April Taster's Advantage
Gold Selection Plan 1 $24.95 
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included)
Owl Box Pinot Noir
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Carneros, California
While Cabernet Sauvignon might be the grape most think of when ruminating about red wines from California, many also hopefully recall the pockets of perfection that allow for the growing of grapes that need something a bit cooler. One famous 'pocket' is Los Carneros, a ninety square mile AVA (American Viticultural Area) on the southernmost foothills of the Mayacamas and Sonoma mountain ranges.
Los Carneros AVA (also known as Carneros AVA) includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties in California, U.S.A.. It is located north of San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
So, we have a great place to grow Pinot Noir but how is this bottling? In a word, lovely! Scents of fresh cherries and rose petals are grounded with touches of light spice and garden loam. Upon tasting, the berries are massively ripe: cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Background notes of subtle minerality and light spice add complexity. The grip of tannins and scintillating streaks of acidity keep this wine balanced and ideal for the spring table. Think everything from ham to lamb, salmon to tuna, duck to pork. Or try some chèvre and salami with your favorite herb crackers.
And what's up with the owl theme? Barn owls are extremely useful in vineyard management but they do not create their own nest holes. Instead, they frequently use hollow trees or cavities from other birds, and they readily move into open buildings or nest boxes. With the right barn owl box, it is possible to encourage barn owls to become permanent residents in your yard or elsewhere on a larger property. Many farmers and backyard birders welcome barn owls because these birds are efficient hunters that prey almost exclusively on small rodents such as mice, voles, rats, shrews, and gophers. With hungry barn owls and owlets in the area, less money, time, and effort will be needed for rodent control. Furthermore, because these raptors are primarily nocturnal, they rarely bother livestock or pets. They will not hurt crops or gardens, and they don't require feeders or expensive seed.
In summation, this is a light, bright, vibrant, fresh Pinot Noir that shows off the beauty of both Carneros and the vineyard protectors, the owls.
Castano 2017 Solo Solanera Vina Viejas
Grape Variety: 65% monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Garnacha Tintorera
Origin: D.O. Yecla, North West of Murcia in Spain
We loved the 2016 release of Solanera and we believe the 2017 is even better! This is a red blend from Southeastern Spain comprised of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Garnacha Tintorera.
Complex, luxurious, harmonious. This is both serious and seriously good wine. It is structured enough to hold up to ribs on the barbecue with enough ripe fruit components and a price point to enjoy every day. There's so much going on regarding olfactory, taste and structure while just being a delight to sip. All this for under $13?? Sign us up!
DOP Yecla is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines located around the town of Yecla in the northernmost corner of the region of Murcia (Spain) and is completely surrounded by other DOPs: Jumilla to the south and west, Almansa to the north and Alicante to the east. The area is notable for its extensive use of the red Monastrell grape variety, and it is traditionally known as the home of Monastrell in Spain. Monastrell is the fourth most planted red grape variety in Spain.
The nose starts with gorgeous violet scents and a midnight garden floral perfume that leads to layers of mixed black fruits, sarsaparilla, dark red fruits and incense. In the mouth, ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry) lead to spice box flavors, strawberry tea and a touch of herbal. Moderate silky tannins keep this wine balanced and alight. Vibrant fruit and dark spices pave the way to a long, glorious finish.
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Beautiful, with lots of cassis, blackberry, graphite, camphor, and acacia flower notes on the nose, the 2017 Vinas Viejas hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. A blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Garnacha, brought up in 75% new French oak, it's the real deal and will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer.
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