2009 Flowers Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Located just 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean rugged cliffs at elevations ranging from 1150 to 1875 feet, there sits a gem Flowers Vineyard & Winery. Cool breezes and coastal fog, it's a perfect setting for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes which produce award winning wines.

Flowers Vineyards were first born in 1990 with the purchase of 321 acres by founders Walt and Joan Flowers. In 1991 they planted 23 acres on what is known as Camp Meeting Ridge which grew to 33 acres. June of 1997 brought the construction of a gravity flow winery specifically to produce chardonnay and pinot noir their two favorite varietals. Soon a neighbor offered an additional 327 acres and Flowers Ranch was born. 47 acres of Pinot Noir were planted from 98 to 01 which is known as Frances Thompson Vineyard and Sea View Ridge Vineyard. The pictures of the vineyards, winery, coast are just breath taking and can be seen by clicking the link Flowers Vineyard & Winery Pictures

My first bottle two months ago was so aromatically pleasing and this bottle as well. Fresh ripe red fruit, cherry, hints of rose, touch of blackberry, a perfect hint of spice and finishing with orange peel. A wonderful wine which becomes even better the longer it releases in the glass.

Pinot Noir made right and perfect. Cherry with hints of raspberry and strawberry really showcase the red fruit. The spice compliments the fruit with the finish long and juicy. So silky and soft. Tastes like heaven in a bottle. My compliments to the staff at Flowers. If you have never tasted one of their fine wines, you're instructed to purchase and taste for yourself. Trust me!

Cheers
Dan

Charity + Wine = Cellar Angels

Many great companies give back to their communities and charities as a way to help those in need. One such company located in Chicago Illinois called Cellar Angels , introduces wine lovers like myself to boutique wineries and wonderful charities. A group of wine loving friends determined to change the world, I admire and applaud their mission.

So how does it work you ask? Cellar Angels for starters partners with small family wineries offering exceptional wine at attractive prices. The wines purchased are shipped directly from the winery to your home or business. In return, a portion of your purchase directly supports one of the fine charities you get to choose such as "The V Foundation For Cancer Research, The Ounce promoting helping children, Soldiers' Angels helping our armed forces and their families, Seathos Foundation which promotes education about our impact on the seas of the world, Auction Napa Valley providing support for healthcare, youth services, housing in the Napa Valley communities. You're asking yourself "What am I waiting for can I join?" The answer is yes by clicking here Join Cellar Angels

Who are the participating wineries? Some past offerings include Cornerstone Cellars 05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Passaggio 09 New Generation Unoaked Chardonnay, Stein Family Wines 09 Gewurztraminer, Michel-Schlumberger 08 Dry Creek Valley Syrah just to name a few. Wouldn't it be great to have tasty wines delivered to your home to enjoy and you in return support worthy causes. Sounds like a win win to me.

Martin and all the folks at Cellar Angels are true angels introducing us to fine wine and allowing us to help worthy charities. Support those who support others!

Cheers
Dan

2010 Stepping Stone By Cornerstone Riesling Napa Valley

Last hot day in the Midwest for awhile I'm afraid so a great time to open my sample from Stepping Stone Wines the 2010 Napa Valley Riesling. Fermented in stainless steel, I absolutely love how the fruit shines both in aroma and flavor. For the past two years I have tasted the the Stepping Stone portfolio of wines and each vintage is solid, consistent great wine and very affordable.

In the glass the tropical melon, hints of flower and honey, lemon zest, lively citrus were so appealing to my nose. The wine smells exceptionally crisp and I'm excited to taste.

Outstanding flavor with grapefruit at the forefront. Tangerine and lemon zest greet you in the middle and a wonderful minerality on the finish. So clean, crisp, refreshing and dry. I tend to shy away from Riesling because others I have tasted were sweet, but this one is remarkable.

Craig many thanks for the wonderful wines you allowed me to taste. Kudos to the staff and keep producing these awesome wines. Fans make sure you check out Cornerstone Cellars to order some of your own Stepping Stone Wines and taste for yourself.

Cheers
Dan

2009 Ceja Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast

Butterfly jumbo shrimp sounded so good for dinner and I knew the cellar had a perfect wine to pair, an 09 Ceja Sauvignon Blanc. Beautiful acidity, fresh fruit flavors, complimented the seafood dish drizzled with fresh lemon juice.

In the glass the fruit is really showcased. Grapefruit, melon, lemon and lime zest, hints of peach fill your nose. Crisp and refreshing, the aromas make your senses race wild.

Outstanding flavor on this wine and Ceja Vineyards never dissapoints the wine lover. The ripe grapefruit combined with hints of melon followed by the lime/lemon zest is perfect. The finish is long and juicy with a slight minerality note. One of my favorite sauvignon blanc's and Ceja Vineyards produces some of my favorite wines as always. Make sure you grab a case or 2 now because this tasty treat won't last long.

Cheers
Dan

2006 Bonneau Napa Valley Meritage Epos

My last bottle from the wine club shipment courtesy of Scott Jordan for the TV Tuesday tastings at Cellars of Sonoma. John Bambury from Bonneau Wines was the evenings guest. I have read many great compliments about John's wines so I was very excited to have a taste. Today's offering is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stagecoach Vineyards, 20% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot.

Just an unbelievable nose on this wine. While Scott was asking me "Do you smell this wine" I was trying to type the same. The fruit is amazing with the dark cherry, blackberry and blueberry so fresh. The allspice compliments the fruit perfectly and the swirl/smell finishes with a hint of sweet oak.

The flavor on this wine is so delicious and perfect. Ripe dark cherry combined with the rich blackberry and softened by the silky blueberry treats your taste buds. Towards the middle the allspice arrives and then the finish is a juicy raspberry. Kevin Jordan and I commented how outstanding this wine is and grab as many bottles as you can there are only 10 cases left.

Well Scott it's been a great 4 weeks of wine tasting with each bottle as tasty as the next. My thanks to you for introducing me to amazing wines and winemakers.

Cheers
Dan