Quick Sip: A Delicious Trio of Red, White & Sparkling with Addendum Wines, Bonterra, and Casa Valduga

Hello Friends,

Just about every day, as wine o'clock approaches, you can find me uncorking or unscrewing a new adventure. Being a wine enthusiast, a wine writer, and someone who appreciates the liquid expression of place, a person’s vision, and Mother Nature’s influence, I find wine to be one of the most intriguing beverages out there. The world of wine offers endless opportunities to learn and taste new things.

The wines featured in this post are all worthy of your attention and dinner table, and they are sure to make that special occasion even more memorable. But if you’re like me, don’t wait for a special occasion; make today that special occasion. 

You can start by popping the cork and enjoying one of these delicious wines any time you like. Good friends and food are optional—but are highly recommended. For further information and where you can find these wines, please see my tasting notes below.

Addendum 2014 Skellenger Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

Addendum 2014 Skellenger Lane Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $95): Addendum is an exciting new portfolio launched by renowned Santa Barbara producer Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard. The Addendum label focuses on small batches of Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from some of the top sites in Napa Valley. This full-bodied example hails from the Rutherford appellation. It is deep purple in color, with layers of complexities: cedar box, spice cake, toasted pastry, vanilla bean, and a hint of mint—surround a rich core of ripe dark berry and purple stone fruit flavors. There is good depth and structural intensity, anchored by dusty tannins that gain traction on the long, textured finish. This is a serious wine that is a pleasure to sip. It is also a good cellar candidate to enjoy over the next decade. Approximately 116 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Other info: ABV 14.9%, matured 28 months in 100% French oak barrels [all new], natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.

Bonterra 2015 The Roost Blue Heron Vineyard Chardonnay

Bonterra 2015 The Roost Blue Heron Vineyard Chardonnay (SRP $40): This Chardonnay is made from biodynamic grapes sourced from Bonterra’s Blue Heron vineyard in Mendocino County, California. If you are a member of the Anything But Chardonnay (ABC) club, this wine just may be your ticket out. Notable for its lovely texture, there are flavors of lemon curd, caramel apple, pear tart, and baking spice, framed by notes of toasted oak. In the mouth, it is well-rounded with zesty acidity, providing balance and lift. I enjoyed it on its own and with a delicious bowl of butternut squash soup. Region: Mendocino County, California. Other info: ABV 14.3%, matured in French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.

Casa Valduga NV 130 Brut (SRP $32): Brazil is gaining recognition for its sparkling wines, and examples like this make it is easy to see why. The story of Casa Valduga began in 1875, when the first Italian immigrant from the Valduga family arrived in Brazil and planted a vineyard. Today, the family’s fourth generation runs the estate. This sparkler is made in the traditional method. It is 100% estate-grown, and composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Pale straw in color, it has a persistent, creamy mousse of bubbles, with notes of dried stone fruit and bruised apple, followed by white flowers and an appealing brioche character. Add a little pop to your next impromptu get-together with this lively Brazilian sparkler! Region: Vale dos Vinhedos, Brazil. Other info: ABV 12%, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.