Cellar Cats

I sincerely think that if I had to pick only one wine to have for the rest of my life (that I could afford to purchase for myself), it might be my adored Sausal Cellar Cats Red Zinfandel.

UPDATE 1-3 -13: It was with a heavy, heavy heart that we learned a few months ago that our beloved Sausal has been sold by the Demostene family to Silver Oak.  We honestly pray that Silver Oak understands what they've purchased.  Sausal's century Zinfandel vines are precious and beautiful.  They were on the property when Leo and Rose Demostene purchased the land in 1956.  Many of the original vines were included on an 1877 atlas of the area.  Our final shipment of closeout Sausal wines arrived here in Bogart yesterday: two cases.  My little "DonDon always loves Cellar Cats" song and dance is now performed sadly and with a tear in my eye.  Each of these last bottles will be dearly appreciated.  Sincere thanks and best wishes to the Demostene family.

Birthday Wines

Monday was my birthday, so we've pulled a couple of nice bottles lately.  First was a 2005 Domain Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-Du-Pape we enjoyed with lamb chops.  This wine had just the right age for me, very smooth and drinkable.

The next night brought filets done on the little Weber, which is the perfect filet-grilling device.  What wine? 2006 Pride Mountain Vineyard Merlot.  SO good!  Can you tell that we still like some size to our reds?  We visited Pride Mountain last spring and it's a gorgeous place.

View from Pride's patio

The vineyards and winery straddle the Sonoma and Napa County lines.  The drive up and back down is a bit hairy, but the views and the cave tour are worth it.  The merlot we drank Monday was labeled 58% Sonoma and 42% Napa.

Pride Mountain Vineyards