{Media Samples provided for review. No other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.}

Can someone explain how we are already at the end of the school year? I’ve been lax on posting as of late, and not because I’ve been relaxing but because life seems to have been on fast-forward. My focus has been on quick family trip to Disneyland to celebrate my 5th grader and see family, wrapping up a busy baseball season, preparing for end-of-year performances, celebrations and exams.

But life keeps moving and the samples keep coming. I’ve put a hold on them until I can catch up and I was thinking of a way to look at several in a thematic way. Many of the recent shipments that caught my attention were new labels from established winemakers. Thus the theme…this week, let’s look at side projects.

The Six Ridges Series is a new line from Kenwood Vineyards named for the mountains that surround their vineyards. I sampled a 2016 Pinot Noir ($30) from the Russian River Valley and a 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (sold out) from the Sonoma Coast.

The Russian River Valley is a prime location for growing Pinot Noir. Cool mornings, afternoon breezes allow the fruit to ripen beautifully. The wine spends 13 months in European oak.  Ripe red raspberry pops on the palate followed by elegant spices and gentle acid and tannins. Delightful on its own and a great summer red for pairing with lighter grilled fare or a friend and a porch.

Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to summer white. I love fresh acidity in wines and this grape never disappoints in that realm. The nose and the palate both explode with guava, soft stone fruit and green notes follow. The wine spent 19 months in French and American oak which was a surprise to me. The oak notes were well integrated and only serve to add depth of flavor and soften the acid. This is a beautiful example of the grape in California.

Each of these wines were super tasty, popped with fresh fruit notes, balanced and easy to drink.The other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Definitely a line to seek out and explore.