The Cellar says hello.

We struggled with these ones. Not because they weren't good, but because my friends are still saying wine smells like laundry detergent and paint thinner. However, it was a nice tour of Sonoma County.

First up!

Leese-Fitch
Sonoma County, Napa Valley, California
2010 Sauvignon Blanc
Bought at The Cellar on 1/29 for $15

They Say: The 2010 Leese-Fitch SB is a crisp and refreshing wine. [It] has a high-tone citrus zest aroma with minerality reminiscent of a brisk ocean breeze. There is a hint of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and tropical Pina Colada. The palate is zippy and alive with Lemon grass spice, but balanced with a touch of creamy tapioca to round out the mid-palate. This is a perfect wine for sipping on lazy summer afternoons and is equally prepared to stand up to a creamy pasta dish, spicy Thai soup, or a simple dinner of fruit, cheese, and a fresh baked sourdough loaf.

I Say: My bad for not having it with a simple dinner of fruit, cheese and a fresh baked sourdough loaf. Honestly, it smelled like a clean white wine and laundry detergent. It tasted a little bit sour, especially once we started eating. We did catch the ocean breeze in there, there was a bit of a salty tang to it. It was the color of ginger ale; a very pale yellow that was almost white.

We ate it with the spicy Crab & Shrimp dip and cheesy curly fries (this blog is really going to make you judge my eating habits).

The Bottom Line: It was not fun to gargle. It was a good wine but we definitely didn't eat the right food with it, so that made it taste a bit sour.

Our friends met us at the Cellar and ordered their own bottle, so we got a two-fer tasting! Yeaaaaa buddy.

Sledgehammer
Sonoma County, Napa Valley, California
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Bought at The Cellar on 1/29 for $17

They Say: Never mind the French-sounding name, this Cabernet Sauvignon is All-American. Grown in Northern California, the Sledgehammer Cab offers a smooth, rich flavor that pairs well with prime steaks, not baguettes and pate. 

I Say: NOM. This wine was dark and buttery. Semi-dry on the middle of your palate but it was a smoooooooooth taste. Our food tasted much better with the Cabernet Sauvignon than with the Sauvignon Blanc. Science.

The Bottom Line: Tasty, tasty. Will definitely try it again. Also, their website is GREAT. www.sledgehammerwine.com