Cellar Notes

Notes about the wines we have tried recently.

Paul Dolan Vineyards wines

Paul Dolan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel & Cabernet Sauvignon

The following three wines from Paul Dolan Vineyards are made by Mendocino Wine Co. located in Ukiah, California. We received all three wines as tasting samples. These wines are of particular interest to me because they are made from organically grown grapes. Whenever I buy food, and I consider wine to be food, I look for organic options. So, naturally, […]

Backyard party wines

Everyday Reds for a Backyard Party

As the weather warms and summer approaches I admit I’m thinking more about drinking chilled white wines than red wines. But, there are those occasions when I do look for a delicious red wine. I’m thinking about backyard parties held in the cool of the evening that include grilled tri-tip, lamb chops, skirt steak or sausages. Add a tomato-based barbecue […]

Cecchi La Mora Vermentino featured

Cecchi La Mora 2014 Vermentino

This wine was received as a tasting sample. Vermentino is a white grape variety that is grown in northwestern Italy, France, Sardinia and Corsica. It is known by several names: Rolle in southern France where it may be a component in rosé, Pigato in Liguria, Favorita in Piedmont and Vermentinu in Corsica. The variety is native to Italy and produces […]

Aridus Malbec featured photo

2014 ARIDUS Malbec

This wine was received as a tasting sample.2014 ARIDUS Malbec — dark ruby in the glass with generous vanilla, caramel and ripe blackberry aromas. Rich flavors of ripe blueberries, plums and blackberries combine with hints of dusty earth, smooth tannins and a lingering finish. This wine is bright, fruit-forward and warming. 15.2% abv. $35 Red meat is the perfect pairing […]

Lange Twins NerodAvola Featured

Lange Twins Nero d’Avola: Exceeding Expectations in Lodi

Lodi calls itself the Zinfandel capital of the world and deservedly so. According to the Lodi Winegrape Commission the region produces 40% of California’s premium Zinfandel. But the region is also home to more than 100 wine grape varieties. Nero d’Avola is now among those grape varieties thanks to Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards in Acampo. The 2014 Lange […]

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon: An Elegant Cabernet from Concha y Toro

This wine was received as a tasting sample.2013 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, Puente Alto — dense ruby in the glass with earthy, dark fruit aromas seasoned with hints of dried herbs, black pepper and vanilla. Ripe red berries combine with plum and blackberry flavors, hints of cedar, leather and earth. Interesting backnotes of dried alfalfa lend complexity to this medium-bodied wine. Tannins are […]

Loveblock Pinot Noir

2013 Loveblock Pinot Noir: The Perfect Pizza Pairing

This wine was received as a tasting sample.2013 Loveblock Pinot Noir, Central Otago — medium ruby in the glass with earthy, blackberry aromas and just a hint of smokiness. Dusty earth, blackberries, hints of berry bramble are supported by silky tannins and lively acidity. The finish is moderate in length and the weight of the wine is on the light […]

St Urbans Hof Wiltinger Alte Reben

St. Urbans-Hof Wiltinger Alte Reben Kabinett Feinherb Riesling

Nik Weis is the current winemaker and caretaker of Weingut St. Urbans-Hof, the winery founded by his grandfather. He takes a hands-off approach to winemaking, intervening as little as possible in the wine cellar, and focusing on quality wine grape production. The SUH Wiltinger Alte Reben Riesling was fermented in stainless steel using only indigenous yeast. The Riesling comes from a vineyard that was planted in the early 1900s. Alte Reben, translates to old vines and some of those very old vines remain.

Locations P4

Locations P4 – Portuguese Red Wine

This wine was received as a tasting sample.Locations P4 – Portuguese Red Wine — dense ruby-violet in the glass with dark plum and blueberry aromas. Ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors are supported by an interesting earthiness. This medium-weight wine has substantial drying tannins that together with the dark fruit flavors make it a deliciously brooding wine that finishes with a […]