is so good with juicy cherry and a slightly tart strawberry rubarb. Wonderful bright fruit followed by a hint of clove. The finish is elegant with soft tannins. Perfect pairing with the fresh herb poultry rub on the bird. The wine was a huge hit with this pinot lover and his guests. Well done Cornerstone!

I highly recommend on your next trip to Oregon you give Craig Camp a call and set up a tasting. Quality juice well worth the price plus they are great people!

Cheers
Dan

2013 Adelsheim Rose' Willamette Valley Oregon "Quick Sip"

Known as one of Oregon's founding wineries, Ginny and David Adelsheim shared a dream that one day Oregon could produce serious wines. I would say they have accomplished this dream. Tonight's wine was a purchase from 1st Avenue Wine House and one for my wife even though the weather outside is frigid.

The nose has loads of fresh strawberry and red raspberry. Creamy vanilla with a kiss of citrus. Crisp and refreshing. The mouth is full of ripe juicy strawberry and tart red raspberry. Nice balance of fruit and acidity. Well priced at $18.

The holidays are approaching and don't be afraid to serve your guests rose with turkey. A versatile wine and an excellent choice for guests.

Cheers
Dan

2012 Campesino Pinot Noir Mis Ninas Los Carneros Sonoma

The release email from Campesino Cellars is always one of my favorites and gives me the opportunity to pick up some very nice wine from an outstanding producer Macario Montoya and his wife Griselda. Tonight's wine is another beauty and priced well at $38.

The grapes are harvested from the Green Acres Ranch owned by the Sangiacomo Family farmed by third generation brothers Michael and Steve. Located in Carneros overlapping the Sonoma Coast, the vineyard has both well drained soils and cool climate breeze which makes it perfect for growing pinot. I'm a huge fan of wines produced from grapes grown by the Sangiacomo Family as the winemakers in my opinion receive some of the best product available in the valley.

The nose is full of ripe fruit with fresh cherry, cranberry and sliced strawberry. Cloves with hints of dried eucalyptus and mint. Such an inviting elegant nose.

The mouth exhibits candied tart cranberry, juicy strawberry with hints of bright cherry. Perfect balance of cloves on the long toasty juicy finish. I'll add this to my list of favorite Pinot's. Nicely done Macario nicely done.

To purchase Campesino wine visit their wine page by clicking the link Buy Now and hurry before it's all sold out. Looking for boutique producers with sophisticated elegant wines then look no further and choose Campesino.

Cheers
Dan

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon White Label

Today's Quick Sip

*sample received*

I opened this wine very early because the plan over the next 5-7 years is to taste and watch the cabernet evolve. In reality you should lay it down and open in 5 years and then every year thereafter another bottle. Purchase a few and let them relax says this wino.

Cornerstone Cellars where their mission is to craft wines that are both exceptional and memorable is located in cosy Yountville California. A warm welcome awaits along with many shops and restaurants close by to make your tasting experience one to remember. The staff is so knowledgeable guiding you through your tasting experience and making sure you know the story behind the wines.

The nose is still young and green with big dried herbs and earthy notes. Raspberry, blackberry and plum fruit aromas dominate with hints of dark cherry. Slight hint of white pepper tickles the senses as the wine opens.

The mouth is layered with blackberry and plum surrounded by raspberry notes. I get the green herbs in the middle with sage, oregano and rosemary. A touch juicy on the end with raspberry but loads of tannins. I anticipate this wine will as many Cornerstone cabernets soften with age and show a beautiful complexity. Howell Mountain Cabs are age worthy showing a beautiful balance for big wines. Fire the grill up and pair with a nice juicy ribeye.

Stop by the tasting room in Yountville and sip a glass of this delectable cabernet. Tell Craig hello for me.

Cheers
Dan