This Cab from Cinnabar Winery grabed my attention from the start. Note the wine was held back longer than most, which adds to the maturity. Very well structured. Rich with solid fruit and soft tannins. Lovely flavors of black cherries, rasberries and black tea with hints of leather, smoke and oak. 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
A thoroughly enjoyable Chardonnay that you’d expect to cost more. A creamy wine with flavors of vanilla, ripe peaches, red apples with only a hint of oak. Very well balanced lushness and acidity creates a smooth mouth-feel.
How about I just start with “AWSOME!” This is a big rich chewy Pinot that grabs your attention with a complex richness. Great flavors of black cherry, dark fruits and spice in addition to hints of dark coffee and cola. As big as this wine is, it paired beautifully with grilled duck. MacPhail Family Wines
A couple of years ago some Napa winemaker friends suggested we visit Alpha Omega Winery on Hwy 29 near St. Helena in Napa Valley. The tasting room is sleek and modern but more importantly the wines were phenomenal. On that trip we had the pleasure of meeting their winemaker Jean Hoefliger and were captivated by his passion and energy. Since then we have visited A/O and Jean many times.
Winemaker Jean Hoefliger
Jean is a big broad-shouldered guy who wears his zeal on his sleeve. He speaks of wine as emotion and art intended to create a “deeply moving reaction, good or bad”. As you will see, Jean’s winemaking style and philosophy is unique and is considered “high risk.” Long natural barrel fermentation, often leaving his red wines on skins for up to 90 days, is his trademark technique which creates wines that are delicious, intriguing and complex.
Pull up a chair and a glass of wine. Join Jean and myself as we explore his fascinating and passionate approach to his “art.” Continue reading »
This dry and somewhat jammy Rosé just screams for a warm Saturday afternoon patio party. Very fruit forward with balanced acidity. A pleasantly round mouth-feel of ripe strawberry, raspberry, red fruit and a touch of plum. Paired very well with grilled salmon and grilled salad.
