Last week, I got the opportunity to participate in the Don & Sons live Twitter tasting, featuring 6 of their latest releases.  Of course, I was still clawing my way back to normalcy after a month long bout with a respiratory infection (yuck!).  My palate was still in a state of rotting toxicity, so I waited to taste until it resembled something akin to a human’s.

Don & Sons Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2010.  Grade=Very Good.  Some really nice notes of black cherries, red raspberries, plum and brown spices, with just a hint of roasted nuts.

B Side Red Wine Napa Valley 2010.  Grade=Outstanding.  This Cab-driven blend is big and rich (not the Country singing duo either).  Full of black and red fruits, chocolate fudge, black pepper and pencil shavings with just a touch of espresso bean.

B Side Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010.  Grade=Outstanding.  Full-bodied, lush and dense, this delicious Cab has loads of black fruits, spices, cedar and mint, propped up by a layer of chocolate, coffee and sage.

Aquinas Philosopher’s Blend Napa Valley 2009.  Grade=Outstanding.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah, I would argue that this was my favorite of the lineup.  Full-bodied, rich and concentrated notes of blackberry, mocha, coffee and cedar smoke, followed up by a mélange of brown spices.

Project Paso Red Blend Paso Robles 2010.  Grade=Very Good.  A kitchen-sink blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Malbec, Tempranillo, Barbera and Touriga Nacional (and a partridge in a pear tree), this field blend shows of wild berry fruits, bold spices and a sweet jammy finish.

The Crusher Petite Sirah Clarksburg 2011.  Grade=Very Good.  A solid PS, full-bodied with lots of inky black fruits, root beer and vanilla, finishing up with well-balanced acidity.