Please keep in mind, I am doing this for my enjoyment. I want to be able to track of my wine shenanigans. Yes, I have a good palate but I by no means want to be taken seriously. That's just no fun!
First things first. I love Red Mountain. I has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The grapes, the vines, the hills, the wine, I love it all.
Our first stop was at Fidelitas. Since I go tasting with my wonderful husband we usually share so we can power through more wines! I am usually a red wine kind of girl but the Semillion was quite nice. The reds were awesome. Of course we bought some. Here are my picks.
- Semillion - Notes of citrus, slight minerality, aged in lovely French oak
- Red Mountain Merlot - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I am pretty snobbish when it comes to Merlot and this one really stands out! Cherry and vanilla and just plain delish. Exceptionally smooth and drinks very well right now.
Our next stop was at Tapteil. Very cute, estate winery just down the road. They had four wines to taste so we splurged, both got glasses and went for it! All I have to say is, Syrah. My fave!
- Syrah - Lush dark fruits and smooth tannins
- 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon - Lots of cherry, hints of spice.
Moving on to Hightower where we encountered a limo. Being the wine snob that I am, I have come to HATE seeing a limo in front of a winery. It's usually a bunch of bachelorette bimbos or super drunk, super loud folks that take away from my wine drinking pleasure! Anyways, a recent addition to the Hightower family of wines is the "Out of Line" red. It was my favorite and, really, like my husband's opinion counts when it comes to wine!
- Out of Line - Cherry, blackberry and other yummy dark fruits. Check of their site for a full description. http://www.hightowercellars.com/index.htm
Kiona was next and if you want to get drunk off a tasting, Kiona would certainly be the place to do so. Lots of wine to choose from, whites, reds, affordable. Really something to please a crowd. I was introduced to Kiona through their Lemberger. Red, spicy and about $10 a bottle. It works on a Tuesday night or on a Saturday when you are cracking into your, um, 3rd or 4th bottle of the evening. One of my favorites is their Big Kiona Zin. I will quote the bottle.
- Big Kiona - "Youthful, highly extracted, intensely aromatic. A large alcohol fruit bomb." I must agree, especially with the high alcohol part!
Finally, the reason for the trek to Red Mountain. The Cooper grand opening celebration. I had been following Cooper on Facebook for quite some time and just had to go to the opening. All I can say is WOW! Delicious white, superb reds. Seriously, job well done! So much so, that we joined yet another wine club. There was great food, fun music and the most beautiful setting you could ask for. I got a chance to talk to Coop aka Neil Cooper amid all the hustle. Great guy! My top picks, the Chard and the Walla Walla Cab. Both were outstanding.
- Chardonnay - Buttery, creamy deliciousness! Worth every penny!
- Walla Walla Cab - Again, entirely smooth, wonderful fruit.
I should save it for a special occasion, but I highly doubt that happening. It will be a Wednesday or I will be watching football on a Sunday and I will want it. Heck, why save the good stuff... drink up!
