How satisfying to discover an Italian red that's not all bone dry fruit with no structure. A blend of 70% merlot, 20% sangiovese and 10% petit verdout, it's luscious and juicy blueberry, plum, and dark fruit character are a match made in heaven for rich pasta and meat dishes. This sumptuous red brought out all the flavors the foods may have had hidden and in turn, the cuisine seduced the chocolate and espresso notes from it's depths. Give your tastebud's a treat soon.    

 

This low production unfiltered gem deserves some serious attention. Loaded with blackberry, black cherry, and black currant fruit, it was the huge smoke, chocolate laden aroma's that left me begging for more. The more it opened, the more complexity it offered. Roasted nuts, carmel, cocoa and lavender integrated beautifully with the French oak and rich integrated beautifully with the French oak and rich earthiness. For a cool climate Syrah from the Edna valley, kudos are in order for this relatively new producer.     

On my recent trip through the Oregon wine country, I was introduced to A to Z through a local winemaker who suggested I include this winery on my itinerary. I came away not only impressed with their current line up of fantastic wines but also the depth of wine making experience and years of knowledge going into their product. The Pinot Noir has all the characteristics of an Oregon Pinot, dark berries, spice, smoke, light acidity, earth and floral notes. What separates them from the rest of the pack is the richness and depth of flavors that linger and will continue to do so for years to come. Drink young or cellar for years, at this price, it's a steal of a deal that you don't want to be left behind.