Nov 052014
 
Read Part 6 of  Starting J. Cage Cellars –  A Family Winery Series

Back at the end of September, we finished barreling our wines so they can mature and rest comfortably. Donna and I then headed back to Denver. A Halloween party invitation and the wonderful Pinot on the River event in Healdsburg were enough excuse to bolt from Denver for a long weekend back in Sonoma to taste our three J. Cage Cellars wines.

J. Cage Cellars

Conch getting J. Cage Cellars Pinot Samples

I recall watching Conch and Whitney when they were young kids participating in sporting events and wondering if they might develop into world-class athletes. Of course nearly every parent does when their child kicks that first soccer goal or in our case glided down the ski racing slopes of Breckenridge. I was sure Conch was destined for the PGA when he got a hole-in-one at age 13…. But alas… it didn’t happen. A parent can dream…and probably should.

The wines that we struggled so hard to get right are, like those soccer kids, growing up and it was a pleasure to taste them after a month of maturity. Conch samples barrels almost weekly and keeps me apprised. The whites are nice and crisp and should be ready for the summer patio season. But it’s the five barrels of Pinot Noir that I’m emotionally focused upon. Continue reading »

Nov 032014
 
Alysian Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Selection 2010, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Alysian Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Selection 2010A soft and elegant Pinot Noir on the lighter side with balanced acidity. Ripe cherry and strawberry notes on the nose with floral hints and spice. A crisp mouth-feel offering flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry and brown spice. A touch of white pepper spice in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 092014
 
Drnk Wines Pinot Noir Cavers Cuvée 2012, Russian River Valley, CA, $32 – Rating 93

DRNK_Label_PN-RussianRiver_2012-FrntThis Pinot just keeps racking up awards, recently a Double Gold at the 2014 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Aromas of blackberry, ripe strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and plenty of brown spice. Plush on the palate with balanced acidity. Flavors of black cherry, red cherry and a little blackberry with a touch a of white pepper in the finish. Cherry and red licorice on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 092014
 
Thralls Family Cellars Pinot Noir Roma’s Vineyard 2012, Anderson Valley, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 92

Thralls Family Cellars Pinot Noir Roma's Vineyard 2012100% Pommard clone from a Anderson Valley. Enticing aromas of black cherry and herbs with hints of leather and spice. A lush mouth-feel, balanced acidity and soft tannins. Integrated flavors of blackberry, raspberry, rhubarb and black cherry with spicy notes of white pepper. Black cherry and saddle leather on the finish. Very small Production of 76 cases…Get it while you can! Buy This Wine

Oct 092014
 
Joseph Jewell Wines Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2012, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 94

Joseph Jewell Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2012An exceptional Pinot Noir at an excellent price. Blended from three vineyards, the nose offers a bouquet of dark cherry with notes of ripe strawberry and plenty of spice. A round mouth-feel balanced with juicy acidity and supple tannins. Bright fruit flavors including black cherry, plum, ripe red fruit, oaky vanilla and baking spice with subtle hints of earthiness. A long spicy finish completes the wine. Buy This Wine