Behind the Cork™ - Trujillo Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Michael Trujillo arrived in Napa Valley in 1982 from his family’s farm in Colorado. He grew up helping his father year-round in the fields, and learned early on about how soil, climate, pests and critters affect living, growing plants.

After three decades of winemaking experience in all aspects of the business—from vineyard cultivation and irrigation digging, to cooperage selection and blending—Michael Trujillo is proud to offer his own namesake Cabernet Sauvignon.

This wine is a realization of his lifelong passion for crafting red wine, an expression of all that he’s learned and deeply values about winemaking in the Napa Valley.

2021 Trujillo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($96)

This wine is produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all of which are from the Napa Valley. It was aged 22 months in French Oak (82% new barrels).

It is deep, dark and dense in its color. On the nose it has dark fruit aromas of black cherry, currant, and a hint of plum, along with cedar and sweet herbs. On the palate, it starts bold and then yields a smooth richness with flavors of black cherry, currant, and dark chocolate that culminate in a lengthy finish. [ABV: 14.6%, TA: 5.6 g/L, pH: 3.71, RS: 0.4 g/L]. Cases Produced = 582

2021 Trujillo Gary Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Check with Winery for Price & Availability)

The Gary Morisoli Vineyard is located near the western foothills of the Rutherford AVA and centered within the infamous Rutherford Bench. Year after year this amazing vineyard has consistently produced incredible Cabernet worthy of a Reserve bottling. This wine is 100% Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA, from the Gary Morisoli Vineyard. It was aged for 22 months in 100% French Oak (85% new barrels).

It has aromas of dark fruits, black cherry, and cassis with a vanilla notes and subtle hints of sweet tobacco. On the palate it is rich and bold with flavors of dark chocolate cherry, and currants. The tannins are very well balanced with the acidity. [ABV: 14.7%, TA:5.8 g/L, pH: 3.72, RS:0.6 g/L]. Cases Produced = 168

These two Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa are truly amazing! And, a real treat for your palate. That makes them an easy selection as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Trujillo Wines

Behind the Cork™ - Signature Cocktail Collection from Oliver Winery

Oliver Winery of Bloomington, Indiana has just introduced its first Signature Cocktail Collection. If you’re craving a French 75, Sangria or Passionfruit Martini, you’ll love these new inspired bottled wine cocktails that give you a refreshing flavor with the convenience of simply chilling the bottles and pouring them over ice. 

Produced with a crisp white wine base infused with real fruit flavors and natural botanicals, the new collection includes three varietals that are the perfect complement to warm weather sipping: Passion Fleurtini, Blossom Drop, and Peach Sangrini.

With a 13% ABV, these refreshing wines offer a fresh take on fan-favorite cocktails, boasting a lightness and drinkability that’s great for both casual sipping and special occasions.

Just chill and enjoy, or add a garnish and pour over ice for the cocktail experience.

Passion Fleurtini ($13.99) - Passion fruit is followed by a blush of soft & floral rosewater. A delicate delight that should be served chilled over ice or in a Champagne coupe glass for a little extra flair.



Blossom Drop ($13.99) - Crisp lemon & elderflower shine in this spritz-inspired wine cocktail. Light and bright on the palate, with just the right amount of spritz. This one should be served over ice and garnished with a lemon wheel and rosemary. Or, just chill and sipped as is.



Peach Sangrini ($13.99) - This bellini-inspired wine cocktail is like a sangria, with notes of bright peach and zesty lemon. Deliciously light and drinkable. Shake over ice and serve with fresh fruit.

For over 50 years, Oliver Winery has upheld its dedication to offering a guilt-free indulgence at an affordable price, welcoming wine experts and novices to enjoy their offerings with enthusiasm and accessibility.

This Signature Cocktail Collection from Oliver Winery is a great way to enjoy a warm evening, or really anytime. And, at these very affordable prices, they are a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Oliver Winery via Dittoe Public Relations

Behind the Cork™ - Wines of Beronia: Rueda and Crianza

In the North of Spain, Rioja is undeniably the most famous Spanish wine region, with a global reputation of trust and quality built over 2000 years of winemaking.

In 1973, a group of friends, united by their love of gastronomy, had a mission to create great wines to complement their culinary creations. The result was Bodegas Beronia. Their flagship winery is in La Rioja, Spain, with a second winery solely dedicated to the production of Verdejo located in Rueda.

Map Courtesy of Beronia

2023 Beronia Rueda ($13.99)

This wine is produced from 100% Verdujo grapes that were harvested at night to maintain the fruit's freshness and prevent grape oxidation. The pressing was done gently in an inert atmosphere to minimize browning in the must. Fermentation took place for 10-15 days, using stainless steel tank and concrete tanks. After aging on lees for a period of 2 to 3 months, the wine was clarified and filtered before being bottled.

This Beronia Rueda is pale yellow in color with greenish hues. On the nose it has aromas of citrus, with hints of white fruit, fresh herbs. On the palate, it is bright and fresh just a hint of bitterness at the finish. [ABV: 13%, Acidity: 6.0 g/L, pH:3.25, RS: <2 g/L]

2020 Beronia Crianza ($14.99)

This Beronia Crianza (“kree-ahn-tha”) was made from 95% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo grapes (a.k.a. Carignan). The fruit was macerated for a few days prior to fermentation, before entering temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation with regular pumping over to extract the desired color and aromas. The wine aged for 12 months in barrels made of American oak staves and French oak ends. After bottling, the wine was left to rest for three months prior to release.

This Beronia Crianza is medium ruby in color and has nice aromatics including red fruits (cherry and raspberry) and herbal notes. On the palate it has big red fruit flavors, medium tannin and a really nice lingering finish with a bit of crisp acidity. [ABV: 13.5%, Acidity: 5.8 g/L, pH: 3.60, RS: 1.7 g/L]

These two wines from the Gonzalez Byass USA portfolio are perfect for summer sipping or anytime of the year sipping! And, the price points of these wines are amazing for the quality and level. That make them a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Gonzalez Byass

Behind the Cork™ - Bianca Giovese White Wine

Bianca Giovese Vino Bianco ($34)

The Giovese Family of wines proudly announced the recent arrival of sister brand Bianca Giovese Vino Bianco, now available in retail stores, wine shops, bars, and restaurants across 20 US states and Western Canada. Each box contains the equivalent of four 750-ml. bottles of wine. That’s less than $10 a bottle-equivalent!

 Joining her “sisters” Sandy Giovese and Rosie Giovese in the newly established Giovese Family Wines portfolio, Bianca offers all the benefits that premium boxed wine presents to drinkers, including sustainability, longevity, and value that competes with comparable bottled wines. 

Like her sisters, Bianca is made from chemical-free, organically farmed Italian grapes, including Grechetto (55%) and Trebbiano (30%) blended with Sauvignon Blanc (%15). The grapes come from the pristine vineyards of Conti degli Azzoni, a sustainability-focused, family-owned winery pursuing B-Corp certification in the Marche region of central Italy.

Bianca Giovese is medium gold in color with delicate aromas of citrus. On the palate, this light-bodied wine has notes of citrus, nectarine and tangerine. It has bright refreshing acidity and has a fun sweet/tart finish. [ABV: 12%, TA: 5.2 g/L, pH: 3.47, RS: >2.0 g/L]

Don’t overlook this one as just another “box wine.” It may come in an earth-friendly recyclable cardboard container, but it delivers quality wine. And, at a great value! This makes the Bianca Giovese a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Giovese Family Wines via Savona Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé

2023 Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé ($18)

GAIA [ɡâi̯.a], the Greek Goddess of the Earth, has been the inspiration of the Bousquet family since the founding of their winery in 1997 when they pioneered and cleared virgin land in the highlands of the Gualtallary district of Tupungato, Argentina.

Thanks to the Uco Valley's dry climate and phylloxera-resistant sandy soils, organic farming at Domaine Bousquet, from day one, was not only possible, but desirable. Other factors that distinguish this landscape are the constant breezes from the Andes to the west, which help mitigate heat stress in this desert climate. Significant temperature differentials between day and night help enhance aromatics, while the sandy soils result in low fertility, desirable for vine stress and ideal for good drainage. With an average annual rainfall of just 8”, groundwater from the Andes snowmelt is vital for vineyard irrigation.

This Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that is pressed in full bunches to maximize aroma extraction, followed by five-day cold maceration. It was then fermented for 30 days.

Gaia Rosé is a pale copper in color with delicate aromas of red fruit (cherry & strawberry) and floral notes. On the palate, this light-bodied rosé has subtle notes of Maraschino cherry and strawberry and finishes soft and balanced with just a hint of sweetness. [ABV: 13%, pH: 3.32, Acidity: 5.62 g/L, RS: 1.43 g/L]

Gaia Rosé from Domaine Bousquet is light, easy to drink and very affordable making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet