Thursday, January 16, 2014

Acacia Vineyard

If you love Chardonnays or Pinot Noirs you will surely want to visit Acacia Vineyard.  Acacia Vineyard is in the heart of Napa Valley's Carneros district only a few miles from San Pablo Bay.  Although not that far from the Napa Sonoma highway (121) or Napa itself, Acacia has the feel of a small, quiet, rural, out of the way winery.  In addition to their wonderful wines, they are noted for their very friendly hospitality and lack of pretentiousness. It seems like the ideal winery for bicycle tour visits. On a clear day, one can enjoy an expansive view of Carneros vineyards, the North Bay and even some of the San Francisco skyline.  Although Acacia Vineyard produces some Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier, they are famous for the two varietals that excel in the cooler Carneros climate, namely Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.


Acacia Vineyard winery

Acacia Vineyard has been producing wines since 1979, and they were among the first wineries in California to produce single vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.  In addition to the 150 acres of vineyard they own in Carneros, (where they have some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the country) Acacia Vineyard sources some fruit from other vineyards, mostly from Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. You might find some of their entry level wines at local stores, but most of their single vineyard wines are very limited production and are available only at the winery.  Because of their license, an appointment is required, but last minute appointments can sometimes be made if they are not busy or have had cancellations.  The tasting fee (currently $15) can be waived with a minimum purchase.  Pours are generous and usually consist of six or more wines.  In addition to the small inside tasting bar, they have an covered outside patio, a covered picnic area and a bocce ball court.


Acacia Vineyard tasting bar

Los Carneros or "Carneros" is an AVA (American Viticultural Area) that received its AVA status in 1983 and was the first wine district to be defined by climate rather than by county or political boundaries.  It is just north of San Pablo Bay and spans both Napa and Sonoma Counties.  Up until the 1970s, Carneros was noted more for its sheep than wine. The climate is quite distinct from the rest of Napa Valley with its morning fog, brisk winds and much cooler maritime temperature.  Most of the Napa Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that you find at wineries in Napa Valley are from grapes that are grown in the Carneros area.  Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, grows much better in the warmer areas up Valley. 

Acacia Vineyard bocce ball court

Acacia Vineyard was originally founded by Mike Richmond and the winemaker Larry Brooks in 1979, before Carneros was even an AVA. Acacia Vineyards became part of the Chalone Winery group in 1986.  In 2004 Acacia Vineyards and the other wineries in the Chalone group became part of Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines.  Since 2005 their winemaker has been Matthew Glynn, a graduate of UC Davis who also studied in Burgundy after receiving the laureate award from the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Foundation.  Acacia is dedicated to sustainable farming and is involved with the restoration and preservation of 13,000 acres of Carneros wetlands.

Acacia Vineyard entry sign

Originally Acacia Vineyard sourced some of their fruit from other Carneros vineyards but in 1996 they began to expand by purchasing other vineyards near the winery.  With over 150 acres, Acacia now has one of the largest vineyard holdings in the Napa Carneros AVA.  The original founders wanted to produce complex, subtle, single vineyard Pinot Noir back when this varietal was not that popular and thought to grow well only in Burgundy.  Acacia helped put Pinot Noir on the map as a California varietal.  Their wines are frequently given scores 90 points and above with Wine Spectator and others.  At the time of our visit they had 24 different wines available, not including their library wines.  These included nine Chardonnays from different single vineyards, eleven different single vineyard Pinot Noirs, plus a Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Pinot Noir and Syrah.  I am not aware of any other winery that offers such an extensive selection of single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.  Prices range from $19 to $80, with Chardonnays in the $25 to $45 range and most of the Pinot Noirs in the $49 to $69 range, which is quite reasonable for these varietals in Napa Valley, especially given the quality. Total production from Acacia Vineyard is about 300,000 cases annually.

Acacia Vineyard French oak barrels

Our tasting began with two Chardonnays, both from Sonoma County grapes.  The first pour was the Acacia Vineyard 2011 Russian River Chardonnay at $45.  It went through 100% malolactic conversion and 60% of it was in new French oak. Only 279 cases were produced. After a very pleasant aroma of lemon, melon and apple, I got mostly green apple, lemon, and toasty oak on the palate in a very smooth, full bodied, well balanced presentation.  Finish was medium length.  Quite nice. The second pour was the Acacia Vineyard 2011 Sangiacomo Chardonnay also at $45.  498 cases of this were produced.  This was a bigger, richer, rather creamy, full bodied Chardonnay with a good nose of white peach and pear followed by some lemon, grapefruit, white peach, melon and toasted oak on the palate along with good acid and a very nice balance.  Finish was medium plus length. I slightly preferred this Sangiacomo to the Russian River Chardonnay.


Acacia Vineyard grounds


The Pinot Noirs were up next.  The first three tended to be more terroir driven than fruit driven but all had some pleasant toasted oaked and tended to be more black fruit oriented than many Carneros Pinots that tend to be more strawberry and red cherry like.  Terroir oriented Pinots strive more for subtlety and complexity rather than the simple, lushness of ripe fruit. Our Pinot pours began with the Acacia Vineyard 2010 L'histoire Profonde Pinot Noir at $69.  Only 249 cases were produced.  It started with a soft but lingering aroma of plum and raspberry.  On the palate I got cherry, plum, good tannins and some smokiness and earth notes in a pleasantly textured, smooth wine that had a medium plus length finish.  This was an interesting Pinot that I'd like to get to know better.  It was followed by the Acacia Vineyard 2011 Sangiacomo Pinot Noir at $69.  After a soft aroma of mostly cherry, I got black cherry, toasted oak, some minerality and a medium long finish.  I thought it was still somewhat young and needed more time but was still quite decent.  I'd like to try it again in another year or two.  The third Pinot we tasted was the Acacia Vineyard 2009 Redding Ranch Pinot Noir.  Production was 342 cases.  This is from grapes sourced from Marin County.  A light nose was followed by wild blackberries, cherry and earthy notes.  Finish was medium length.  Of the first three Pinots, I preferred the L'histoire Profonde.


Acacia outdoor covered lounge

If you like Pinots with lusher fruit, rather than the leaner, more restrained, terroir oriented style, you would probably prefer the Acacia Vineyard 2010 Lone Tree Barrel Select Pinot Noir (200 cases released, $69) or the Acacia Vineyard 2011 Winery Lake Estate Pinot Noir at $49.  These were our sixth and seventh pours.  The Lone Tree is from the vineyard with the single Acacia tree, after which the winery is named.  It was more fruit driven than the earlier Pinots.  Soft aromas of black cherry and blackberry gave way to well balanced black cherry and blackberry on the palate, along with good tannins and some very pleasant toasted oak, baking spices and a hint of forest floor.  Finish was medium plus length and very appealing.  This was my favorite of the Pinots we tasted and my friend also really liked it.  The Winery Lake was also nice with some red as well as black fruit, some toasted oak and a medium length finish.  I think the Winery Lake, although very drinkable, is still somewhat young, but my friend seemed to like it as well as the Lone Tree and purchased both.  All five Pinots were more subtle and restrained than some California Pinots, with the first three being leaner and not as immediately seductive as the later two.  I had heard much praise for Acacia's St. Clair and Beckstoffer Pinot Noirs but these was not tasted.  Many thanks to Kristen Peck for arranging our lovely visit, tour and tasting.


Acacia Vineyard enclosed picnic area

Many visitors seem to think of Napa Valley wineries as being located from North Napa up to Calistoga and seem to overlook Carneros.  Local wine lovers know that on a hot summer day, Carneros is the place to be if you want to taste wines and keep cool.  It is also the place to visit if you love Pinot Noirs or Chardonnays.  Acacia Vineyard is one of our oldest and most classic Napa Valley Carneros wineries and should not be missed.

Acacia Vineyard
2750 Las Amigas Rd
Napa, CA 94559
(707)226-9991 or (877)226-1700, extension 2
Date of visit: January 16, 2014

Because of their license they are open to the public only by appointment, but they can sometimes accommodate last minute appointments so be sure to call them if you are in the area. 

"Hours: Standard Hours of Operations (please call regarding holiday schedules) Mondays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday Hours 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m."

Benefits of Club Membership include a 20% discount on all regularly priced wines, availability of special limited selections, exclusive deals, access to library wines, complimentary tastings for up to three guests, invitations to special events, access to new vintages as soon as they are available and complimentary tastings at their sister properties of Beaulieu Vineyards, Provenance Vineyards, Rosenblum Cellars and Sterling Cellars.

Acacia Vineyard entrance

Acacia Vineyard view during drought
       Acacia Vineyard winery building



Acacia Vineyard poster

Acacia Vineyard tasting menu

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Budget Wine Favorites in 2013

It is not that easy to find a decent everyday drinking wine. Of course everybody's taste is different, and none of these are really great wines, but one could never expect that at these prices.  With wine you do not always get what you pay for, but you always pay a premium price for really exceptional wines. Purchase prices and sources are indicated with each listing.  Taking detailed tasting notes is very time consuming for me, and I do not see the point in doing so in this price range, so notes are brief. Being a writer who focuses on reviews of Napa Valley wineries, most of the wines I taste and purchase are from Napa Valley and these wines rarely fall in the budget price range, but you may view these wines here: Favorite Wines from Napa Valley Wineries

Brancott Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand. $8.99 Safeway Pale straw color with a good nose. Dry, crisp and bright on the palate with mostly lemon and some melon. Slight but pleasant freshly mowed grass. Clean finish. Should appeal to those who find some New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs to be too fruit forward, although this certainly has decent fruit.  I've had three bottles now.  Moderately recommended at this price.  You might want to see my previous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc post at:  New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs

BV 2010 Coastal Chardonnay-$5.99 at Safeway.  Often recommended as a wine bargain, this is a decent enough Chardonnay for the money and the probably the least expensive Chardonnay I can even mildly recommend. For only $2 more, though, you can get the Clos du Bois, which I like much better. Very mild, rather tepid, recommendation at this price if you really can't afford $7.99 for the Clos du Bois.

Castle Rock 2010 Mendocino Pinot Noir-$7.99 Trader Joe's- Not nearly as good as the Castle Rock 2009 Mendocino Pinot Noir which I highly recommended.  I got some cherry and vanilla on the nose.  It was lighter in body than the 2009, had a less substantial mouth-feel and didn't come together as well.  The finish was unpleasant and fortunately short. A second bottle was better but still not nearly as good as the 2009. (I suspect the first bottle was mishandled.)  You take your chances on the 2010 Mendocino. Addendum 5/13/13I've now tried about a dozen of these 2010s and they are all over the map. Some are fairly good and others have been undrinkable but none have been as good as the 2009. I know Castle Rock has an unbelievably huge production.  I doubt that the problem is with them but rather with those who retail their wines.  It appears that some of these are improperly handled. Just be aware that Castle Rock produces huge quantities of Pinot and have a wide distribution.  So the Castle Rock 2010 Mendocino Pinot Noir that one person buys might be totally different than the one another person buys. Obviously it will vary in different areas of the country.  It is a good example, though, of how wines vary, depending on how they are handled by distributors and retailers.  The wine a critic drinks and recommends might be completely different than the one you purchased even though the labels are identical and it is the same winery, varietal and year.  This is a good reason to make purchases from wineries and reputable wine stores.  But in this price range this is not usually an option. You just take your chances.  In 2010 Castle Rock's annual production was a total of 600,000 cases.  That makes it among the largest producers in the U.S.

Castle Rock 2009 Monterey Pinot Noir-$7.99 Trader Joe's. Moderate to full body. Some forest floor. More black cherry than red with some tart plum on the finish.  Good, smooth tannins. Well balanced . Very nice for the price.  I also like the Castle Rock Russian River PN at $20 and the Castle Rock Mendocino PN at the same price as the Monterey ($5.99 to $9.99). When comparing the Mendocino and Monterey side by side, I actually liked them equally.  I've had three bottles of this Monterey now and plan to buy more. (I've had many of the Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot Noir, which is a nice alternative at the same price.)  How does Castle Rock do it? Highly recommended at this price for a PN. Addendum 6/21/13: The 2010 is just as good as the 2009 and, unlike the Castle Rock 2010 Mendocino Pinot Noir, I have not encountered any bad bottles.  It has been consistently decent.

Chalone 2010 Chardonnay-$9.99 at Safeway.  Another one that was recommended as a decent budget Chardonnay by a famous wine critic.  It is a decent $10 Chardonnay, and  I purchase a bottle or two perhaps once a year. I do like the dry flintiness and absence of excessive butter. Mild recommendation at this price.

Cline 2011 Cashmere (Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah)-$14 Cost Plus. Has a good reputation and is fairly good for the price but I'll pass on trying any more. Mild recommendation at this price if you are looking for a Rhone style California wine.

Clos du Bois 2010 Northern California Chardonnay-$7.99 at Safeway.  Very nice for the price and consistent from year to year.  I don't drink that much of this, but I've purchased a bottle or two every year for many years and have never been disappointed. One of the finest budget Chardonnays.  Highly recommended at this price.

County Fair 2010 Flying Pinot Noir-$8.99 Trader Joe's. Deep garnet. Red plum with some mushroom on the nose. Smooth entry of soft red fruit. Well balanced, simple with medium body. Medium length finish with some slightly tart cherry. Despite the silly name, it is not bad at this price. When you first open this wine it might seem too tight and thin.  If it does, then give it some air. Usually it is the big red wines that we think of as needing this, but Pinots also often need air to open up.  Mild recommendation at this price.

Delas Saint-Esprit 2011 Cotes-du Rhone Rouge-French. $9.99 on sale at Cost Plus.  I really liked the 2010 so thought I'd try the 2011.  This one is has a good nose but is a bit rough right out of the bottle.  Decant it or give it some air first.  Mostly black cherry, blackberry and some spice on the palate with blackberry and pepper on the medium length finish.  I gave the 2010 a moderate to high recommendation and it is the better of the two vintages.  I bought a number of 2010s but will not buy any more 2011s and will wait until 2012 comes out. It is not as well balanced as the 2010. This 2011 is only mildly recommended at this price level.

Delas St. Esprit 2010 Cote du Rhone Rouge-Cost Plus $13 sale $10. Very nice for money. Decent fruit. Well balanced. Enjoyable. Tastes like a decent French Rhone and is a very good buy.  I plan to buy more and take detailed tasting notes. Moderately to highly recommended at this price.

DeLoach 2011 California Pinot Noir-$9.99 on sale at Safeway. A lighter style Pinot with lots of strawberry. This one is well balanced and refreshing.  It is not a complex Pinot and you will not think it is from Burgundy.  But for its style, it is very honest and well worth the price.  Some light, fruity Pinots almost taste like Nouveau Beaujolais.  Not this one.  The PN varietal characteristics are quite evident. I'm not sure what the regular price is on this but it is worthwhile at anything less than $15.  There are also a DeLoach 2011 Russian River and a DeLoach 2011 Heritage Reserve that sell for more, but I have not tried these.  I enjoyed drinking this wine and have to give it a moderate recommendation at the price if you like this style Pinot

Dry Creek Fume Blanc 2011-$9.99 Safeway. Pale color with light nose.  Dry, pleasantly grassy and balanced on the palate.  No green pepper. Fruit is fairly good but restrained, more melon than anything else.  Acid good but not lively.  All the components come together which is more than I can say for most California Sauvignon Blancs. Very much in the California tradition but not as good as the Mondavi Fume Blanc, which sells for a few dollars more and is a real bargain.  Mildly recommended at this price.

Epicuro 2009 Salice Salentino-$5.99 Trader Joe's. Good nose of cherry and raspberry. Smooth and fruity w. raspberry entry. Soft tannins, rather simple, light to moderate bodied but balanced. Pleasant, medium length finish.  Decent for the price, but I prefer the Epicuro Anglianico and the Epicuro Primitivo that are both better red wines from the same winery at the same price.  Please see my previous budget wine reviews for descriptions of these two wine bargains. I tried a second bottle of this and it will be my last. Very mild recommendation at this price.

Giesen 2011 Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand-$8.99 Cost Plus. Pale straw color. Light, but pleasant aroma. Fairly dry with a fruity entry of mostly tropical fruit. No grassiness.  Okay finish.  I don't plan to purchase any more. I prefer the Brancott New Zealand SB mentioned above at the same price. A pleasant enough SB, though, so mildly recommended at this price.

Gnarly Head 2010 Malbec-$8.99 at Safeway-Tastes rather like a Malbec.  Okay for the price.  Not many budget Malbecs out there. Mildly recommended at this price.

Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi-$8.87 Safeway. Pleasant aroma of blackberry and oak. This is a big fruity, rather jammy Zin, mostly blackberry, with some oak, not too high in alcohol (14.5%), and fairly well balanced.  Plenty of  lush fruit. It is ripe and smooth, with tannins being relatively soft and integrated.  Should appeal to those who like a full bodied, fruity but fairly well-balanced Zin.  Might be too jammy for some, but I enjoyed it. It is easy to drink and should go well with BBQs, pizzas, some Mexican food, spaghetti, etc.  Some Lodi Zins I've had have been too high in alcohol, but this one holds its alcohol very well. I'll definitely buy another bottle and add more tasting notes.  The 2010 is moderately recommended at this price but not the 2011. Addendum 1/24/13: Tried a second bottle of the 2010.  Deep, dark ruby color. Got some dark cherry on the nose and palate this time along with the previous blackberry and also some spice on the palate.  Pleasant touch of rusticity. Finish is short.  I also tried the Gnarly Head 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel and did not like it. Lacking balance with too much jammyness overwhelming everything else. I tasted the 2010 and 2011 side by side for comparision, and the difference between them was remarkable.  The 2011 is not recommended. If you like super jammy Zins, though, you might like it. All Gnarly Head wines are worth trying to see if you like them.  They are sometimes amazingly good bargains.

Hess 2010 Select Chardonnay-$8.99 at Safeway or just about anywhere. Fairly decent Chardonnay at under $10. It is widely available and is reliable from year to year. Mildly recommended for the price.

La Ferme Julien Rouge 2012 Rhone Red- French. $4.99 at Trader Joe's. They have a white, rose and red.  Of these, I prefer the red which is  a Rhone blend of Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah.  I'm very fond of Rhone red wines but can rarely find a decent one for under $10.  At only $5 I find this one to be a real bargain.  If you like Rhone wines and are looking for something very inexpensive, this would be a good choice.  I have only tried the 2012 so cannot comment on other vintages.  This is an honest, simple, pleasant every day wine that benefits from a little air.  It is mostly spicy blackberry on the palate, with good body and decent balance.  Highly recommended for a $5 wine.

La Merika 2011 Pinot Noir. $9.99 at Cost Plus. Not bad. Light nose. Medium bodied with plenty of ripe fruit, mostly red cherry.  Somewhat fruit forward for a Pinot. Not very complex, but extremely easy to drink. Good ripe cherry finish of medium length. Should appeal to those who like a smooth, fruity, simple Pinot.  This Central Coast Pinot was rated at 98 and given double gold medals at the 2012 California State Fair International Wine Competition.  It is a good deal at the price, but not a 98 point wine. Worth trying if you like this style Pinot. Just don't expect it to be a complex, elegant 98 point Pinot.  I'm undecided if I'll ever try another bottle. Mild recommendation at this price.
Les Portes de Bordeaux 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-French. $4.99 at Trader Joe's. Grapefruit and citrus with a decent finish. Fairly decent for price, but I don't plan to buy any more.  Mildly recommended for a Sauvignon Blanc at less than $5.

Mezzacorona 2010 Pinot Grigio-Italian. $6.99 at Trader Joe's. Recommended by our local TJ's wine guru and very nice for the price.  Good fruit, decent balance and tastes like a Pinot Grigio.  A winner.  One of the best buys in a white wine. I have had numerous bottles of this. It is very pleasant and I've never grown tired of it. One of the best white wine bargains I've found recently. Very highly recommended for the price.

Panilonco 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Chile-$4.99 Trader Joe's. This seems to be a regular stock item at TJs.  Not much varietal comes through, and it has very little finish, but it is a smooth, rather full bodied, drinkable wine for this price. I wouldn't buy another bottle, but it is very mildly recommended if you are looking for a Cab at under $5.

Piper Sonoma, Sonoma Valley NV Brut-$11.99 widely available. My favorite budget sparkling wine, and I've tried many of them in the $10 to $20 range because I'm very fond of sparkling wine and can't always afford French Taittinger or Schramsberg.  (I'm not going to list all the ones I tried but didn't like.)  On the nose I get green apple and pleasant yeast, more aroma than most budget bubblies.  Palate-wise I get mostly citrus, dry and crisp, but not at all austere and very well-balanced, with more yeast and minerality than most inexpensive sparklers plus more delicate bubbles. This is a real class act in this price range, and I haven't found anything at this price that comes close. The Gloria Ferrer NV Sonoma Brut  is several dollars more and tastes sweeter and fruitier.  It use to be my favorite budget bubbly until I started drinking the Piper Sonoma and now it is hard to go back. I tried the Piper Sonoma Rose bubbly, too, but didn't care for it.  This Piper Sonoma NV Brut is 60% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier. If you find a sparkling wine for under $20 that you think is better, please email me.  Very highly recommended for the price!  

Portico da Ria 2011 Albarino-Spanish. $5.99 at Trader Joe's. Finally a decent, inexpensive Albarino. TJ's hardly ever carries this varietal, much to my disappointment. . It is a wonderful, much underappreciated varietal here in the U.S. but, of course, is well known and appreciated in Portugal. I'm very fond of good Albarinos but rarely find a decent one for under $20 and don't seem to find any for under $10.  Mostly lemon and green apples on the palate, well balanced, this one is a winner at the price and should be selling for at least $10 to $15.  If you have never had an Albarino before, this would be a good start.  If you love pleasant, floral, not too sweet but not bone dry, easy to drink white wines that are not one dimensional you might love this one.  Buy a case before they run out.  I do not know of a better red or white wine deal, and I do not know how long TJ's will carry this. (It is a fairly recent arrival.) Very highly recommended Albarino for the price.

Reserve des Cleones 2012 Muscadet Severe et Maine Sure Lie-$7.99 at Trader Joe's. Muscadet is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, often referred to as melon.  Pale yellow in color, this one is light, very dry, and crisp with melon and lemon on the palate.  Balance is okay for the price. Short finish. It is not very complex, but if you are looking for a Muscadet to pair with seafood or whatever, this is worth investigating. I doubt I will purchase any more, but I have to give it a mild recommendation at this price.

Saint-Bris Vin de Bourgogne 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-French. $9.99  at Trader Joe's.  A Sauvignon Blanc from Chablis?  Yup.  And very nice for the price.  This one has hints of what premium Sauvignon Blancs offer but costs a fraction of the price.  I've several bottles so far and really like it. Moderately recommended.

Seaglass 2011 Sauvignon Blanc-$9.99 Cost Plus. Pale straw color. Light melon nose. Pleasantly dry but not overly crisp. Melon with some grassiness on the palate rather than grapefruit or tropical fruit.  Light to medium body. Medium finish with some grassiness.  A decent California SB for the price.  I don't think I'll try another bottle. Mild recommendation at this price.

Tarmina 2012 Monastrell-Spain. $6.99 at Cost Plus.  Monastrell is Spanish for Mourvedre, a varietal that is used in French Rhone GSM blends.  Inky purple in color with a decent nose. Full bodied but smooth, jammy and round with lots of balanced dark fruit.  Very appealing and easy to drink for the price.  I'll have to buy some more. Moderate plus recommendation at the price.

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir-$12.99 Trader Joe's-Aroma of red, ripe cherries.  Medium bodied with lush mouthfeel of red cherry and some baking spices.  Extremely well balanced! Medium length finish.  This one tastes like a Pinot that should sell for at least three times the price.  (If I tasted this blind I would think it was one of the better Pinots in the $30 to $40 range.) I like it much better than the decent Trader Joe's Grand Reserve 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir (see below) or the very pleasant TJ's  Reserve 2011 Napa Valley Pinot Noir. It is also a finer wine than any of the Castle Rock Pinots but then most of them sell for almost half the price and are still great buys. This is a fantastic buy!  The best under $20 Pinot I've encountered and a complete winner!!  Very highly recommended!!! Addendum 6/21/13: Long gone. Don't confuse it with others that sound similar.

Trader Joe's Grand Reserve 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir-$12.99 at Trader Joe's.  Decent nose of cherry and vanilla. Somewhat tart red cherry on the palate with medium body. Not much finish.  A fairly good Pinot for the price. (Inexpensive Pinots are usually not very good.)  At under $20 it is worth trying.   Mildly recommended at this priceAddendum 6/21/13: Long gone. Don't confuse it with something that sounds similar.

Trader Joe's Reserve 2011 Napa Valley Pinot Noir- (ABJ Wines, Geyserville) $9.99 at Trader Joe's. Easy to drink and pleasant but somewhat simple and one-dimensional.  One cannot expect complexity, however, in a Pinot at this price level. Well worth it considering that it is a Pinot and under $10.  A great bargain.  My neighbor is a Pinot devote and loves it for the price.  You might too.  I've tried several bottles and they have been consistently enjoyable, especially since I know how much I paid. Highly recommended at this price. Addendum 6/21/13: Long gone. Don't confuse it with something that sounds similar.

Other Budget Wine Reviews may be viewed here:
Budget Wine Review 1
Budget Wine Review 2 Alsatian Gewurtztraminers
Budget Wine Review 3
Budget Wine Review 4
Budget Wine Review 5 Pinot Noirs
Budget Wine Review 6
Budget Wine Review 7 Pinot Noirs
Budget Wine Review 8 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Budget Wine Review 9
Budge Wine Review 10 
Budget Wine Favorites in 2012










Saturday, January 4, 2014

Google Field Trip and Bach to Bacchus Partnership

Google Field Trip is a smartphone application that introduces users to places of interest in many parts of the world. Google Field Trip may be downloaded and used for free.  Users have the option of exploring wineries or other attractions from home or on the road by using the geocode features that announces a winery once the user is in the vicinity. There is one device that even narrates the review.  All photos are available and directions to the winery are provided along with information about whether the winery is open to the public or requires an appointment.  A phone number is listed so the user may contact the winery for an appointment or additional information.  The Field Trip application is available here: Google Field Trip Application

The first reviews for Bach to Bacchus were written in March of 2010. In May 2013 Bach to Bacchus was contacted by Google Field Trip inquiring about a partnership with them.  Some alterations to their proposed contract were requested, and this was approved by their legal department so that the contract was signed four months later in September 2013.  Field Trip asked to use most of the winery reviews written in the past two years and, of course, all new winery reviews.  Field Trip scans Bach to Bacchus daily for any new winery reviews and for  corrections or changes to older reviews. So far Bach to Bacchus has the only contract with Google Field Trip to write Napa Valley winery reviews.

Over a million people have downloaded Google Field Trip, but there are no statistics available on how often the application is used specifically for Napa Valley wineries.  The traffic, however, is undoubtedly much larger than the mere 5,000 visits or so that the the Bach to Bacchus blog receives each month.  Because there is no charge to the user or the winery, Google Field Trip appears to be a win-win for everybody. We welcome invitations from Napa Valley wineries that are open to the public, from those that are open only by appointment or even from those that have no tasting facilities but would like their wines reviewed.  We especially welcome visiting with winemakers or owners who like to share their enthusiasm and passion for wine. We also welcome media invitations to wine events such as ZAP, PS I Love You, Rhone Rangers, etc.

On the left hand side of the Bach to Bacchus blog are listed most of the wineries reviewed.  Those in ALL capital letters are also featured in Google Field Trip.  The others are only on the Bach to Bacchus blog.  None of the articles about wine in general, wine events, or individual wine reviews are included in Google Field Trip, because Field Trip is only about attractions or places of interest (such as wineries), not about events, essays or individual wine reviews.  They have suggested that Bach to Bacchus write articles about wineries in Sonoma and other areas, but there are still many excellent Napa Valley wineries that have not reviewed, and the amount of time required to prepare and write a good review precludes completing more than one a week.

If you are the owner or publicist for a Napa Valley winery and would like us to visit to write an article, please send an email to bachtobacchus (at) gmail (dot) com.  We need to take photos and sample the wines, and a tour can be very helpful.  Regular group tours or VIP tours are both welcome.  My friend (designated driver and wine collector) and I are both retired, long time Napa residents who have each been visiting Napa Valley wineries since the early 1970's.  Bach to Bacchus is not intended as a business but as a retirement hobby and a service to the many Napa Valley wineries we have enjoyed visiting over the years, especially those in the Napa Valley Vintners Napa Neighbor Program. Wineries are welcome to quote from Bach to Bacchus or from my writings on Google Field Trip. If you do not have a tasting room or physical location, we can still take tasting notes and write an article but we would not be able to include you in Google Field Trip.  Really small wineries that want to keep under the radar may also chose to have a blog article written but not to be included in Field Trip. Thanks.  TJ Jones, Napa, CA

Here are a few comments from the Internet about Google Field Trip:
Should You Go on Google's Field Trip?  "The new app is an ingenious way to learn about what’s around you and points to a potential gold mine in location-based advertising. Field Trip is a smart, serendipitous, and stylish tour guide." Rachel Metz MIT Technology Review, October 4, 2012

Google’s Awesome ‘Field Trip’ App "Google already has five of the six most popular apps in America... the company is now extending Field Trip, the Android-based guide to the cool, hidden, and unique things in the world around you." John Koetsier Venturebeat, March 8, 2013

Friday, January 3, 2014

Favorite Wines from Napa Valley Wineries

The wines listed below are some of our favorite wines from 150 or so Napa Valley wineries we visited over the past few years ending with 2013. There are still many great wineries we have not visited, and there were certain wines that were not offered for tasting at some wineries we visited. When a wine is produced from grapes not grown in Napa Valley, I have tried to make a note of that.

Tasting wines at a winery is somewhat similar to listening to audio speakers in stores. It is brief and very limited. I can tell which ones I like, but not until I take the speakers home, hear them in my own listening room, spend extended periods of time with them and "pair" them with different types of recordings, do I really develop a thorough understanding and appreciation of them.

Sometimes a bottle of wine I take home from a winery does not taste quite as good as I remember it at the winery.  More frequently, however, it is even better than I had initially thought. At home I am able to find that right combination of temperature, air, pairing, etc. in a setting where I can really pay close attention. It is a much different experience than tasting wines blind or tasting numerous wines at one setting. Different types of tastings provide different kinds of information. Visiting a winery, meeting the winemaker, sampling the wines and then slowly and attentively drinking the wine later at home is, for me, the best way to understand and truly appreciate a wine.

Not surprisingly, we were especially impressed with the very high quality of Cabernet Sauvignons in Napa Valley. I think they hold their own with the finest wines in the world. There were so many outstanding Cabs, it was difficult to pick favorites.

We welcome questions from potential visitors to Napa Valley. Please send these directly to me at my email address and do not post them as comments under a winery unless the question relates specifically to that winery.

Please note that all prices were effective at the time of our visit to the winery and might have changed.

Cabernet Franc:
Ballentine 2008 Cabernet Franc $29. 
Chappellet 2009 Cabernet Franc $65
Girard Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc $40
Oakville Ranch 2009 Robert's Blend at $98 Cabernet Franc. My favorite!
Peju 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, $115
Robert Keenan 2008 Cabernet Franc $60
Stepping Stone 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, $35 at Cornerstone Cellars
Titus Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc $36

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Blends:
Alpha Omega Winery 2007 Proprietary Red, Bordeaux blend, $86
Alpha Omega Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $85
Alpha Omega 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $92. 
Alpha Omega 2010 Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine, $92.  49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc
Artesa 2010 Morisoli-Borges Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $85. 
Barnett 2009 Rattlesnake Hill Cabernet Sauvignon $140
B Cellars 2008 Synergy Cabernet Sauvignon $55
Bennett Lane Winery 2006 Maximus $35, Bordeaux blend
Beringer 2007 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $89
Burgess Cellars 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon $68
Burgess Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $80
Cain 2002 Cain Concept $70
Cain 2007 Cain Five $100
Caymus 2010 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, $130. 
Caymus 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $72. 
Ceja 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $50
Chappellet 2009 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon  $135
Chappellet 2009 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $49
Chateau Montelena 2007 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $135
Corison 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, $115. 
Corison 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, $90. 
Corison 2006 Kronos Cabernet Sauvignon, $119
Corison 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $75. 
Cornerstone Cellars 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $80
Cornerstone Cellars 2009 The Cornerstone, $125
Cosentino 2006 Winemaster, Cabernet Sauvignon, $60
Cuvaison 2010 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $55
Del Dotto 2011 Oakville Jupille Sylvain Cabernet Sauvignon, $125
Elizabeth Spencer 2007 The Guardian $60
Elyse 2007 Morisoli Vineyard, $70
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $48. 
Erna Schein (Behrens) 2006 Fat Boy $75, Bordeaux blend
Far Niente 2005 Oakville Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, $175
Foley Johnson 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.
Frank Family 2009 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $85. 
Frog's Leap 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $42. 
Girard Winery 2009 Artistry, Bordeaux blend, $40
Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $60.
Groth 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $125. Wonderful.
Hall 2010 Jack's Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, $125
Heitz 2006 Martha's Vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon $150
Heitz 2002 Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $85. 
Heitz 2002 Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $200.
Hendry 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $55
Hess Collection 2010 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, $55
Hill Family Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $55. Great value
Hill Family Estate 2007 Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon $150
Hill Family Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $48
Honig 2009 Campbell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $75
Ideology 2007 Reserve Block Cabernet Sauvignon $68
Inglenook 2006 Captain’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $48
Inglenook Estate 2007 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon $65
Inglenook Estate 2008 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon $65
Jacquelynn Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon $175 (Chateau Boswell)
Joseph Phelps Vineyard 2006 Insignia $200.
Joseph Phelps Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $54
Juslyn 2007 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $110
Kelly Fleming 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $120.
Kelly Fleming 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $120.
Kelly Fleming 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $90
Louis Martini 2007 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon $85
Marston Family Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $120.
Marston Family Vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $100
Merryvale 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $65. 
Merryvale 2009 Profile Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend, $165.  87% Cabernet
Neal Family Vineyards 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $65
Neal Family Vineyards 2005 Second Chance Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $75
Neal Family Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $60
Neal Family Vineyards 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet, $48. 
Oakville Ranch 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon at $82
Peju 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $150
Pine Ridge 2009 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, $85
Quintessa 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $155
Quintessa 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $155
Raymond 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $35
Raymond 2008 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.
Raymond 2009 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.
Raymond 2009 Generations (100% Cabernet Sauvignon), $115. 
Regusci Winery 2008 Angelo’s Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon $125
Regusci Winery 2008 Patriarch Proprietary Blend, Bordeaux blend, $80
Robert Keenan 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $49
Robert Mondavi Reserve 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $135
Rombauer 2007 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, $70
Round Pond 2010 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, $60. 
Rutherford Hill 2007 TFV Cardinal’s Peak $48
Rutherford Hill 2007 TFV Rutherford $62
Salvestrin 2008 Estate "3D" Cabernet Sauvignon, $125.
Sawyer Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $49
Schweiger Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $58
Schweiger Vineyards 2007 Dedication $85
Smith-Madrone 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $45.
Smith-Madrone 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $45
Smith-Madrone 2007 Cook's Flat Reserve $200. Fantastic
Somerston Wine Co. 2007 Somerston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $120
Spring Mountain Vineyard 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $75.
Spring Mountain Vineyard 2005 Elivette, $160.
Spring Mountain Vineyard 2009 Elivette, $125
St. Supery Estate 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon $80
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2007 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon $125
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2008 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon $95
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon $195.
Summers Estate, 2007 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $70
Terra Valentine 2007 Marriage, Bordeaux blend, $75
Trefethen 2006 Halo (92% Cabernet Sauvignon) $175
Trefethen 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $100
Volker Eisele Family Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $45. 
Volker Eisele Family Estate 2008 Terzetto a Bordeaux style red blend made from equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, $75. 
White Rock Vineyards 2003 Cave Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $85.
White Rock Vineyards 2004 Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon $45.
White Rock Vineyards 2005 Laureate Cave Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $100
White Rock Vineyards 2005 Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon $45.
White Rock Vineyards 2006 Claret, Bordeaux blend, $36.

Charbono:
Hess 2011 Artezan Napa Valley Charbono, $30
Summers Estate Wines 2008 Charbono $28

Chardonnay:
Ceja 2009 Chardonnay at $34
Chateau Boswell Russian River 2009 Chardonnay "The Voyage" $75
Cuvaison 2010 Carneros Chardonnay $23
Cuvaison 2011 Estate Chardonnay, $25.
Del Dotto 2011 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, $85.
Far Niente 2011 Napa Valley Estate Bottled Chardonnay, $63
Grgich Hills Estate 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay, $42.
Hill Family 2012 Reserve Chardonnay, $65
Robert Keenan 2010 Chardonnay $30
Smith-Madrone 2008 Chardonnay $30
Smith-Madrone 2009 Chardonnay $30. My favorite!
Stony Hill 2010 Chardonnay $42
White Rock Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay $30
White Rock Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay $30
ZD 2009 California Chardonnay $34

Chenin Blanc:
Chappellet 2010 Signature Chenin Blanc $30

Gewürztraminer:
Corison 2009 Gewürztraminer, $30
Stony Hill 2010 Gewürztraminer $24. My favorite.

Grenache:
Burgess Cellars 2009 Grenache $24

Late Harvest white wine:
Dolce 2007 Napa Valley Late Harvest Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc $85 half bottle at Far Niente
Van Der Heyden 2002 Late Harvest Semillon $125 half bottle

Malbec:
Darioush 2010 Captaz Malbec, $48

Merlot:
Barnett 2009 Spring Mountain Merlot $55
Burgess Cellars 2008 Merlot $28
Darioush Winery 2007 Merlot $46
Duckhorn Vineyard 2007 Merlot $52
Paloma 2008 Merlot $54. Outstanding! A great Merlot. My favorite.
Peju 2008 Merlot, $35.
Pride Mountain 2008 Merlot $58
Robert Keenan 2008 Merlot $36
Rutherford Hill 2007 Reserve Merlot, $59

Petite Sirah:
Ballentine 2009 Fig Tree Vineyard Petite Sirah $28
Behrens Family Kick Ranch Petite Sirah $50
Burgess Cellars 2009 Petite Sirah $28
Chase Cellars 2009 Petite Sirah, $50
David Fulton Winery 2009 Old Vines Napa Valley Estate Petite Sirah, $45
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga Estate Petite Sirah, $45
Esoterica (Kent Rasmussen) 2007 Petite Sirah $40. My favorite.
(The 2008 Esoterica is not nearly as good.  The 2009 is not quite as good.)
Gustavo Thrace 2006 Petite Sirah $40.
Raymond 2009 Small Lot Petite Sirah $40
Vincent Arroyo 2011 Petite Sirah, $32

Pinot Noir:
Artesa Limited Release 2011 Carneros Pinot Noir, $50
August Briggs 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir, $38. 
Barnett 2010 Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, $55
Belle Glos 2012 Dairyman Pinot Noir, $44 at Caymus
Clos Pegase Winery 2008 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros, $35.
Cuvaison 2011 Estate Pinot Noir, $38.
Del Dotto 2012 Allier Vosge Pinot Noir, $75
Etude 2008 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir $42
Etude 2009 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir $42
Merryvale 2011 Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir, $65.
Reata 2011 Napa/Sonoma Pinot Noir, $30. At Jamieson Ranch

Port type:
Beringer 1987 Port of Cabernet Sauvignon $60
Heitz Ink Grade Port NV $30 half bottle, now $36, very reasonably priced

Red blends:
B Cellars 2008 Blend 24 Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangioves/Petite Sirah/Syrah, Super Tuscan $55
Benessere Vineyard 2006 Phenomenon $50, Super Tuscan
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga Estate Bee Bee's Blend, 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 10% Petite Sirah red blend, $41
Hill Family 2010 The Messenger, $48. mostly a Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend
Robert Sinskey 2007 Los Carneros Marcien Proprietary Red, $90
Round Pond 2011 Proprietary Red Wine, $80. equal parts Cab, Malbec and Petit Verdot. 
Salvestrin 2008 Retaggio, Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, $45

Riesling:
Smith-Madrone 2010 Riesling $36. Incredible! My favorite!!!
Stepping Stone 2010 Napa Valley Riesling, $20 at Cornerstone Cellars
Stony Hill 2010 “White Riesling” $27
Trefethen 2011 Dry Riesling $22, better than 2009 or 2010, exceptional

Rose and blush wines:
Cuvaison 2012 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir (Rose), $19.  My favorite.

Roussanne:
Truchard 2010 Roussanne $22

Sangiovese:
Benessere Vineyard 2008 Sangiovese $28

Sauvignon Blanc:
Alpha Omega 2012 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, $38.
Artesa Napa Valley 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, $26
Darioush 2012 Signature Sauvignon Blanc, $45
Grgich Hills Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Essence, $48
Hill Family Estate 2010 Tiara Sauvignon Blanc $35
Jacquelynn 2010 Cuvee Blanc $45
Joseph Phelps 2009 ‘St. Helena’ Sauvignon Blanc $30
Kelly Fleming Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $30. Great! My favorite.
Marston Family Vineyard 2010 Albion $50.  Really nice.
Neal Family Vineyards 2012 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, $18
Peirson Meyer 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $28.
Robert Mondavi 2010 Stag’s Leap District Sauvignon Blanc $32
Robert Mondavi 2009 Fume Blanc $20 (sale $13 Safeway) Great value
Robert Mondavi 2011 Oakville 2011 Fume Blanc, $32. 
Solovino 2009 Sauvignon Blanc $19, good value

Syrah:
Cakebread 2009 Napa Valley Syrah $55
Cuvaison Estate Wines 2009 Diablo Syrah $35
Darioush Winery 2008 “Shiraz” $68
Robert Keenan 2008 Napa Valley Syrah $38

Viognier:
Darioush 2012 Signature Viognier, $41
Reata 2010 Napa Valley Viognier, $35. At Jamieson Ranch
Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2011 Napa Valley Viognier, $35.

Zinfandel:
August Briggs 2010 Page Nord Napa Valley Syrah, $32
Ballentine 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel $25
Caymus 2010 Zinfandel, $38.
Chase Cellars 2009 Hayne Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel, $75
Elyse 2008 Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard (Rutherford) $37
Frank Family 2010 Napa Valley Zinfandel, $36.75. 
Hendry 2007 Block 28 Zinfandel $35
Highlands Winery 2006 Howell Mountain Zinfandel $29
Jana Winery 2006 Old Vines Napa Valley Zinfandel, $35 at David Fulton Winery
Neal Family 2011 Rutherford Dust Vineyards Zinfandel, $24.
Robert Biale 2009 Monte Rosso Zinfandel $50. My favorite.
Storybook Mountain Vineyards 2009 Napa Estate, Antaeus (Zinfandel blend), $40.