2019 Lasseter Family Winery Enjoué Rosé

 

Lasseter Family Winery of Glen Ellen, CA is a new venture for us. We are always excited to partner with a new (to us) winery and if this rosé is any indication of what we're in for, we have a little wine crush!  One definition of the name Enjoué is "playful" and this wine hits that description on the head.  While this would be an amazing summer sipper, we couldn't wait to share this one with you.  Today we are tasting and sharing the 2019 Lasseter Family Winery Enjoué Rosé wine.  This pale pink wine is a unique blend of Grenache (48%), Mourvèdre (27%), Syrah (18%) and Counoise (7%).  Initially we attempted to taste this wine more chilled than usual and the nose was muted.  After some time out of the cooler, it burst open with pear, strawberry and citrus fruits literally leaping from the glass.  There is a acidity that is zippy and refreshing and the strawberry flavors join with hints of spring flowers and orange peel.  This wine will leave you smiling and wanting more.  Trust us, the bottle will be empty before you know it.  This was a fantastic introduction to Lasseter Family Winery for us. 700 cases produced.

ABV:  13.5%

Glen Ellen, CA

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

 

2013 d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache

Going back a bit on this one (the 2015 is currently available) with the 2013 d'Arenberg Grenache wine - The Custodian.  For between $15 - $20 you can get a ton of enjoyment with this solid wine that boasts aromas of black raspberry, plum, pepper and licorice.   It's a straight forward crowd pleaser that would really be an exception add-on to your thick, medium rare steak.  The finish is quick but memorable on this one and it would be hard for anyone to think otherwise.  I really enjoy d'Arenberg wines and this one should be on your radar.

ABV:  14.3%

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Suggested retail price:  $20.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2016 Farmhouse Red

So, I was super excited to get this bottle of wine, which is produced by Cline Cellars of California.  Why?  Because to me this wine represents much more than what is inside.  This bottle represents to me heritage, education, appreciation and love for farming and the earth.  I guess I feel, in some way, that I have a "six degrees" connection with this bottle and what it stands for because farming has run in my family for generations.  Be good stewards of the earth and ye shall be rewarded.  

The 2016 Farmhouse Red wine has some real energy.  As I was pouring this wine, the raspberry, smoky, scorched earth actually leaped from the glass.   Swirling only accentuated the same and completely filled the nose and throat with delicious, full, warm aromas.  In the mouth is a wine that makes a presence with the blackberry pie, toasted dark bread and sweet cherries that combine with a peppery and luscious finish that doesn't necessary linger, but is memorable and delicious.  If fruit-forward wines are your jam, than this wine is calling your name.  This wine would be a great cheese wine or pair well with meat that has been on the smoker all day.  This is a blend of Merlot (39%), Syrah (21%), Zinfandel (20%), Grenache (9%), Petite Sirah (7%) and Mourvedre (3%).  Solid!

ABV:  14.0%

California

Suggested retail price:  $15.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100