Sonoma's Rose Revolution Winestudio with Passaggio Wines 2015 Merlot Rose

Welcome to #Winestudio and our journey tasting through Sonoma's Rose Revolution. First up a label I am all to familiar with Passaggio Wines and winemaker Cynthia Cosco. Handcrafted to bring you a new generation of small lot food friendly wines, "I believe something magical happens when you bring wonderful friends, awesome food, and great wines together" says Cindy. I remember first meeting her back in 2010 and was reminded as she chatted with the tasters her journey from law enforcement to winemaker. Winestudio is full of facts and winemaker/participant conversation. One of the best shows out there.

Rose is such a versatile wine with its food friendly demeanor...I swear it pairs with anything. Not just for warm months try rose with your thanksgiving dinner along with anytime on the patio. What made this wine special as many small lot productions, is that the winemaker and her friends picked these grapes and headed straight for the winery for a full on press. The wine is crisp on the nose with loads of red berry and hints of plum. The mouth is juicy and long with plum and ripe red berries.There was no food pairing tonight because this sipper didn't last. Well done Cindy.

Tune in Tuesday for another Rose Revolution tasting.

Cheers
Dan

Winestudio Week 8 Rias Baixas Adegas Galegas D. Pedro Albarino

Week 8 and another outstanding evening sipping and tasting Albarino on Winestudio. I believe my comment which gained traction in our discussion was "Albarino my new go to wine." Bottle after bottle the wines showcased pair so well with food but can and will be sipped on their own. Toasty outside well these wines will cool you off and leave you wanting more. The grapes for this wine were sourced from estate vineyards in Meder and Goian and it is considered one of the best white wines from Spain.
Tonight's conversation discussed how several of the evenings wines were produced by women. So many do not in my opinion receive enough kudos and award exposure for the hand crafted delicious juice in every one of their bottles. Many have found the industry challenging but I see a change and an admiration for the craft which they are perfecting. Well done ladies and I'm happy to sip and tell others about the wonderful wines you are producing.

Wonderful nose this evening with ripe green apple, mandarin orange, lemon/lime and crisp pear. Nice citrus tickle as well. The mouth is full of granny smith apple, pear and a lemon/lime finish. Definitely more full bodied than the others we have tasted and the finish is long and tropical. Another delicious Albarino.

Don't miss tomorrows show. Tune in and learn about Rias Baixas and Albarino.

Cheers
Dan

Winestudio with Rias Baixas Santiago Roma Albarino

Love the interaction on this super fun program #Winestudio where I have the pleasure of tasting wines from all over the world and interacting with wine lovers who are too. This was week 7 of the focus on Rias Baixas Wines and my new favorite go to Albarino. Due to some conflicts I missed the major part of the series but so happy to have 5 of the wines. I enjoy learning about the region, vineyard, climate and history on these wines. From the cellar located in a restored farmhouse in the Salnes Valley overlooking vineyards to the method of simple all natural pesticides to protect the environment, these wines are exceptional handcrafted gems and so inexpensive.
The nose/mouth is crisp, light and fruit forward. Pleasing apple, melon with a lemon accent. Served with fresh fruit, mild cheese and a crisp lettuce salad it was a perfect pairing. A patio sipper everyone will enjoy.

Tune in Tuesday at 6pacific, 8central, 9eastern for our next Rias Baixas session!

Cheers
Dan

TV Tuesday Live With Cellars Of Sonoma Featuring Moondance Cellars 2013 Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

*Sample Received

A great evening spent with Cellars Of Sonoma's Scott Jordan and Owner Winemaker David Cohen of Moondance Cellars.  Always eye opening to hear the story behind the journey, the wine making philosophy and naturally lucky enough to taste the end result.

Having worked in the injection mold business prior to becoming a winemaker has the plot for a made for tv movie. With a stop in southern California before eventually realizing the beauty of the Sonoma Coast, David decided to slip by and visit his cousin at BR Cohn Winery.

BR Cohn is where David started his knowledge base in wine making and vineyard management. Mentors Helen Turley and John Speed provided the guidance from their library of wine making history and allowed David to develop his style.

23 years and counting, David has been producing award winning highly rated boutique wines. Tonight's Pinot Noir is no exception. Showcasing the appellation and vineyard this sophisticated wine has the elegance of Priscilla with an attitude finish resembling David. Definitely a wine which you will hopefully enjoy as much as I did. Thanks David and Scott for the opportunity to chat and sip.

Schedule your tasting appointment today at Moondance Cellars by clicking the "I want to taste now" link. Don't forget to stop in and see Scott at Cellars of Sonoma for tasting, chatting and general harassment (oh wait he just uses the latter on me).

Cheers
Dan

2014 Passaggio Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Quick Sip

A wonderful purchase from Passaggio Wines the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc which was 1 of 2 Sauv Blancs produced in 2014. I've watched Cynthia Cosco owner and winemaker grow from this 150 case hand crafted production label to roughly 1000 cases today. The opening of the new tasting room in the Sonoma Square, has been a slam dunk with so many visitors. Her popularity has grow immensely and the wines well they speak for themselves. Food friendly and fruit forward, enjoy these wines paired with your favorite dishes or as you gather on the patio with friends and family.

The nose shows a nice citrus combination of  lemon, tangerine and lime zest with a subtle hint of minerality. Not overpowering there is a sense of this wine being light and crisp.

The mouth does not disappoint with lemon/lime, grapefruit with a hint of grassy character. The acidity is really nice and the wine is very crisp and refreshing. Paired with Maryland crab cakes, I found the lightness of the wine very complimentary to the dish. Once your glass is empty the palate screams more wine please.

Swing by Passaggio's tasting room in the Sonoma Square for a pleasing boutique handcrafted wine tasting on your next visit to wine country. Cindy and the staff will take great care of you.

Cheers
Dan