The Federalist Lodi Zinfandel 2014

Created to honor our founding father, this bold red is particularly American, blending 93% Zinfandel with a bit (7%) of Syrah.

With different blocks fermenting separately to maintain the character of each grape, the blend is then aged in new American oak for 12 months.

Dark purple in the glass, aromas of strawberry and ripe summer fruits set against rich exotic spices.

Flavors range from vegetal green peppers to strawberry sorbet, from marzipan to plum and cherry, a perfect balance of bright acidity and mild tannins.

Fairly high alcohol content of 14.5%. SRP of $17.76! Huzzah!

This dense red will pair well with a spicy dish, we did a chicken with coconut curry and it worked extremely well.

Left Coast Cellars Cali's Cuvée Pinot Noir 2013

From Left Coast Cellars in Willamette Valley, Oregon comes this light and airy Pinot Noir. In spite of that lightness this one shows a surprising intensity that pulses and then opens nicely. Medium weight, light and clear in the glass and pale rose colors. In contrast the aromas display new fruits, strawberry, white pepper flowing into more intricate mushroom and earthy notes. On the palate are ripe plum, a slightly metallic raspberry, a bit of minerality... even a bit of leather and barbecue smoke. This one is like a sunset, somewhere between sweet and tart with light tannins and bright acidity, smooth and round with a good finish.