Da Vero 2013 Carrignan, Testa Ranch, Mendocino County. This is a frankly delicious wine in all the glory of the "peasant" grape varietal. Brilliant black cherry fruit, a tangy herbal element, fantastic acidity that really complemented the pasta with tomato, onion, garlic, and spicy sausage. My favorite Da Vero red wine! (The Alto Basso Barbera-Sangiovese blend is also delicious, but much pricier)
Two Shepherds Summer Party (Windsor). In a Windsor industrial park near the company that manufactures fryers for Burger King
Multiple delicious wines here, but for me the whites shone today! As always, the 2013 Viognier was savory and bright with cleansing acidity and no cloying mouth feel. One of my favorite viogniers! Went well with the salad course the next day.
Also, an intriguing 6 year old sauvignon blanc made as a project by a sommelier friend of the winemaker. Completely unique...like no other Sauvignon Blanc I have tasted. Tangy and bright...can't even describe it.
Finally, William's version of Trousseau Gris from Fanucci was also unique. Skin contact, so an "orange wine" of sorts. Definitely bright acidity with peach and lemon flavors with a definite touch of savory funkiness. This may be one of my favorite TGs, but it is so different than others!
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With steaks Sunday night- 2011 Chase Creek Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap Wine Cellars. Very primary at this point, but in a good way. Very bright licorice (anise) fruit, red berry, a savory core. Bright and lithe wine...no Napa Goop Bomb here. Delicious wine...I should have probably held it to see how it evolves over the years, but I can't complain about how it complemented the steaks.