2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir

Specs:

2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast

Petaluma, Ca

14.1% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.kellerestate.com/

$42.00

Notes:

This wine is the perfect example of the reason I'm head over heels in love with Pinot Noir from this region. Because of the maritime influence from the ocean, these grapes don't have the uber ripe cherry flavor you get from warmer climates. The flavors are tart, young and fresh.

This wine's ruby red clarity and dark intensity sit perfectly in the glass. The aroma is not as intense as expected however the scents are well defined and clear with black cherry, oak, vanilla, baking spice and white pepper on on the forefront. The wine is rich luscious and smooth with flavors of ripe red cherry, cola, vanilla, oak and raspberry. The finish is substantial in flavor with a light smokey and fruity end. This quality producer has definitely hooked me and I truly look forward to sampling their other vintages and varietals.

This wine is light enough in body that it can be paired with a variety of foods and flavors. Smoked ham and barbecued red meats would be a great match for this wine. However, when it comes to Pinot Noir I personally don't like to complicate things. I prefer keeping it as the main event.

2008 Buena Vista Rose of Syrah

Specs:

2008 Buena Vista Rose of Syrah

Carneros

Sonoma, California

14.1 % Alcohol

96% Syrah, 4% Chardonnay

http://buenavistacarneros.com/

Library Release-Inquire with Winery

Notes:

Buena Vista is well known for their Pinot Noir however during my last visit I noticed this salmon colored bottle on the shelf in their tasting room. They were not pouring so I inquired about it. My friends and I were all given a pour and were all instantly pleased with it. Syrah Rose is slowly making an appearance throughout the California Wine Country and it is the type of Rose I prefer most. When using the Syrah grape you get more of a masculine dry flavor rather than a sugary flowery flavor you would find in a typical Rose.

This wine is mesmerizingly beautiful to look at. The color of a bouquet of deep pink roses with a sparkle of a pink sapphire. The smell is acidic with hints of grass, grapefruit and pink lemonade. The wine has a light mouthfeel, however is packed with flavor. Like the smell; Grapefruit is the most powerful flavor I can detect. Other fruits include Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemon, Cherry and even a small hint of Watermelon. The sweetness is that of sugar naturally occurring in fruit and is in no way overpowering. It is the prefect balance of acid and residual sugar. Sweet, Tart and Earth perfectly balance one another.

This wine is great for a hot day at a Barbecue. It would pair perfectly with barbecued ribs, smoked pork or hearty spicy chili. I can also see this pairing extremely well with spicy Asian or Indian foods. I have enjoyed this wine numerous times by itself and that is just as enjoyable too. Amazing match for Summer and also great for an everyday treat.

2008 Starlite Vineyards Estate Viognier

Specs:

2008 Starlite Vineyards Estate Viognier

Sonoma

Geyserville, California

14.5 % Alcohol

100% Viognier

http://www.starlitevineyards.com/

$37.00

Notes:

Being a lover of the Viognier grape I was excited to see this bottle on the shelf. It was from a winery I was unfamiliar with from a region I really enjoy. I immediately purchased this beautiful bottle of wine. Viognier is a difficult grape to grow and because of the extra work winemakers put into this varietal you will find higher price tags. This Viognier is well worth every penny you spend. The flavor is so bright and bold and is the perfect wine for all meals and occasions.

The color is a rich gold and is beautiful in the glass. The smell is of sweet dry citrus, mainly orange as well as honey and floral notes. The taste is pure and sweet. You instantly sense orange. That of the orange rind especially. The sweetness you get on the tongue is not that of sugar but of rich creamy honey. The flavors are bright, clean and powerful. This wine doesn't spend much time in oak so the flavor has more mineralistic qualities than earthly undertones. The taste lingers beautifully and has a hearty full mouthfeel.

Because this wine is so sweet if you choose to pair this with something I would suggest it have an acidic quality. Something such as a lemon tart or even carrot cake. It can also be drank as dessert itself which is how I chose to enjoy it. This is a great way to branch out from the usual Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc rut.