This is such an easy drink, not overly fruity and perfectly balanced.  It shows graceful, elegant fruit and fragrant, sweet oak spices. The gentle nature of the fruit from this vintage allows the influence of the barrels to shine through, lending rich caramel and vanilla notes to ripe tropical fruit, citrus and floral aromas. The palate is layered with golden apples and peaches and pierced by a bright streak of citrus that carries into the long and crisp finish.

Historical family and this Old Vine Zin is estate grown and absolutely outstanding. 

This wine has a moderate body with deep, rich aromas. Beautiful, alluring flavors of dark black fruit and soft tannins.  You aren’t left over with the black pepper, it is very approachable. 

The counterpart to the white blend is in its 2^nd Edition. 

This Syrah-based blend is complex, velvety, juicy and nothing short of exquisite. It's a friend to grilled meats, barbecued chicken, Italian red sauce dishes, pizza, cioppino and even a fine ratatouille. In a nutshell, ERed is the worthy evolution of Evolution and most certainly worth the 13 year wait

To pay tribute to the 3^rd most consumed white wine varietal, I’m recommending a Moscato. And yes, the packaging is a great concept. 

Vibrant floral notes with aromas of peach and orange blossoms. Flavors of citrus, peaches, and tropical fruits dominate without losing their delicateness. A soft and luscious mouthfeel with a hint of effervescence for a beautiful liveliness and a balance to the sweetness.
The perfect balance of crispness and sweetness makes this Moscato a perfect pairing with spicy seafood or chicken dishes, and is amazing while paired with bleu cheese, and desserts that include pairs or peaches.

Fall is approaching!  A great transitional, value oriented red.  

This Pinot Noir captures the best of Santa Barbara’s unique terroir with a fresh, light-bodied profile that allows the grape’s varietal character to shine through. An inviting, delicate perfume emerges from the glass, while bright red cherry and strawberry flavors lightly dance upon the palate. Beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity, it’s the ideal complement for earthy mushrooms, grilled salmon or lamb.

Our 2009 vintage is a classic Alsacian-style.

Almost bone-dry, displaying characteristics of green apple and meyer lemon with a hint of pear with aromas of pineapple and citrus. This fruity, crisp Gris is best if served chilled. Pairs well with chicken and fish.

This is a tremendous Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

It is grown on a 12-acre vineyard which surrounds the winery in Calistoga, yielding fruit that is bright and naturally acidic. Aged sur lies for four months in a combination of French oak barrels, stainless steel drums and puncheons, the wine expresses the soil and sunny climate in which it was grown, with the minerality and freshness so becoming to this varietal.

These grapes are 100% certified organic.

A pure expression of Gewurztraminer grape characters expressing spicy and fruity aromas. Coupled with crisp and juicy fruit flavors, this wine will pair well with spicy ethnic dishes.

A very friendly food pairing wine this week!

This wine presents itself to the eye with a straw-golden color. The wine opens with full, complex aromas touched by floral notes and hints of candied fruit. In the mouth the wine is well-balanced, full-bodied, and has a long aromatic finish.

I was feeling rustic this week.

This Spanish red is crimson with violet tinges.  It has Intense stewed cherry and blackberry fruit characters followed by tobacco, cinnamon, black pepper and cloves.  On the palate, there is a full bodied expansive wine providing a big fruit blast with firm yet friendly tannins.  Finishes pleasant and satisfying.  Great deal and you should find it for around $9.