Cameron Hughes Pinot Gri and Rose

*samples received*

First time that I have sipped any of the offerings from Cameron Hughes. The business model to me is challenging but very interesting at the same time. Buying good wine in a barrel or "shiners", protecting the winery from which this juice is purchased then passing the savings and wine onto the consumer who ultimately could be drinking an award winning wine for under 20.00 without knowing the source. Let's pop the corks shall we.

First up the Lot 631 2017 Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Gris. I started with this wine as a prelude to traveling for the first time to Oregon on a business trip that also including tasting Oregon Wines (Hey when in Rome). Once in the glass aromas of apple and pear with hints of almond crème, honeysuckle and citrus treat the nose. The mouth is lively with the pear, tart apple and honeydew melon with a kiss of baking spice. Crisp and clean a really nice wine for $12.00 and especially this region of Oregon.

Second up the Lot 639 Arroyo Seco Monterey County Rose. Pour this wine in the glass and your nose tells you you're laying in a field of strawberries and roses with a sprinkle of cherry juice for good measure. The mouth is full of juicy strawberry almost as if you have a jolly rancher in your mouth followed by a slight tartness but finish with a splash of sweetness. $13.00 for a nice Rose'.

Cheers
Dan

2012 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo Red Blend Napa Valley

Popping the cork on this wine is like visiting and old friend in Napa. I always enjoy a bottle whether a Pinot, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rose' or the multiple other varietals being produced by this wonderful Carneros family. Yes we are talking about Ceja Vineyards and the first generation Mexican-American family winegrowers in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

I've talked about their story in the past, from the first grape harvest job to the owning of a vineyard and then today a world class wine portfolio. Humble beginnings yet they have never forgotten what it takes to create and maintain a successful family business. The wine this evening will not disappoint.

The 2012 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo blend of Cabernet and Merlot, is full of lush fruit and spice aromas. Once the cork is pulled there is this beautiful puff of rich vanilla followed by dark blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry, plum with hints of blueberry and spice. An outstanding nose. The mouth is rich with dark, red and blue fruit with a perfect balance of spice and vanilla. With blackberry, cherry and blueberry rolling across the tongue to this beautiful long soft finish. Amazing red blend my friends. I paired this with homemade lasagna and oh how it complimented the sauce and beef in the dish.

Check out their current releases at their online wine shop by clicking the link. If you plan a visit to Sonoma I highly recommend swinging by the tasting room for a few sips of this wonderful wine.


Cheers
Dan

2018 Isa Rose' Campesino Cellars

I've blogged several of Macario's and Griselda's wines from Campesino Cellars so this label is not new to you or me. Well maybe those of you new to the blog. All I can say is buy this wine and drink it slowly because you will run out and wish you had more. This rose', they produced only 100 cases and damn is it good. Small hands on production wines are my favorite and this label regardless of varietal will not disappoint your palate.

Pop the cork and the fruit races from the glass. Cherries, fresh sliced strawberry with hints of melon and floral notes. The mouth is crisp and refreshing with juicy strawberries and crushed cherries surrounded by splashes of honeydew melon and a pinch of barrel spice. Nice acidity and I love the dry elegant finish. Again amazing juice produced by Macario year after year. A steal at $20.00 per bottle.


Swing by the website and purchase some of this rose' before it's too late. You won't be sorry. Macario we will be sharing a glass together in a few months.

Cheers
Dan

2016 Runquist Wines 1448 California Red Table Wine

I had the opportunity and introduction to these wines a few years ago when my local wine store held a meet the winemaker and their wines event. I have been a fan of Jeff Runquist Wines ever since, and have come to the realization that you better buy early because typically his wines sell out (I might have learned my lesson on a tasty Cab Franc just saying). This was a purchase from First Avenue Wine House and an excellent blend.

Once the screw cap enclosure was removed the bouquet of aromas release gently from the glass. Red, black and blue fruit intertwined with floral and herbal notes are pleasing to the nose. Plum, black raspberry, blueberry, cherry with hints of violets and dried herbs finishing with a nutty toasted vanilla character. The mouth is seductive and juicy showcasing the exquisite ripe fruit of cherry, raspberry, plum and smooth blueberry. As the wine wanders on the palate a quick hint of toasted oak with a finish of creamy vanilla. Fantastic blend and one I could drink daily.

Guess on a next visit I need to stop by the tasting room for a few mores sips.

Cheers
Dan

2018 Passaggio Tempranillo Rose' Clarksburg

In the Sonoma Square you will find shops and wine tasting but one special location close to the fountain you will find Passaggio Wines. Inside you will be invited to taste a variety of wines both red and white, encouraged to ask questions, promoted to sit back, relax and enjoy your experience. Just down the road roughly 4 miles is the winery where all the magic comes together. While you will find owner winemaker Cynthia Cosco in her tasting room on many days, you can also visit her here at the winery on Carneros Vineyard Way, where you will find her checking barrels, blending and tasting to ensure the wines are perfect for the bottle. It's been quite the journey from the early days in Virginia to the wine country of California but ask her and she will tell you I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Today we tasted the newer release the 2018 Tempranillo Rose from one of the vineyards she sources fruit from in Clarksburg. I love the label and it's one dedicated to her Mom who "always saw the world through rose colored glasses." As Cindy says "She's right. Here's to the good life." Limited production and one that sells out quickly (which is why I bought some to stash) only 142 cases produced. Once you uncap the screw cap enclosure, the fruit and citrus race from the glass. Cherry, strawberry with a hint of raspberry followed by citrus and a hint of wild daisys. The mouth shows beautifully with cherry and strawberry, a splash of tangerine followed by raspberry all leading to a crisp clean finish. I keep telling Cindy this wine gets better with each vintage. I'm spot on!!!

Stop by and visit while in Sonoma. I think you will love the wines.

Cheers
Dan