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Wine Banter by John Haggard - June 2018

Kelley & Young Kathleen Rose 2016 Robert Young Vineyard, Alexander Valley

This rose from Kelley & Young has a creamy red berry cinnamon quality, watermelon and very even distribution of subtle mineral throughout the palate and a low alcohol of 13.2%. This is really more than just the perfect summer-time sipping wine, it is the finest Bordeaux blend rose I have ever tasted, hands down – and with production of only 280 cases, wine club members and restauranteurs are going to have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy one of the finest roses I have tasted. Pair with barbequed chicken, seafood, salmon, scallops – it really bridges all the gaps; salads – use your imagination. The tart cherry, which I didn’t mention aforehand is another element of the wine that makes it perfect with food – it’s lovely to have an opportunity to taste a wine so fine. Enjoy now through 2019 -- cheers. For more information on Kelley & Young Wines, visit

Moshin Rose of Pinot Noir 2017 RRV (new release)

A light, delicate pale pink color for this dry rose. The nose is strawberries, red cherries and slightly candied. Racey acids – a citric zesty quality. The nose is filled with green papaya which also translates to the palate. Pair this rose with seafood – sauteed prawns, scampi, white fish, scallops or oysters on the half shell. Enjoy now through 2019. For more information on Moshin Vineyards, visit moshinvineyards.com

Cazadero Winery Chardonnay 2015 Sonoma Coast

A nose of bosc pair, orange rind, honey suckle, lemon zest. The palate leads with baked apple and pineapple, meyer lemon and a distinctive kumquat quality. There is flan on the finish – and subtle caramelized sugar flavors. Well- integrated French oak provides a hint of vanilla. Pair this wine with Caesar salad, and white fish, scallops, or, frankly, just enjoy as an extraordinarily delicious sipping wine. For more information on Cazadero Winery, visit cazaderowinery.com

Mucardini Barbera Pauli Ranch 2015 Redwood Valley, Mendocino County

On the nose - candied red fruit, sugar beet. Red berry cranberry at the front of the palate with a mouthful of red and black raspberries, red cherries, and well-integrated acid and oak. This is a spectacular barbera – and only 352 cases made from the farm that is up in Mendocino (Pauli Ranch). The palate is also filled with Chinese five-spice throughout with hints of orange rind. Easily ageable for the next seven years. Pair this Barbera with a Hunter’s Stew or even a strawberry pie – don’t be shy. Savory is the word. No decanting necessary.

Muscardini Sangiovese 2015 Sonoma Valley 145 cases produced

A complex nose of ginger cookie, with vanilla, red licorice, and root beer. Tart red berries and cherries on the front of the palate lead to a sage quality where hints of tobacco, cocoa subtly comingle. There is also an expressive pomegranate flavor. This bold sangiovese will make a perfect pairing for grilled meats – and perfectly timed for summer barbeque. Enjoy now through 2024. No decanting necessary. For more information on Muscardini Cellars, visit muscardinicellars.com.

Upcoming Events:

Paws 4 Wine

Come enjoy a day with your dog at your favorite wineries and help a good cause! Wine Road’s Paws 4 Wine event will be held on June 23rd from 11 am to 3 pm, supporting Canine Companions for Independence. For more information visit wineroad.com

Cazadero Winery Chardonnay Release

Friday, June 22, 4-7pm, Sophie’s Cellars, Duncans Mills, CA.

Gold and double-gold & best off class award winning chardonnay – NEW RELEASE!

It’s all mountain grown Cazadero fruit. This chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in French Oak, 1/2 new Dargaud & Jaegle 1/2 once used Francois Freres. Only 100 cases made. At the same time, Cazadero Winery will be tasting the 2011 Cazadero Cabernet Sauvignon. Cazadero Winery’s 2011 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (no blends) was produced from the iconic Mountain Terraces Vineyard located in the Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County. This 2011 Cabernet was also awarded a Gold Medal by the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

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