A Trio of Wines at the River: Alyssa Rosé, Stephanie's Cuvée Pinot Noir, and Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir!
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—both of which never get old!
The wines featured in this post recently accompanied me on a much needed, socially distanced respite along the river. There is truly something therapeutic about being on or near a natural body of water, and relaxing along the shore is a good counterweight to the daily stress of living through a pandemic. These wines—coincidentally all named after women (and closed with rotating closures)—are nicely balanced, pleasing sippers that are easy to drink, alone or with food. For further information and where you can find them, please see my tasting notes below.
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| Alyssa 2019 Rosé |
Alyssa 2019 Rosé (SRP $9): A fresh, eye-catching label combined with attractive pricing personifies this enjoyable, highly-drinkable rosé from southern France. Composed of 50% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, and 25% Syrah, it pours a lovely medium-pink. Lively aromas of red summer berries and rose water intersect with watermelon jolly rancher and a trace of citrus zest on the palate, with a good lift of acidity to match. Enjoy this vibrant refresher with appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, Mediterranean fare, and more. I’m already thinking about taking Alyssa out on a fall picnic! Region: Pays d'Oc IGP, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Other info: ABV 12%, screw cap enclosure, imported by MHW Ltd. Click here to find this wine.
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| River Road Vineyards’ 2017 Stephanie's Cuvee Pinot Noir |
River Road Vineyards’ 2017 Stephanie's Cuvee Pinot Noir (SRP $29): River Road is a brand under the Rubin Family of Wines. Fruit for this wine is sourced from estate and family-owned vineyards from Green Valley of Russian River Valley sub-appellation. This delightful Pinot Noir delivers aromas and flavors of cherry cola, purple stone fruit, baking spice, and cedar box with a trace of vanilla bean lingering on the finish. In the mouth, it is medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a touch of grip on the back end. I enjoyed it with meatloaf brushed with a red wine glaze, and garlic mash, which proved to be a lovely match. Region: Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California. Other info: ABV 14.3%, aged in 20% new French oak barrels, screw cap enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
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| Left Coast 2017 Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir |
Left Coast 2017 Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir (SRP $24): Named for the daughter of the proprietors, Cali is the flagship bottling from the estate, comprised of selections from all vineyard blocks and clonal selections. This is a great example of a Pinot Noir that’s pleasing and satisfying without breaking the piggy bank. Ruby red in color, this medium-bodied wine opens with aromas of black cherry, raspberry preserve, and tea leaf spice. The flavors mirror the nose with the addition of savory notes, followed by a pinch of cacao on the finish. Cali is a nicely balanced wine that sips well on its own yet is also a solid lunch or dinner pick. Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon. Other info: ABV 13.5%, aged in 100% French oak for nine months, screw cap enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
