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Stinson Vineyards 2015 Meritage (SRP $31): This is a really well put together estate-grown Meritage. Composed of 43% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 21% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, it blends richness with finesse—quite effortlessly. It pours deep ruby. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry tart (pretty fruit) and exotic spice dominate; joining flavors of red plum, earth tones and fennel on the medium-bodied palate. It has pleasant acidity with polished tannins and a lingering finish. Only 300 cases of this wine were produced. With the holiday season right around the corner, this is an excellent bottle of wine to have in-hand for your next dinner party. Learn more at stinsonvineyards.com. — 5 years ago

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Markus Wine Co. 2015 ‘Zeitlos’ Syrah (SRP $39): This is an absolutely delicious Syrah. Sourced from Lodi, California’s Borra Vineyards, there are additions of 12% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, and 4% Viognier. I’m fond of this wine for its vividness, framework, depth, and freshness. Inviting black and blue skinned fruit aromas, join dark cherry, violets, and a mix of earth tones, black pepper and baking spices on the palate. It is full-bodied with fine yet firm tannins, and balanced acidity, ending with a long, lingering finish. Swiss-born winemaker Markus Niggli is among a number of boutique producers crafting high-quality wines from Lodi-grown fruit that are turning heads across the country. All of Markus Wine Co. wines are beautifully packaged. The striking label art, by Karina Michaels, represents the sacrifice for quality—the zeitlos (ageless and memorable) you’ll find in this bottle of wine. Drink now or hold, just visit markuswine.com and get some. Cheers, my friends! #Lodi #LodiWine #cawine #Syrah #wine #winelover #wineblogger #winewriter #myvinespot #FindThisWine — 6 years ago

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I enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs with this pleasing bottle of Tesoro della Regina 2016 Chianti Classico. Fronted by bright red berry fruit, this wine is harmonious and fresh with supple texture. It is sure to satisfy without breaking the piggy bank. SRP $13 #TesorodellaRegina #ChiantiClassico #Sangiovese #ItalianWine #wine #WineWednesday — 6 years ago

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I enjoyed a generous splash of Flora Springs 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon last week with steak-frites. This is an estate blend, with additions of 11% Merlot, 3% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Fruit is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville. There are inviting aromas and flavors of blackberry, warm black cherry, baker's chocolate, and a dash of spice box, ending with a med-long, creamy finish. This wine is balanced, approachable, and ready to pour. It worked really well with my meal. Cheers! #CabernetSauvignon #CabSauv #NapaWine #wine #winelover #wineenthusiast #winewriter #myvinespot #FloraSprings — 6 years ago

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Leyda Pinot Noir 2017 Rosé (SRP $15): This fresh and expressive rosé is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the cool-climate wine region of Leyda Valley on Chile's central coast. There are vivid aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon, along with underlying notes of rose petals and dried herbs. This wonderfully refreshing wine is suitable for any occasion, especially those that include: food, friends, and beautiful weather. — 6 years ago

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This 2012 ‘Jordan’ Pinot Noir from Youngberg Hill is quite tasty—darker cherry fruit notes, blueberry, and graphite-like quality framed by fresh, uplifting acidity. It was a great choice for washing down the baby back ribs I smoked for the #GoPats game last night. Cheers! #PinotNoir #WillametteValley #orwine #wineblogger #wine #winelover #myvinespot — 6 years ago

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@FieldsFamWines Fields Family Wines 2016 Grenache Blanc (SRP $24): Grenache Blanc is a variety that’s widely planted in Spain and France. I haven’t seen it planted in large numbers anywhere else. Yet it grows surprisingly well in the Alta Mesa sub-appellation of Lodi, California, based on what’s in my glass. Sourced from Delu Vineyards, this appealingly aromatic wine leads with vibrant tree fruit flavors followed by notes of tea leaf, fresh rose petal, and cut apple. Medium-bodied and nicely textured, beautifully integrated acidity provides good energy and lift—building a brightness that extends through the medium-long, pleasing finish. A reliable producer year after year—winemaker and social media rock-star Ryan Sherman delivers the goods. Learn more about this small-production winery at fieldsfamilywines.com. #GrenacheBlanc #GrenacheDay #wine #winelover #Lodi #LodiWine #FindThisWine — 6 years ago

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Fields Family Wines 2014 Estate Syrah: I enjoyed this delicious Syrah at the beach one evening while ocean-gazing and listening to Grateful Dead’s American Beauty. Wine, music, and a view—such an awesome trio! In social circles, Fields Family Wines have been called the “Pretty Girl in the Room,” and this beauty lives up to the label. Enticing aromas of violets, black tea, and perfumed spices, join purple stone fruit and black cherries on the palate. It is medium-bodied, with balanced acidity, smooth texture, and well-rounded tannins—finishing with a dash of pepper and earth. This producer offers excellent value, and is as dependable as they come. Check them out at fieldsfamilywines.com. SRP $25. — 6 years ago

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McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Viognier (SRP $32): McKahn Family Cellars is located in Livermore Valley, and focuses on Rhone-inspired wines. Fruit is sourced from select vineyards throughout California. Their 2017 Viognier fruit comes from Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation. This wine is bright, crisp and refreshing, with expressive aromas and upfront flavors of citrus blossom, orange rind and stone fruit, followed by alluring floral notes. A laser beam of acidity propels the pleasing finish. Overall, this is a racy, delectable rendition of Viognier, worthy of your attention and dinner table. Learn more about McKahn Family Cellars—a true family affair—at mckahnfamilycellars.com.





#McKahnFamilyCellars #SonomaWine #RussianRiverValley #Viognier #wine #winelover #wineconsumer #wineblogger #wineenthusiast #FindThisWine

— 6 years ago

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Left Coast Cellars 2015 Latitude 45 Pinot Noir (SRP $38): Latitude 45 is Left Coast Cellars' oldest vineyard (planted in 2001 to Dijon clones). Like many of the great vineyards of France, the site directly intersects the 45th parallel—hence the name. This wine has a dark fruit character, led by plum and black berry fruit, underscored by notable mineral and forest floor tones. There’s a dash of dried red fruit in the background, with black cherry and dark chocolate bark on the finish. It has a soft, round texture with balanced acidity. I enjoyed this Pinot on its own and with pan-fried calves' liver—the iron-rich flavors of the dish paired nicely with the wine. Cheers! #PinotNoir #WillametteValley #orwine #wineblogger #wine #winelover #myvinespot — 6 years ago