Saturday, June 27, 2015

2014 Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé, Artist Series


*Sample Received

This ladies and gentlemen is what Craig Camp calls "Real Rose, no afterthought or leftovers but a rose with a purpose." The grapes are grown in the Oak Knoll AVA Crane Vineyard and 100% designated to become Corallina Syrah Rose. Once the cool fruit is pressed the juice heads to stainless steel tanks where it ferments to it's dry state. Upon completion the wine is racked into French oak barrels for the next 5 months and then bottled for all of us to enjoy. Branding is also important and I just love the color and detail on this Artist Series label. The wine is damn tasty too :)

The nose is lively with red berries of cherry and strawberry. A hint of floral with fresh cut roses followed by a nice peppery spice. As I let the wine warm there are some earth tones that splash into the picture. Definitely a grown up rose. Beautiful salmon color.

The mouth is full of flavor with tart cherry and ripe strawberry. The finish is this little kicker of white pepper which is a perfect touch to each sip. While the flavor is huge it's not overpowering and really softens as the wine opens up allowing you to "drift into rest and relaxation." Paired with Asian Cuisine was just amazing. Rose with a purpose.....I couldn't agree more Craig and my glass kept screaming "fill me up please."

This weekend is the release of this beautiful Rose` so stop by the Cornerstone Cellars tasting room in beautiful Yountville for a bottle or 12. The 2014 Cornerstone Corallina Napa Valley Syrah Rosé, Artist Series won't last long!

Cheers
Dan


Sunday, June 21, 2015

2014 Isa Grenache Rose Sonoma Coast Campesino Cellars


Campesino Cellars the creation of Macario and Griselda Montoya produces premium boutique wines which reflect the earth and the vineyard. Lucky for us wine lovers they both were introduced to wine at an early age and caught the bug to make wine.They are quick to give credit to those who have helped them along the way especially the "campesino's", the fieldworkers who like many coming to this country, have dreams of a better life and work many long hours to prove themselves. They are as much a part of each bottle of wine as the winemaker and his family.

Named after their oldest daughter Isa, tonight's wine is a beautiful expression of  rose` wine. The red fruit from this Grenache Rose`gently exits the glass pleasing your sense of smell with raspberry, strawberry and cherry clusters with an allspice kick at then end. While you pick up very quickly this is a dry wine there is this crisp refreshing sensation with each sniff.

The mouth is spectacular with the red berry clusters and dash of minerality throughout the taste. Nice level of acidity makes this wine both food friendly and a wonderful stand alone wine. I found with each sip my mouth begged for more. Thankfully I have 2 more of these in my cellar and folks this wine is an absolute steal at $16. Love this wine.

Sign up for their Mailing List to get the word first on new releases and your chance to purchase. Would you like to hear more about Macario then check out the interview with him by clicking the Cellar Cast Interview With Macario
link. Well done my friend and Happy Fathers Day!

Cheers
Dan