2016 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

This was a special pickup Pinot Noir made by the late Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat for his special partnership with Barbara Barham Mendelsohn and Richard Mendelsohn. The grapes for this wine are harvested from the Lala Panzi Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg, consisting of a 5-acre plot of carefully selected clones. Each year, one limited edition Pinot is produced in limited quantity. I wish our paths had crossed because this guy made some really fine wines.

The nose is full of fresh pressed cherries and raspberry with earthy tones and some toasted spice. The mouth is lush, rich and elegant with cherries, strawberries and a kiss of blueberry followed by black currant and dried herbs. Outstanding Pinot friends. I paired this with honey-cayenne salmon and the simple staples of baked beans and potato salad. Oh so good!

Seemed like an appropriate time to pull the cork on Open The Bottle Night. 

Cheers

Dan 

2019 Achille IGT Toscana Rosso

 

The I Colli estate can be found in the northern part of the province of Siena, specifically in the territories of Monteriggioni and Vagliagli. It is here that 23 generations of the Bindi Sergardi Family have prospered and grown.

The land from which the vines prosper consist of limestone. It is this soil and microclimate of this region which gives the Sangiovese identity from vineyard to vineyard. It's worked pretty well for over 700 years. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 15 days and following malolactic fermentation the wine is then aged in oak barrels.

The nose shows nicely with ripe fruit of cherry, plum and blackberry. The mouth is juicy with cherry strawberry, and a hint of dark berries. The finish is long and juicy but so soft. Glad I have several more bottles of this Italian gem.

If you tasted this wine drop us a note on the blog and tell us what you thought.

Cheers

Dan

2015 Arcos Toscana

 

Today's wine sings Italian from the vineyards of Tuscany. Produced by the Castellani family since 1903, the winery is located in Pontedera outside of Pisa. The vineyards from which these grapes are harvested consist of sand, clay and calcareous soils. The family has an extensive history of sustainable farming practices within these vineyards.

The 2015 is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Fermented in stainless steel tanks in a temperature-controlled environment, the aging then takes place in oak casks and small barrels for 12 months. 

The nose shows nice clusters of red fruit including cherry and raspberry with just a hint of dusty earth. The mouth is quite juicy with cherry, strawberry and plum long into the finish. Such a soft easy drinker and one I really enjoyed. Simple yet flavorful.

Let us know if you have tasted this wine and leave us a comment on the blog what you thought of it.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County

 

Born in a bar in the Dogpatch neighborhood in San Francisco, Banshee Wines was launched with borrowed funds and 8 barrels of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Fast forward to today they reside in Healdsburg with a comfortable tasting room and strong relationships build with some of the best vineyards in Sonoma County.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from select vineyards including the Banshee single vineyard program. The blend for this wine includes 10 clones was fermented in small stainless-steel fermenters for 21 days then aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak.

The nose shows nicely with tart red cherry, cranberry with hints of strawberry all wrapped around woodsy earth notes. Excellent aroma. The mouth is full of beautiful fruit with cherry, strawberry and a hint of cranberry followed by dried herbs and a kiss of oak on the silky-smooth finish. I enjoyed this wine paired with pasta and a light red sauce, but this drinks very well on its own. Afterall when cooking you must taste the wine to ensure it is of the best quality!

If you are in the Healdsburg area on your next visit to wine country, you should make a stop in the Banshee Wines Tasting Room and sip a few of these gems they offer.

If you have tasted this wine or like this winery, drop us a note on the blog and tell us about it.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir Michael Pozzan Winery

 

Another local wine store purchase and one of the favorite labels of the customers of the wine shop. The owner brings in wineries for a meet and greet and Pozzan I believe was one I missed. I'll be happy when we are passed covid and once again wineries will be showcased here in town for all of us wine lovers.

The 2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir is so aromatic with red berries, fresh cut rose pedals with hints of orange peel, barrel spice and toasted oak. The mouth shows beautiful layers of fruit and spice. Strawberries with a hint of cranberry, orange zest with herbs and a warm cinnamon spice. A really nice Pinot under $20.00 and drinks like $40.

If you have tasted this wine or any of the Pozzan wines drop us a comment on the blog.

Cheers

Dan