2013 Two Shepherds Viognier (Russian River Valley). I often dislike the rich, oily character of viognier, but this version, made by a passionate Rhone-a-phile (William Allen) in a small industrial garage space in Windsor (near the Burger King fryer manufacturer!) was lithe and bracing and delicious!
Tilted Shed Ciderworks. Next door to Two Shepherds is an amazing cider producer! Delicious, utterly dry, funky ciders. The IPOB/natural wine equivalent, only made with obscure cider apples of amazing variety! Locals: If you are in Windsor on a weekend, I definitely recommend Tilted Shed!
2013 Due Vigne Chardonnay Sonoma Coast. Bright, minerally, lemony, apricot Chardonnay. Not my favorite grape variety, but Mr. Musso nails his Chardonnay. I was disappointed they dropped the 3,000 foot elevation wine from the foothills, but this lovely Sonoma wine is slurpable.
2010 Corison Cabernet "Napa Valley". I love Cathy's wines! This was actually in a beautiful place right now. Rich and heady nose, but definitely on the balanced and elegant side. A touch of pyrazines, but in the context of a silky, rich, but elegant base of fruit. Went very well with red meat at Mustard Seed in Davis.
2013 Catalpa Malbec. despite the high alcohol, this was a lovely balanced mid-priced Argentine Malbec from 4,500 feet in the Andes. Uco Valley. Violets and cherry and plum. Definitely the violets. Lovely for the price!