2011 Full Moon Red Wine

Last week I was in Paso Robles for a wedding. In some of the downtime, I decided to visit some local wineries.  One that I visited was Midnight Cellars.  Several years ago I had been there and remembered that they had some great vino. Specifically, a great Red Wine. After driving up the lane and pulling into the parking area, I got out and looked around at the stunning views. So quiet, so tranquil and terrain that makes you take a breath. You think to yourself, if I only had a winery.

When you read the story about Midnight Cellars it is so interesting. Here is what they posted on their website:
The Hartenberger family began Midnight Cellars in May 1995. The idea had sprung from a family vacation to Northern California wine country. While sipping wine and overlooking a beautiful valley, the fateful comment was made: “Hey Dad, you should buy a winery when you retire, and we’ll run it for you!” Two years later, when Dad’s retirement became a reality, the winery idea resurfaced and became an actuality. The family members sold their Chicago homes and converged on Paso Robles where they started their dream. Mary Jane and Robert Hartenberger moved their family to Paso Robles, California in 1995, with the pursuit of growing grapes and making wine; the outcome, Midnight Cellars Winery. Their 160 acre ranch, in the western hills of Paso, is now home to three generations of Hartenbergers.

Once in the tasting room you really appreciate the hard work that it takes to make a successful winery. Sure, what a great job to open and pour wine for visitors, however, the folks here live and breath it. With each pour you hear and feel the passion of the winemakers.

I sampled several varieties and have to say that 2011 Full Moon Red and Syrah "Nocturne" are favorites. That being said, tonight I had the Full Moon Red and it was nothing short of amazing! I paired it a hearty pasta of spaghetti and meatballs, and of course some "flat top garlic bread" and a Bruschetta Iceberg Salad Wedge. Courtesy of the chef here at  "336". Award wining dinner.  If my grandfather were alive today, he wouldn't believe the sauce, or gravy that we had tonight! Full bodied and makes you want to add the sauce on that bread with a slice of meatball and SMILE!

The wine has a great nose when you open it. Spicy, and the hints of Strawberry and Black Cherry can be noted right away. The color is a deep, deep garnet and has a real shimmer in the glass. The first sip, is so wonderful. You can taste the Black Cherry, Strawberry and a hint of Tobacco. Smooth, this wine is smooth! You can enjoy glass after glass of this vino, NO PROBLEM!

Here are some notes from the winery:

Midnight Cellars Full Moon Red is our top selling wine! Since the harvest of 1998, this handcrafted wine is consistent year after year in a style that is approachable, fun, and lighter bodied. Full Moon Red continues to have a rounded mouthfeel and notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries. Every grape is handpicked and two-table sorted giving this wine the attention it truly deserves. Enjoy with any dish or all by it’s self!

In closing, you should pick up a bottle or two of this wine. It's price point is great too. At about $18.00 per bottle, it is great value.  This vino really made THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON!