Award winning Ruby Style Port, Eagles Nest Winery

Ahh yes Port, a great after-dinner accompaniment with dessert or as dessert. Whether it's a Ruby or a Tawny no matter, it has a way of making me yearn for a roaring fire during a cold winters night, sharing a bowl of toasted walnuts with some friends to raise a glass to the great tradition of Port.

Most wine drinkers have come across a Port or two, well the one I am very happy to introduce you to is produced right here in San Diego. Yep, that it's right out in the Ramona AVA. This wine has recently received some recognition from the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, for which Eagles Nest Winery won a Silver Medal, which is no small feat according to Dennis Grimes the winemaker he say's "our Ruby Port was competing in a field of over 2,700 entries from over 500 Wineries with fifty different judges who hailed from all over the country and the world."

Speaking of the winemakers/owners with a quick note from their website, Eagles Nest Winery & Cottage is family owned and operated by Dennis and Julie Grimes. The winery and a portion of their vineyards are located on their gated country estate over looking the west Ramona Valley in San Diego and all wines are artisanally produced in small lots, showcasing different varietals that express the diverse character and personalities.

In speaking with Dennis, I asked him if he could comment on the focus of his wine-making approach and philosophy he said, "As a Boutique Winery we take great personal pride in our intimate hands-on style of wine-making and our focus is making only quality wine. Our estate vineyards, quality sourcing, and hands-on wine-making give us complete control over the quality of the grapes going into our wines." About his philosophy he stated "Quality wines begin with quality wine-grapes." I couldn't agree more.

They also have a beautiful vacation cottage which over looks the vineyards and in the distance you can see the lights from the Ramona Airport. It is wonderfully appointed and quite cozy. The view from the veranda is marvelous! Everywhere you look there is something growing, just a great place for a quick get away to unwind, enjoy some wine, speak with the winemaker and take a tour of the property, where you may bump into the weed patrol otherwise known as the baby doll sheep which roam the property bolstering their commitment to the environment.

First Swirl: The wine has an opaque ruby colored core, surrounded by a crimson rim.

First Sniff: Aromas lofting effortlessly from my glass were notes of bittersweet chocolate which accentuates the jammy fruit aromas of raspberry, sweet dark cherry and plum.

First Sip: The wine is lush and sumptuous on the palate with chocolate, cherry and rich plum flavors, but I also find suggestions of light herbs, subtle spice and a toasty notes from the oak barrels. It has flavors of blackberries at the peak of ripeness are in the forefront,The finish is long and persistent.

Alcohol Percentage: weighing in at 21.2% obtained by adding Brandy Spirits.

Composition: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon estate grown fruit from the Ramona AVA

Price: The Starboard Dessert Wine (aka. Ruby Port) is selling for $40.00

Other Varietals Produced: Eagles Nest Winery produces many varieties of wine including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier and Zinfandel.

My Recommendations: Again this wine is lush and sumptuous on the palate with chocolate, cherry and rich plum flavors and can be drunk now but will further evolve over the next 5 to 7 years. A bit of chocolate will only enhance the experience. (Just as a side note if you do wait that long drink this wine remember a bottle cellared over 5 years should always be decanted) This wine is priced to sell, so get your hands on a few bottles before they sell out! Until next time cheers everyone!