Wine Country Outings

Whew - a busy few months for TexaCali Ali organizing "insiders tours" for friends & corporate groups out in the Bay Area.  I've even done the same for Californians who are visiting Austin this fall (Perlas for cocktails, Congress for Dinner, Curra's for TexMex...it's a long long list of goodies). 

Yesterday's "team-building" outing included 26 Google groovers & shakers who spent the day learning about wine  - oh and tasting a few bottles too.  It was a day- long party for sure, everyone dressed to the "day-party nines" and were glued to their Androids - though I did see a few working their iPhones. Side note - I've been told over and over the Android rocks.

Many thanks to Enos Vineyards, Michel-Schlumberger & Davis Family Vineyards for making the day such a hit! 

Cheers - Ali

Winery of the Labor Day Weekend

So just about a year ago I headed out West for a bit of a "reset" after a brutal start to 2010.  Among everything that I'm over the moon about since California welcomed me back (see Back in Cali post ) meeting Jason Enos and his team behind Enos Vineyards and Brack Mountain Wine Co.  has been such a pleasure.  

I have to laugh, Jason and I are the same age, exactly one day apart actually and pretty much everything he has created in his life has been a close (yet distant) day dream of mine.  Married, 2 kids, Labrador Retrievers, house in the vineyards, pool in the vineyards, pizza oven overlooking the pool in the vineyards, his own winery and of course his ability to create and produce world class wines from California. Yep,  Jason pretty much has my dream life.  So helping him with building his dream is totally cool yet very inspiring for me to get after it and go for it too.  Most fabulous "side-project" ever for TexaCali Ali!   Nice and refreshing after dealing with some severe egomaniac & bat-shit-crazy jerks over the years in the wine biz too.  Jason and his team have their feet and the ground and are great fun to be around!

So Texas, the wines you are sipping on draft at Whole Foods - Bar Lamar and Frank for starters are those of Brack Mountain Wine Co.  Also, bottles of Cyprus, Tramonto and Bench are starting to appear in the best restaurants and wine shops all over Texas.  They certainly are killin' it all over California, Chicago, NC and New York City.  Bay Area-  K&L Wine Merchants is currently rollin' through their 2009 Bench Cabernet Sauvignon - you can find the deepest selection at D&M on Filmore in Pac Heights.

I'll be sipping on the Estate Enos Cabernet, Enos Girasole, Cyprus Chardonnay this holiday weekend - the back story of all the hard work by Jason and his team is so incredibly inspiring and I raise my glass to them!  Cheers - TexaCali Ali  

PS - Favorite Brands (formerly Avante) is their Texas distributor.

Labor Day Weekend 2011 - Sonoma Style

Quick Travel Tip! 

Wow! The lineup of events this weekend all over Sonoma County is fantastic.  I often receive requests from folks asking what to do and where to go when visiting the area.  This weekend has it all for any wine lover - if you haven't made your holiday plans yet - here's a perfect way to sip & relax in the wine country. http://www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com

 Cheers! Ali

York St. Memories

5 Years ago today...end of a long week, a fine dinner and new friends.


http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2006/08/sweet-endings.html

Looking up in Mendoza

February 2010

Bordeaux

An Epic Trip for the 2010 Primeurs this last Spring!  Had the great pleasure of traveling with Ralph Sands, the Bordeaux Specialist at K&L Wine Merchants.  Today he's leading a tasting - if you live anywhere near the Bay Area, I promise it'll be worth the trip! Details...

In the Redwood City store from 1-4pm with yours truly,  Cost is $20.00

The Lineup….

2010 Ch. Reynon Blanc- Cotes de Bordeaux

2009 Ch. de Macard- Bordeaux Superieur

2008 Ch. Lillian Ladouys- St-Estephe

2005 Ch. Larteau- Bordeaux Superieur

2008 Ch. d’Issan- Margaux 3^rd growth

2008 Ch. Lascombes- Margaux 2^nd growth

2005 Ch. Larrivet Haut Brion-Pessac Leognan

1997 Ch. Terry Gros Cailloux- St-Julien

1996 Ch. Langoa Barton- St-Julien

For desert…..1988 Ch. Suduiraut- Sauternes…great vintage!

Hope to see you there… Cheers! Ralph

Ralph Sands

Bordeaux Expert

Senior Wine Specialist

K&L Wine Merchants

Redwood City and San Francisco Ca.

1-800 247-5987 Ext# 2723

Direct Line 650-556-2723

Email- Ralph@klwines.com

Off Subject - Bon Iver

I woke up early to a very foggy morning in East Santa Rosa, Ca.  This was a pleasant surprise too - National Geographic debuts "Holocene".  What a peaceful video shot in Iceland. Enjoy!  - Ali

Wine of the Weekend - Tramonto

Tramonto 2010 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir. 

This is one of my very favorite California rosés this summer. Sunset Magazine recently highlighted the Tramonto as a perfect wine pairing with Salmon.  Found in your favorite happening restaurants and boutique wine shops around NorCal.  Texas just received the last batch made - this is the pink-wine that kicked off Bar Lamar at Whole Foods Austin too! (Distributed by Favorite Brands-formerly Avante Beverages)

The Pinot Noir  grapes for this wine are sourced from three of the most sought-after vineyards along Westside Road, in the northern Russian River Valley. The vines are mainly Dijon clones 115,667,777 with small amounts of Eden and Swan Clones. 

Color is light peach, a true vin gris. Aromas of watermelon rind, wild strawberries and jasmine. Flavors of peach, cucumber, citrus and a mineral, wet slate finish. Found both on tap and bottle.  $12-14 a bottle.

http://www.brackmountainwinecompany.com/

Back in Cali...

Loves.

The beauty, the land and the sea here, I missed it so much while away. Roses, thousands of bright blooming roses. Dungeness crab season. The sound of skateboards after the final school bell rings. The thrill of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge (every time!).  The TexaCali World Series.  Hosting friends from Texas, showing them the best places around. Tennessee Valley hikes.  Unconditional kindness, so many welcoming new friends, sharing their stories, their passions, their  strengths, their worries, their laughter. Growing fruits, veggies and flowers all year long in my own yard. The view over Dry Creek Valley.  Driving along HWY 280. Discovering the local wines of Grace, Brack  Mountain, Broc Cellars, Phillips Hill, Hamel, Nico, Arnot-Roberts, NPA, Michel-Schlumberger and the real people behind them. The Handal & Bellino gangs, my California Families.  Stuck in a snow storm and getting out while laughing. Falling in love. The biscuits made at Zin in Healdsburg. Flour Girl Cakes. 40 Days @ Three Dog Yoga in Santa Rosa, this changed my life. The smell of a winery, right when I walk through the doors - every single time. Bundling-up when the sun goes down. Old friends who are new again. Hot dogs a the Giants game. Walking to dinner. Anderson Valley - is every bit as lovely as I remember it every time I'm there. No mosquitoes. Rolling Fog. Happy Hippos. Shout-outs on the radio by my dear friend Ziggy the Wine Gal (thank you BGD). Seeing shows at the Great American Music Hall. Wine Country Connect, the entire staff inspires me each day. Bar stool dinners at ZAZU. Ecco Coffee. Trips to Half Moon Bay. Drinks at the AV Bar. Redwood Trees. Bright green landscapes in the winter. Rainbows over the vineyards. The sound of frogs - lots of frogs.  Crying from laughing so hard. Sundays with my best friend. Equanimity.

Cheers - Ali

Summer Break in Sonoma County

 Cheers to my sweet friends Liane, Hollywood Sarah & Lovely Lauren in from Dallas chillin' out with me in Sonoma County this week.  - Ali

Davis Family Vineyards - National Feature on Rue La La!

The past 7 days FLEW by!  Slightly behind on writing, a lot of changes going on within the industry that will impact you as a wine consumer - many good, a few that are bad if we don't all make a stand.  More on this later in the week.   

Today and tomorrow is most exciting on Rue La La.  Here's a great chance to purchase a few winery-only bottles from Davis Family Vineyards and take advantage of a nice summer-sale on ones you've loved over the years too.  If you want an invite to join Rue La La - just shoot me a message. You know how much I love these wines, so very proud to see them and expose them to a new fan base on Rue La La.  Check out their Facebook page too,  the famous ZAZU offered -up a great lobster recipe that pairs perfectly with the 2008 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay.  Downed a bottle together with my dear friend Liane visiting from Dallas last night in fact! Cheers to good friends and good wine always! - TexaCali Ali

Napa Valley's Pine Ridge

...is featured today and tomorrow on Rue La La.  I'm personally excited about this one, my first trip ever (years ago!) to Napa included a visit to Pine Ridge - I still remember tasting wines out under their beautiful trees and garden at the winery. 

The Pine Ridge boutique is full of their legendary whites and reds, also includes a first-ever inaugural release Tessitura which is a Bordeaux style blend.  If you aren't a member of Rue La La yet - feel free to ask me for an invitation to jump on this great offering from Pine Ridge!  Cheers - Ali

Breaking Down "Wine Social Media"

My top post of the year in regards to "views"...going on approx. 4,000 so far.  Original post last January

Twitter = I need a glass of wine. 

Facebook = You gotta see this glass of wine I'm having!

Foursquare = I'm having a glass of wine here. 

Quora = Why am I having a glass of wine? 

Youtube = Check out the dirt this wine comes from &/or watch me drink this wine.

LinkedIn = I drink wine very well.

Simple...are you following, a fan of, joining me, watching me or linkin to me?  

Cheers, "TexaCali Ali" 

PS: "Google" me, I'm mostly socializing online about damn good wine.
 

Sonoma County Winecountry

...a gorgeous Russian River AVA view out of the west cellar door at Copain this afternoon.

Rue La La

After an exciting wine boutique this past week for Niner Estates,  I'm happy to report that Treana Winery from Hope Family Wines is in the spotlight on Rue La La.   As you may or may not know by now, I'm lending a hand in curating the weekly "wine boutiques" on the private sale website Rue La La.   It's so fun to be attached to the fashion and travel world, wine is the perfect pairing!  Rue La La has over 4 million members now and continues to be a very powerful national brand builder for wineries who would like to increase their direct to consumer sales channel.   

Here's a link to my first time behind the scenes in Boston while visiting Rue La La headquarters.  http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2011/03/rue-la-la.html

The Treana collection goes live this Wednesday morning, take advantage of this premium offering, who's been one of my favorites from Paso Robles for many years now. Shoot me an email if you'd like an invitation to join Rue La La & see what all the wine-buzz is about! Cheers! TexaCali Ali

Westside Rd.

In the heart of the Russian River AVA last night @ 6pm.

Traveling along the TexaCali Wine Trail.

This summer is full of adventures in Northern California for me and for many TexaCali Fans!   The calendar has been full  - 7 days a week Texans are exploring the California wine country and I am very honored to help point a few in a right direction.  I've been helping out folks for years now with their trips out here,  my wish is to make certain their time is spent wisely with the right wineries for a fabulous wine country experience.  This is how it goes down...

Oh Alison, this information is so incredibly helpful!! I just made reservations for River's End and couldn't be more excited! We would be honored to receive a "special tasting" if it's not too much trouble on your end. I'm just so thrilled to go to Davis Family Vineyards and Medlock Ames! They had a huge part in me selecting northern Sonoma over the other regions. I've read so much about them on your blog and I can't wait to visit and try their wines. I really appreciate the suggestions you gave us. With our time being somewhat limited, it's helpful to be pointed in a direction from someone who knows!

and after their trip....

I can't thank you enough for your fabulous recommendations! We were able to get to most of your winery selections and REALLY loved them all.  I really, I mean really loved Copain's wines. They were literally 4 minutes from the cottage where we were staying! I really loved all their wines and the facility was beyond gorgeous. Kenny at Medlock was our last winery of the trip and he was a blast! We thoroughly enjoyed him and would love to be included in any "launch" activities you might help him plan here in Texas... we got a lot of personal attention and a very nice wine/food pairing as well.

We also did the canopy/zip lining through the Redwoods that you recommended and that was fantastic. Such a great way to see the Redwoods and get some activity as well. Our last night there we went to River's End for dinner and WOW, you weren't kidding about the view! The food was fantastic as well. My husband had the Elk and it was fabulous, but I had the salmon and it was to die for. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us plan a wonderful vacation. I had no idea just how gorgeous it is up there. I was seriously in awe at every turn! 

Thank you again for everything!   - The Wilburns Traveling from Houston

I love it!  Wine like music for me evokes memories and I'm glad to have a part in creating a few for you all...Cheers - Ali

4th of July Firecrackers

Let's pay homage to great American wines this weekend! I've hit the TexaCali Wine Trail hard this summer out in Cali and can't wait to dive into some new discoveries.  A few you should consider too!

2010 Handley Cellars Sauvignon Blanc this bright beauty will be flowing in the kitchen during BBQ prep for sure.  A perfect compliment to fresh Guacamole and peach salsa. $18

2010 Michel-Schlumberger Pinot Blanc I've written about these in detail before, this one is for all you "red-only" drinkers to finally experience a white wine that will make you smile, I promise you.  $24

 

2009 Barrique Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Only a tiny amount of this super QPR was made and can be found at K&L Wine Merchants on the West Coast.  This is going to match up perfectly with lamb burgers with caramelized onions hot off the grill.

  

2007 Pellegrini Family Vineyards Cloverdale Ranch Merlot this red is for after the sun sets and when we're surrounded by homemade brownies.  Always a classic representation of Alexander Valley Merlot $20

2007 Davis Family Vineyards Zinfandel only one bottle left of this in my cellar and boy do I love this old-vine Zin produced from 100+ year old vines in the Russian River. It's wouldn't be July 4th without it! SOLD OUT.

2008 Mark David Cabernet Franc  I have been thinking about this bottle ever since I walked away with it after tasting at Arista Winery a few weeks ago.  This is "last bottle of the night" worthy. Outstanding wine.

Happy 4th of July everyone! Cheers - Ali

May & June

A Midweek Chill with Skipping Girl Vinegar

Summer Wines from the Anderson Valley

Porch Pounders, Camping Wines, Poolside Sippers, BBQ Reds - we all have our favorite summer wines and our favorite places to drink them.  I've found many new ones recently now that summer has hit full stride I must open. I'm calling these my "Hammock & Garden Wines" since my little backyard oasis is kickin' cool these days. 

On a recent trip to the Anderson Valley I came home with these beauties:

Toulouse Vineyards is always a must stop for many reasons...I love the owners, their dog Tess, the views and of course their beautiful wines.   I seriously like all their wines, but gathered a few bottles of their new 2010 Rosé of Pinot Noir up first.  Vern sent me home with a special bottle of Riesling as well.

Handley Cellars as you know has been near and dear to me for years.  I only tasted wines that are not available in Texas.  The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillion,  2008 Viognier & the 2007 Ranchhouse Red were standouts.  So of course, I love their pink wine too. The Handley 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé is made with organically-farmed grapes from Handley’s Estate Vineyard. DELICIOUS!

Not much to say about Navarro Vineyards that you don't already know - just buy the stuff.  They have the best winery direct to consumer program and wine club in all of California.  I walked away with a mixed case  - this was my favorite for the Garden wine for this summer: 2010 Edelzwicker

Meyer Family Cellars was such a new treat for me.  I was turned onto wine years ago after reading Justin Meyer's "Plain Talk about Fine Wine" and haven't stopped since.  They are known for their hand-crafted Reds (love their Syrah!) and fantastic Port which I couldn't resist buying...but for the Hammock and Garden selection I loaded up on their new 2010 Rosé of Syrah.  The bottle after drained I shall keep around and use as a cold water bottle too, gorgeous.

Big surprise of the day was the Drew Family Wines bottle of Albarino. I had no idea Albarino was growing in Anderson Valley.  What a kick!  I've had at least 100 bottles of Albarino in my lifetime and this one was spot-on.  A fun discovery  - who knew?

Last stop of the day, minutes before closing time was at Phillips Hill Estates. And am I glad we made it!  Toby Hill is an artist and has now taken his "art" to an entire different form - winemaking.  BRAVO!  I liked every wine and that rarely happens.  His 2009 Valenti Vineyard Pinot Noir made the hair on the back of my neck standup after sipping.  I also walked away with bottles of Gewurtraminer and unoaked Chardonnay.  

I have a feeling I'm a lifer for this winery now too.  His dog "Jackson" sat on my feet while I rubbed his head...yeah, I love that about good dogs. 

Cheers to some Hammock time this weekend...what are your favorites places to sip your favorite wines?  -  Ali

In the trenches...

On the road through the Anderson Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley over the last week.  Details on my visits coming soon, for now, check out these old shoes that are displayed at Jordan Winery. They were worn in the vineyards...yikes. Latah - Ali

Époisses with Pinot Noir tonight.

Wine of the Week

Whew. one more day for me before I can take a break from a jam-packed week of work and projects.  The last few nights a chilled glass of Michel-Schlumberger 2010 La Bise Pinot Blanc has been a welcome and tasty light at the end of the daily tunnel.  

I had the pleasure of visiting the winery a few weeks ago (they were the star feature on Wine.Woot! for National Chardonnay Day on May 26) to pick up samples for a photo shoot.  If it weren't for the total sell-out on Woot! that day, their gorgeous Lu Brume Chardonnay might have beat out their new La Bise Pinot Blanc as my best friend this week. Maybe.

I've said it a thousand times over the years, I am a closet Pinot Blanc junkie.  When I get my hands on a good one, I just can't seem to open much else until the stash is depleted.  I've paired the Schlumberger Pinot Blanc with simple meals this week of king salmon, sweet potato fries, turkey burgers and veggie risotto.

Notes from the winemaker (I love their clever tasting notes):

Poor Blanc, her cousin Noir continues to make headlines while Blanc consistently works hard every day and raises a family every year…all this without the glory and fame of Noir’s life. Don’t worry Blanc, we at Michel-Schlumberger are here for you.

2010 allowed us to craft another vintage of Pinot Blanc that again showcases the dynamic nature of people, product and place. Fermented in stainless steel at a cool average temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit, the nose is delicate yet complex with hints of starfruit and light jasmine while the palate is as consistent as you’ve come to expect from Michel-Schlumberger Pinot Blanc. A distinct place with distinctive wines…this Pinot Blanc is no exception. Best enjoyed with croissants in a hot air balloon. Cheers!

Winemaker/Vineyard Manager ~ Mike Brunson 

Off to the Anderson Valley tomorrow to visit Handley Cellars and discover some new bottles.   Cheers - Ali

Driving "Under" the Golden Gate Bridge

...is what I do  - so says my 4 year old nephew Brady.  Exactly 2 minutes and 20 seconds around midnight to cruise the most famous bridge in the world (according to Brady and his Aunt Ali). I returned from a quick trip to see the family back in N. Texas last night and was welcomed home to Cali by the beautiful Golden Gate.

What does this have to do with wine?  A memory for many signifying the gateway to Northern California wine country. Cheers to many more drives UNDER the Golden Gate Bridge. Ali

Does this Chardonnay make me look fat?

 2010 Olivet Lane Chardonnay Grapes at Harvest

Olivet Lane Estate Chardonnay, a favorite in Texas for years now - and most certainly a staple on the East and West Coasts!  Get your chard on today for "International Chardonnay Day".   

Buy it by the case, why not?

And yes, if you down a bottle a night, Chardonnay will make you look fat. 

Cheers - Ali 

Follow along on twitter, twitter.com/texacaliali & #chardonnay

We could all use a little more GRACE

One of the best things about my new chapter on the West Coast are new friendships, I met Angela Osborne almost a year ago during a visit to Healdsburg.  After chatting a bit she poured me a glass of her wine - this sealed our friendship forever!  No really, what a kick to know a cool woman who's as lovely as the wine she makes.

I was thrilled this past week to hear that Angela's 2008 Grenache was sold out! I can proudly say that I played a small but delicious role in her depletions!  So, I encourage you all to take this post seriously if you want something incredibly special - a few words from darling Angela...

"A Tribute to Grace Grenache may be purchased directly via my mailing list, and can be shipped anywhere across the continental United States. Should you be traveling through Sonoma County, winery visits are welcomed by appointment.

I have just sold out of A Tribute to Grace Grenache 2008, and look forward to releasing the 2009 vintage in August of this year. "

 

San Francisco Chronicle's Jon Bonné selected the 2008 Grenache as one of the most memorable wines of 2010 - I totally agree!

"It sat over a month before I finally uncorked it. Amazing - a thoroughly different consideration of Grenache than I'd encountered in California. Grenache is usually interpreted with Chateauneuf on the brain, and if most American Grenache uses Chateau Beaucastel as a template, Grace's touchstone was Chateau Rayas, Emmanuel Reynaud's ethereal masterpiece." Jon.

Please visit Angela's website here and join her mailing list, it's a special one...Cheers to a great weekend everyone!  - Ali

758 blog posts later...

No time to write a long one this evening, but want to say thank you to everyone following this blog...

  

The TexaCali Wine Trail is going on 7 years now - May 2005 The TexaCali Wine Trail began!  It's been nothing but pure fun to write and babble about this crazy wine trek I've been on and continue to climb through. I must have read over the words listed above on the header a few thousand times since 2005 "Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do", thank God there have been more fabulous days than rough ones (but man the rough ones were real doozies).

The next chapter is a big one for this gal, helping wineries sell and market their wines is exactly what I love to do. An exciting time to be in this line of work with all the new online resources, communication tools and whopping amount of folks drinking wine in America these days. The Cali in TexaCali Ali is building momentum and I'm well on my way with both feet on the ground and a big determined smile on my face. But about the blog...

A few TexaCali Wine Trail facts May 2005-May 2011

• As far as I know, this was the first wine-ish blog in Texas!
• Top keyword wine search: Crios Malbec, Davis Family Vineyards a distant 2nd.
• America, UK and Germany are the top 3 countries readers come from.  Texas of course being the #1 place people read this blog from, California now on it's tail.
• Google is the #1 referral site, but Twitter and Facebook have made a HUGE difference in referral traffic.
• #1 read post over the past year: http://texacaliwinetrail.blogspot.com/2011/01/breaking-down-wine-social-media.html
• TOP overall keyword search: TexaCali Ali, Eric Solomon taking the #2 spot since 2009 though.

So - hoping for a cool redesign soon on here, it's hit the big-time now in our world of wine & beyond.  A great big thank you for being here every post of the way. Seriously - just look at all those posts over there on the right side of the page you've read!  You keep me keepin' on and I'm just getting started.  Cheers, Ali

Spring Chicken in the Russian River

A simple "chicken and dumplings" tonight @ ZAZU. Loved every bite and was perfect alongside a few glasses of Italian Falanghina and world-class friends.  Cheers to a great week ahead everyone!  -Ali

 

Honoring Mom

May 8 this year is Mother's Day, a day we all must make certain our Mothers feel very special, well, because they are.  

My Mom in particular has put up with me for over 3 decades now and continues to be my biggest fan on earth (and the most loyal follower of this blog for 6 years!).  Don't know how she did it, but she showed me how fun it was to write before I could even ride a bike.   Thanks Mom, my favorite place to write is still at the table...

Cheers to all the Moms out there following the TexaCali Wine Trail for all these years too.   Please hunt down and try something new this weekend  - just maybe a few oldies but goodies too that are listed below: 

Whites

 

Bollinger "Special Cuvee" Brut Champagne - this beauty was a welcomed palate-cleanser during my jam-packed week in Bordeaux.  I'll drink it anytime offered a glass (or bottle).  I love the layers of bold flavors and hints of fresh baked apple pie.  A perfect way to toast with MOM and to her! http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/

2009 GRUNER by Etz Kamptal  - Gruner Veltliner - this comes in a big 1 liter bottle for a reason  - open it early and wake up your taste buds out on the patio with others! Always bright, crisp, and very refreshing, with surprising bold fruit and mineral layers on the backside. I've taken this to many family gatherings and is always a big hit - and never lasts too long.  www.winemonger.com 

2009 Davis Family Vineyards "Cuvee Luke" - a newer blend by Guy - Rhone style white-varietals that screams for a 2nd pour. We sipped this last Sunday night before digging into a night of Riesling, perfect. Aromas of nectarine, apricot, white peach, with floral notes and mineral character. Medium-bodied and elegant with a clean, dry finish - what's not to love?! I've stocked my fridge already. www.davisfamilyvineyards.com

2008 Olivet Lane Estate Chardonnay - always a well balanced Chardonnay from the famous Olivet Lane vineyard planted about the time my Mom gave birth to me.   This wine is consistently great each vintage & always creates a smile.  www.pellegrinisonoma.com

Rosé 

2010 Tramonto Rose of Pinot Noir - buy 3 at once- your Mother's Day will be complete with this vibrant PINK wine.  Also on Tap at Whole Foods downtown Austin. www.brackmountainwine.com

2010 Domaine Begude Pinot Noir Vin de Pays d'Oc Rose - just loved meeting these incredibly passionate guys while in Limoux!  Such a cool place, I almost threw my passport down the water-well and stayed forever.  "This elegant and crisp Pinot Rosé hails from Domaine Begude, a small family owned property located high in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Limoux region of the Languedoc". Magical place and magical wines.  Found at www.klwines.com in the US.

Reds

2009 Bench "Sonoma Coast" AND "Russian River: Pinot Noir:  whichever one you find - grab it quick. These beautiful pinot's are on Tap all over Texas now and NorCal too.   The bottles can be found at your favorite fine wine shop too, though Whole Foods Austin has the motherload.  A spectacular Pinot Noir!  www.brackmountainwine.com

2009 Pierre et Catherine Breton "La Dilettante" Cab Franc: Had this recently and went down so fast I had to ask what the name was the next day,  DELICIOUS! "A husband-and-wife operation in the Loire Vallrey, the Breton's built their reputation on making pure Cabernet Francs from Bourgueil and Chinon using Biodynamic viticulture and vinification." www.domainbreton.com

2008 Chateau de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Cotes de Rhone- one of my favorite visits while in the Rhone last month. I love their Blancs but this one has always stood out to me as a great value.   The 2008 is a blend of 40% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and 10% each of Carignan, Mourvèdre and Counoise. http://www.chateaumontfaucon.com

2007 Demuth Kemos Bei Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon: I tasted this a few weeks ago, "mindblowing" is what hit me after the first crazy good sip.  This vineyard is barely on land - 3.9 miles from the Pacific Ocean which is crazy to think for Cabernet to ripen...can't wait to go check it out in person! www.demuthkemos.com

Please copy, paste, print this list of course.   Happy Mother's Day Mom!  - Ali

20 Days In May for June

Dearest TexaCali Wine Trail Fans,  an urgent request from my heart tonight.

A few months ago my dear friend June suffered through a heart attack without health insurance to cover her medical expenses.   I am dedicating the first 20 days of May to lovable June in an effort to raise $22,000. 

Will you please donate $20 to help my dear friend June Lanoil today? 

Our group of friends in California have committed to asking 50 folks each, we hope to reach a goal of $22,000 by May 20 - $20 at a time.  June is a shining star in my life and in the lives of so many others and we are so very thankful to see her recovery going well.  

A very safe and easy way to donate your $20 bucks is here along with June's story:  http://www.giveforward.com/iheartjune

Thank you so much for your donation and of course you are welcome to copy to your Facebook page, Tweet it and/or email this post along, every $20 WILL make a difference.

Cheers to 20 days in May for June - the Queen of Hearts!!

Ali