December Featured Wines – Truchard Vineyards 2017 Sauvignon Blanc “The Shepherd,” Caneros, Napa Valley & Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA

Truchard Vineyards 2017 Sauvignon Blanc “The Shepherd,” Caneros, Napa Valley $15

Truchard Vineyards 2017 “The Shepherd” Sauvignon Blanc, Caneros, Napa Valley comes from much improved weather with rains bringing relief from drought before severe wild fires near the end of harvest made this a memorable vintage. Fortunately all of Truchard Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc was harvested before the fires broke out. The wines are intense, but elegant with nice acidity and balance. The mouth is crisp and clean with bright flavors of Meyer lemon, guava, and lychee. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or accompanying baked seafood, roasted vegetable salads, and even Thai food. This is a small production wine so enjoy it while you can. Alcohol: 13.9%

 

 

Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA $15

Donati Family Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines, Central Coast, CA shows the qualities of a cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Central Coast region. The aroma says this very well – herbs and leather.On the palate, this Cabernet shows an interesting medley of cranberry, pepper, and leather. It has rich tannins and a crisp finish. The delicate blend of the 4 grapes shows great balance. This is a bold wine that compliments a holiday prime rib roast or roasted beef tenderloin. If you are looking for a gift for your host, this Cabernet is a good choice at a great price. Alcohol: 13.8%

Featured Wines for February – 2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California & 2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California

2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $12

Our featured white selection for February is Raymond Vineyards’ 2014 R Collection  Sauvignon Blanc.   This is a lively, wine with bright aromas of white peach and lime accented by invigorating flavors of pineapple, lychee and green apple. It has a crisp acidity and a smooth, mineral finish which makes this the perfect pairing for a variety of dishes – particularly seafood stews or pastas.

 

 

2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California  $16

This is Donati’s  most popular wine. It is the only California wine that can be called “Claret” just as the French do for such blends. The grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is rich and intense and features aromas of ripe strawberry and cocoa with notes of cherry and cola on the finish. This is a great steak wine but one that also compliments veal and pork