We launched a new Instagram account recently, @redwinewithbreakfast, the photo page for our blog, highlighting a different red wine every morning. We think it is the perfect way to start the day. And, yes, we may get into white wines once in a while as well. It will also feature some of the wines we discuss on our podcast, “Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing,” on reVolver Podcasts.

Please follow us as we will feature a different wine daily, with our blog tracking wine notes and pairing ideas.
Below are wine notes a few of what we have featured so far. We hope to see you on Instagram soon!

Baldacci Family Vineyards in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley produces a hearty, earthy and fresh Cab from the AVA, but they also surprise with a fresh, juicy and approachable Pinot Noir from the Bay influenced Carneros district. Filled with lovely red berry and blackberry, violets and spice, a great food wine for the holidays.

Jammy, juicy and fruit forward, Grgich Hills Zinfindel leaps from the glass ready to be noticed. Higher alcohol than some wines, especially in hot vintage years (making the alcohol levels dangle around 15%-16%) so make sure to enjoy this wine with food. Luckily, a Napa Valley or Dry Creek Zin pairs perfectly with Texas barbecue and brisket.

From Willamette Valley, Adelsheim Vineyards has been producing stellar Pinot Noir from throughout the region for over 40 years. They are a favorite. This year they released their first new wine in years, Adelsheim Breaking Ground Pinot Noir from Chehalem Mountains. Earthy and dense, yet surprisingly soft on the palate. An excellent introduction to why the wines of Willamette Valley are so unique.

I am a sucker for a great Rutherford region Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. And, from the first minute I tasted Rubicon from the iconic Inglenook Winery, I knew I had met a friend. Dusty, black fruit, leather, and tobacco filled with concentration and power, melding with beautiful soft suppleness.

The Gamay wines of the Cru Beaujolais in France deliver more than the fruity, rather grape juice like Beaujolais Nouveau that the region is famous for. Their Cru wines have incredible texture, earthiness, and concentration while maintaining a subtle, food friendly palate. These are wines that to be enjoyed with your hearty stews and braised meats of the season, without overwhelming the palate.

Over 2000 different varieties of grapes are grown in Italy….that is a lot of fruit! In all of those grapes my heart continues to be drawn to the wines of Piemonte, celebrating Nebbiollo and Barbera in particular. Crushed stone, leather and dried berry filled Marchesi di Gresy Barbera d’Asti is a consistent favorite for both quality and affordability (under $20.)

The inaugural vintage of KATA Wine was 2011, begun by vintner turned winery owner, David Beckstoffer with winemaker Benoit Touquette, Napa Valley rising star and winemaker for Realm, La Ponza, Familiar Air and his own, Fait-Main. Beckstoffer, COO and President of Beckstoffer Vineyards, and son of the founder, Andy Beckstoffer, manages some of the most prized vineyards in Napa Valley, some of which goes into his KATA Cabernet Sauvignon. From the heritage Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard in St. Helena the wine is bold and powerful, but also finessed, elegant and refined with structure, texture, and incredible character.