End-Of-Summer Sippers

These two wines, both blended from grapes harvested from all over Northern California, may well be my current favorites for casual drinking. Neither are "big" wines, though they do not skimp on flavor, and each stands alone, in no need of food to complement it.

Created by Joseph Carr and winemaker Wayne Donaldson as a tribute to Carr's father, Josh, the wines were designed to be unpretentious, good value, and easy to imbibe. They are all that and more.

The sauvignon blanc is surprisingly elegant, French in style, and soft with a lush mouthfeel and a crisp, lightly acidic finish; the nose hints of lime and opens to more lime, peach and melon on the palate. I could drink this one all day long and be very happy indeed.

The pinot noir is very pleasant, with a ripe berry and cherry nose, light to medium body with a soft tannin finish. It is barely kissed with oak and is what the Brits call "moreish," in that one just keeps sipping happily until the glass is empty.

Not surprisingly, given the quality and thought that went into these blends, the labels are elegant as well. You would not be embarrassed to bring these wines to your boss's annual picnic, for example;such attention to detail is a real tribute to the man who inspired them.

Josh Cellars Wine and The Gary Sinise Foundation are proud to announce that, beginning Monday, August 18, anyone from a local community can go online and nominate a deserving first responder to receive a $10,000 grant for their organization. Five local responder groups from across the United States will each receive a grant from Josh Cellars (a total of $50,000) which can be used towards important life-saving needs such as training for new first-responders, support services, and essential upgrades to equipment.

According to a survey conducted in 2013 on behalf of Josh Cellars, 94 percent of people believe first responders deserve more recognition and support for the work they do. Those served by first responders will now have the chance to show their support and appreciation by visiting Josh Cellars Facebook page to nominate their heroes.

Contest submission deadlines and voting periods are as follows:

·       August 18–September 17: Entry period where first responders can be nominated by submitting a story and photo;

·       September 22–26: 10 finalists, chosen by Josh Cellars, are posted on Facebook for voting;

·       October 6: 5 finalists, who will each receive a $10,000 grant, are announced.

Full contest details and rules are available on the Josh Cellars Facebook page.

Click here to see a video featuring Gary Sinise discussing his foundation, partnership with Josh Cellars Wine and details about the First Responders contest.