From the Stoller Vineyard’s Estate junior vines (younger vines) come this excellent value Pinot Noir. This medium bodied wine is immediately approachable but has enough tannins to hold it for another couple of years. Expect buoyant flavors of red fruit, spice, raspberry and dark cherry.
A big Pinot Noir that needs some time to open up. Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir will reward your patience with a vividly burgundy colored wine, rich flavors of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit. We particularly enjoyed the hint of smokiness that added to the wine’s complexity. A big Pinot to pair with big flavors.
This extremely versatile food friendly blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet is one of the better “House Wines” we’ve tasted. The nose is a pleasant blend of dark cherries, cocoa and spice. The dark red fruit flavors and minerality are well integrated with subtle tannins. The Pinot Noir adds to a very satisfying finish. Ceja Vineyards call this their breakfast, lunch and dinner wine. I’ll have a glass with Ranchero Eggs and smoked bacon, please.
Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay was a truly delightful New Zealand Syrah. A lighter style, this wine is soft, round and more food friendly than most Syrahs. Well balanced and fruit forward with flavors of blackberry and spice. A great wine to enjoy with friends and conversation. At $13 retail it’s a deal. Beware of big restaurant mark-ups on this wine.
Fun is the word that comes to mind. This Wine Guerrilla Old Vine Zinfandel is a big fruit forward, jammy delicious sip. So well balanced with integrated tannins and fruit, the 16% alcohol goes unnoticed. Lot’s of blackberry goodness with a hint of root beer and minerality. A touch of Petite Sirah, Carigan and Alacante in the blend adds depth. Twist the screw top and let the fun begin. BTW…The wine paired sinfully well with dark chocolate.
