This past weekend from 

Sipping With Stollie!

Enjoyed two spectacular wines this weekend.  2005 Vertex, Red Cuvee Blend North

Coast and the 2008 Vertex Red Cuvee Blend North Coast.   I brought the 2005 last

year when in Napa and recently had them ship another few bottles to me along

with the 2008 varietal to compare. 

Both are exceptional wines and not ones you will see on the shelf at your local

liquor establishment or wine shop.  They are produced by Gabrielle Vineyards in

Napa, a small producer of maybe a few thousand cases a year. 

These wines are spectacular and while certainly drinkable now can be cellared

for, I would say, 4-6 years.  The 2005 has aromas of red cherry and blackberry

with very smooth tannins and nice structure.  The 2008 is equally impressive but

with hints of red raspberry (a favorite of the Sip).  Both are full bodied Red's

that can be paired with practically anything you hunger for. 

If you ever make it out to Napa Gabrielle Vineyard is a must stop.  

      I also enjoyed a wonderful, and very reasonably priced wine, called Apothic Red. 

It is a 2010 blend which combines the spice of Zinfandel, fruit flavors of

Syrah, boldness of Cabernet and smooth elegance of Merlot all captured in one

bottle.  It reveals aromas of fruit complemented with hints of mocha, chocolate

and vanilla.  For those of you who enjoy blends this one is worthy of a look (or

sip), especially for the price (between $7.99 - $9.99/bottle).  I bought 6

bottles myself.  

                                                                                                         Top Notch from 

Sipping with Stollie