How quickly August turned into September!  On Friday the 6^th, I decided to head to Red Mountain with the idea that I would hit a tasting room I hadn’t visited in quite some time.  My first stop was to say hello to my friends at Fidélitas – Bryce Appleby and Alexandra Hager.  On this day I was able to taste the 2017 40/40 red blend which I hadn’t yet tried, in addition to the 2016 Malbec, 2016 Merlot and the 2016 Quintessence Cabernet Sauvignon.  Bryce took me through the planned future releases of wines through September and November, and there are some exciting wines that Charlie Hoppes and his Team have in store for us!  I can’t wait!  My tasting ended with a splash of the 2017 Late Harvest Semillon…which is simply succulent!

My next stop was Col Solare where I was able to pair four outstanding wines with some delicious bread and olive oil.  Today’s tasting included the 2016 Shining Hill (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah) and the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon’s.  All of them were exquisite but unique in their own right.  Everything was really delicious.  Welcome to September on Red Mountain.

Now that I was warmed up, my final stop was MonteScarlatto Estate Winery, just down the hill from Col Solare and across the road.  It had been a couple years since I’d visited, and it was certainly time again.  Today’s tasting menu included a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah and a non-vintage red blend (named The 10^th Hole).  During out chat, I was taken out to walk in the Estate vines and check out (and sample) the Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Barbera grapes!  To top things off, I ended up tasting their 2017 Scarlatto del Dolce (a dessert style wine) which I thought was very enjoyable.  Since I had a bottle of the 2015 vintage of this wine, and since it paired so nicely with my previous cigars, I knew I had to walk away with one of these bottles!

Speaking of cigars, once I returned home it was time to celebrate my brother’s birthday which had occurred on the 5th, so we broke out some Serie 1926 Padrons and paired them with a 2013 Bartholomew Souzão (port-style wine) crafted by Bart Fawbush!  What a fantastic ending to a fantastic day.  Once again, it was a great way to start out my birthday month of September as well!  Cheers!