tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19957910150345578262024-03-18T18:42:37.318-07:00Bach to BacchusNapa Valley winery reviews, tasting notes, recommendations, and photos, now also included in Google's Field Trip application. Periodic reviews of interesting wines from around the world. Occasional musings about classical music as related to wine. Bach to Bacchus is partners with Google Field Trip. TJ Jones, Napa, CaliforniaTJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-87826965469512965372015-01-04T14:30:00.000-08:002017-08-14T05:27:00.071-07:00Schramsberg VineyardsSchramsberg Vineyards offers one of the finest and most
interesting tour and tasting experiences in Napa Valley.
They produce wonderful sparkling wines, arguably the finest in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grounds are beautifully landscaped with
gardens, forests and lovely views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
architecture with the old barn and their historic Victorian house are quite
interesting. Their extensive and highly informative tour includes a visit to
their old wine caves and finishes with an intimate, elegant table tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their history is amazing, Schramsberg being one
of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley,
having been founded in 1862, only one year after the first winery Charles Krug began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robert Lewis Stevenson visited Schramsberg in
1880 and tasted 18 different wines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
even mentioned Schramsberg in his famous book The Silverado Squatters. So yes,
Schramsberg Vineyard is a "must visit winery."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg Victorian house ©</td></tr>
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The winery was founded by the German immigrant Jacob Schram
who grew up along the Rhine River
in a winemaking family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He immigrated to
America and earned
his way as a barber until purchasing the land in 1862.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chinese workers helped build the wine caves
starting in 1870, and by 1880 he was producing 20,000 gallons a year from his fifty
cultivated acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gorgeous Victorian
house was built to replace the original cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob Schram continued to
operate the winery until his death in 1905.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg garden ©</td></tr>
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The property was sold next to the Sterling Investment Company and was then purchased in 1916 by a wealthy San Francisco
contractor, W.J. McKillop, who used it as a summer home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The estate was in the hands of several other
owners until sold to Douglas Pringle in 1951.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1957 it was designated a state historical landmark. Not until 1965, however, when the property was
acquired by Jack and Jamie Davies, did the estate become an operating winery once
again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg grounds</td></tr>
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In January of 1972 Jack Davies was contacted by the State
Department asking if they could purchase 13 cases of his sparkling wine.
He had to deliver the wine to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield
though. They did not know what the wine was to be used for. About a
month later they received a phone call from a fellow vintner, Chuck Carpy, that Barbara Walters had
been on TV standing in Tiananmen Square holding a bottle of Schramsberg wine, announcing that their wine had been served
last night at the State dinner in China called "Toast to Peace" that
was hosted by President Nixon for the Chinese Premier Chou En-lai. This
was a very historic occasion and quite an honor for a little known California
winery. It was the first time that any California
wine had been served by a U.S. President at a major international event.
Schramsberg sparkling wines later had the honor of being served at official functions for Price
Charles and Princess Diana in 1985, for Pope John Paul II in 1987 and for Queen
Elizabeth in 2007. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg frog pond</td></tr>
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It is the Davies family that has made Schramsberg what it is
today, and it really has been and continues to be a family endeavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Jack died in 1998 and his wife Jamie
in 2008, their son, Hugh Davies, has been the CEO and President of Schramsberg
since 2005.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See <a href="http://www.schramsberg.com/story/todaytomorrow.html">Hugh Davies The Next Generation</a> ) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg tasting table</td></tr>
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Although Schramsberg is famous for their sparkling wines, they
produced their
first estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001 (released in 2004).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continue to offer Cabernet Sauvignon and
now Pinot Noir under their Davies Vineyard label.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg view from visitor's center</td></tr>
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The Schramsberg estate is situated a few miles south of Calistoga, just off
Highway 29, in a forested area along Diamond
Mountain and consists of 218
acres.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only 43 acres are under
cultivation, with most of the estate remaining a picturesque forest. In 1998 they were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009
Schramsberg received final certification by both the Napa Green Winery program
and the Napa Green
Certified Land
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year later they became even
more environmentally friendly by installing 1,655 solar panels. I love Schramsberg sparkling wines and have been drinking
them for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are among my very
favorite of all American sparkling wines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you visit Napa
Valley, and are serious about wine, you
will certainly want to visit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you do not have an opportunity to visit, I strongly recommend purchasing their
wines, which seem to be widely available.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg grounds</td></tr>
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The first wine we tasted was their well known Schramsberg Blanc
de Blancs, retailing at $38 but often discounted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having tasted many of these over the years I
can attest to the consistently high quality of this sparkling wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always excellent regardless of the
vintage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You simply cannot go wrong
buying a bottle and all the wine critics seems to score it in the 90s year after year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Schramsberg
2011 Blanc de Blancs</u></b> was no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
It</span> was from 100% Chardonnay grapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
52</span>% of the grapes were from Napa,
40% from Sonoma, 1% from Marin and
7% from Mendocino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bubbles were small,
tight and plentiful. The aroma was exceptional with lemon and pear along with
lovely yeast notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was refreshingly dry and crisp
but not bone dry, with mostly apple, lemon and minerality along with very appealing
yeast and vanilla notes. Balance was impeccable and the finish was very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highly recommended.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg entry sign</td></tr>
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Our second pour was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Schramsberg
2006 J Schram</u></b> retailing at $110.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was made
from 87% Chardonnay and 13% Pinot Noir with 47% from Napa,
46% from Sonoma, 6% from Marin and
1% from Mendocino.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The J Schram
represents only about 3% of their annual production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is cave aged, so their current release is
the 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the first sip it was evident that great care had gone into this excellent wine. On the nose I got apple, grapefruit and
almond with some tropical notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
palate it was very dry but deep and complex with a myriad of flavors
of apple, grapefruit, lime, almond and spices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The finish was very long with additional hints of fresh ginger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was well structured, perfectly balanced
and fairly intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could certainly
pair this outstanding sparkling wine with food, but I would prefer it on its
own or perhaps with just some oysters or goat cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was one of the finest American sparkling
wines I've tasted and was an essential purchase for us.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg old wine barrels</td></tr>
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Third up was the <b>Schramsberg
2011 Brut </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Rosé</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> retailing at $43.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
produced from 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a very fruity aroma that was quite
appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the palate I got mostly strawberry,
tangerine and raspberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crisp,
refreshing and rather light with an emphasis on fresh fruit and charm, this
sparkler would be especially appealing on a warm day and should pair well with
many different foods, including most seafood and poultry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite nice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg Victorian house</td></tr>
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This was followed by the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Schramsberg 2006 Reserve</u></b> that retails at $110.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was from 84% Pinot Noir and 16% Chardonnay
with 66% of the grapes from Sonoma,
17% from Marin, 9% from Mendocino and 8% from Napa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got mostly cherry and tangerine on the
pronounced nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the palate it was
crisp and quite dry with tangerine and peach, some minerality, good complexity
and a decent finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was excellent,
although we both preferred the 2006 J Schram at the same price. But that was
simply a matter of personal preference and you might, indeed, prefer the
Reserve. The Reserve seemed very food friendly and should pair well with a wide
variety of foods.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbiDo2pEpotqsgiCSBDr3Hsoy8Zw2Lw5467Wcw25uQWD0xRvB2E_PrqbCcsjwWNcsQZ9JVt5_1wa_cJqnxw1-Wnp709JOQDlrGtxlKCPyhgD9Leuv5KT_Q0RDLLKL51p3uh2sIIpLPpQ/s1600/Schramsberg+old+wine+press+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbiDo2pEpotqsgiCSBDr3Hsoy8Zw2Lw5467Wcw25uQWD0xRvB2E_PrqbCcsjwWNcsQZ9JVt5_1wa_cJqnxw1-Wnp709JOQDlrGtxlKCPyhgD9Leuv5KT_Q0RDLLKL51p3uh2sIIpLPpQ/s1600/Schramsberg+old+wine+press+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg old wine press</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our last taste was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">J
Davies 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District</b> at a retail price of $90.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Malbec,
all estate grown, and was aged for 24 months in French oak with 90% new
oak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Cab is refreshingly different
than many other Napa Valley Cabs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
not one of those big, overly extracted Cabs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, even though the grapes are from Diamond
Mountain, this is certainly not one
of those bold, burly, tannic mountain Cabs that needs ten or more years of cellaring to be
drinkable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The presentation of this Cab
was much more about delicacy and finesse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beginning with very pleasant cherry, cedar and floral aromas, it was
medium bodied with lots of fresh, bright fruit, mostly cherry and raspberry,
and fairly restrained tannins, all well balanced with spice and floral notes
culminating in a long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
quite drinkable now and should appeal to those who like a more medium bodied
Napa Valley Cab that emphasizes freshness and charm over intensity or power.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKERTkVhLIdxTKNS4FxoLaJKBpkuRM8wo_7DpiBKh7tKUY42ltCM6j1j-qeBCGvQh6rqjfn4LCrtcRgROj3C7LzyPtz9gVYNMnyQ4UOCX7Ptpl9k4dF91aBwMjNum5VwnsPWSZjQ3JJs/s1600/Schramsberg+building+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKERTkVhLIdxTKNS4FxoLaJKBpkuRM8wo_7DpiBKh7tKUY42ltCM6j1j-qeBCGvQh6rqjfn4LCrtcRgROj3C7LzyPtz9gVYNMnyQ4UOCX7Ptpl9k4dF91aBwMjNum5VwnsPWSZjQ3JJs/s1600/Schramsberg+building+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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The interesting, lovely and fascinating tour at Schramsberg
is one of the finest in Napa Valley
and should not to be missed by any serious wine lover. The tours and tasting are
offered as a package and require an appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tour size is usually limited to groups of
ten to twelve persons so you will receive warm personal attention and have the
opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They generally offer six scheduled tours per
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hours are from 10 to 2:30. Information
and scheduling is available by phone or over the <a href="http://www.schramsberg.com/visit.html">Internet</a>. Much thanks to Kayla and Matthew for assisting in coordinating our visit and for being so enthusiastic,
informative and welcoming. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7XyBivRLhHHAqX96ynrqYU2gciDmGod7UNBeBxBWD6iKlTyZiI7P-nQvq2NCYthfmTdGebxw-PoBxEQNi8k3DReremsZq5cxc5lDDwSl78RurVV1MUqSDBL_3j-O-FkPG3grrxruV-o/s1600/Schramsberg+wine+cave+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7XyBivRLhHHAqX96ynrqYU2gciDmGod7UNBeBxBWD6iKlTyZiI7P-nQvq2NCYthfmTdGebxw-PoBxEQNi8k3DReremsZq5cxc5lDDwSl78RurVV1MUqSDBL_3j-O-FkPG3grrxruV-o/s1600/Schramsberg+wine+cave+2.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg wine cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.schramsberg.com/">Schramsberg Vineyards</a><br />
1400 Schramsberg Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Calistoga, CA
94515<br />
Tour and Tasting Reservations: 707-942-4558</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Date of visit: December
16, 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn52ZbmH_EsJeKSBHkAqoN6oaz6Qoww9JPvzLLXOCzz6NU54xfyU9Y3dBQ7fqxida7AybnEDT0l1HOPWu1Cim10yG8_dzzvFFvY6emGYKIX_ZtiiBiYWNCtxdnAfdZkA9SyANv8VQHgA/s1600/Schramsberg+sign+historical+marker+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn52ZbmH_EsJeKSBHkAqoN6oaz6Qoww9JPvzLLXOCzz6NU54xfyU9Y3dBQ7fqxida7AybnEDT0l1HOPWu1Cim10yG8_dzzvFFvY6emGYKIX_ZtiiBiYWNCtxdnAfdZkA9SyANv8VQHgA/s1600/Schramsberg+sign+historical+marker+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg Registered Historical Landmark No. 561</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEKn63n0CF6zzzXEK8Dc3YP4vMWtKOf10oBhc1MVRfIe89UehqVRJ6r4Teey9h7CkMk5e5IrcldLPmxm8oaFkaAR6osBH8TcaVic1Fv058T1bw5siJm-PZaWZ4u_9pIJPvcgdbFVMVAQ/s1600/Schramsberg+Victorian+house+d+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEKn63n0CF6zzzXEK8Dc3YP4vMWtKOf10oBhc1MVRfIe89UehqVRJ6r4Teey9h7CkMk5e5IrcldLPmxm8oaFkaAR6osBH8TcaVic1Fv058T1bw5siJm-PZaWZ4u_9pIJPvcgdbFVMVAQ/s1600/Schramsberg+Victorian+house+d+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg Victorian house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYG3tFjnzCxAI6yIP8AH10IAb_OOvIKcEO9UniOH3U1e2_v2XM9dTG2tu3L9zW1h3rLQmapWT13Okhi-rpP0t-mxgXewLYjCSADEs95tbdsvq4g-zHypP0u_M_koM4L80syWBuSVRXfs/s1600/Schramsberg+pond+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYG3tFjnzCxAI6yIP8AH10IAb_OOvIKcEO9UniOH3U1e2_v2XM9dTG2tu3L9zW1h3rLQmapWT13Okhi-rpP0t-mxgXewLYjCSADEs95tbdsvq4g-zHypP0u_M_koM4L80syWBuSVRXfs/s1600/Schramsberg+pond+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg frog pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMNJENygz1wpvc7IiKakX3jRf8wWpqIIaUxczX7Tj18tuNAGc7tIRJDQba56HYzEy5X4hb2c5O8upt_pbbWWAO3nUkq__PlXs8zaPNwECNWtur1fzO1KpFToHCY4VvjoBBEHMa0WU6lg/s1600/Schramsberg+bar+bs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMNJENygz1wpvc7IiKakX3jRf8wWpqIIaUxczX7Tj18tuNAGc7tIRJDQba56HYzEy5X4hb2c5O8upt_pbbWWAO3nUkq__PlXs8zaPNwECNWtur1fzO1KpFToHCY4VvjoBBEHMa0WU6lg/s1600/Schramsberg+bar+bs+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg bar</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgoMwt-7L9TDVtcYQ4KkoHeUh9Gvf7FRYKJndgMEKL2Ejjw1UG1hQ1hypQm8qGGR98TlmMP3A9N1brvp-cTK2KFnv9yDXgjL808Nn77J4jLM9aGEp7kUqZTJ-3Tl9VwOp0OxHiH78uo/s1600/Schramsberg+garden+a+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WgoMwt-7L9TDVtcYQ4KkoHeUh9Gvf7FRYKJndgMEKL2Ejjw1UG1hQ1hypQm8qGGR98TlmMP3A9N1brvp-cTK2KFnv9yDXgjL808Nn77J4jLM9aGEp7kUqZTJ-3Tl9VwOp0OxHiH78uo/s1600/Schramsberg+garden+a+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg grounds</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBKIE8W0DrqRCcPKMiMdM-481r1FXkCTtD_Gkq0FQnKHmtEsBsNPqYWYYYGB3VTqjfNJ26vLuMptffhyphenhyphenT3xBbejpIz1lkib6sf7g9FyP4Ekq8H7hKRP7a9pSJaNMRVv3c3ObWhltWeAM/s1600/Schramsberg+barn+c+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBKIE8W0DrqRCcPKMiMdM-481r1FXkCTtD_Gkq0FQnKHmtEsBsNPqYWYYYGB3VTqjfNJ26vLuMptffhyphenhyphenT3xBbejpIz1lkib6sf7g9FyP4Ekq8H7hKRP7a9pSJaNMRVv3c3ObWhltWeAM/s1600/Schramsberg+barn+c+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg old barn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWjxvmsAaJpB8unaouE-B8suuKLVr-KaN8bYfWFV8U-mG0c3QCSIU63jdQjtGOsHG-0kVkg6ig8WPT90ld5gssC9U70Hqt-G4dpbLOlGk8Qjo2G0yvergf5rTu3JESyrw0AYEqyPSooY/s1600/Schramsberg+driveway+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWjxvmsAaJpB8unaouE-B8suuKLVr-KaN8bYfWFV8U-mG0c3QCSIU63jdQjtGOsHG-0kVkg6ig8WPT90ld5gssC9U70Hqt-G4dpbLOlGk8Qjo2G0yvergf5rTu3JESyrw0AYEqyPSooY/s1600/Schramsberg+driveway+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg entry road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFO70pfM9FBWKhh68P7sDDx0FWfLuH9Q5d6UkmSOWSZgvMerf7XTWVWYq18Ux7MlBxdkV3iZ0mT7YNsTxtC_A0lt6i2Hph9I0ib3sBJ_sl5z4bSMOr01CH-kCGz-K-YTX1uNS6RCL-vw/s1600/Schramsberg+Victorian+house+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg Victorian house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UTd-OT411FNd8s9pSjPz5OQttg45ZohOgRuMAduoaCGH1MEZawP_8kdcfJpTgIdEfUzirJKM0AxL24wp8dYmrc_IyLpa1o0LdIkcY8rMHPeJP3Q3laFrdXPPO6rhsBvLP4YaCqP-QXU/s1600/Schramsberg+tasting+table+small+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UTd-OT411FNd8s9pSjPz5OQttg45ZohOgRuMAduoaCGH1MEZawP_8kdcfJpTgIdEfUzirJKM0AxL24wp8dYmrc_IyLpa1o0LdIkcY8rMHPeJP3Q3laFrdXPPO6rhsBvLP4YaCqP-QXU/s1600/Schramsberg+tasting+table+small+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg small tasting table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdommxT10-7QAq5vCwOd9Q6r5aqsiY5ousEmwClHbtzBvEIgZJWchv8Dw8py0A_1Jqrf5v45kxXw4Wmg2Vu1VIPfdL5Fc6JWiUZC6fPIb-gGz4s8TXE0xMotTLiB88W2mEsLk3Vz6Ac4/s1600/Schramsberg+garden+cactus+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg cactus garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZJdDwxIHaQUto6-K12UzP33rgd7jhRMlop76YZ3nQkuMdoMNmAAQu5pG3rAXw9NoxTj_aU9iZmCLzzO6_z8YTDrrpfHxsxwxC9ZryaQCcDK7OP_Lts-86BkZFF5Bc_WDdJ4XnBT3l-U/s1600/Schramsberg+wine+cave+bs+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZJdDwxIHaQUto6-K12UzP33rgd7jhRMlop76YZ3nQkuMdoMNmAAQu5pG3rAXw9NoxTj_aU9iZmCLzzO6_z8YTDrrpfHxsxwxC9ZryaQCcDK7OP_Lts-86BkZFF5Bc_WDdJ4XnBT3l-U/s1600/Schramsberg+wine+cave+bs+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg wine cave storage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDilmK26xMBEp3149DPKNARjcjcGNFQKIaFQgMJ5muU0_U2mzDIQoVdgIJeSGbBfSBrsQmg64PHF_wcS5c1PsrD8h8uQlAcb-sgBJATawNgAbdMqSBUa5PsJ8hUVaf8-fLE7-xj66IxzE/s1600/Schramsberg+flag+bear+bs+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDilmK26xMBEp3149DPKNARjcjcGNFQKIaFQgMJ5muU0_U2mzDIQoVdgIJeSGbBfSBrsQmg64PHF_wcS5c1PsrD8h8uQlAcb-sgBJATawNgAbdMqSBUa5PsJ8hUVaf8-fLE7-xj66IxzE/s1600/Schramsberg+flag+bear+bs+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schramsberg California "Bear Flag"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328543094385197517noreply@blogger.com0Schramsberg Vineyards38.550557 -122.5384250000000225.280283999999998 -143.192722 51.82083 -101.88412800000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-18253650358327055442015-01-03T19:09:00.000-08:002016-12-22T19:12:25.137-08:00Blog Comments Received<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Here are a few of the
many comments Bach to Bacchus has received:</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"The remarks you made on your blog are making us
blush!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your description of the 2010
[varietal name] is as fine a piece of wine description writing as I have ever
read-it is just flat-out wonderful-can we use it?...Thank you again."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Winery Owner and Winemaker]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"I'm a publicist here in [name of town]. I have to
underline what the [winery owner's name] has already written, that you have
written so eloquently and colorful about your visit to [name of winery] and the
wines...we're all in awe!... I am wondering if I could introduce you to some of
my other clients?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However you'd like me
to do that just let me know!" [Winery Publicist]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"If you'd like to come to one or more of the events,
just let me know and I can arrange for press passes for you! with warm best."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Wine Festival Coordinator.]<br />
<br />
"Very erudite AND moving...keep all that karma and energy flowing!!!!" [Winery Publicist}</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"[Winemaker's name] was just literally in awe of what
you wrote...."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Winery Publicist]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Wow. Thanks TJ! What a FANTASTIC post for us...We
heralded your blog post on our blog today."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Winery Owner]<br />
<br />
"You
have written so eloquently and colorfully about your visit to [name of
winery] and the wines...we're all in awe!" [Winery Publicist]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Thank you for the wonderful blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a pleasure reading it. I have also
forwarded it to our Tasting Room Manager and Media Manager as well."
[Winery staff]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Thanks so much for your recent visit, and what a
wonderful blog post you wrote about us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We certainly appreciate it. Would you mind if I linked to your blog from
our Facebook page to direct our fans to your review?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Tasting Room Manager]</div>
<br />
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"Wow and double wow. Very, very entertaining and
informative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll link to this from the
winery Facebook, and blog...the guys [Winery owners and winemakers] feel so
humbled by your very warm words."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>[Winery Publicist]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Excellent, excellent story! Thank you so much!"
[Wine Event Coordinator.]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Fantastic write up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks for spreading the word." [Winery staff.]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
very, very nice article. I hope to meet you during a future visit." [Winery
Owner]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"We loved your write up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you!" [Winery staff.]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Wow...what a wonderful write up." [Winery Owner]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"[Winery owner's name] shared with me your article
which was very erudite AND moving...keep all
that karma and energy flowing!!!!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>[Winery Publicist]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Thank you so much for sharing your experience at [Name
of winery].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We think of ourselves as a
well-kept secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recommendations like
yours are wonderful feedback for us at the winery, and invaluable for letting
others know what we are doing."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Winery
Public Relations]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"Wonderful! So happy to hear you had a great time. What
a great write up! Thank you!" [Winery Owner]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"I have to say that this is one of the BEST BlogSpot’s
that has been written about a visit to [name of winery]. Thank you so much for
you kind words and true understanding of what we believe here at the winery. I
really enjoyed reading what you wrote and I really love your photos! Gorgeous!
What was your secret? I actually take a lot of the photos here and in my
freelance work and am always challenged by architectural subject matter. I
would love to chat with you more if you have the time." [Winery Marketing
Manager]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">"Many thanks for
the very nice article! Please reach out to me when you are ready to taste
another vintage." [Winery </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">VIP</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">
Tour Coordinator]</span></div>
<br />
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"Everybody at [name of winery] absolutely loves your
article! I've also posted it to my companies social media pages." [Public
Relations Agency Owner]</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
"I truly appreciate your fantastic review of our
establishment and wines." [Winery Public Relations Coordinator]<br />
<br />
"Thank
you for such an awesome write-up! We love the photos, and I have
shared this with my Marketing Director." [Winery Hospitality Manager]</div>
TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328543094385197517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-56012445245338764512014-11-12T14:08:00.000-08:002014-12-29T14:43:31.359-08:00Cliff Lede Vineyards"This is as about as good as it gets."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such were my thoughts after our wonderful and
highly informative two hour tour and tasting at Cliff Lede Vineyards which included
visiting the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>art gallery, vineyard,
and winery production area, finally culminating in a fantastic wine
and food pairing. Much thanks to our very interesting and enthusiastic host,
Tom Roseler, who provided one of the finest and most educational winery tours
we have experienced in over 40 years of winery tastings at hundreds of wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other staff at the winery were also extremely
pleasant and professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
Cliff Lede wines are great by themselves, we recommend that you schedule to
take the full tour because it is such an exceptional experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArgysVo3YvUGYCNXyDxi0z4_7bhr5TLWqBQxVHAAva8P5mwj4ZSBiLThz4mtfaDlJUvNsYyoXtgevY9ImDcU8If4QB8sOQk_BelSBaTW2eTDWo1odEclW9gyLzZY9UjWq1CHqoyRBmXw/s1600/Cliff+Lede+arch+b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArgysVo3YvUGYCNXyDxi0z4_7bhr5TLWqBQxVHAAva8P5mwj4ZSBiLThz4mtfaDlJUvNsYyoXtgevY9ImDcU8If4QB8sOQk_BelSBaTW2eTDWo1odEclW9gyLzZY9UjWq1CHqoyRBmXw/s1600/Cliff+Lede+arch+b1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede grounds</td></tr>
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Cliff Lede Vineyards has lovely views, interesting architecture,
pleasant courtyards, an amazing state of the art wine production area, and an art gallery with rotating exhibits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vineyard and wine production tour is amazing;
the wines are outstanding; and the food and wine pairing with the educational
component is superb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to schedule
the Estate Tour and Tastings: "<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tue - Sat, </span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">11am</span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> (allow 2 hours) | Prior
reservation required</span><b> </b>Join
us for a guided tour of the property that will lead you through the vineyards
to our state-of-the-art winery. Relax in one of our intimate tasting spaces and
enjoy wines from both Cliff Lede Vineyards and FEL Wines paired with a
selection of seasonal canapés."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://cliffledevineyards.com/visit/">Visit</a> Regular tastings are available to the public without an appointment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcunISv0y5E2FhFUhOUm7lFqfaBYG-hkppjyaciNVbsVF0D60GuW9F4X_i2OpclWus9nHqOPUfbn_DEeA-Y7csXoxYewmk1gIWBfaaGXZlr1nPmfHvAAGSZdCL0wpEMqVx0NWfZxm4-s8/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+tasting+b+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcunISv0y5E2FhFUhOUm7lFqfaBYG-hkppjyaciNVbsVF0D60GuW9F4X_i2OpclWus9nHqOPUfbn_DEeA-Y7csXoxYewmk1gIWBfaaGXZlr1nPmfHvAAGSZdCL0wpEMqVx0NWfZxm4-s8/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+tasting+b+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede courtyard </td></tr>
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Cliff Lede Vineyards is located where the old S. Anderson
Vineyard use to be on Yountville Cross Road
in the Stags Leap District. Both of us had visited S. Anderson Vineyard many
times over the years and use to love attending the yearly classical music
concerts held there. In 2002 Cliff Lede (pronounced "Laydee"),
a Canadian businessman who loved Bordeaux
wines, purchased S.Anderson Vineyards and founded Cliff Lede Vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided to
focus primarily on red Bordeaux
style wines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The well known architect Howard Backen designed the new high tech, state of the art
winery completed in 2005 and Backen & Gillam restored the 1913 Craftsman-style
building now used as a tasting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
vineyard includes 60 acres that extends toward the hills where Cliff Lede's luxurious
Poetry Inn (opened in 2005) is situated overlooking the Napa
Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2011 they also added Savoy Vineyard in Anderson
Valley and created a sister label
called FEL, named after Mr. Lede's mother Florence Elsie Lede.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5FVeiUhcsNcjpO2WzlnUS4SWN7WwdgZSR1vhkqQXjfGtXajqC0ddNvh2iYD9qtuekGeiejdgoG2BmHFQf-yRdNhorHI6uiQJyolxOw2YA3AxpgkVSkG7UYQKzWHN2pq9x15OubnPHcE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+entry+sign+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5FVeiUhcsNcjpO2WzlnUS4SWN7WwdgZSR1vhkqQXjfGtXajqC0ddNvh2iYD9qtuekGeiejdgoG2BmHFQf-yRdNhorHI6uiQJyolxOw2YA3AxpgkVSkG7UYQKzWHN2pq9x15OubnPHcE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+entry+sign+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede entry sign</td></tr>
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Each vineyard block or section is named after one of Cliff
Lede's favorite rock songs or rock albums, with such names as "Dark
Side of the Moon", "Hotel California", "Purple Haze" and
"Light My Fire."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The art
gallery in the Backstage Reserve Tasting Room (included in the tour) currently features
rock related art by Stanley Mouse who created album covers and advertising
posters for the Grateful Dead, Journey, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A large,
impressive painting of Grace Kelly by Tony Scherman may be viewed in the winery
production area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the lovely
courtyards you will encounter sculptures by Jim Dine along
with a pretty rose garden.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYMA22ZXHQUFSW3M9QSmOHjCehpLnYTR98KyrEX5lwDC2X2WgXWa7Tfw0V-QtKUv2Knsurv3T1v-R2QXqdHE8qHrmjDILHVzdfaLY5WCSJjsgwPG29eD3NsQTwniWYqClhfQrqkuj1lE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYMA22ZXHQUFSW3M9QSmOHjCehpLnYTR98KyrEX5lwDC2X2WgXWa7Tfw0V-QtKUv2Knsurv3T1v-R2QXqdHE8qHrmjDILHVzdfaLY5WCSJjsgwPG29eD3NsQTwniWYqClhfQrqkuj1lE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede courtyard</td></tr>
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Every year about half of the newly forming grape bunches in
the Cliff Lede vineyard are "dropped" or removed so that the
remaining grapes will be more concentrated and complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Irrigation and farming are carefully
monitored by computers that alert staff by mobile phone when attention or
changes are required. After harvesting, a Pellenc optical sorting machine is
used to sort individual grapes after they have been carefully destemmed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is followed by hand sorting of grapes to
find any imperfect grapes the optical sorting machine might have missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each block of wine is fermented and
aged apart from other blocks. A unique gravity crane system gently guides the whole berries to the tanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specially tapered
tanks modeled after the ones used at Chateau Latour were specially created for
them by American tank manufacturer Mueller and allow for higher skin to juice
ratios that lead to wines with great complexity and deeper concentration. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more expensive cigar barrels made of
French oak are utilized for aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> With Cliff Lede Vineyards wines everything is meticulously hand crafted.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK5q85PqUPviBKuVxwFL_MNPPcqBzEw1rU74L8FwAC_FukR3cQ-3fAlZryA-0bkIyLA5dKC81DrQn35bAE5fDRfvb8Mf8njRA45Sy99uu1dL_NVY0w-YEh5A2k05HG-QcmO0lxFwVKQ4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK5q85PqUPviBKuVxwFL_MNPPcqBzEw1rU74L8FwAC_FukR3cQ-3fAlZryA-0bkIyLA5dKC81DrQn35bAE5fDRfvb8Mf8njRA45Sy99uu1dL_NVY0w-YEh5A2k05HG-QcmO0lxFwVKQ4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede <br />
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Exhibition Artwork Courtesy of Stanley
Mouse.</div>
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Copyrights Reserved, Mouse Studios 2014</div>
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Our first tasting actually began upon or arrival and prior
to the wonderful tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>FEL 2013 Chardonnay from Anderson Valley</u></b>
($28).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a blend of multiple clones
sourced from Ferrington and Savoy Vineyards near Boonville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only a small amount of malolactic conversion
was allowed and it was aged sur lie in neutral French oak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1,201 cases were produced. If you like a more
French Burgundian style Chardonnay, without excessive oak or too much MLF, then
this Chardonnay should really appeal to you, especially at this price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got mostly lemon and mineral notes on the
palate which was dry, fresh and very well balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finish was moderately long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed drinking this alone, but it would
pair wonderfully with food, especially seafood or vinegar based salads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a bargain at only $28 and we purchased
some.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWoDzuJyiGcdnG9FtYfOp94igRgCFY9BjjDiGtqljq2KR1ej5nT-gfs1EvtWgF2ND2zyMiRMehAyY8erqbBs8p_zb1B7iJU2PAiO1u4oA8pjRqdBVSitwIsBJKR6Oc-955pKQzBD4OmE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+tasting+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWoDzuJyiGcdnG9FtYfOp94igRgCFY9BjjDiGtqljq2KR1ej5nT-gfs1EvtWgF2ND2zyMiRMehAyY8erqbBs8p_zb1B7iJU2PAiO1u4oA8pjRqdBVSitwIsBJKR6Oc-955pKQzBD4OmE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+tasting+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede courtyard and waterfall fountain</td></tr>
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Our food paired tastings were not at the bar but at a table
situated in a comfortable room adjacent to the tasting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relaxed, quiet and intimate setting
with our wine educator, who really is a "wine
educator" and not simply a winery server.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first pour was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cliff Lede Vineyards 2013 Sauvignon Blanc</u></b> from Napa
Valley at $25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the fruit in this wine was grown on
old vines in eastern Rutherford known for their richness
and citrus notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other grapes were
sourced from the southeastern hills of Napa
Valley and help to provide the
brightness and minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruit from
the cooler east side of Napa was
then included to add more acidity and finesse. Chiles
Valley fruit adds some tropical
notes. The final blend was 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon and 2% Sauvignon
Vert. It was cold fermented 50% in stainless steel, 44% in neutral French oak
and 6% in concrete egg shaped containers. Production was 6581 cases. This very
nice Sauvignon Blanc was paired with smoked salmon and crème fresh on crispy
toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a brilliant yellow in
color and had an intense floral nose of fresh orange blossoms with some notes
of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lemon, white peach and minerality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the most aromatic Sauvignon
Blancs I've encounter recently, a sheer delight to the senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the palate it was well structured
with crisp but very well balanced acids, good minerality, along with white peach, pineapple and pear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had
a long and lingering finish with lemon, lime and grapefruit notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At only $25,
this Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously we had to purchase a number of bottles and will probably
return for more. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVinOfQVHunQuUk5V591-IJ6ZgOUw2Fz3RIA1sRTQC5n2XussqgYahG1YidLXbcw1xXoV53C_7AAbmHuHPrVwC0uI-hXabrweL6LkJkxJM_p44Rzv7qnF2jBeKi6q3-UI_RHO6P_IJjQ/s1600/Cliff+Lede+courtyard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVinOfQVHunQuUk5V591-IJ6ZgOUw2Fz3RIA1sRTQC5n2XussqgYahG1YidLXbcw1xXoV53C_7AAbmHuHPrVwC0uI-hXabrweL6LkJkxJM_p44Rzv7qnF2jBeKi6q3-UI_RHO6P_IJjQ/s1600/Cliff+Lede+courtyard+1.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede courtyyard</td></tr>
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We moved into red wines with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>FEL 2012 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir</u></b> at $65.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a blend of clones from the famous <a href="http://www.mendowine.com/media/mendocino-wine-column.php?column=25">Ferrington Vineyard</a> in Anderson Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ferrington grapes have been sourced by
Williams Selyem, Schramsberg and other premium wineries.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was aged for 14 months in French oak with
44% new oak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2,923 cases were produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the most aromatic Pinot Noirs
I've ever encountered, with intense but complex notes of cherry, strawberry,
raspberry, black tea, and spices that captivated the senses while my nose was still
about eight inches away from the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the palate it was medium bodied and complex with good acid, silky
tannins and mostly cherry with some forest floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed to combine the best characteristics
of a the fuller bodied and more structured styled Pinot Noirs with the liveliness and fresh fruit of a softer type Pinot Noir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finish was long and broad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Pinot Noir should be receiving scores in
the 90s and was an very good Pinot Noir that was an essential purchase
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very drinkable now but
should age well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had it delightfully paired with roasted portabella mushroom tartar on top of
toasted brioche with shaved asiago cheese. This would be the perfect wine for turkey and Thanksgiving dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ_EweZefut8YwjZPzTFmL7mmwfQ9Sxg8YAgqY2qGdV7G4LY86UrJ00MhMqEmV-MKiR8fmlxp4xyOyz-vP03slWJK2UGMTnQw7na0OEbLCStPfJnh_ibgLZpVys81BQ8mHFn0RXL2x50/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ_EweZefut8YwjZPzTFmL7mmwfQ9Sxg8YAgqY2qGdV7G4LY86UrJ00MhMqEmV-MKiR8fmlxp4xyOyz-vP03slWJK2UGMTnQw7na0OEbLCStPfJnh_ibgLZpVys81BQ8mHFn0RXL2x50/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+e2.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Exhibition Artwork Courtesy of Stanley
Mouse.</div>
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Copyrights Reserved, Mouse Studios 2014</div>
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Next up was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cliff
Lede Vineyards 2011 High Fidelity Red Blend</u></b> from Napa
Valley, priced at $80.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As most readers will know, red French
Bordeauxs from the left bank are blends based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon
whereas those from the right bank are mostly Merlot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This High Fidelity red blend is a classic right
bank Bordeaux styled blend of 45% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was
aged for 18 months in French oak, with 85% new oak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a lovely aroma of red cherry,
pomegranate and cigar box followed by smooth tannins, refreshing acidity, a medium body and
fresh berries on the palate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finish
was long and refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Medium bodied
but with good structure, this wine had good substance and complexity while retaining refreshing
fresh fruit and liveliness. It paired extremely well with duck and juniper
berry polpetta with fig and Cabernet reduction. Another essential purchase for us.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbr45qOBQkxxc20MN6xvcnSTGYbI2yeHbT1QJyrjU2DM2iChmGmPTI_h-YeiClyzKokrLjLbJUY_ox57xOAuQ5XrRakt_ta3erSw9SqcoITZzkoRWzoVX_W04doJZqHbfN9eCscnz9cM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbr45qOBQkxxc20MN6xvcnSTGYbI2yeHbT1QJyrjU2DM2iChmGmPTI_h-YeiClyzKokrLjLbJUY_ox57xOAuQ5XrRakt_ta3erSw9SqcoITZzkoRWzoVX_W04doJZqHbfN9eCscnz9cM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Dine sculpture at Cliff Lede Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our final pour was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Cliff
Lede Vineyards 2011 Songbook Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> from Napa
Valley at $190.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many Napa
Valley wineries now offer some
ultra premium or reserve Cabs in the $200 range, and I must confess that most
of them I've tasted are really exceptional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
makes this one stand out is that it is a wonderful Cab in a year that was not
one of the best in Napa Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then the grapes are
from David Abreau's Thorevilos Vineyard and his Madrona Ranch, so this Cab was
made from some of the finest (and most expensive) grapes in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon,
15% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot with an alcohol content of 14.4%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an amazing wine, and well worth the
asking price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again it had an intense
aroma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the Cliff Lede and FEL
wines had such a great nose that I would ordinarily think that my sense of
smell was somehow enhanced the day we visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But my friend had the same olfactory experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Songbook had aromas of black cherry,
black currant, cinnamon and forest floor in a complex and enticing aromatic presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taste wise it was heavenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had great body and structure but was not
overly extracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tannins were soft,
silky, and perfectly integrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruits
were mostly dark with black cherry, black plum, and black currants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was some flinty minerality with exotic
spices, adding layers of complexity to perfect balance and harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hedonistically pleasurable to
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would expect this wine to be
receiving scores in the high 90s. It should age gracefully if you can
resist drinking it now, something that would be probably be beyond my ability
to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tasted it paired with
Neapolitan style eggplant parmesan with tomato confit and warm, fresh mozzarella,
but it was a wonderful wine simply on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU9ZGDFteSpOtSLa791b2b6IXQJfshHPTPKlhT134tBXv8FpWCvcYyx7WaJxTjbEm5UPRjeQvmXtAn3fX9GFuiL1OD9P9KmRzPX7ufgKuiSLL_I-fIGXvV2YMtQWCf2YcDWiTDUWfACU/s1600/Cliff+Lede+vineyard+b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU9ZGDFteSpOtSLa791b2b6IXQJfshHPTPKlhT134tBXv8FpWCvcYyx7WaJxTjbEm5UPRjeQvmXtAn3fX9GFuiL1OD9P9KmRzPX7ufgKuiSLL_I-fIGXvV2YMtQWCf2YcDWiTDUWfACU/s1600/Cliff+Lede+vineyard+b2.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We enthusiastically recommend that you place Cliff Lede
Vineyards very high on your list of Napa Valley wineries to visit and that you
indulge yourself by taking their outstanding tour with the food and wine
paring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been on hundreds of
winery tours over the years, but this one is really a must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede food and wine pairing</td></tr>
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<a href="http://cliffledevineyards.com/home/cliff_lede">Cliff Lede Vineyards</a></div>
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1473 Yountville Cross Rd<br />
Yountville, CA 94599
</div>
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Phone number (707) 944-8642</div>
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Date of visit: November
12, 2014</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6hMxIuGTgGJYFR9WfQATnaPWcXoJTHd_AD3OKynjpJ0m0vaVdBy6qS8-Ls1MJeHKTByvnzlfw7ty82uyrN0-7tvFVGEHQIiV0k6lpt1kLoGtJIKuzRQSQeMrJ9gKI-JZ62nTlJvgg4k/s1600/Cliff+Lede+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6hMxIuGTgGJYFR9WfQATnaPWcXoJTHd_AD3OKynjpJ0m0vaVdBy6qS8-Ls1MJeHKTByvnzlfw7ty82uyrN0-7tvFVGEHQIiV0k6lpt1kLoGtJIKuzRQSQeMrJ9gKI-JZ62nTlJvgg4k/s1600/Cliff+Lede+painting.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Grace Kelly by Tony
Scherman at Cliff Lede Vineyards</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Photo from Cliff Lede
Vineyards</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWUtPu830E7CzpHZiBxGRzEaJrraZO3RmltROGwCpDDRcKtngGvoWwnCSLLNvmFJO6HUcqU6YghL2XByDCKQJvsWQxcylduvpxN9e3aiijFboNMtLIxEYEv9O1gI3Am1peyLq_Gn7S0Q/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+entrance+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWUtPu830E7CzpHZiBxGRzEaJrraZO3RmltROGwCpDDRcKtngGvoWwnCSLLNvmFJO6HUcqU6YghL2XByDCKQJvsWQxcylduvpxN9e3aiijFboNMtLIxEYEv9O1gI3Am1peyLq_Gn7S0Q/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+entrance+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede tasting room entrance
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptHa4uN7O7-WlNFuVMxuPXseaL1J9RjTKxRSYX7wFOUfLbzp8Fj0nUtGCM4-zkV415ReX-fsNw4-UXz7lLupyLQKOy-c3eEdc3P9lRvXDTsMoBp2bNKITPA_S57RzMb8dBWd760Wr3VM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptHa4uN7O7-WlNFuVMxuPXseaL1J9RjTKxRSYX7wFOUfLbzp8Fj0nUtGCM4-zkV415ReX-fsNw4-UXz7lLupyLQKOy-c3eEdc3P9lRvXDTsMoBp2bNKITPA_S57RzMb8dBWd760Wr3VM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+d2.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Exhibition Artwork Courtesy of Stanley
Mouse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Copyrights Reserved, Mouse Studios 2014</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxLGz8knbHtWVNKPC7_OmmtdaZc8q2SoOsr6a10gmrzfDFySh1FHFInvb3ChWSp5jMlyYGTg2hOrO5ycI6SVLUvXXU4tMhZKNiO3aDj-3KJ9s5YOw1FxAeOqZQTP05CqeosyJTSSdkjQ/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxLGz8knbHtWVNKPC7_OmmtdaZc8q2SoOsr6a10gmrzfDFySh1FHFInvb3ChWSp5jMlyYGTg2hOrO5ycI6SVLUvXXU4tMhZKNiO3aDj-3KJ9s5YOw1FxAeOqZQTP05CqeosyJTSSdkjQ/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+b2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture at Cliff Lede</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9STo1NgMdjJWG5LJILhd4FWEJp9wBk1wF9u-gN9c7lyqruHFxe5XY9QXQq6nKrzfFvrWw5Dal417F08u2XUslrnOwU_ccMRhDKKlcHvYPNfUuTbm1DBoRm_LSaMycNVcGSTL_dDu0v3c/s1600/Cliff+Lede+vineyard+2.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgywybHHZFDhXLTI28kKWr27i63THu-pqM8_rjEDvjuCez4X-0QUn7JXqWgWnjjEVsnfwWgWRXxPsrH6szsEmERky9aIHIYIog7BD1qEkADH80hvonSTEl8MSLYf5isQ0dGoHyXpPe4s/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+Twin+Venuses+from+Thunder+Jim+Dine+1999+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgywybHHZFDhXLTI28kKWr27i63THu-pqM8_rjEDvjuCez4X-0QUn7JXqWgWnjjEVsnfwWgWRXxPsrH6szsEmERky9aIHIYIog7BD1qEkADH80hvonSTEl8MSLYf5isQ0dGoHyXpPe4s/s1600/Cliff+Lede+sculpture+Twin+Venuses+from+Thunder+Jim+Dine+1999+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twin Venuses by Thunder" by Jim Dine at Cliff Lede</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF-n3NQgYwbrmzoOhcUJ3ud0SPkbfwGrkTKk7W9IccN3cNIl4WrxdiXbAlb3wjhlEhgUFcctCeIIjd3g2Vpf31VqHUaE-UgBUbDPw5Hg_kXpAwhE0tn7znzTlstc5u4PWYhh8Y86AsS4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF-n3NQgYwbrmzoOhcUJ3ud0SPkbfwGrkTKk7W9IccN3cNIl4WrxdiXbAlb3wjhlEhgUFcctCeIIjd3g2Vpf31VqHUaE-UgBUbDPw5Hg_kXpAwhE0tn7znzTlstc5u4PWYhh8Y86AsS4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+view+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede vineyard view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9jMAi1Mo0RIwQlaeSgaJzUNXnRFeU7xSc8mtjIhsZNHbp7jz6hyphenhyphenwuzCR_W5lgmXaDtGiP8pw0Im6DD4Ho3a8W-N6ytmB1xC34_Qi-A3ZQVbE7W12TIPAmxgT6yPLwNGjCpZb-HdO8yY/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+table+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9jMAi1Mo0RIwQlaeSgaJzUNXnRFeU7xSc8mtjIhsZNHbp7jz6hyphenhyphenwuzCR_W5lgmXaDtGiP8pw0Im6DD4Ho3a8W-N6ytmB1xC34_Qi-A3ZQVbE7W12TIPAmxgT6yPLwNGjCpZb-HdO8yY/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+table+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede tasting table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw-0ubAWJ48SsFgJ5zyxo-w9DBWJAFluYxwdgvMKKxI_LGMFn3Y_OwoLMQRMXMLQio5XRSIT0kn9VpJkGp65jmoeIWI9VCfJrpxDrU-vExsgrQFIv3yZjMUCDChEFlzkAzeImi82UCYM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+Abbey+Road+sign+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfw-0ubAWJ48SsFgJ5zyxo-w9DBWJAFluYxwdgvMKKxI_LGMFn3Y_OwoLMQRMXMLQio5XRSIT0kn9VpJkGp65jmoeIWI9VCfJrpxDrU-vExsgrQFIv3yZjMUCDChEFlzkAzeImi82UCYM/s1600/Cliff+Lede+Abbey+Road+sign+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Abbey Road" at Cliff Lede</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21Qu22dW_sAGFciJmsq8kwZ0uF4X7GX9ZoC5WjhebHn_20phLsZApX1K1QahqActPao444GoGNFkYHf9F1Xg4vfiTCr2heHo-FJkvOM6KwmzZy1UP1-PdgKHycS8bgV46Modw-G4QAmo/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21Qu22dW_sAGFciJmsq8kwZ0uF4X7GX9ZoC5WjhebHn_20phLsZApX1K1QahqActPao444GoGNFkYHf9F1Xg4vfiTCr2heHo-FJkvOM6KwmzZy1UP1-PdgKHycS8bgV46Modw-G4QAmo/s1600/Cliff+Lede+art+c3.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede<br />
Exhibition Artwork Courtesy of Stanley Mouse.<br />
Copyrights Reserved, Mouse Studios 2014
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1DlWpRrD5s_QzvtC-jT3HFmj2kBr7sr31S1xZE0ILy4L1vQ6Ifvmn8Qm0AIo9wDEBIU_SZq_W4x7EBP4Dfuxu1HvuYwJISeluIaqP3gwiSYqI-vMOj1PZbaMDtBgvowB1c7T_q0Ysxk/s1600/Cliff+Lede+designer+chairs+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1DlWpRrD5s_QzvtC-jT3HFmj2kBr7sr31S1xZE0ILy4L1vQ6Ifvmn8Qm0AIo9wDEBIU_SZq_W4x7EBP4Dfuxu1HvuYwJISeluIaqP3gwiSYqI-vMOj1PZbaMDtBgvowB1c7T_q0Ysxk/s1600/Cliff+Lede+designer+chairs+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer chairs at Cliff Lede</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11q1WViSjT3KyFI6cQVHj1L5h3M0_Fr4epPO2DXX7go67cgkz67ItK3ebJ9oLisL9VrHnxeDm8ItXx4HqXH5q78P7sUWDgorWCvbZQ2-TMcyo3qc4Cx1ydJYu19AU6mnGWvoQpbXgb8Q/s1600/Cliff+Lede+outdoor+tasting+table+3.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede outdoor tasting table</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpENrMvlRGKRCrov56MRnc_uAKKROw1QHOelrk2UFEbKOTNcS9RXnkMurmfH4SWhEH9bmMnS8_4IfnTLsmTNw94xL1tE8lcumWaX7UvRPWzD11Gi7QBrr3t8brwLlaT26lEWqln9oeqU/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpENrMvlRGKRCrov56MRnc_uAKKROw1QHOelrk2UFEbKOTNcS9RXnkMurmfH4SWhEH9bmMnS8_4IfnTLsmTNw94xL1tE8lcumWaX7UvRPWzD11Gi7QBrr3t8brwLlaT26lEWqln9oeqU/s1600/Cliff+Lede+patio+b3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede courtyard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb-ru0nbVLKlR1ny4_G9fkCEb8yW8N9TTp_QZcLimc7wg7EwA5XvR_XjFF32lYO1pHRv6GTixmyM0JBXCXMoKv_1WwISDE4wcpfEmQCi8DI6Fr7fQqS9LVPoDlUsBjpzXa4n8sohnoOE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+Poetry+Inn+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb-ru0nbVLKlR1ny4_G9fkCEb8yW8N9TTp_QZcLimc7wg7EwA5XvR_XjFF32lYO1pHRv6GTixmyM0JBXCXMoKv_1WwISDE4wcpfEmQCi8DI6Fr7fQqS9LVPoDlUsBjpzXa4n8sohnoOE/s1600/Cliff+Lede+Poetry+Inn+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of The Poetry Inn from Cliff Lede Vineyards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTgW9flAqE2Obbum6oOvgV7gDQxxskNYskaT8WWtKUVGfWtdxm13DBAswQwlQgSK6UuscHAHrOJyYvvUamcjqkJQFlgSEVO05eJrxnMmrj3jgg-YEVYJ45bRCk9VTdoT0kDgVTn-0EN4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+bar+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTgW9flAqE2Obbum6oOvgV7gDQxxskNYskaT8WWtKUVGfWtdxm13DBAswQwlQgSK6UuscHAHrOJyYvvUamcjqkJQFlgSEVO05eJrxnMmrj3jgg-YEVYJ45bRCk9VTdoT0kDgVTn-0EN4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+bar+3.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the tasting bars at Cliff Lede</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXPk5ZPStz8_aNyM-jj3JHTBp-bl_JBme5nkQPmeDBMucWer5u951rf4TaOP_nKc5eFkx6Lur8lorZaZZOxFsZh416kAHZhXEaVXtmJ-hcGCuXi3Nu-IIlmc8s6qxnT65lAN-Rxf20L4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+lounge+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXPk5ZPStz8_aNyM-jj3JHTBp-bl_JBme5nkQPmeDBMucWer5u951rf4TaOP_nKc5eFkx6Lur8lorZaZZOxFsZh416kAHZhXEaVXtmJ-hcGCuXi3Nu-IIlmc8s6qxnT65lAN-Rxf20L4/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+lounge+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede tasting lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI4QOhljFzXpTtY9iu3wssin7vQJdPz_mLxTtK3-3NqtMYh7CGqXRq8fxrXrxtq5hM_zULdhbVOYTHRlRv5jTnSmRVCo5bIiJcYG3Q1bRg_4gMv_6TLCFJ8R8amaPbwKva92DXXfJeDw/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+view+from+winery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI4QOhljFzXpTtY9iu3wssin7vQJdPz_mLxTtK3-3NqtMYh7CGqXRq8fxrXrxtq5hM_zULdhbVOYTHRlRv5jTnSmRVCo5bIiJcYG3Q1bRg_4gMv_6TLCFJ8R8amaPbwKva92DXXfJeDw/s1600/Cliff+Lede+tasting+room+view+from+winery+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Lede view of tasting room from winery</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328543094385197517noreply@blogger.com01473 Yountville Cross Road, Yountville, CA 94599, USA38.426259600000009 -122.3427199000000238.42621110000001 -122.34279890000002 38.426308100000007 -122.34264090000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-25867337227265398222014-08-12T11:18:00.000-07:002014-12-29T14:44:17.430-08:00Domaine Carneros<div class="MsoNormal">
If you visit <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and do not visit one of our premium sparkling wine wineries, then you will have
missed some of the best of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. In addition to having amazing sparkling wine
and a sparkling wine tour that is wonderfully informative, Domaine Carneros has
some exceptional Pinot Noirs, a spectacular setting, great hospitality and a
wine tasting experience at private tables that is second to none. We really enjoyed our tour and tasting at
Domaine Carneros and highly recommend that you also visit this lovely
winery. We especially recommend the tour
which includes a fascinating educational experience of how sparkling wine is
made. You will also be able to taste some
wonderful sparkling wines and some excellent Pinot Noirs. Every wine we tasted at Domain Carneros was
exceptionally good. There are plenty of great Cabs and Cab blends elsewhere in
the Valley. This is the place for great
sparkling wines and exceptional Pinot Noirs, two of the most elegant
expressions of wine.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtcAIVwcSAmTSeSmC1DHRaYLOFQFWKkY9fGR_ursi8ajKm666C3j6EDjXpqT_X8Cul3rkAj6-jUsaipK9H0O0qPRr3_IAMXFi81Q6S8OLFMXWp7zCkb8hhs2oTiyP0oqk8pWzyTlFccs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+g+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtcAIVwcSAmTSeSmC1DHRaYLOFQFWKkY9fGR_ursi8ajKm666C3j6EDjXpqT_X8Cul3rkAj6-jUsaipK9H0O0qPRr3_IAMXFi81Q6S8OLFMXWp7zCkb8hhs2oTiyP0oqk8pWzyTlFccs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+g+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros main building</td></tr>
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My favorite <st1:state>Champagne</st1:state>
is from Taittinger, and Claude Taittinger, whose family's involvement in <st1:state>Champagne</st1:state>
began in the 1700's, is the person who founded Domaine Carneros. His interest in <st1:state>California</st1:state>
sparkling wine began in the 1970s and lead to his 1987 selection of a 138 acre vineyard
in Carneros, <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Carneros is famous for its Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay, the two varietals most essential to premium sparkling wines. Monsieur Taittinger had the wisdom to chose
Eileen Crane in 1987 to be his winemaker and oversee the development of the
winery. She continues as both their
founding CEO and the winemaker, with nearly forty years of experience in the
field. This is perhaps the all time dream team for sparkling wine--two amazing
people who combined their talents to bring us Domain Carneros.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdHuzCAsgJPTIU8z9rXieNF3APtcITnViAJbgQ-BH7gMl9yGKHwvnguTg09_CNIh_Juf8ZXtKqmWER84SJWEq6AxQ-NVl284BWh89xYg9PgxpGa7E1EGSOiRYXB18EWc4J91tEr8vxOs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+b+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdHuzCAsgJPTIU8z9rXieNF3APtcITnViAJbgQ-BH7gMl9yGKHwvnguTg09_CNIh_Juf8ZXtKqmWER84SJWEq6AxQ-NVl284BWh89xYg9PgxpGa7E1EGSOiRYXB18EWc4J91tEr8vxOs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+b+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros view</td></tr>
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The Domaine Carneros building is right next to highway 12 between
<st1:city>Sonoma</st1:city> and <st1:city>Napa</st1:city>
and was inspired by the 18th century Chateau de la Marquetterie in <st1:state>Champagne</st1:state>,
France, where Champagne Taittinger is located.
It was completed in 1989 and sits up on a hill overlooking Carneros. It is a magnificent 4800 square foot winery with
a grand staircase, fountain, formal gardens, outdoor terraces, a marble floored
interior and lovely views over <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
In 1992 they added Pinot Noir to their portfolio. The Pinot Noir production area is styled
after a French carriage house, was completed in 2003 and is behind the main
chateau. It has the largest solar
collection of any winery in the world.
Their vineyards are also 100% certified organically grown by the California
Certified Organic Farmers and consist of 105 planted acres of Chardonnay and
245 acres of planted Pinot Noir. Prior
to receiving their organic certification Domaine Carneros had been practicing
sustainable farming since they were founded.
Méthode Champenoise is used for all sparkling wines, and they use a clay
based product for wine clarification instead of an animal based one, making
their wines Vegan friendly. Production is about 46,000 cases per year with 39,000 being sparkling wine and 7,000 Pinot Noir.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd_hvkLcTbwJcp2Q-lFB5hmZ3mzog3Kn4QeSv2nCplSrZ5Xeq-02NlMblJ4v9bJoD_oD2J-SnrHEEGsmqvy8SUU9EMk5xeaZ4WAhbfqzWmpth1Z7rpKh0JXEU7EymAscbI43wW-bvArs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+tasting+tables+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWd_hvkLcTbwJcp2Q-lFB5hmZ3mzog3Kn4QeSv2nCplSrZ5Xeq-02NlMblJ4v9bJoD_oD2J-SnrHEEGsmqvy8SUU9EMk5xeaZ4WAhbfqzWmpth1Z7rpKh0JXEU7EymAscbI43wW-bvArs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+tasting+tables+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros indoor tasting tables</td></tr>
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When you visit Domaine Carneros, I suggest you allow for at
least an hour and a half and take their tour so that you may learn about
sparkling wine production. You will also
be able to taste their wonderful sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs and will have
many photo opportunities. Much thanks to
our host, Louis, for conducting such an informative and friendly tour and to
Adrienne Shubin for graciously coordinating our tour and meeting with us
afterwards.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIQTlJ2knn0q4qg1m47JYrXg5JC94FH1waEvqCcTogVQBTXXeh1e2_VAnX0LxpGQ_x4ZEpLWf0dfl4mbVIa_EAoKAcqmPBabhgcU7hU2TJpFuCV4qjF5v1H11i68VvLst54TsakUB7fM/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+c+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIQTlJ2knn0q4qg1m47JYrXg5JC94FH1waEvqCcTogVQBTXXeh1e2_VAnX0LxpGQ_x4ZEpLWf0dfl4mbVIa_EAoKAcqmPBabhgcU7hU2TJpFuCV4qjF5v1H11i68VvLst54TsakUB7fM/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+c+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros vineyards</td></tr>
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Our first pour was at the beginning our tour and was the
inaugural release of their Estate Brut Sparkling wine made from 100% certified
organic grapes and available only at the winery. The <b><u>Domaine
Carneros 2010 Estate Brut Cuvee</u></b> at $32 is a blend of 49% Chardonnay and
51% Pinot Noir grapes. It had an intense
aroma of pear and apple with mostly pear and lemon on the palate. Bubbles were tight. It was beautifully balanced, rounded but still
crisp, with lovely yeast undertones and a very good finish. It was excellent for the price. Very nice, indeed.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhrBN_BhHjeQQJLr6DD-OzhIYrQmOmxu05oHR8_ym5plTSKEiwk4oCp8B5WlT2lze46DJxmTjXyrX80s73rznqZGl-uNzwkD3lMGKBORGNejC8-b7r-Wupib1TELRJjMyN1CvxJlET1k/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhrBN_BhHjeQQJLr6DD-OzhIYrQmOmxu05oHR8_ym5plTSKEiwk4oCp8B5WlT2lze46DJxmTjXyrX80s73rznqZGl-uNzwkD3lMGKBORGNejC8-b7r-Wupib1TELRJjMyN1CvxJlET1k/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+b+2.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros main building</td></tr>
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The second taste was the <b><u>Domaine Carneros 2007 Le Reve Blanc de Blancs</u></b> at $90. "La Reve" is French for "the
dream." This is their finest Blanc
de Blanc and is 100% Chardonnay from five different clones. It was aged for five and a half years on the
lees and was more complex and French-like than the many <st1:state>California</st1:state>
sparkling wines. After a very good nose
of pear, spices and floral notes, I got mostly pear on the palate with undertones
of fresh ginger, almonds, and tropical fruits. The acid was lively but
perfectly balanced and the bubbles were intense and tight. The finish was excellent. If you find some American sparkling wines to
be somewhat simple or even one dimensional, you should try this one. This
should be especially appealing to those who appreciate complexity and subtlety
in sparkling wines or to those who prefer higher end French Champagnes. It would go great with seafood, poultry, or
creamy cheeses, but I would simply savor it on its own. Truly outstanding!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso2kFF5QU6lgPjgmi-PPWajKDo87gbQUuZwlpfgOnwn6eYrW4dDxWS-PrEwZxONVuPtsFAXHHcjd0lIgdwqraJ5MvDemvu7gX414EjFMdykLZzZhYxij1MIYYtqnL7uZfx6Y7-owopd4/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+e+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso2kFF5QU6lgPjgmi-PPWajKDo87gbQUuZwlpfgOnwn6eYrW4dDxWS-PrEwZxONVuPtsFAXHHcjd0lIgdwqraJ5MvDemvu7gX414EjFMdykLZzZhYxij1MIYYtqnL7uZfx6Y7-owopd4/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+e+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros from parking lot</td></tr>
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Third up was the <b>Domaine
Carneros Nonvintage Blanc De Noir</b> at $35.
It is made from 100% Pinot Noir and began with a fairly good aroma of
pear and lemon. I got mostly pear, and
lime on the palate. This should appeal to those who like a refreshing but somewhat
softer sparkling wine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGYNcQNN-N6RKiTnEqS68-P0OzrSirBcHX5u9ixBCl8PjefBjw2kzIqcsu_ZfJUn_KOdn1eqVnXsEwI8-UKoS9rQSm_f8p_wWj8eEKr9VCaei0CurLU-TFjs76XD2JZx7qJ-_1F3IOO4/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGYNcQNN-N6RKiTnEqS68-P0OzrSirBcHX5u9ixBCl8PjefBjw2kzIqcsu_ZfJUn_KOdn1eqVnXsEwI8-UKoS9rQSm_f8p_wWj8eEKr9VCaei0CurLU-TFjs76XD2JZx7qJ-_1F3IOO4/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+view+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros view</td></tr>
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Our final sparkling wine pour was the <b>Domaine Carneros 2010 Vintage Brut Rose</b> at $37. Blush or rose sparkling wines are often very
pretty to the eye, and this one was no exception. It was made from 58% Pinot Noir and 42%
Chardonnay. On the nose I got some
strawberries, floral notes and spices. Palate
wise it was very dry but balanced, crisp yet
fruity with some raspberry and strawberry and very pleasant yeast notes
followed by a good finish. Quite nice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKIle_b_VwFycrq2LLEyMAMyrIINYUQj_3vtsarzcqAl81SL3m_KsNKjBWJfFfbmRGn02bRQ-U867ZTIeWfx6eZlZe1YW_ZZxO-oRSd5EohBz8Ab85hdpG5MgjQR1zmL1c9THfVnZBlE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+c+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKIle_b_VwFycrq2LLEyMAMyrIINYUQj_3vtsarzcqAl81SL3m_KsNKjBWJfFfbmRGn02bRQ-U867ZTIeWfx6eZlZe1YW_ZZxO-oRSd5EohBz8Ab85hdpG5MgjQR1zmL1c9THfVnZBlE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+c+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros main buliding</td></tr>
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We knew that Domaine Carneros produced some exceptional
sparkling wines, but both of us were surprised at the excellence of their Pinot
Noirs. Frankly I would find a visit
there well worthwhile simply to taste their Pinots. But when you have both outstanding sparkling
wines as well, it really elevates Domaine Carneros to one of those "must
visit" wineries. While our
sparkling wines were sampled during the tour, the Pinots were at the end where
we sat at small tables and could devote full attention to the wines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-5IycGQGDNVi_zZMbDp7JLWLuT0965Am_YZcTfU-jyaJFAfLFj4I4uaQU9Ije9rU2ch3hzifZMag0mKvGHvdhulE14B9_XqOo4G01sWJ_HTcKa3C7sZVf8YXBJEjHZe4jFhxmkMmTck/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+patio+b+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-5IycGQGDNVi_zZMbDp7JLWLuT0965Am_YZcTfU-jyaJFAfLFj4I4uaQU9Ije9rU2ch3hzifZMag0mKvGHvdhulE14B9_XqOo4G01sWJ_HTcKa3C7sZVf8YXBJEjHZe4jFhxmkMmTck/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+patio+b+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros patio</td></tr>
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Regular readers of this blog will already know that I do not
care for most American, light, fruity Pinot Noirs that seem more like a <st1:place>Beaujolais</st1:place>
nouveau. One wine maker I know refers to
them as the "tooty fruity pinots."
I find most of these to be unbalanced, too thin and uninteresting. It is not the style I dislike, but the
presentation. When I do encounter a
good, light, refreshing, fruity Pinot Noir that is not intended to be aged and
is all about freshness and fruit, I am actually quite pleased, even delighted. For me it is all about balance. Enter the <b><u>Domaine Carneros 2012 Avant-Garde Pinot Noir</u></b> at a mere
$25. It was aged for ten months in
French oak. The aroma was heavenly, with
raspberry, cherry and some spice and floral notes. On the palate it was beautifully balanced
with very fresh fruit, good acid and a decent finish. If you have tried fresh, fruity Pinot Noirs
in the past and found them too thin, unbalanced or insipid, you should try this
one. For me this was a pure pleasure to
drink. Again, this is not one of those
bigger bodied, serious Pinots to be cellared for years. But it is wonderfully balanced and
refreshing. Highly recommended for a
Pinot Noir that is all about freshness and fruit and is meant to be enjoyed
now.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatlk2v7MwzaKM4N0rDn2YxbSUhWwuGRzSlfgKGqSWG120GProjR4u0S8l_I6_-CG-OYMyD3TU66w_hHyCRhuwFSX54G6ViB4QP-dYp_mw8DDJLZR_Qj9SmnCFMEgnomCZHXPPfw6zHtE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+tasting+tables+and+bar+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatlk2v7MwzaKM4N0rDn2YxbSUhWwuGRzSlfgKGqSWG120GProjR4u0S8l_I6_-CG-OYMyD3TU66w_hHyCRhuwFSX54G6ViB4QP-dYp_mw8DDJLZR_Qj9SmnCFMEgnomCZHXPPfw6zHtE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+tasting+tables+and+bar+3.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros tasting area</td></tr>
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Our next Pinot Noir pour was the <b>Domaine Carneros 2012 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir</b> at $36. Again I got a wonderful nose, this time mostly
cherry with some soft spicy undertones.
On the palate it was well balanced with cherry, plum and strawberry,
well integrated tannins and a long finish.
Very nice for the price.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy_nXN3qutzYc3lpbd0uK6Bd2l3-_HBuns86cTaLqpdCxffpYRm7LTm-kgwEy_QEzf98hWlBH9przJZ46DS0CXIF7wDT0RF_ZqzkCFyPrWit-gtPzDq-galT5M7iuGWeFzRPomwC_2dQ/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+patio+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy_nXN3qutzYc3lpbd0uK6Bd2l3-_HBuns86cTaLqpdCxffpYRm7LTm-kgwEy_QEzf98hWlBH9przJZ46DS0CXIF7wDT0RF_ZqzkCFyPrWit-gtPzDq-galT5M7iuGWeFzRPomwC_2dQ/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+patio+3.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros outdoor patio </td></tr>
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The favorite Pinot Noir for both of us, though, was the <b><u>Domaine Carneros 2012 The</u></b> <b><u>Famous Gate Pinot Noir</u></b> at $75. Four different Pinot Noir clones were used
for this, and it was aged for fourteen
months in French oak with 44% new oak. After
lovely aromas of cherry, plum, spice and some pleasant earth notes, I got soft,
smooth, well balanced layers of black cherry, plum, black raspberry and vanilla
with good acid and structure and a long complex finish. Although very drinkable now, this Pinot has
the structure to become even more interesting and complex with age. Very highly recommended!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros main building</td></tr>
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Needless to say we loved the wines and tour at Domaine
Carneros and highly recommend you visit them.
We strongly suggest that you take their "Art of Sparkling Wine
Tour" which includes a very interesting 90 minute tour, tastings of
sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs and individual bread and cheese plates. They
are usually open from <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10AM</st1:time> to <st1:time hour="17" minute="45">5:45PM</st1:time>. Tours are at <st1:time hour="23" minute="0">11AM, 1PM</st1:time> and <st1:time hour="15" minute="0">3PM</st1:time>
and are $40. "For reservations
within 24 hours, requests for groups of 10 or more people, or for Château
Society members, please call 707.257.0101 ext 161." Or you may book a tour online by going here: <a href="https://www.domainecarneros.com/visit">Visits</a><u> </u>Last minute tour appointments may often be
made, and tastings are available to the public without an appointment. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHSHXZMTP2_zYjOFXoByU-UjTEoBSJaAQPejHqBRu3sly4nil89mPMzEGkBnY_eVt_8RSXVgdbNp4TirayU2cJOOFT7yrpGhy4BBw5aHDQuoEANvlCfRNBbLQbwuUkSGBy9z4LSVjjgE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+sign+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHSHXZMTP2_zYjOFXoByU-UjTEoBSJaAQPejHqBRu3sly4nil89mPMzEGkBnY_eVt_8RSXVgdbNp4TirayU2cJOOFT7yrpGhy4BBw5aHDQuoEANvlCfRNBbLQbwuUkSGBy9z4LSVjjgE/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+sign+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros entry sign</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.domainecarneros.com/">Domaine Carneros</a><br />
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<st1:street>1240 Duhig Rd</st1:street></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state></st1:place><br />
Phone: 800-716-2788</div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="12" month="8" year="2014">August
12, 2014</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros sparkling wine rack</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2hgIhVaSRLf2NxyaVZCDKIzwuZ_oRvklMIK0yntYJh7G5jOgQ1wkUxBeZYhLVrKsWgEzcS7T89RPirvYT8pqZhcZc5DI0Ss_yEr_vi8AIW6Vm73UxOta9RwZAOybJoXOqlFNwLwZVZs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+d+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2hgIhVaSRLf2NxyaVZCDKIzwuZ_oRvklMIK0yntYJh7G5jOgQ1wkUxBeZYhLVrKsWgEzcS7T89RPirvYT8pqZhcZc5DI0Ss_yEr_vi8AIW6Vm73UxOta9RwZAOybJoXOqlFNwLwZVZs/s1600/Domaine+Carneros+building+d+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domaine Carneros view from parking lot</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com01240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, USA38.2554415 -122.3513269999999712.733407000000003 -163.65992099999997 63.777476000000007 -81.04273299999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-24233278332600563592014-06-25T13:16:00.000-07:002014-07-14T18:45:11.369-07:00Peirson Meyer and L'Angevin Wines<div class="MsoNormal">
Peirson Meyer and L'Angevin Wines are producing some truly
remarkable wines, including some of my favorite Sauvignon Blancs and an amazing
Pinot Noir. Our visit and tasting was
one of the most enjoyable and memorable events we have experienced in over forty
years of visits to hundreds of wineries.
Because they produce their wines at the Cuvaison Estate Winery in
Calistoga and do not have their own winery or tasting room yet, our tasting was
at the winemaker's home in Angwin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_LvmyN_8Wn-3cKqk-cC7ebCT0NUw-0AqAgCxs3a9PuNAQjjqVQ2P3wzYewhlkCETEW6EHyB-I3aTY6kBWu4I6AqdXjkWI0hCST7KsvwkyPYVHhDrO-vCSMNkg1bTrEJZzQioCdS_OnA/s1600/Peirson+Meyer+house+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_LvmyN_8Wn-3cKqk-cC7ebCT0NUw-0AqAgCxs3a9PuNAQjjqVQ2P3wzYewhlkCETEW6EHyB-I3aTY6kBWu4I6AqdXjkWI0hCST7KsvwkyPYVHhDrO-vCSMNkg1bTrEJZzQioCdS_OnA/s1600/Peirson+Meyer+house+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winemaker's home</td></tr>
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I had written to the winemaker, Robbie Meyer, telling him how much I loved his Peirson-Meyer
2010 Ryan's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and asking if there was any chance of
being able to taste some of his other wines.
He was gracious enough to extend an invitation to us. My favorite winery visits are always those
where I am able to meet and converse with the winemaker. Mr. Meyer's deep passion, love and enthusiasm
for wine, along with the superb quality of his wines, made this an experience
we will long remember.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEtRPI5sNBeSTLCJKy7lgwxgna0Gc8MofdFSj6Nxpro8srBDW9vjrv3Dg2SimNDWZMY185BBR5rI6s6nwOIEGadWwhufokSV3MOCr7Jv2lbqzdLPmP_icdxDe6NY4kO44lK63Di_GRTg/s1600/Peirson+Meyer+yard+c+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEtRPI5sNBeSTLCJKy7lgwxgna0Gc8MofdFSj6Nxpro8srBDW9vjrv3Dg2SimNDWZMY185BBR5rI6s6nwOIEGadWwhufokSV3MOCr7Jv2lbqzdLPmP_icdxDe6NY4kO44lK63Di_GRTg/s1600/Peirson+Meyer+yard+c+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front yard</td></tr>
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In addition to being the winemaker, Mr. Meyer is part owner and
co-founder of the two labels Peirson Meyer and L'Angevin. L'Angevin (pronounced "lonj-ven.") is
actually named after his maternal grandparents and was his first label that was
founded with Alan Peirson in 2001. Their
initial release was a 2001 Chardonnay that was released in 2003. In 2005 they founded the Peirson-Meyer label
and their first release on that label was a 2005 Chardonnay released in
2007. All current releases are on the
Peirson-Meyer label now, but some L'Angevin Wines might be produced in the
future. Their wives, Lesley Warner-Peirson
and Shannon Meyer, are also actively involved, making both of these wineries
family owned and operated by the two families. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Meyer is very pleasant, quite articulate and exceptionally
knowledgeable, so we loved talking with him about wine and winemaking. He began learning about wines at a high-end restaurant
where he worked at age 16. By age 18 he
was a wine steward. After obtaining his
B.S. in Biology at the <st1:place><st1:placetype>University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Georgia</st1:placename></st1:place>,
he moved to <st1:state>California</st1:state> and soon
enrolled at UC Davis where he obtained his Master's degree in Enology. He worked for five vintages at Peter Michael
Winery and for two vintages as winemaker for Lewis Cellars. In addition to being the winemaker for
Peirson-Meyer and L'Angevin Wines, he is a consulting winemaker for several
other wineries in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and for another in <st1:city>Santa Barbara</st1:city>. But Mr. Meyer is more than simply another
winemaker. He has taken the intricate craft
of winemaking to the level of an art form.
He is an enological artist. (Alan
Peirson is also an artist, focusing on ceramic work and sculptures of clay,
wood, stone and bronze, plus vineyard management.) During our long meeting with
Mr. Meyer, he shared some of his artistic vision and ideas about wines and
winemaking, creating a unique experience for us that was very enjoyable and
highly informative. After we tasted his wines, we concluded that Robbie Meyer
is more than a craftsman and an artist; he is also an enological magician.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robbie Meyer<br />
Winemaker and Co-owner</td></tr>
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Their focus is on four varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon
Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon (including a Cabernet blend) and Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from small, ultra-premium
vineyards in <st1:state>California</st1:state>. Their Chardonnay is either from Heintz Vineyard
in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place>
appellation where they have 25 acres of 40 year old vines, or from the <st1:place><st1:placename>Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Sauvignon Blanc is from Ryan's Vineyard in
Oak Knoll (25 acres of 15 year old vines) or from Kent Ritchie Vineyard in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
where the vines are forty years old.
Pinot Noir is from the Bateman Vineyard in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place> appellation north of <st1:place>Sebastopol</st1:place>
where they have ten year old vines. All
of their Cabernet Sauvignon is from <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, including Pritchard Hill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our tasting began with the <b><u>Peirson Meyer 2013 Ritchie Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc</u></b> from <st1:place><st1:placename>Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
at $32. It was whole cluster pressed,
with wild yeast fermentation and barrel fermented in neutral oak for eight months. Mr. Meyer explained why he thinks that with
Sauvignon blanc aging in neutral oak is preferable to stainless steel. No malolactic conversion was used. Only 200 cases were produced. On the nose I got a good aroma of citrus and peach. On the palate I got white peach and
grapefruit with good acid and a rich full mouthfeel that was amazingly well
balanced and voluptuous while bursting with fresh fruit. It had a long, excellent finish. What I love about Peirson Meyer Sauvignon
Blancs is their impeccable balance and perfect integration. All of the components come together
beautifully and harmoniously. This 2013
Ritchie Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is amazingly fresh and simply superb, an
example of California Sauvignon Blanc at its very finest!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The second pour was the <b>Peirson
Meyer 2012 Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay</b> from <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place> ($55.) I did not have the production notes on this
vintage but the previous 2011 had a release of only 100 cases. This 2012 saw full malolactic conversion but
at a cooler temperature, making it very smooth but not buttery. On the nose I
got mostly apricot, vanilla and some floral notes with minerality. It was rich, smooth, creamy and full bodied
on the palate with apricot, apple, vanilla, some minerality and great
balance. Finish was medium plus in length.
Very nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our third wine was the fantastic <b><u>Peirson Meyer 2012 Bateman Vineyard Pinot Noir</u></b> at $60. I got mostly red cherry and floral aromas on
the nose. On the palate it was rather full
bodied and lush for a Pinot Noir but impeccably balanced. This is one of those rare wines with such
wonderful fruit, balance and nuance that it is a pure physical pleasure to
retain it in the mouth. I got rich, red
cherry, vanilla and honeysuckle with undercurrents of subtle floral notes,
accompanied by an incredibly long, beautiful, concentrated finish of rich, ripe
black cherry and vanilla that seemed to continued forever. My friend, who usually prefers Cabs to Pinots,
was simply floored by this Pinot saying, "Wow. This is just amazing!" (He purchased a case of it.) This is simply one of the finest California
Pinot Noirs I've tasted, and it should even improve with some age. </div>
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Our final pour was the <b>Peirson
Meyer 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $90. I got mostly cherry on the nose followed on
the palate by juicy black cherry and black current that was very well balanced and
silky, laced with soft, smooth tannins.
Although very drinkable, this is still a young wine with some "baby
fat." Its freshness and balance
make it very appealing now, but it will continue to improve with time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Needless to say, we very highly recommend Peirson Meyer and
L'Angevin Wines. Although we really
liked all of their wines, we especially loved the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot
Noir, two very special wines. Peirson Meyer and L'Angevin Wines is not open to
the public, but you may call or email them to inquire about a possible tasting. They are hoping to purchase a tasting room on
Highway 29 in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
so we will certainly report on that as soon as we learn of it. They
have a web page for locating their wines:
<a href="http://langevinwines.com/locator.html">Wine locator</a> Some of their wines are available
at <a href="http://groezingers.com/">Groezinger Wine Merchants</a> in Yountville. They will
also ship their wines: <a href="https://www.langevinwine.com/shopping3/account/shopping_login.cfm">Peirson Meyer shopping</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we tasted</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.peirsonmeyer.com/">Peirson Meyer Wines / L'Angevin, LLC</a><br />
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<st1:address><st1:street>PO Box</st1:street> 408</st1:address> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Oakville</st1:city> <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94562</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 707-944-1352<o:p></o:p></div>
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Date of visit: June 25, 2014</div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Perison Meyer and L'Angevin Wines38.601363 -122.4386570000000313.079328499999999 -163.74725100000003 64.1233975 -81.130063000000035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-75209470751793381722014-06-11T12:05:00.000-07:002014-06-17T17:14:58.034-07:00Orin Swift Cellars<div class="MsoNormal">
"And now for something completely different," it's
Orin Swift Cellars. You will want to
visit Orin Swift for their excellent, unusual, very reasonably priced wines and
to experience a place that is refreshingly different from your typical
winery. Eccentric, creative, unusual,
and unlike any other winery in Napa Valley, Orin Swift is located in the middle
of downtown St. Helena and offers exceptional, atypical wines and blends,
including Rhone varietals, from grapes sourced mostly from different regions of
California. The tasting room is small
but strikingly attractive, and we found the service to be great thanks to
Monica and Justin, our hosts.</div>
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Orin Swift Cellars was founded in 1998 by winemaker David
Swift Phinney who derived the name from his father's middle name of Orin and
his mother's maiden name of Swift. He
set up office in the upstairs of downtown <st1:place>St. Helena</st1:place>'s
Odd Fellows Lodge built in 1885 and sometimes has tastings there. (I can't help thinking that Mr. Phinney was
immensely pleased to be housed in the same building with the "Odd"
Fellows.) In August 2013 he opened a
small tasting room across the street in the center of downtown <st1:place>St.
Helena</st1:place> in what use to be an alleyway between two buildings. The outside of the building has an English
Victorian presentation that does not prepare one for the unusual inside. One wall inside is a lovely composition made
of colorful textured reclaimed lumber, another wall is beautiful old stonework
from a nearby building, and the back wall is yet another work of art, composed
from two old slabs of rusty steel that weigh over 1,000 pounds apiece. The steel plates were sandblasted and had the
patina accented and now compose the back wall plus the tasting table at the
bar. That was apparently not creative
and eccentric enough for Mr. Phinney who added a floor made of pages from Chinese
children's books from his collection. The
photos I took only hint at the overall exotic, creative and interesting experience. It is worth viewing even if you don't drink
wine. This is the antithesis of whatever stereotypes people might have of
an ostentatious, pretentious, snobbish, high end winery. It is all a great deal of fun and very
appealing, just as the Orin Swift wines themselves are. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEn_hu0ur_Ub7PS296T8djBQRIz23dR2-joACedmBCSgejv6NwtpSh8Ppir_8vQ9Eld73szwDOGgyUmvO1UuaZJ8T6EzAfNWvpODN2cw1nZd7FCZJ5mUtkOWPb69Q5MwFvkANI59fyok/s1600/Orin+Swift+tasting+room+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEn_hu0ur_Ub7PS296T8djBQRIz23dR2-joACedmBCSgejv6NwtpSh8Ppir_8vQ9Eld73szwDOGgyUmvO1UuaZJ8T6EzAfNWvpODN2cw1nZd7FCZJ5mUtkOWPb69Q5MwFvkANI59fyok/s1600/Orin+Swift+tasting+room+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars tasting room</td></tr>
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Mr. Phinney now owns 300 acres of vineyard in the southwest
of <st1:country-region>France</st1:country-region>, and grapes
from there are used in production of his D66 wine. He has also purchased 48 acres in the hills
above <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city> where he plans to eventually
build a winery. Most of the Orin Swift
wines are from grapes sourced from throughout <st1:state>California</st1:state>,
with many varietals that are rarely found in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. As with Behren's Family Winery, Orin Swift
wines tend to be fruit oriented rather than focused on terroir and have very
unusual, artistic, creative, playful and rather funky names and wine labels. And, yes, the initial quote at the beginning
of this review is from the introduction to the old Monty Python shows. Orin Swift is one of those very unusual
places where one searches for some comparisons, however remote. Although some of their releases are as small
as 450 cases (Trigger Finger), their total production is over 150,000 cases
annually. Mr. Phinney must keep quite
busy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YGwuh0M_CKOoHMGwTfyBSR0ekSD0rzw4wtu8paBsM7WK5PWGUOd6Bx5FBUFLk4QzL_0mP7JMhvAjfvSQ4duMThm1JBE_IS1AQWnUy9tRgaNu6xB_CD6B2rqdvYk-6d-kbd42hlwKm4Y/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+e+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YGwuh0M_CKOoHMGwTfyBSR0ekSD0rzw4wtu8paBsM7WK5PWGUOd6Bx5FBUFLk4QzL_0mP7JMhvAjfvSQ4duMThm1JBE_IS1AQWnUy9tRgaNu6xB_CD6B2rqdvYk-6d-kbd42hlwKm4Y/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+e+1.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift artistic walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At the time of our visit the tasting menu listed three
options. Two flights were $10 each and
included four pours. A third option was
the Finite Few at $20. You might want to
split two tastings or three. If I had to
pick one, I'd probably opt for the Tails Flight with the Mannequin, <st1:city>Palermo</st1:city>,
D66 and NV Mute, although The Finite Few with the Trigger Finger, Machete and
Veladora would also be tempting. But
then I wouldn't want to miss the Papillon in the Heads Flight which comes with
the Abstract, China Doll and NV Mute.
Well, I must confess, they are all worth trying. The ones underlined below were my favorites,
though. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTY-2NUr0D0KHA-ItieeYaQ4PepCdJcAfZH0IfYfGl5KbeI_5tJSnfUUv0gDOYyhW0LgbNNC2PpYAZXY7xUVUkKRuGg2Oh_doatPnfXGfvg-zIyPaswEdHYeXnArywIGFVUZJ88ZNoso/s1600/Orin+Swift+bottles+d+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTY-2NUr0D0KHA-ItieeYaQ4PepCdJcAfZH0IfYfGl5KbeI_5tJSnfUUv0gDOYyhW0LgbNNC2PpYAZXY7xUVUkKRuGg2Oh_doatPnfXGfvg-zIyPaswEdHYeXnArywIGFVUZJ88ZNoso/s1600/Orin+Swift+bottles+d+1.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars wine labels</td></tr>
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Our first pour was the <b>Orin
Swift 2012 China Doll</b> at $19. This
is a rose from Grenache and Syrah grapes and 500 cases were produced. A light pink in color, it had a light flowery
nose. On the palate I got a dry, clean, refreshing
presentation of raspberry, cranberry and floral notes, followed by a good,
slightly less dry finish of mostly strawberry.
We liked this much better than almost any American rose we have
tasted. It is drier, has more substance
and is very refreshing with its crisp acid and is not at all cloyingly sweet or
insipid as are most <st1:country-region>U.S.</st1:country-region>
roses. Try it even if you don't like roses
(neither of us usually do), just to see how refreshing a good one can be when
it is done more in the French style.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyeiX29M3ofDTLp48IQKVE3h4dIXSItbrhzx4K-DzfkonjYllXG_4gPvzTEiVRW3D51L06t-gFQtO1kVd2GSSL2nEIcxrFJACpQvRZf_0G6Sq-IOSlPs_xcQmwNcisf9l0Ic9H81O4ik/s1600/Orin+Swift+tasting+bar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyeiX29M3ofDTLp48IQKVE3h4dIXSItbrhzx4K-DzfkonjYllXG_4gPvzTEiVRW3D51L06t-gFQtO1kVd2GSSL2nEIcxrFJACpQvRZf_0G6Sq-IOSlPs_xcQmwNcisf9l0Ic9H81O4ik/s1600/Orin+Swift+tasting+bar+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars tasting bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The second pour was the <b>Orin
Swift 2013 Veladora Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc</b> at $28. This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and is produced
as "an annual recognition of the Latino farm working community in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>." 100% of the profits from the sales of this
wine are given to Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors) which is a coalition formed by
Father Gordon Kalil that provides dental service, counseling and health
screening to those in need. This was a
pale gold in color. On the nose I got
mostly grapefruit with some minerality and grassiness. On the palate I got a clean and refreshing but
slightly rounded presentation of lemon and grapefruit with some herbaceousness and
a medium length crisp finish. Very Californian in style. Quite
nice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gELq7xgsyUnJdxtva4EbnX6fbt2tfPrqHi5MJtxB7pcZEP5_erIjoV2axpi7M4Q88aNsWr0TWR02edPBfn7MZt6Q7S6cERxEgB6R984SVv2_lwlep_ABQf3IkNcGiWeUtLkYf0gHbVs/s1600/Orin+Swift+floor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gELq7xgsyUnJdxtva4EbnX6fbt2tfPrqHi5MJtxB7pcZEP5_erIjoV2axpi7M4Q88aNsWr0TWR02edPBfn7MZt6Q7S6cERxEgB6R984SVv2_lwlep_ABQf3IkNcGiWeUtLkYf0gHbVs/s1600/Orin+Swift+floor+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Chinese book leaf floor</td></tr>
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Third up was my favorite of the non-red wines, the <b><u>Orin Swift 2012 Mannequin</u> <u>California
White Wine</u></b> at $30. This is an
interesting blend of 48% Chardonnay, 14% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Grenache Blanc,
12% Viognier, 8% Marsanne, 4% Roussanne and 2% <st1:city>Muscat</st1:city>. It was aged in 40% new French oak, 49%
neutral oak and 30% stainless steel and 10,000 cases were produced. It tastes completely different than almost
any white wine you will ever encounter in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It was a lovely sparkling light yellow in
color. On the nose I got mostly melon,
pear and vanilla. It was dry, rich and
well balanced on entry and then unfolded with a myriad of flavors of tropical
fruits, spices, vanilla and floral notes with good, well integrated acids. The medium length finish was dry, refreshing
and crisp. This is a very interesting
wine and we both really loved it. Highly
recommended!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jy-g8On5xXxzUpDwK3cN82CGAFA3WN29Ty0EY-v9-Z_TegFldqTZhtOyjYrFnnNZ6rFLQ87Vpc-rpE31fA2VNIqtW4Lm7C0QZT5eXDlLY7gIuXve9WIPHImCnyoDnTNYyUzxhngK2GI/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+d+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jy-g8On5xXxzUpDwK3cN82CGAFA3WN29Ty0EY-v9-Z_TegFldqTZhtOyjYrFnnNZ6rFLQ87Vpc-rpE31fA2VNIqtW4Lm7C0QZT5eXDlLY7gIuXve9WIPHImCnyoDnTNYyUzxhngK2GI/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+d+2.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars end wall</td></tr>
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Our fourth pour moved into the red wines and was also one of
my favorites. This was the <b><u>Orin Swift 2012 Trigger Finger
California Grenache</u></b> at $38. We
were recently at the Rhone Rangers event in <st1:city>Richmond</st1:city>and tasted many California Grenaches, and this one would rank right up there
with the finest. It was aged for 14
months in French oak with 60% new oak.
Only 450 cases were produced. A
light purple in color, it had a pleasant nose of red cherry, vanilla and toast. On the palate I got red cherry, raspberry,
spices, earth notes and some toasty oak with lovely, well integrated tannins, and crisp
acid, followed by a very good long finish.
I loved the balance and complexity of this Grenache, and the finish was
one of the finest I have encountered in any California Grenache. Orin Swift seems to have an excellent American
source for Grenache grapes. Very highly
recommended. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNx8XZbKyPTQB_labLJmZWYb4FaHncN2KLHxXjaOtSzGUwqbZvEqs-z_RS5ZRZf8nFgRXVAgumbWM4HqlyMM46v1T_lOS1QopW9Vn5ALqMQY7Y6u-hdTmcp6JiKbr-teWe0-C9tyX3EY/s1600/Orin+Swift+t+Trigger+Finger+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNx8XZbKyPTQB_labLJmZWYb4FaHncN2KLHxXjaOtSzGUwqbZvEqs-z_RS5ZRZf8nFgRXVAgumbWM4HqlyMM46v1T_lOS1QopW9Vn5ALqMQY7Y6u-hdTmcp6JiKbr-teWe0-C9tyX3EY/s1600/Orin+Swift+t+Trigger+Finger+3.jpg" height="400" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Trigger Finger</td></tr>
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Fifth up was the <b>Orin
Swift 2012 Abstract California Grenache Blend</b> at $29 a bottle. This is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah and
Sirah from grapes from <st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:city>Sonoma</st1:city>,
Mendocino, Amador and <st1:city>El Dorado</st1:city>. It saw 10 months in a "combination of
new and seasoned French oak," and 1400 cases were produced. I loved the deep purple color of this wine
and almost wanted to take it outside in the sunlight to look at it. Aroma wise I got mostly blackberry with some
floral notes and a bit of spice. On the
palate it was full bodied but very smooth, and lush with soft tannins and
sumptuous, ripe fruit of blackberry and black plum, with some spices and
chocolate. The finish was medium length
and very pleasant. This is a fairly
fruit forward wine but has the structure and complexity to support the
fruit. It is quite nice and I suspect it
is a crowd pleaser.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqNPOn8Q8BOOUxp6p21DG4_osbvupPpF9E0H6H3PpGgg_l4daZRBR2O6vZ_k0i1dBqiY3F3rt2cXj8FGYLMZOzRXnGZs53_hYQKN43wTSuyxlc1Z9qD5LreOokJsZYY1df7N2B1Qrnik/s1600/Orin+Swift+Abstract+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqNPOn8Q8BOOUxp6p21DG4_osbvupPpF9E0H6H3PpGgg_l4daZRBR2O6vZ_k0i1dBqiY3F3rt2cXj8FGYLMZOzRXnGZs53_hYQKN43wTSuyxlc1Z9qD5LreOokJsZYY1df7N2B1Qrnik/s1600/Orin+Swift+Abstract+3.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Abastract</td></tr>
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Our sixth pour was the <b>Orin
Swift 2012 Palermo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $38. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and Cabernet Franc and was aged for 10 months in French oak with 35% new
oak. 14,000 cases were produced. The concept behind this Cab is to source Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from diverse vineyards in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> so that the various soils
and microclimates combine to supplement and to work in harmony with and each
other while adding to the complexity. The focus is on high quality
fruit and blending rather than single vineyard production. Dark garnet in color, this started with a
good nose of blackberry, black currant, buttered toast and oak. On the palate it was full bodied with
pleasantly chewy tannins. I got mostly
cherry, black currant, toasted oak, and mocha followed by a good, medium length
finish. I found it very drinkable now,
but it has the structure to age well. A
very nice Napa Valley Cab at an extremely reasonable price. Another one we recommend.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM3qYlpOc2p5tj010W8oO81xAFXga4pfzNQmXEXRg3iVQ7fadBWsaEACFReqHODc6bZOSjTSMlnj4d_IT0hiQH9Lm0YDHrNkzCtJB5NHva4L3GSyk783RHcnaF2B2WrDtQ9Qvuw6Afqw/s1600/Orin+Swift+Palermo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM3qYlpOc2p5tj010W8oO81xAFXga4pfzNQmXEXRg3iVQ7fadBWsaEACFReqHODc6bZOSjTSMlnj4d_IT0hiQH9Lm0YDHrNkzCtJB5NHva4L3GSyk783RHcnaF2B2WrDtQ9Qvuw6Afqw/s1600/Orin+Swift+Palermo+3.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Palermo</td></tr>
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Seventh in line was the <b><u>Orin
Swift 2011 Papillon Napa Valley Red Blend</u></b> at $65. This is a <st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city>
like blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The grapes were sourced from <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city>,
<st1:place>St. Helena</st1:place>, <st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place> and <st1:place><st1:placename>Howell</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> and include grapes from
the famous vineyards of Stagecoach, Morisoli and Taplin. It was aged for 16 months in French oak. Justin thought it was about 30% new oak and
said that 3,500 cases were produced. I
got a good nose of black cherry, blackberry, cigarbox and forest floor. On the palate it was very smooth with black
cherry, black currant, blackberry, mocha and aged tobacco with some chewy tannins
on its medium plus length finish. It is quite drinkable now but should cellar
well. We both loved the Papillon. Mr. Phinney's daughter came up with the name.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9N03tE5vi1snW-91FncS8S28PdVbAmxlPO-hq7cJ5P9rxbqMa7fDapIaoNa2xc-bLQDczXgMUoLzLRkZKkPcgkiH5DhJR66iKNWxi_5MwBeN0JH1_q7ubULEzF6_iGRXZWNLRFys8mo/s1600/Orin+Swift+photo+hands+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9N03tE5vi1snW-91FncS8S28PdVbAmxlPO-hq7cJ5P9rxbqMa7fDapIaoNa2xc-bLQDczXgMUoLzLRkZKkPcgkiH5DhJR66iKNWxi_5MwBeN0JH1_q7ubULEzF6_iGRXZWNLRFys8mo/s1600/Orin+Swift+photo+hands+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Papillon photo</td></tr>
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The eighth taste was their <b>Orin Swift 2012 Machette California Petite Sirah</b> at $48. I love Petite Sirahs and usually attend the annual
"P.S. I Love You" Petite Sirah tasting event in <st1:city>Alameda</st1:city>. This one is a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah
and Grenache and was aged for 10 months in French oak, 40% of it being new
oak. I love the deep dark purple color
of many Petite Sirahs, and this one is very lovely to the eye. I got mostly blackberry and vanilla on the
nose. On the palate I got lush
blackberry, with a hint of mocha and some vanilla and toasted oak. Some Petite
Sirahs can be overwhelmingly powerful but this one is medium plus bodied for a
Petite Sirah, deeply flavorful and lush, while also being very smooth and well
balanced. It had a medium length
finish. This is ready to drink now but
could be cellared. We both really liked
it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4CbhEOuxmQISXvZIvdQcCxnuNLdLK1oZ2Oqb_UMW0D_7hR0_Ar7FdiAs6P9A8gr_B3_bBhx_ZI-FMxCKj-RKEkIhpstvoSwPFM-Dl2xXTOoQ0WhddcB6kG3KdY4aLvxiRhSDsYHWFAw/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4CbhEOuxmQISXvZIvdQcCxnuNLdLK1oZ2Oqb_UMW0D_7hR0_Ar7FdiAs6P9A8gr_B3_bBhx_ZI-FMxCKj-RKEkIhpstvoSwPFM-Dl2xXTOoQ0WhddcB6kG3KdY4aLvxiRhSDsYHWFAw/s1600/Orin+Swift+wall+b+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars left wall</td></tr>
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The <b><u>Orin Swift
2011 D66 Maury-Rousillon Grenache Blend</u></b> at $38 was next. This was a Grenache Syrah and Carignan blend
from their French vineyard. It saw 30%
new French oak for 18 months. On the
nose I got blackberry and some cinnamon.
On the palate it was soft and smooth with ripe blackberry and cherry
along with toasted oak and spice. A very
pleasant, sumptuous and easy to drink wine, this also had a very nice medium
plus length finish. Another one that we both
really like and heartily recommend.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars rear entrance</td></tr>
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The tenth and final pour was the <b>Orin Swift NV Mute California Dessert Wine</b> at $30. This is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon,
14% Tina Cao, 6% Tina <st1:city>Madera</st1:city>, 6% Tinta
<st1:place>Madeira</st1:place> and 2% Souzao.
It was aged for 18 months in neutral oak. Alcohol is 19%. This was a pleasant, smooth, well balanced, very
nice port style wine at very reasonable price.
I got mostly rich, ripe, lush black raspberry (sweeter and without the
tartness of a blackberry) with some nicely
balanced acid. As with most port style wines, this one can be cellared. One of the better <st1:state>California</st1:state>
port style wines we have tasted.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orin Swift Cellars Palermo photo</td></tr>
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Orin Swift has a very interesting and artistic tasting room,
unusual and excellent varietals and blends, fascinating wine labels, an easy to
find location, a relaxed and playful atmosphere and great service, but no
views, picnic area, gardens or dungeons.
Perhaps Mr. Phinney will add the rest when he opens his new winery up. Well, maybe he will have the views, picnic
area and gardens, but I think you will have to look elsewhere for dungeons. For excellent wines and a the only floor made of
Chinese children's books, though, you know where to go. Thanks to Deb, one of our readers, for
suggesting Orin Swift. We had never visited them before or even tasted any of their wines. Great place.</div>
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<a href="http://www.orinswift.com/">Orin Swift Cellars</a><br />
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<st1:street>1325 Main Street</st1:street></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>St. Helena</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94574</st1:postalcode></st1:place></div>
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Phone: 707-967-9179</div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="11" month="6" year="2014">June
11, 2014</st1:date></div>
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Open without an appointment.
Currently open from 11-5 Mondays through Thursdays, 10-6 Fridays and
Saturdays and 11-5 on Sundays, but please call or email ahead if you have six
or more people. There are no tours of course but private tastings are available
by appointment. They have a small,
narrow tasting room that can become somewhat crowded if you visit Friday, Saturday
or Sunday in the afternoon during the summer season or crush, but almost every
winery in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
can also be very busy during those times.
Parking is usually available around the block. Many very good restaurants for lunch or
dinner are within a short walking distance, and downtown <st1:place>St. Helena</st1:place>
has many interesting boutique stores, an excellent bakery and a famous
gourmet chocolate shop.</div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com01325 Main Street, Saint Helena, CA 94574, USA38.5044718 -122.4694365000000313.343323799999997 -163.77803050000003 63.6656198 -81.16084250000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-91733584512818164042014-05-27T13:31:00.000-07:002014-11-27T09:23:18.628-08:00Porter Family Vineyards<div class="MsoNormal">
Porter Family Vineyards is a very unique and beautiful
winery that provides an amazing tasting experience. While visiting other
wineries we kept hearing wonderful things about Porter Family Vineyards but had
never been there. It sounds trite but
the phrase "hidden gem" is what immediately came to mind after our
visit there. In addition to a gorgeous
setting and view, Porter Family has a lovely wine cave with an extraordinary tasting
room, great hospitality, plus wines that are exemplary. It is one of those rare places that while we
were there we simply did not want to leave.
It was just so beautiful and relaxing!
And Tim Porter, the founder's son and one of the owners, was a great
host, very down to earth and informative.
We wanted to spend the entire day there, especially after tasting their
fantastic wines.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards picnic table view</td></tr>
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Porter Family Vineyards was founded by Tom and Beverly
Porter. Tom is originally from <st1:state>Michigan</st1:state>
and studied electrical engineering at Michigan Tech. After spending 27 years with <st1:stockticker>IBM</st1:stockticker>
and other companies, Tom and his wife moved to <st1:city>Napa</st1:city>
and, in 2005, founded Porter Family Vineyard. They requested a "slight" alteration in the building permit, obtaining
permission to add 17,000 square feet of wine caves, putting the entire winery,
except for the crushing platform, underground.
This cave is 515 feet long, about 50 feet underground and has four
fermentation bays, four blending tanks capable of 4500 gallons along with two
storage bays. Being an electrical
engineer Tom developed one of the most technologically sophisticated wineries
in the world with automatic computer controlled systems that even control the punch
down machines, a deficit drip irrigation system, etc. They also utilize sustainable farming methods
which includes integrated pest management that utilizes bird perches, bird
houses, nesting boxes and an insectary to encourage beneficial predatory
insects. They also sponsor the Porter Family Foundation, started in 2003, focusing
on donations to education, child well being, medical research, conservation and the humane
treatment of animals.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family tasting room in wine cave</td></tr>
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Their vineyard is 20 acres with only 14 planted acres. The soil is a mixture of clay loam and volcanic soil and it is located about 600 feet above sea level
in the Coombsville <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker> of Napa Valley. This area of the Coombsville <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>
tends to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the fall and winter than other
areas of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. They tend to have a longer hang time for the
grapes and a harvest that is several weeks later than down in the Valley. Only two to three tons of grapes are yielded
from each acre. In
addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, they grow the other red <st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city>
varietals of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot plus Syrah. Some additional Syrah and their Chardonnay fruit is sourced from nearby vineyards. Total production is about 2,000 cases per
year but will increase by next year to 3,000, making Porter Family a very small
production family winery, offering handcrafted wines of the highest quality.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards wine cave</td></tr>
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We were greeted by Tim Porter and a new staff member, Florencia,
who walked with us through the vineyard to the wine cave. The views along the way were spectacular and
the wine tasting room in the cave was amazing.
We had a separate glass for each wine so could go back and forth between
them. Tim and Florencia were great
hosts. The setting and entire experience was simply heavenly. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6KYR4t1GGKcgg5GU7ycYlYX6rdDKbHtfALxTghA46ff79YP7OMby0OGYJtf0rM1SNiWiCuKSV1JgIFMJzx6z5ZIMwK62LhdO1HKW_yEmerVBW3j9IZciLHMZiJ9QZL44q3IY1wRlnMc/s1600/Porter+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6KYR4t1GGKcgg5GU7ycYlYX6rdDKbHtfALxTghA46ff79YP7OMby0OGYJtf0rM1SNiWiCuKSV1JgIFMJzx6z5ZIMwK62LhdO1HKW_yEmerVBW3j9IZciLHMZiJ9QZL44q3IY1wRlnMc/s1600/Porter+view+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards view</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Porter Family 2012 Chardonnay</b> at $45. This saw a year in French oak with 15% being
new oak. 369 cases were produced. This began with a fairly good nose of apples
and lemon. On the palate it was smooth,
rich and buttery with apple, lemon, vanilla and some minerality. Finish was medium length. Although not a style I usually care for, it was well
done. If you like a rounder, buttery
type Chard you might want to give this one a try. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards tasting table</td></tr>
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The <b><u>Porter Family
2011 Cave Dwellers Blend</u></b> was the second pour and it retails at
$55. It is a blend of 50% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 50% Syrah and saw 22 months in French oak with 75% being new
oak. 313 cases were produced. My friend and I both really liked this blend
which began with a good nose of black cherry and black currant. On the palate it was full bodied with black
cherry, black currant, black pepper, spices and earth notes, along with chewy
tannins and good acid. The finish was
long and lingering. Although great on
its own, this should pair really well with many meat, cheese and poultry
dishes. It is also very drinkable now
but has enough substance to cellar well.
We both found this wine to be very appealing and had to purchase some. It was my second favorite wine of those we
tasted.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards front gate</td></tr>
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Third up was the <b>Porter
Family 2010 Sandpiper Red</b> at $49.
This is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot and was in French oak for
22 months with 75% of it being new French oak.
625 cases were produced. I got a
light nose of mostly cherry and plum. On
the palate I got lush cherry with some coffee and chocolate. Tannins were well integrated and the finish
was of medium length. My friend liked
this equally well as the Cave Dwellers Blend and purchased some, but I preferred the
Cave Dweller. The name
"sandpiper" is in honor of the fossilized footprints of a sandpiper
that were found on the property when the wine caves were being made. The tiny tracks are about five million years
old and a replica of the fossil may be seen on display in the wine cave.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards view</td></tr>
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Our fourth pour was the <b>Porter
Family 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $86.
I never read tasting notes prior to tasting a wine,
but when I looked at what was next on the tasting list I noticed the words,
"Dark and extracted." My thoughts
were that this was going to be some overripe, extracted, raisin type Cab that
was one dimensional, and I would not like it.
But it was not. I got a good nose
of black cherry and blackberry with some cedar and a hint of mint. On the palate
it was medium to full bodied with good acid and soft tannins. I got mostly blackberry, black currant,
cedar, cigarbox and mint on the palate, carrying over into the finish which was
medium plus in length. Although
perfectly drinkable now, this Cab is one I'd recommend cellaring. If you have not tried a Coombsville Cab
before, this would be a good one to try.
It was my third favorite wine of those we tried.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqrByfqIiJ1C_FOzVVfxRkJEZTtxePrv2Fm9VEl7UeEyapCrf8LLIX-ehHRW_GbKJhpYkd21HDnlsEU3YcOH_g1sOfxC1rrhQDz9FTS2enyfg3tCZ15f7vv1j7GUxFvRWB_ZAsaBNsug/s1600/Porter+wine+cave+photos+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqrByfqIiJ1C_FOzVVfxRkJEZTtxePrv2Fm9VEl7UeEyapCrf8LLIX-ehHRW_GbKJhpYkd21HDnlsEU3YcOH_g1sOfxC1rrhQDz9FTS2enyfg3tCZ15f7vv1j7GUxFvRWB_ZAsaBNsug/s1600/Porter+wine+cave+photos+2.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Porter Family Vineyards whine cave photos</td></tr>
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Our final pour was the stunning <b><u>Porter Family 2008 Syrah</u></b> at $54. This saw 14 months in French oak with
half of that new oak. A mere 107 cases
were produced. This is an outstanding
Syrah, one of the finest American Syrah I've had in recent years. It started out with a great aroma of
blackberry, black pepper, and mocha. On
the palate it was lush, ripe and full bodied with more black pepper and exotic
spices. It was beautifully balanced with
finely integrated tannins and a great finish.
So many Syrahs are overly fruit forward or fruit bombs, too jammy, too
simple, and uninteresting. This one is
sophisticated, complex, interesting and brings out all the best in the Syrah
varietal. It is a fantastic Syrah and
gets my highest recommendation! Try it
just to see how wonderful a really great Syrah can be. Definitely my favorite of the wines we
sampled.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards view</td></tr>
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Porter Family Vineyards has: 1. A beautiful wine cave. 2. A lovely tasting room. 3. Incredible views. 4. Great hospitality. 5. Outstanding wines. Any one of these
five items alone could warrant a visit. Having all five of them at one
place puts Porter Family Vineyards in the category of a winery that one
absolutely must visit. No wonder we kept hearing such wonderful things
about them. We are so glad we
visited. Much thanks to Tim and
Florencia for hosting us at this remarkable winery.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards view</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.porterfamilyvineyards.com/index.cfm">Porter Family Vineyards</a><br />
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<st1:address><st1:street>1189 Green Valley Rd</st1:street><br />
<st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>94558</st1:postalcode></st1:address>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="biz-phone">(707) 927-0765<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="biz-phone">Date of visit: </span><st1:date day="27" month="5" year="2014">May 27, 2014</st1:date><span class="biz-phone"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="biz-phone">Porter Family Vineyards is open by
appointment only. Call them or email
them at this site: </span><a href="http://www.porterfamilyvineyards.com/taste">Visiting</a></div>
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<span class="biz-phone">For tasting rooms that offer some
Porter Family wines, check here: </span><a href="http://www.porterfamilyvineyards.com/tastingrooms">Tasting Rooms</a></div>
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<span class="biz-phone">Wines may be ordered directly from the
winery here: </span><a href="http://www.porterfamilyvineyards.com/currentreleases?orderby=PXPC.DisplayOrder%20Asc,%20P.ProductName%20ASC&startrow=1">Orders</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyard grounds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblpfB_j-64jR4vxIDY83hikP5bgo7DIkk2qQLK00RJ75GShW_kceF9fnYTjmgUVLXpgSItQDDMEUhmEO6krnSvekYSHt8rsylb-DVMuqtnOXAumfgDC0KpFKIrm5TmJJZTYP7quwBnHU/s1600/Porter+building+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblpfB_j-64jR4vxIDY83hikP5bgo7DIkk2qQLK00RJ75GShW_kceF9fnYTjmgUVLXpgSItQDDMEUhmEO6krnSvekYSHt8rsylb-DVMuqtnOXAumfgDC0KpFKIrm5TmJJZTYP7quwBnHU/s1600/Porter+building+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards office</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoahD_aPvTe7D6s6L190kdGhvaRopQjj2PALKz9Kge5GLHvz0Tz5Un2GLmML1wVrV336q1EAb4_R4IPtErNN2OZIyrC4Zrzrmqs4G7qGVQqDOeAvaq3bdjn2uNICRdZ6oCFuLEyYQuvM/s1600/Porter+grounds+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoahD_aPvTe7D6s6L190kdGhvaRopQjj2PALKz9Kge5GLHvz0Tz5Un2GLmML1wVrV336q1EAb4_R4IPtErNN2OZIyrC4Zrzrmqs4G7qGVQqDOeAvaq3bdjn2uNICRdZ6oCFuLEyYQuvM/s1600/Porter+grounds+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards crushing platform</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porter Family Vineyards view</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com01189 Green Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558, USA38.2890722 -122.2273241000000338.2890237 -122.22740310000003 38.2891207 -122.22724510000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-50864925133387943602014-05-22T15:06:00.000-07:002014-05-28T11:00:40.997-07:00Saintsbury Winery<div class="MsoNormal">
We really loved our visit to Saintsbury Winery! Saintsbury is a small,
intimate and friendly winery with some great wines, especially their Pinot
Noirs. Our wonderfully relaxed tasting experience was among the most enjoyable
we have experienced. When we first arrived
we were warmly and graciously welcomed by their Hospitality Manager, Georgia,
who showed us where our tasting table would be out on their lovely garden
patio. She also introduced us to our
host, Emily, who was amazing--very friendly and informative, providing us with exactly
the background information we needed as we enjoyed each pour while cheerfully
answering any questions we had. All
three of us kept commenting on the lovely outdoor patio garden setting and the
perfect presentation and timing of exceptional wines. This was hospitality at its finest!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery garden patio tasting</td></tr>
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Saintsbury is a small winery in the Carneros <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>
of Napa Valley that is justly famous for their great Pinot Noirs. The winery is named after George Saintsbury,
an English professor who wrote the book Notes on a Cellar. Saintsbury Winery was founded in 1981 by
Richard Ward and David Graves who had met in 1977 during their graduate studies
in enology at UC Davis. After working at
several different wineries, they decided to produce their own wine and focused
initially on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their
first wines were produced using space at Pine Ridge Winery. In 1983 their winery facility was built, and
in 1986 their first estate vineyard of 13 acres was planted. In 1992 their third estate vineyard, the famous
Brown Ranch Vineyard, was planted with 23 acres of Pinot Noir and 8 acres of
Chardonnay. In addition to growing their
own estate grapes, Saintsbury sources grapes from other vineyards, mostly in
Carneros. Total production for the winery is about 30,000 cases per year. The current winemaker is Chris Kajani.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery building</td></tr>
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Saintsbury has received many accolades and awards. In 1993 Robert Parker referred to their 1990
Reserve Pinot Noir as, "unquestionably one of the finest Pinot Noirs I
have tasted from <st1:state>California</st1:state>." In 1997 Wine Spectator declared their 1995
Reserve Chardonnay the winner from the top California Chardonnay and white
French Burgundy wines they tasted. In
2003 the Wall Street Journal called <st1:place><st1:city>Saintsbury</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region>America</st1:country-region></st1:place>'s "most
consistent producer of Pinot Noir."
In 2004 their Pinot Noir was named the "Most Popular Pinot Noir in
Wine & Spirits Magazine's Annual Restaurant Poll." If you like Pinot
Noirs you really must visit Saintsbury, but don't overlook their excellent
white wines. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery building and garden patio</td></tr>
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We always appreciate wineries that are environmentally
responsible, and Saintsbury was one of the first wineries to obtain the Napa
Green Farm certification. They believe
in sustainable farming which includes composting, organic fertilizers, cover
cropping, native plant insectaries, bird boxes, recycling and integrated pest
management. Plus they have nearly 7,000 square feet of solar panels. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery garden patio</td></tr>
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Our first pour was the <b>Saintsbury
2013 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris</b> at $28.
Pinot Gris is the French name for Pinot Grigio. In <st1:country-region>Italy</st1:country-region>
it is always known as Pinot Grigio, but it goes by either name in the U.S.
Usually the Italian style is lighter than the richer French style, but both
tend to be crisp, refreshing and citrus like, often with slightly lower alcohol content.
According to the Napa Valley Vintners Association, there are about 25 wineries
in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
that produce this varietal. This wine,
which had a very lovely label, is available exclusively at the winery and is
the first year of release for Saintsbury.
The grapes were sourced from Donnelly Creek Vineyard in <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> near Boonville. It started
with a very good, aromatic nose of lemon with some melon and floral overtones.
On the palate it was light, lively, crisp and refreshing with great balance and
mostly lemon with some tropical fruits.
It would be the perfect wine to enjoy by the poolside on a hot day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery garden</td></tr>
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Next up was the <b>Saintsbury
2012 Sangiacomo Chardonnay </b><st1:city><st1:place><b>Dijon</b></st1:place></st1:city><b>
809</b> at $41. This started with a good
aroma of lemon and green apple. On the
palate I got good crispness with pleasantly rounded edges, good balance and not
too much butter. It was mostly lemon and Granny Smith apple with some vanilla, the
vanilla being even more pronounced on the finish which was medium plus in
length. Quite nice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery building</td></tr>
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Our third pour was the <b><u>Saintsbury
2013 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir</u></b> at $20.
I must confess that I usually do not like American rose or blush
wines. Most are simply too sweet and
unbalanced. The drier versions often are
insipid and nondescript. There are some
very good and interesting French roses, but I rarely purchase these. The only <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> rose type wine I liked
previously was the lovely Cuvaison Vin Gris of Pinot Noir. I found this Saintsbury to also be very
enjoyable as did my two friends. In
addition to the lovely color, this one had a good nose of strawberry with
floral notes. On the palate it was crisp
and refreshing with good acid and nice fruit, mostly strawberry. This is a much better balanced and far more
interesting rose than you will typically encounter. It even had a decent finish with strawberry
and some pepper. One of my friends, who
hates roses with a passion, commented, "Now. I really like this rose." It is a delightful wine that can be enjoyed
anytime but especially while sitting outside on warm summer days. We enthusiastically recommend it! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery indoor tasting table</td></tr>
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Fourth up was the <b>Saintsbury
2010 Lee Vineyard Pinot Noir</b> at $54.
It had a very good nose of red berries with some spice. On the palate I got a lush presentation of
strawberry with some red cherry along with good acid and some spiciness. Finish was medium length with strawberry and
a touch of pepper. A very pleasant Pinot
that is ready to drink now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery building entrance</td></tr>
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The <b><u>Saintsbury
2010 Toyon Farm Pinot Noir</u></b> at $54 followed. This had a wonderfully intense aroma of
mostly red cherry with hints of strawberry.
It was medium bodied for a Pinot Noir with mostly red cherry, good
tannins and some very pleasant earthiness.
On mid palate I got some distinct and very pleasant crimini mushroom that carried over
into the finish. The finish itself was
medium plus to long in length. This
Pinot is very drinkable now, and one of my friends even preferred it slightly to
the wonderful Brown Ranch Pinot Noir that we tasted next.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery inside building</td></tr>
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The <b><u>Saintsbury 2010
Brown Ranch Pinot Noir</u></b> at $72 was the final tasting and was my favorite
of the day. This release saw ten months
on French oak with 30% of this new oak. 683 cases were produced. It began with an
amazing aroma of ripe red cherry with hints of brown sugar and mushroom. On the palate I got deep, dark, red, ripe
fruits, mostly cherry with some strawberry. It was very smooth, lush and fairly
full bodied (for a Pinot Noir), but there was still a delicacy and complexity
to this Pinot with underlying hints of cedar, thyme, coffee and sweet tobacco
leaves. It had good structure and substance
while not being too fruit forward or overly ripe. This Pinot should age
beautifully but is very drinkable now.
It is one of the finest Carneros Pinots I've ever tasted. A wonderful Pinot Noir. If you love great red French Burgundies or top Russian River Pinot Noirs and have yet to warm up to Carneros Pinots, give this one a try. Very highly recommended!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery painting</td></tr>
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If you are fond of Pinot Noirs, you will certainly want to
visit Saintsbury but don't forget their Chardonnay and lovely Pinot Gris. The outdoor garden patio setting is very
relaxing and beautiful and the hospitality is fantastic. We hope you enjoy your visit there as much as
we did ours. Much thanks to Georgia and
Emily.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery patio</td></tr>
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<a href="http://saintsbury.com/">Saintsbury Winery</a></div>
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<st1:address><st1:street>1500 Los Carneros Ave</st1:street><br />
<st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>94559</st1:postalcode></st1:address>
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Phone number (707) 252-0592</div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="22" month="5" year="2014">May
22, 2014</st1:date></div>
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Saintsbury is open by appointment. Please call them or visit their web page for an
appointment or additional information: <a href="http://www.saintsbury.com/Visit-Us">Visiting Saintsbury</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saintsbury Winery painting</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com01500 Los Carneros Avenue, Napa, CA 94559, USA38.2501452 -122.3255536000000312.728110699999998 -163.63414760000003 63.772179699999995 -81.016959600000035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-21788516622565424082014-05-14T11:58:00.000-07:002014-05-19T12:40:00.277-07:00Beringer Winery Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
For first time visitors to <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, I would place Beringer
Winery at the top of the list of wineries that you simply must visit. I have
been to Beringer Winery many times over the past forty years, more frequently
than to any other winery. Of the over
200 wineries I have visited, Beringer Winery is the one winery to which I
always take friends and family when they first come to visit us. Not only is it one of the most historical and
famous <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wineries, but it is one of the most beautiful, with charming Victorian architecture
and lovely gardens. Their wines are also excellent and range from easy to
drink, affordable wines that should appeal to those who are new to wine, to
some of the finest reserve and single vineyard wines in the world. Their gift shops are extensive, and we have
always found their friendly, well organized service to be among the finest. Beringer is a winery that seems to have something
for everybody, and all of those we have taken there have enjoyed their visit regardless
of their level of interest in wines. In fact, it is one of the few wineries I
take friends and relatives to visit even if they have no interest in wine.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer Rhine House</td></tr>
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The history of Beringer Winery is quite interesting. Jacob
Beringer arrived in <st1:state>California</st1:state> in
1869 and worked as Cellar Foreman at Charles Krug Winery. In 1875 he and his brother, Frederick,
purchased 215 acres in <st1:place>St. Helena</st1:place> that were known as Los
Hermanos. It became the heart of the
Beringer estate. In 1885 the brothers
planted the elm trees that still line the highway in front of the winery. Beringer was one of the few <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> wineries to continue to
operate during the Prohibition Era. From
1920 to 1933 it operated under a special federal license that allowed it to
make wines for religious purposes. When
Prohibition was repealed in 1934, Beringer become the first <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> winery to offer public
tours. In 1967 the 91 year old winery
was registered as a State Historical Landmark.
In 1972 the Rhine House was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. In 2001 Beringer celebrated its
125th anniversary, making it the oldest continuously operating winery in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer grounds</td></tr>
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The beautiful <i>Rhine
House</i> was designed by the architect Albert Schroepfer and was completed in
1884. It has lovely stonework on the
outside, with beautiful stained glass windows and extensive wood paneling on
the inside. The 17 room mansion was
modeled after the Beringer family's German home on the <st1:place>Rhine</st1:place>. It is described on the Beringer web page as
"a classic example of ornate Victorian architecture with its many gables,
turrets and ornaments." Reserve
tastings and another gift shop are offered inside the Rhine House.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer Rhine House </td></tr>
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The <i>Hudson House</i>
was built in 1850 and sat where the Rhine House is today. After the Beringer Brothers bought the estate
in 1875 they had the Hudson House lifted on to logs and moved by horses 200
feet north to where it sits now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer Hudson House</td></tr>
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Regular tastings and the main gift shop are up in the <i>Old Winery</i> set against the
hillside. The Old Winery was built from
1876 to 1877. Beringer also has 1,200
linear feet of wine caves in the hillside, hand dug during the 1870s and 1880s
by Chinese immigrant workers. Part of
these wine caves may be seen during their tour.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4VhTlzkLGjAAeVtHKEzwV19U40pIK7wvvrir1L62sNTeeRdDhl0foo62ZWXENHx9wtULBKgELiuHuMpFW6htHC1SKkA3odT8tlSuwtph5tajxfm0Qf5um7_kgCUt78DoOsHJJ7YynUY/s1600/Beringer+building+old+winery+b+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4VhTlzkLGjAAeVtHKEzwV19U40pIK7wvvrir1L62sNTeeRdDhl0foo62ZWXENHx9wtULBKgELiuHuMpFW6htHC1SKkA3odT8tlSuwtph5tajxfm0Qf5um7_kgCUt78DoOsHJJ7YynUY/s1600/Beringer+building+old+winery+b+1.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer Old Winery</td></tr>
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If you are serious about wine, you must taste at the Rhine
House where they offer reserve and low production wines of the highest
quality. If you are fortunate, you might
have Eddie as your host. Of the many
hundreds of winery hosts we have had over the past forty years, Eddie has been
one of our very favorites. Courteous,
informative, knowledgeable, and friendly, he is the epitome of the ideal wine
host and has been at Beringer for about twenty years. We tip our hat and offer
our special thanks to Eddie. We were fortunate enough to have him again as our
host this time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgV7HVjlCbD2azAq-UJfqNiORrUaYINQiwSMrYAu08DEdvDOz5a4Ln7ASGtl9Y9DpCZ_zmnYA382E5p4aQnr7sDx-RBg-STq4wXW9tMy4mvJfPw-fAydmdIKtmdHmoxh1S3EYCwlEyg/s1600/Beringer+fountain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgV7HVjlCbD2azAq-UJfqNiORrUaYINQiwSMrYAu08DEdvDOz5a4Ln7ASGtl9Y9DpCZ_zmnYA382E5p4aQnr7sDx-RBg-STq4wXW9tMy4mvJfPw-fAydmdIKtmdHmoxh1S3EYCwlEyg/s1600/Beringer+fountain+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer fountain</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Beringer 2012 Private Reserve Chardonnay</b> at $44. This Chardonnay from <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> grapes underwent 100%
malolactic conversion and was aged in French oak with 80% of it being new
French oak. 24,000 cases were produced. It began with a very good nose of citrus with
toasted vanilla and hints of honeysuckle and some mineral notes. On the palate it was very ripe and lush with
a round, rich sumptuous presentation of citrus, buttered toast and
vanilla. I often do not like a buttery
Chardonnay that has this much malolactic conversion and oak on it, but this one
has intense enough fruit and great acid along with minerality to perfectly
balance the creamy richness. A very nice
Chard. It was rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ-qwxqXIN2WXxCT7s6P1-u_HeN731pGVEMLoFa1jqpTPnFAURzTWHCRFiPZz080j2ZPeV4sek1tm8FsTdfOUFknwkjmr2myXG6YEV5r17GUn_34RK5zcW0EJurzrDI08BmIbH_NifdU/s1600/Beringer+stained+glass+door+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ-qwxqXIN2WXxCT7s6P1-u_HeN731pGVEMLoFa1jqpTPnFAURzTWHCRFiPZz080j2ZPeV4sek1tm8FsTdfOUFknwkjmr2myXG6YEV5r17GUn_34RK5zcW0EJurzrDI08BmIbH_NifdU/s1600/Beringer+stained+glass+door+1.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer stained glass door in Rhine House</td></tr>
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Our second pour was the <b><u>Beringer
2007 Steinhauer Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at $100. This is a single vineyard Cab from up on <st1:place><st1:placename>Howell</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> near Angwin where the
elevation is about 1800 feet. This was a
classic year for Napa Valley Cabs, and this 2007 Steinhauer Ranch does not
disappoint. After a very good nose of
black cherry and black currant, I got an extremely smooth entry of black
currant, black cherry, and very good, well integrated tannins followed by a very
nice medium plus length finish. It was beautifully
balanced and very drinkable now but should continue to age well. Both of us really liked it and had to
purchase some.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5tp1nYC0VpTG9eyEOSpwVhFANRx0xSQHlJyOpaYe3DCP5GFE-E501yXCbQdLL3Mh1KkUo7y0uzju9xs3Rd3eJv6BRlsngoIh8nvTXUhEQVndlcS0uZSFh_HTXOYXAt4jwORmrTonDeU/s1600/Beringer+Tasting+Bar+Rhine+House+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5tp1nYC0VpTG9eyEOSpwVhFANRx0xSQHlJyOpaYe3DCP5GFE-E501yXCbQdLL3Mh1KkUo7y0uzju9xs3Rd3eJv6BRlsngoIh8nvTXUhEQVndlcS0uZSFh_HTXOYXAt4jwORmrTonDeU/s1600/Beringer+Tasting+Bar+Rhine+House+2.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer tasting bar in Rhine House</td></tr>
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The third pour was the <b>Beringer
2009 Chabot Cabernet Sauvignon</b> also at $100. This had a good blackberry nose with cherry and
black currant on the palate. It was full
bodied, well structured with herbal, chocolate, spice and oak notes followed by
a medium length finish. Although quite
drinkable now, it should continue to improve with age. I thought it would be a great Cab to cellar
for a few years. An excellent Cab.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rEbWltOPoo9xDMvOqJ_Rr1PlI4Geyn7lEA138IKeUnobDqEYn4KMnBY_WqF82Tk9LxvOGWSlAUW10bO_9eYni1eTVafayyUUIyZMprL6eOAE58OuW_44n2JOdiRSM7P-4jlEQTMyICY/s1600/Beringer+stained+glass+window+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rEbWltOPoo9xDMvOqJ_Rr1PlI4Geyn7lEA138IKeUnobDqEYn4KMnBY_WqF82Tk9LxvOGWSlAUW10bO_9eYni1eTVafayyUUIyZMprL6eOAE58OuW_44n2JOdiRSM7P-4jlEQTMyICY/s1600/Beringer+stained+glass+window+2.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer stained glass window in Rhine House</td></tr>
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Our final pour was the <b>Beringer
2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $160. Their private reserve is
Beringer's finest Cabernet and is a blend of their best Cab grapes. I got ripe black cherry and
blackberry on the nose along with some oak, vanilla, cedar and cigarbox. On the palate I got mostly dark, ripe black
cherry with mocha, oak, and tobacco in a well structured, full bodied
presentation. Finish was medium plus
length and very pleasant. As much as we
both liked this 2009 Reserve, we thought the 2007 Steinhauer was also
outstanding and perhaps represented a better value at $60 less. The 2009 Private Reserve is an excellent Cab,
however, as is every release of Beringer's Private Reserve Cab. During our last review, we tasted the
Beringer 2007 Private Reserve Cab in a flight tasting of their reserves, and it
was simply awesome! But then I usually
love 2005 and 2007 Napa Valley Cabs, two outstanding years.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQexNpzH4J0VoxLhbITRuH8yDzogVwvg_LYwLyScxUQ3CAmZeG0jvSqLLjl916ZnmiOTWrtveO568LnHXNTCqg_Y2Teha_xqloFaH9Gk84e7PO53XqxASrIXOlNXO__4GfONCkSPmY16M/s1600/Beringer+gift+shop+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQexNpzH4J0VoxLhbITRuH8yDzogVwvg_LYwLyScxUQ3CAmZeG0jvSqLLjl916ZnmiOTWrtveO568LnHXNTCqg_Y2Teha_xqloFaH9Gk84e7PO53XqxASrIXOlNXO__4GfONCkSPmY16M/s1600/Beringer+gift+shop+3.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer inside Rhine House</td></tr>
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In addition to a very nice Chard and world class Cabs,
Beringer produces many varietals well worth trying. On previous visits I have been pleased with
their Sauvignon Blancs, Cabernet Francs and Merlots. Their port style Cabs in the past have been
wonderful, but I did not see any available this time. They continue to offer a very good Sauterne
style sweet white wine called Nightingale. Many other varietals are available at
a wide range of prices starting at only $15 a bottle. Beringer also has an
incredible wine library of old and rare releases, possibly the most extensive
in all of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It all adds up to a <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> winery you simply must
visit!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr1dm9EInYHs2p-JNm8qaGomLH_xfPz54WJdYpvy51k1DO3hy1ecWMaoRGq1ZafUZHLifj3xLw3ii2DuvJDq9o7QKsZEvjMu7VHuBsa7WB9JI0hRUwltb7KW3-elHPTIUZUG2317YnDk/s1600/Beringer+patio+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr1dm9EInYHs2p-JNm8qaGomLH_xfPz54WJdYpvy51k1DO3hy1ecWMaoRGq1ZafUZHLifj3xLw3ii2DuvJDq9o7QKsZEvjMu7VHuBsa7WB9JI0hRUwltb7KW3-elHPTIUZUG2317YnDk/s1600/Beringer+patio+b+2.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beringer patio outside Rhine House</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.beringer.com/">Beringer Winery</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:street>2000 Main St</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>St Helena</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94574</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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(707) 967-4412</div>
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Date of current visit and review: May 14, 2014</div>
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Date of previous review: <st1:date day="7" month="5" year="2011">May 7, 2011 <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/01/beringer-winery.html">Beringer Winery Previous Review</a></st1:date></div>
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Beringer is open to the public without an appointment,
although tours and special tastings need to be scheduled. They receive many visitors on weekends and
during summer months, especially in the afternoon. We usually visit weekdays or
mornings. When you do visit, be sure to go to their "<st1:place><st1:placename>Welcome</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>" when you first arrive;
they will help you to determine which tasting option(s) meets your interests. At
the time of our visit, tastings at the Old Winery were $20 and tastings at the
Rhine House were $25. Food pairings are also available, and Beringer is in the
Napa Neighbor Program. For current information regarding tastings and tours
please see: <a href="http://www.beringer.com/visit#tastings">Tasting and tours</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Beringer Winery38.5100989 -122.479881613.348950900000002 -163.7884756 63.6712469 -81.1712876tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-69569070166676492132014-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:002014-04-22T09:26:51.657-07:00Priest Ranch Wines<div class="MsoNormal">
Located on the main street in downtown Yountville, Priest
Ranch Wines is well worth a visit. Priest Ranch wines are made by Somerston Wine
Company who also make Highflyer and Somerston wines. We last reviewed Somerston Wine Company in
November of 2011 when we visited their tasting room in downtown
Yountville. Several weeks ago we
received an email informing us that: "We have renamed our tasting room,
and are focusing our efforts in Yountville on building the Priest Ranch brand...We
now exclusively feature Priest Ranch wines in our tasting room, which are
sourced from the Somerston Estate." Because of this change and the length of
time since our last visit, we decided to drop in on them. Much thanks to our excellent host, Eric, who was very friendly and extremely knowledgable.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines building</td></tr>
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Priest Ranch (<st1:place><st1:placename>Soda</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>), located up on the eastern
mountainside of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
was originally part of the 8,500 acre Ranch Catacula that was granted by the
Mexican government in 1844. The estate was settled in 1849 by Joshua James
Priest and his wife Sarah whose family retained the property for over a
century until it was sold in 1963. In
2006 the 638 acre ranch became part of Somerston Estate along with the
contiguous 990 acre Elder Valley Ranch (Lynch Vineyards). Some of the fruit from Priest Ranch is also
sourced to other premium <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wineries.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines tasting room</td></tr>
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The tasting room located on the south end of <st1:street>Washington
Street</st1:street> in Yountville, has street parking and a
small parking lot in the back. They offer two regular tasting options, priced
at $25 and $30 and waive a tasting fee with a six bottle purchase. An Artisanal Cheese Plate and Chocolate Plate
are also available each for $15 and a private wine tasting may be arranged for
$45. Although Highflyer and Somerston
wines are still available for purchase, only tastings of Priest Ranch wines are
now offered at the Yountville tasting room. They are open without an
appointment seven days a week from <st1:time hour="11" minute="0">11 AM</st1:time>
to <st1:time hour="19" minute="0">7 PM</st1:time>. For current information on
prices and visiting hours please see their tasting room webpage at <a href="http://www.somerstonwineco.com/VISIT/Yountville-Tasting-Room">Priest Ranch Wines</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines tasting room area</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b><u>Priest Ranch 2012 Grenache Blanc</u></b> at $22. 90% of it was aged in stainless steel and 10% in
neutral French oak, and 934 cases were produced. This is a white grape varietal
that is different than the red wine grape "Grenache" which originated in <st1:country-region>Spain</st1:country-region>.
Grenache Blanc is thought to be a mutation from the Grenache grape and is found
mostly in the <st1:place><st1:placename>French</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Rhone</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> and northeastern <st1:country-region>Spain</st1:country-region>. In <st1:country-region>France</st1:country-region>
it is often blended with Roussanne. In
California Grenache Blanc is grown mostly between <st1:city>Santa
Barbara</st1:city> and Paso Robles. I know of no other winery in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> that grows or produces it. Priest Ranch makes one of the finest Grenache
Blancs in <st1:state>California</st1:state>. On the nose I got mostly white peach and
melon aromas. On the palate it was
round, soft, smooth, very easy to drink, not at all flabby, with mostly white
peach and some pear. Finish was medium
length. I would not call the acid "bright" but it had enough to be
well balanced. It was very pleasant and
different tasting than most other white wines so you should certainly try it. Quite
likeable.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines tasting table</td></tr>
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Our second pour was the <b>Priest
Ranch 2012 Sauvignon Blanc</b> at $26. 70% of it was aged in stainless steel and 30% in neutral French oak with
1016 cases produced. It started out with
a good nose of tropical fruits. On the
palate it was very round and smooth with more tropical fruit. I did not get the lively acid or crisp
refreshingness that I look for in a Sauvignon Blanc. It was our least favorite of the wines we tasted, but if you like a rounder, fruit forward type of Sauvignon Blanc with less acid, then you might enjoy this one.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines entrance</td></tr>
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Next up was the <b>Priest
Ranch 2011 Zinfandel</b> at $40. I got
aromas of raspberry and red cherry. On
the palate it was lighter bodied than many Zins but certainly not thin. It was nicely balanced with well integrated
tannins and smooth with some spiciness. Fruit
wise I got more cherry and some raspberry.
Finish was medium length and very pleasant. If you like a Zin that has
more finesse than some Zins, with great balance and fine tannins, one that does
not need to be pared with food to be enjoyed, you should really like this
Zin. It is certainly not rustic or high
octane. A very pleasant, easy to drink
Zin that most people should like, even those who usually prefer white
wines. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_AUm69ZBnVz4Vz42-lysQBxXc-Kkbph8K_5KKI5mKSklIDTWLEjxorwKv5EjQyxZj9D_BMYEVt_kalfWmUCwJ3nI7vpT8sJ13X9hb8TJK546z8KUEdOZ3oCt3sVy7jRAGaoJc2vdUF8/s1600/Priest+Ranch+tasting+area+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_AUm69ZBnVz4Vz42-lysQBxXc-Kkbph8K_5KKI5mKSklIDTWLEjxorwKv5EjQyxZj9D_BMYEVt_kalfWmUCwJ3nI7vpT8sJ13X9hb8TJK546z8KUEdOZ3oCt3sVy7jRAGaoJc2vdUF8/s1600/Priest+Ranch+tasting+area+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines tasting area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <b>Priest Ranch 2011
Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $48 was our next pour. It was aged for 22 months in French oak with
35% of it in new oak. 2,462 cases were
produced. We were informed that it is
95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Verdot. I got a good nose of mostly black
cherry and black currant with hints of mocha.
On the palate it was full bodied with good, well integrated tannins and
more black cherry with blackberry and some chocolate. Finish was medium plus in length. Be sure to give it some
air after opening it. It should cellar nicely. We both liked this Cab and thought it was a good Cab for the
price.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad0Wh16UvpxS85C0rJO1rXYz9eSiMZiTGS0xmkvGPzbsCCemhM_hwH5X3ukWSiUftSZLiM1-QzUR7UXGRyVwhckgo3LEzvg_RG1elmxeTv5So4vtSWTrwjK2XL9Jh7sIUcJMbe0KcDqE/s1600/Priest+Ranch+tasting+table+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgad0Wh16UvpxS85C0rJO1rXYz9eSiMZiTGS0xmkvGPzbsCCemhM_hwH5X3ukWSiUftSZLiM1-QzUR7UXGRyVwhckgo3LEzvg_RG1elmxeTv5So4vtSWTrwjK2XL9Jh7sIUcJMbe0KcDqE/s1600/Priest+Ranch+tasting+table+b+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines tasting table</td></tr>
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The fifth pour was the <b><u>Priest
Ranch 2010 Petite Sirah</u></b> at $40.
We both thought this was an exceptionally good Petite Sirah. My friend bought several bottles of it. It was very dark in color with aromas of dark
cherry with hints of pepper and spices.
On the palate it was full bodied, very well balanced, with integrated
tannins and sumptuous black cherry and blackberry along with some pepper. I love Petite Sirahs and often attend the
annual Petite Sirah tasting festival (called PS I Love You.) This 2010 Priest Ranch Petite Sirah is a real
standout!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwPxgXaZvCQ604FbNbv4OAFOlRJVhyQhxr9rnjxZ5WyMPhdgwhsAmdAf4dznDvDoH6GL5ud-3gShNSYGitleiYt_9WT9KFItpp1IGt4Z55ul02wWLkW6reyXtoZuWhhDOHLhn17R5Yk/s1600/Priest+Ranch+patio+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwPxgXaZvCQ604FbNbv4OAFOlRJVhyQhxr9rnjxZ5WyMPhdgwhsAmdAf4dznDvDoH6GL5ud-3gShNSYGitleiYt_9WT9KFItpp1IGt4Z55ul02wWLkW6reyXtoZuWhhDOHLhn17R5Yk/s1600/Priest+Ranch+patio+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our sixth pour was the <b><u>Priest
Ranch 2008 Coachgun</u></b> at $75. This is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon,
22% Merlot and 10% Petite Verdot. Half
of it was aged in new French oak and the other half in once used French oak. Only 200 cases were produced. It had a nice aroma of black cherry and black
currant with hints of cigar box and some floral notes. On the palate it was full bodied, well
balanced, smooth and decadent with great mouth feel. Although lush and ripe, it was also layered
and complex. Tannins were flexible and very well integrated. Finish was medium plus in length and quite pleasant. Very approachable now, this <st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city>
blend should cellar extremely well. It
is definitely worth the $75 and was our favorite of the wines we tasted. Very highly recommended!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkKR74D_489eDVLlkJmpJmPERJY4rlgtZib8YuJlJAkx2rmqXl2kzHjrByW7gqEQ2roiR4UflgtgFGC69WE1aRMnTpzp1n_WvgpKE1Vq857X-pcskpltcB74looACQednl1xeMWLUj74/s1600/Priest+Ranch+patio+b+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkKR74D_489eDVLlkJmpJmPERJY4rlgtZib8YuJlJAkx2rmqXl2kzHjrByW7gqEQ2roiR4UflgtgFGC69WE1aRMnTpzp1n_WvgpKE1Vq857X-pcskpltcB74looACQednl1xeMWLUj74/s1600/Priest+Ranch+patio+b+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines back patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our final tasting was the <b>Priest Ranch 2010 Brut Rose</b> at $38.
This is made from Syrah grapes and was barrel aged in stainless steel
and neutral French oak for 12 months and saw no malolactic conversion. Only 300 cases were produced. This was crisp and refreshing with layers of strawberry and raspberries. Acidity was well balanced and bubbles were tight. Well worth the asking price. Very nice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaNVsmjvKPNBPIdvvQf0pWGUApezYp_xyIzziYRUCQSNRImKjLqq-qtSq5v3T3lNlQHXuhEoOpgv5B6Y-TC8XSRc8OYJyWIX0fPPbV9v53sethmXkBuG5ObZkgpnKVLnR8Fpea6G8Qnw/s1600/Priest+Ranch+Banks+Rose+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaNVsmjvKPNBPIdvvQf0pWGUApezYp_xyIzziYRUCQSNRImKjLqq-qtSq5v3T3lNlQHXuhEoOpgv5B6Y-TC8XSRc8OYJyWIX0fPPbV9v53sethmXkBuG5ObZkgpnKVLnR8Fpea6G8Qnw/s1600/Priest+Ranch+Banks+Rose+3.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines<br />
Lady Banks Rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Priest Ranch is well worth visiting. It is open to the public without an appointment. There is usually plenty of
easy access parking. They have a very
interesting and unusual white wine, their Grenache Blanc, plus some very good
reds, including an excellent Petite Sirah and an exceptionally good Cabernet
Sauvignon blend. Prices are very
reasonable and even better if you join their wine club.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCWCKtBoi86lZFSwDd58uAu33RwSoel_Gy8Jh-evubagzF8kUmv0i7UEy92RjPNU0SSWYlpjWibNa-Blv_Qv6RaR21nupdM1RBUxRYMFnjlG54E85mXWRoOVyycB3KLYJPKDoyCFczXU/s1600/Priest+Ranch+sculpture+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCWCKtBoi86lZFSwDd58uAu33RwSoel_Gy8Jh-evubagzF8kUmv0i7UEy92RjPNU0SSWYlpjWibNa-Blv_Qv6RaR21nupdM1RBUxRYMFnjlG54E85mXWRoOVyycB3KLYJPKDoyCFczXU/s1600/Priest+Ranch+sculpture+3.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priest Ranch Wines<br />
sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.somerstonwineco.com/Wine-Shop/Priest-Ranch">Priest Ranch Wines</a><br />
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<st1:street>6488 Washington St</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Yountville</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94599</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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(707) 967-8414 </div>
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Date of this visit: <st1:date day="16" month="4" year="2014">April
16, 2014</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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Date previous visit and review: <st1:date day="16" month="11" year="2011">November 16, 2011</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com06488 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, USA38.399934 -122.3590469000000113.238786000000001 -163.6676409 63.561082 -81.05045290000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-57852377020164035292014-04-08T18:18:00.000-07:002014-04-24T11:23:45.053-07:00Chateau Montelena Winery Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
Chateau Montelena Winery is one of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>'s iconic wineries, and made
headlines back in 1976 when nine French judges scored the Chateau
Montelena 1973 Chardonnay as the best Chardonnay over some very famous
white <st1:state>Burgundy</st1:state> and other
Chardonnay wines. I bought a case of their famous 1973 Chardonnay back then,
and it really was a wonderful wine. Chateau Montelena continues to produce some
excellent wines and makes an outstanding, consistently excellent Estate (Reserve)
Cabernet Sauvignon. The historic winery building itself is very lovely, and the
grounds, a relaxing setting with a Chinese garden, pond, pagodas and bridges,
are especially beautiful. Chateau Montelena is one of those handful of historical
<st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wineries that everyone should visit at least once. Don't forget your camera.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMac9JvWkQSz8YCRCmdfj8uMcM00jr7LhBRHgdU6PLJn07b4LblX60zMfHj_qFqfxMCHXxqfuJ1A-Ucr3ik6CRoc8CTFgYFvVL5LaY_wEJtoXPbVqEQP7CgGl1vIBW9ozVkzNiosg2BK8/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+building+b+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMac9JvWkQSz8YCRCmdfj8uMcM00jr7LhBRHgdU6PLJn07b4LblX60zMfHj_qFqfxMCHXxqfuJ1A-Ucr3ik6CRoc8CTFgYFvVL5LaY_wEJtoXPbVqEQP7CgGl1vIBW9ozVkzNiosg2BK8/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+building+b+1.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena winery buliding</td></tr>
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Chateau Montelena began back in 1882 when Alfred Tubbs,
after making his fortune in selling rope to miners during the gold rush,
purchased 254 acres two miles north of Calistoga at the base of <st1:place><st1:placetype>Mount</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename>Saint Helena</st1:placename></st1:place>. He planted a vineyard in the loose, rocky soil
and hired a French architect to build
the chateau. In 1986, he brought over a French winemaker. When he named his
winery Chateau Montelena in 1896 it was the seventh largest winery in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Winemaking was interrupted in 1920 when Prohibition
came but returned after it was repealed. The Tubbs Family eventually
sold the winery in 1958 to Yort Wing Frank, a Chinese electrical engineer, and
his wife, Jeanie, who wanted a retirement home for themselves. The Franks created the large Chinese garden
and excavated a lake which they called <st1:place><st1:placename>Jade</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place>, adding small islands, bright
red bridges and pagodas. In the pagodas
there are picnics table and chairs set up for an intimate wine tasting for wine
club members. In 1972 James Barrett and
his family purchased the winery. Their 1973 Chardonnay won first place for in
the famous 1976 <st1:city>Paris</st1:city> tasting, and
a bottle of it can now be found in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Smithsonian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>. You can read about this historic event in
George Tabor's book, <u>Judgment of Paris</u>, or on the Internet. The movie Bottle Shock is a loosely
historical (somewhat fictionalized) account of the event. Bo Barrett, Jim's son, has been the winemaker since 1982.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixQCDBy669GxwgbFm4oJtRlu-KN5BBjqVfGYxvjMdJcvsoOvE2ffOafMqU6DLVEiIZmzmw5j7wG-dY0nrdncotsuG2z0jaPYLbzGZhbBRsRL-li1oy6hCwdu5vFFlqbeVzirorZXCnf4/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+c+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixQCDBy669GxwgbFm4oJtRlu-KN5BBjqVfGYxvjMdJcvsoOvE2ffOafMqU6DLVEiIZmzmw5j7wG-dY0nrdncotsuG2z0jaPYLbzGZhbBRsRL-li1oy6hCwdu5vFFlqbeVzirorZXCnf4/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+c+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena Jade Lake</td></tr>
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Chateau Montelena continues to produce their Chardonnay but
is now also famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon with their Estate being
consistently excellent every vintage.
They also produce a Zinfandel and a dry Riesling. They are open to the public <st1:time hour="9" minute="30">9:30 AM to 4 PM</st1:time> without an appointment,
although closed on certain holidays. The
current basic tasting fee (which includes a pour of their $150 Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon) is $20, but other special tasting options are available by
appointment. At the time of our current
visit they will waive one tasting fee for every $100 purchase. Please see their web page for current
tasting options and prices: <a href="http://www.montelena.com/visit/tastingRoom">Visiting and Tasting</a><u> </u>Service over the years has always been good, and we extend
much thanks this time to our host, Nick, who is also their Chef.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI8aC_L7HViJWrR8ZbbJpdm9qdBBvlOvxrRXp_X4tgtrTIqSZO8JBbSXkvNtcE-QZeUOi_C86gZLeYiLrc2C7Cq6aRKCejEKR4x1deaDe37sOmclOwQRYRKzhfjXCJM9DDh0dXKVQkAw/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+tasting+bar+b+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI8aC_L7HViJWrR8ZbbJpdm9qdBBvlOvxrRXp_X4tgtrTIqSZO8JBbSXkvNtcE-QZeUOi_C86gZLeYiLrc2C7Cq6aRKCejEKR4x1deaDe37sOmclOwQRYRKzhfjXCJM9DDh0dXKVQkAw/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+tasting+bar+b+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena tasting bar</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Chateau Montelena 2012 Riesling</b> from <st1:place><st1:placename>Potter</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> in <st1:place><st1:placename>Mendocino</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It sells for $25. It was a pale gold in color with mostly melon
and white peach on the nose.
Although it has 0.5% residual sugar, which makes it quite dry, it had a
pleasantly round and smooth entry with some sweetness. I got more white peach with some
apple and pear on the palate, with good balance. I
did not get the lively acid that I get with some Rieslings, nor much
minerality. Finish was medium
length. This is a style of Riesling that
should be especially appealing to many people, and the price is very
reasonable. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rC-RdJv-uOEYPB3IOSVcrw9sUXvt8QIyUlSc9GXYlfU_ZtrPN3ljOuE9-24XnAS1RHTMCEatCiVdr5NYtFUzt1uPoA8LczsqDroVZI7AJHuD9VCWZ9EYmApSOlD-Es-iU6SaQE-J6yg/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+d+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rC-RdJv-uOEYPB3IOSVcrw9sUXvt8QIyUlSc9GXYlfU_ZtrPN3ljOuE9-24XnAS1RHTMCEatCiVdr5NYtFUzt1uPoA8LczsqDroVZI7AJHuD9VCWZ9EYmApSOlD-Es-iU6SaQE-J6yg/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+d+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena Jade Lake</td></tr>
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The <b>Chateau Montelena
2012 Sauvignon Blanc</b> at $28 was next.
It was a light straw in color with mostly lemon on the nose with some
floral notes. On the palate I got lemon,
grapefruit, lime and some tropical fruits in a style that was well balanced but
emphasized fresh fruit. It was pleasant
and very accessible. If you find some
Sauvignon Blancs to be too dry, austere or acidic, you might really like this
one. It was more <st1:state>California</st1:state>
in style than French. Nice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7S4CPgBF9mt-QoSaXZkc2ZMNBcL4WJzbON50caeLzjEm6ZzyJgNXynXU2yWVLtpuy35FIDrcLmX4tu_2sm3HCd9Z2DcpOoPqgL_ydt98pW3Z9LR2-qrN9-MhePX7-yDsaPg2JwTQArQ/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+private+tasting+area+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7S4CPgBF9mt-QoSaXZkc2ZMNBcL4WJzbON50caeLzjEm6ZzyJgNXynXU2yWVLtpuy35FIDrcLmX4tu_2sm3HCd9Z2DcpOoPqgL_ydt98pW3Z9LR2-qrN9-MhePX7-yDsaPg2JwTQArQ/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+private+tasting+area+2.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena private tasting table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There have been some years when I have liked the Chateau
Montelena regular release Cabernet almost as much as their Estate, but that was not the
case this time. This <b>Chateau Montelena 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon</b>
sells for $53 and is quite good and reasonably priced. It is 91.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and
0.5% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 14
months in French and "Eastern European" oak with 27% of this being
new oak. It was deep red in color, and I
got mostly red cherry with floral notes on the nose. On the palate I got mostly red fruits,
cherry, some raspberry and a touch of toast.
It was well balanced, smooth and very drinkable, with good acid, soft
tannins and a medium length finish. This
is a Cab that you will probably not want to cellar but can enjoy immediately. Very easy to drink.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfKhU4ZStfsCk74BcoqG4tFsupjb7Gf0JKZO8IkaIoU_7V1bp4olNlKo2LNtCp9ZJJ81MMgwASbRlfzvyXbZ_aP779MXcUy6buAS_OLSVkud5m-KmLR4NEsQEL82TpNtyxOAET4rdFoA/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfKhU4ZStfsCk74BcoqG4tFsupjb7Gf0JKZO8IkaIoU_7V1bp4olNlKo2LNtCp9ZJJ81MMgwASbRlfzvyXbZ_aP779MXcUy6buAS_OLSVkud5m-KmLR4NEsQEL82TpNtyxOAET4rdFoA/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+garden+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I've been visiting Chateau Montelena for many years and
don't recall ever tasting one of their Cabernet Estate releases that I didn't
love. At this visit we tasted the <b><u>Chateau Montelena Estate 2010 Cabernet
Sauvignon</u></b> which sells for $150.
It is 98.75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.25% Cabernet Franc and was aged
for 22 months in French oak with 29% of this new oak. It was deep red and purple in color with
mostly black fruit, rather than red fruit, on the nose. On the palate I got mostly black cherry with some blackberry and black
currant with some baking spices and good, lively acid. Tannins were well integrated. Finish was medium plus to long in length with
some spice. Although this is quite
drinkable now, it should cellar very nicely and continue to improve with age.
Highly recommended.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena Jade Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year a fellow who worked with the <st1:city>San
Francisco</st1:city> 49ers wrote to me asking if I could
recommend a <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
winery where he might propose to his fiancé.
He wanted one that was open without an appointment, where the setting
was lovely and he might find some privacy.
After discussing this with him, I ended up recommending Chateau
Montelena, with its beautiful Chinese garden and pond. Whenever we visit we like to walk around the
pond and through the gardens. It is one
of those wineries to enjoy even if you don't drink wine. It is a winery we often recommend to others.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Ic5ckaVmFcy5YmaAF4glHLGBxj3PItsW9zwXJH-g6DCsPP3qNQUW7tpndNFB4ZdvVpNrd_3zCXpzr0KTcaopXiiPTLkEhbq1oXaltSkoOeoTNXZg0vDZa3a8y7mwiFpZ-WJBfSq9cU/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+tasting+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57Ic5ckaVmFcy5YmaAF4glHLGBxj3PItsW9zwXJH-g6DCsPP3qNQUW7tpndNFB4ZdvVpNrd_3zCXpzr0KTcaopXiiPTLkEhbq1oXaltSkoOeoTNXZg0vDZa3a8y7mwiFpZ-WJBfSq9cU/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pagoda+tasting+b+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena pagoda tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.montelena.com/">Chateau Montelena Winery</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:street>1429 Tubbs Lane</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place><st1:city>Calistoga</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94515</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="skype_c2c_print_container">(707) 942-5105</span></div>
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Date of this current review: <st1:date day="8" month="4" year="2014">April 8, 2014</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Date of last review :
<st1:date day="23" month="11" year="2011">November 23, 2011</st1:date> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKC4vmYlaJLTr6_t1IWVH-qFJSNYk7qmCapsJ4mezw0iKzAHo2rCA6eaigjnnaWnXHhsWtz4SGQDrhXppVONkamxn5KLVVMBhQSE5nnU3ax_LRixxF_MYeTfxaap9GfWPEdu_Bb4ccvE/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pond+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKC4vmYlaJLTr6_t1IWVH-qFJSNYk7qmCapsJ4mezw0iKzAHo2rCA6eaigjnnaWnXHhsWtz4SGQDrhXppVONkamxn5KLVVMBhQSE5nnU3ax_LRixxF_MYeTfxaap9GfWPEdu_Bb4ccvE/s1600/Chateau+Montelena+pond+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau Montelena Jade Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Chateau Montelena Winery38.6034975 -122.5973582000000313.081463000000003 -163.90595220000003 64.125532 -81.288764200000031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-1903492844141105322014-03-11T14:41:00.000-07:002014-04-24T11:24:44.044-07:00Stag's Leap Wine Cellars RevisitedIf you love great Cabernet Sauvignon, you really must visit
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. They are a famous, quintessential <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> premium winery that is especially
noted for their wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon. I first visited them around 1975
just before they made such a sensation in the "Paris Tasting of 1976"
when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon from three year old vines scored more points
than any other red wine, including some very famous first growth French
Bordeauxs such as Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion. This
was a blind tasting with French wine experts, and the results caused a
sensation. On the twentieth anniversary of this event in 1996, a bottle of this
famous Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon was placed in the <st1:place><st1:placename>Smithsonian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDoxpqNuw4QX9MeI_ETJ5JlkoiK2iomHy7gA6FkH1i7Dl8oIl3oOtkxSkJYLW9wf7PoN1m4pv4RrNWTh7erYtmX9KThZ7gfm5Ij8AV2X-FANQz4vU4bsVR-RwOn2jB8_06GlM2f5Hcm0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+building+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDoxpqNuw4QX9MeI_ETJ5JlkoiK2iomHy7gA6FkH1i7Dl8oIl3oOtkxSkJYLW9wf7PoN1m4pv4RrNWTh7erYtmX9KThZ7gfm5Ij8AV2X-FANQz4vU4bsVR-RwOn2jB8_06GlM2f5Hcm0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+building+1.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski
of <st1:city>Napa</st1:city> who loved the wines
produced by Nathan Fay and purchased an adjacent property of 44 acres that had
been planted with prune trees and some grape vines. The 1973 vintage was the first S.L.V.
Cabernet Sauvignon produced. In 1986,
sixteen years after the purchase of the S.L.V. vineyard, Winiarski purchased
the adjacent vineyard from Nathan Fay and named it FAY Vineyard in his
honor. This vineyard had been planted with
Cabernet Sauvignon in 1961 and was the first Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in this
area which was designated as Stags Leap District in 1989. In 1990 S.L.V. was
placed under a conservation easement with the Napa Count Land Trust, guaranteeing
that the land will remain agricultural land in perpetuity. This was the first arrangement of this kind
in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. In 1996 the Arcadia Vineyard near the base of
<st1:place><st1:placetype>Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>George</st1:placename></st1:place>
was acquired for growing Chardonnay. In
2007 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars was sold to a partnership of Saint Michelle Wine
Estates and Marchesi Antinori. Marcos
Notaro is the current winemaker.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth-z7b9OR2xyHNht0lLcyUuZmURD9YFm11YP4-0LNwaIU5s6yDv8mqjvZzUni4YUjIesuQjUWSQPCrTl6gCIYwcaafskK2zJDzFJpsHKw8jJ87B6eWP_E7jZ_0qDNm1KJezdcHYKTxvM/s1600/Stag's+Leap+arches+b+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth-z7b9OR2xyHNht0lLcyUuZmURD9YFm11YP4-0LNwaIU5s6yDv8mqjvZzUni4YUjIesuQjUWSQPCrTl6gCIYwcaafskK2zJDzFJpsHKw8jJ87B6eWP_E7jZ_0qDNm1KJezdcHYKTxvM/s1600/Stag's+Leap+arches+b+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars entry to wine cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>During our last review in 2011 we were especially fond of
the Stag's Leap 2007 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon, the Stag's Leap 2007 S.L.V.
Cabernet Sauvignon and the Stag's Leap 2007 CASK23 Cabernet Sauvignon, and I
noted regarding the CASK23, " It combines the best of the FAY and SLV to
provide a wine that is both elegant and full of character. This is the type of
Cabernet that gives <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
such a great reputation." These are
the flagship wines at Stag's Leap Winery and no wine lover should visit them
without trying these three.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmluiv3_AhLW2HspxYM1FX-FymK9z3jOGJAfcxnn5ez7dXa8neallg2gCai05BoU1FfMDGnzEH_zbI7lnNWlOC4T2ef6W1rqx7lW3jIEcAi3mvgi9uX7TxxcRO-VsTz4LgSvUYGm0pukQ/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+c+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmluiv3_AhLW2HspxYM1FX-FymK9z3jOGJAfcxnn5ez7dXa8neallg2gCai05BoU1FfMDGnzEH_zbI7lnNWlOC4T2ef6W1rqx7lW3jIEcAi3mvgi9uX7TxxcRO-VsTz4LgSvUYGm0pukQ/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+c+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars garden</td></tr>
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During our most recent visit we were provided with a tour in
addition to the tasting and had the great pleasure of having Anna Carminito,
the <st1:stockticker>VIP</st1:stockticker> Trade Coordinator, as our host. A tour at Stag's Leap is well worth while,
especially with their amazing wine caves with 34,000 square feet of tunnels
that can hold 5,300 barrels of wine. The
cave entrance, called The Arcade, was designed by Javier Barba from <st1:city>Barcelona</st1:city>,
and is in itself a work of art. The
center of the cave has the Round Room where a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foucault_pendulum">Foucault pendulum</a> is suspended
from the ceiling, demonstrating the rotation of the earth. It is one of only about fifty Foucault pendulums in the
world. The grounds are also lovely, and
they are building a new visitor center that will have amazing views and will be
open later this year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE2tuxIumiLeVtf7pr8YQU6V4FfI-qq-e6Tyz4LbTOfYxLDXAZqEuJZf_uHLMBiq_gTQ7l8QQ_zi7G0eSWXGt8IksWSebt2IeOyOuGSYGC4YAWbY7w9qRoGq2oLfy5ZM3ZWFl9snLFHI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+arches+c+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE2tuxIumiLeVtf7pr8YQU6V4FfI-qq-e6Tyz4LbTOfYxLDXAZqEuJZf_uHLMBiq_gTQ7l8QQ_zi7G0eSWXGt8IksWSebt2IeOyOuGSYGC4YAWbY7w9qRoGq2oLfy5ZM3ZWFl9snLFHI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+arches+c+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars entry to wine caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our tasting actually began at the tasting bar prior to the
tour. We were provided with an initial
pour of the <b>Stag's Leap 2011 Napa Valley
Sauvignon Blanc</b> that sells for $26. It
was made from 59% Sauvignon Musque (a clonal variant of Sauvignon Blanc) plus
41% Sauvignon Blanc. Most of the fruit came from one of their estate vineyards
in Oak Knoll District but 26% was sourced from Rancho Chimiles Vineyard in
Wooden Valley, the later giving it some citrus and mineral notes. 76% was aged in previously used French oak
barrels and 24% in stainless steel. It
received no malolactic conversion. I got a fairly good nose of melon, pineapple
and white peach. On the palate I got
mostly peach in a smooth, creamy presentation that emphasized the fruit but
still had some minerality. Balance was
good, and it had a medium length finish.
This was not very French in style, not nearly as crisp and dry, but many
people should find its rather fruit forward presentation to be appealing, and
it is quite decent for the price.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSvcwdsROLlm6ZwWlmP_tEcU_EkH1g7J9P1tn4Q4ynyHZrppMfa6rHOxI9_Xh86e31KytUjtdDs1L-xmrFFvh0In6fdDaW0Ac74PfRskUSYYHm55WuEh7Ecc0FeVmFdvi8QXnHC0IWXs/s1600/Stag's+Leap+patio+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSvcwdsROLlm6ZwWlmP_tEcU_EkH1g7J9P1tn4Q4ynyHZrppMfa6rHOxI9_Xh86e31KytUjtdDs1L-xmrFFvh0In6fdDaW0Ac74PfRskUSYYHm55WuEh7Ecc0FeVmFdvi8QXnHC0IWXs/s1600/Stag's+Leap+patio+1.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars front patio</td></tr>
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Our second taste came after the tour and was at a tasting
table where we could sit and concentrate on the wines. We chose to sit inside rather than outside
because of the wind which would make it difficult to appreciate the aromas of
the wines. This second pour was the <b>Stag's</b> <b>Leap 2012 Karia Chardonnay</b> at $34. It is from grapes from Arcadia
Vineyard in Coombsville and Danika Ranch in Oak Knoll. 85% of it was aged in oak with 20% being new
oak. The other 15% was in stainless
steel. It underwent 20% malolactic
conversion. I got a good nose of pear, peach and apple with the same on the
palate. It was fairly well balanced with
good acidity but a somewhat short finish.
Quite pleasant at this price, so I purchased a bottle to try later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_IgAs4Cylogb84jZLRWTk8V50pivSyTsvScBwZ93XRYFO1uWNLIqvMb26pYKdOv6w7Y8cNNOlRVVeR5g8DsFNuG2Isq9a06Syqj2xJubJPGVXLJELVoYv9eSOz6d3utY8JwQ4_RtTa8/s1600/Stag's+Leap+tasting+room+entry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_IgAs4Cylogb84jZLRWTk8V50pivSyTsvScBwZ93XRYFO1uWNLIqvMb26pYKdOv6w7Y8cNNOlRVVeR5g8DsFNuG2Isq9a06Syqj2xJubJPGVXLJELVoYv9eSOz6d3utY8JwQ4_RtTa8/s1600/Stag's+Leap+tasting+room+entry+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars tasting room entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Third up was the <b><u>Stag's
Leap 2012 Arcadia Vineyard Chardonnay</u></b> at $50. I could only find production notes on the
2011 but assume this is 100% Chardonnay, that it saw minimal malolactic
conversion and a restrained amount of new French oak. I got a really good nose of pear and peach
with some floral notes. It was very
nicely balanced with mostly white peach, apple, pear and some lemon and vanilla
with good, well integrated acid. It had
a medium plus length finish, better than the Karia, but then it is also 30%
more in price. I found it very appealing,
somewhat French in style, and purchased some.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9PfZQmFYUXcwOYPATpVo9JlZd78mGfVgSn8FBDoGnWtGDP-C8c8qz9V5RxTD4Sdfklc8TIXMguAxhC05tqXw7sniCPYAo9b2sby6z3tZlxhAccSFg9nSToQulphenzrNjX5VA6j3qlI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+border+between+SLV+and+FAY+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9PfZQmFYUXcwOYPATpVo9JlZd78mGfVgSn8FBDoGnWtGDP-C8c8qz9V5RxTD4Sdfklc8TIXMguAxhC05tqXw7sniCPYAo9b2sby6z3tZlxhAccSFg9nSToQulphenzrNjX5VA6j3qlI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+border+between+SLV+and+FAY+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars border between<br />
FAY (left of row of trees) and S.L.V. vineyards</td></tr>
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We moved on to the red wines next with the <b>Stag's Leap 2010 Napa Valley Merlot</b> at
$45. This is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet
Sauvignon. The Merlot came mostly from
their Danika Ranch in Oak Knoll District and the Cab came from their FAY and
S.L.V. Vineyards. The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak with 26% new
oak. I got a good nose of red cherry
with some spices. On the palate it was
very nicely balanced with red cherry and spice, chewy tannins and a medium
length finish. The structure was quite
decent for a Merlot, probably due mostly to the additional Cab. A very pleasant and drinkable Merlot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP6GpbWb4EpsQUTvvgv3lD1B2ectap5s40cukiY0HETVaXepYF2RQeHMp-LCjA5lh7yGy-KIx-GV0ZVm1WYllw_V44fA1i3ThvYGmXcgnIS8NFYNcGePYym5-L2Q35IqYyIQE_MsIRK0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+FAY+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIP6GpbWb4EpsQUTvvgv3lD1B2ectap5s40cukiY0HETVaXepYF2RQeHMp-LCjA5lh7yGy-KIx-GV0ZVm1WYllw_V44fA1i3ThvYGmXcgnIS8NFYNcGePYym5-L2Q35IqYyIQE_MsIRK0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+FAY+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars FAY Vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <b>Stag's Leap 2011
Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $55 was next.
It is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and
14% Merlot and was sourced from various <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> vineyards, although our host
informed us that FAY and S.L.V. Vineyard Cab grapes also go into the
Artemis. It was aged for 16 months in
French oak with 35% new oak. It had a
good aroma of red cherry, cranberry and spice.
On the palate I got a well balanced, medium bodied presentation of
mostly red cherry, cranberry and spices with soft tannins and a medium length
finish with some cranberry lingering on.
It was very drinkable now but should age nicely. Very pleasant and accessible. My friend really liked it and purchased some.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYu_RLHm7st4gfPgKQTlekFh82g3soD4VCtXXhK2BJMpghvRryvbQZPoZrMOXgk8PUhpj4ctDzIwLz2w6gATXx87PXgK75A4wEk1NFSMrz-bgqkTN4tKTsB_nXzE6h8B55ViuXi-oIGc/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+SLV++b+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYu_RLHm7st4gfPgKQTlekFh82g3soD4VCtXXhK2BJMpghvRryvbQZPoZrMOXgk8PUhpj4ctDzIwLz2w6gATXx87PXgK75A4wEk1NFSMrz-bgqkTN4tKTsB_nXzE6h8B55ViuXi-oIGc/s1600/Stag's+Leap+vineyard+SLV++b+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Vineyard<br />
with mustard blooms</td></tr>
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Their three signature Cabernets were next, beginning with
the <b><u>Stag's Leap 2010 FAY</u></b> <b><u>Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at $110. This 100% Cab saw 19 months in French oak
with 89% of that being new oak. It began
with a very fragrant aroma of black cherry, black currant and savory spice. On the palate it was full bodied and lush
with red cherry, toasty oak, tobacco, vanilla, with hints of cedar and savory
and a medium length finish. A really
nice Cab with a unique sense of terroir or origin; no wonder it was rated 93 points
by the well known critic, Antonio Galloni.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ulmsgsjBpZsCJ72NZFVsZ4r1M1QQ5hYqRH5txbiizXIbX0jAhgURF6Smh7-LXXILtvSb7E0eUTdezu7yEEGOg4I4VmfX_sSqulr0QwewHBkEUbPoLWyjyCGk80SQN08VDlAOagKCgg/s1600/Stag's+Leap+patio+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9ulmsgsjBpZsCJ72NZFVsZ4r1M1QQ5hYqRH5txbiizXIbX0jAhgURF6Smh7-LXXILtvSb7E0eUTdezu7yEEGOg4I4VmfX_sSqulr0QwewHBkEUbPoLWyjyCGk80SQN08VDlAOagKCgg/s1600/Stag's+Leap+patio+b+2.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars back patio</td></tr>
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We were able to compare the FAY to the <b><u>Stag's Leap 2010 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> that retails at $125. This is also 100% Cabernet and was aged for
21 months in French oak with 94% new oak.
It did not have the great aroma of the FAY, but still had a good nose of
blackberry, toasted oak and coffee. On
the palate it was all black fruit with much more minerality than the FAY, also
with bolder tannins and more structure.
The finish was very nice and longer than the FAY. Although quite drinkable now (for me) I'd say
this is the one to lay away and the FAY is the one to drink immediately. Antonio Galloni rated this one at 94 points,
and it is a matter of personal preference whether you prefer the FAY or S.L.V.
I loved both of them. It is really
interesting to taste the FAY and S.L.V. side by side because the vineyards are
right next to each other, are made into 100% Cab by the same winemaker and yet
they are so different. The S.L.V. and
the FAY both have their individual personalities that make them unique from
other Cabs. It is a good example of why
some people, such as myself, find terroir so interesting and appealing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMpAgnTUcMUagtQNPH9ctWrPiEi4RZxpuA5mi1X7W8WEySDmFnJBLtxogqrI2KlHoEM_si4IKnI_4OIqGkIFmMXtu5fo6wbBTpEB8gUmbWP7JQWon0pQFXL9ViDaBsiUO5OcIKGeQzkU/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMpAgnTUcMUagtQNPH9ctWrPiEi4RZxpuA5mi1X7W8WEySDmFnJBLtxogqrI2KlHoEM_si4IKnI_4OIqGkIFmMXtu5fo6wbBTpEB8gUmbWP7JQWon0pQFXL9ViDaBsiUO5OcIKGeQzkU/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars garden</td></tr>
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Their flagship CASK 23 Cabernet was our last pour, although
we still had glasses of the other Cabs for comparison. This was the <b><u>Stag's Leap 2010 CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at $225. Back in 1974 when the famous Andre
Tchelistcheff was assisting them, some blocks from the S.L.V. vineyard were so
exceptional that they decided to bottle them separately from the rest of the
Cab. The cask they used from Heitz
Vineyard had Cask 23 marked on it, and that was the origin of the name. Now each year they take the very best grapes
from FAY Vineyard and S.L.V. Vineyard and make the CASK 23. (But some years, such as in 2011, they make
no CASK 23.) Each lot was vinified and
aged separately in small French oak barrels for 21 months, using 90% new French
oak. The final blend in 2010 was 56.8% FAY and 43.2% S.L.V. The CASK 23 is one of the most famous wines
in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
and in some years I thought it was head and shoulders better than the FAY or
S.L.V. But you can buy both a bottle of the
FAY and the S.L.V. for the price of one bottle of the CASK 23, and this is one
of those years I'd probably opt for the two bottles over the one. The CASK 23 is still wonderful, of
course. Perhaps the S.L.V. and FAY are simply
getting better. This CASK 23 had a good
aroma of cherry and sage, but I slightly preferred the aroma of the FAY. On the palate I got deep, lush cherry and
blackberry with sage, savory, oak, coffee, and chocolate. It was well balanced and well structured. Finish was medium plus, about the same as the
S.L.V. I liked the overall balance better
than the FAY or S.L.V., but I think all three Cabs are different and exceptionally
good. Try them side by side and see how
they taste to you. Remember it will vary
from year to year, and the same vintage also changes with time. One thing that
never varies is that I find that with every vintage all three of these Cabs are
always wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuwp2RPIVQXzIMmZ7NKZZHQM_Ls5rsD8rLsCCFAgZZZMdgLazZg3EDFRwl-HxBWIZ3zAf28-LczNUg2OH5_a421Ntbichx-s8orlR5Q-1t-nHUjh469-1x_bQpVlYlCm1HtUgciUw6B0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+wine+cave+tasting+tables+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuwp2RPIVQXzIMmZ7NKZZHQM_Ls5rsD8rLsCCFAgZZZMdgLazZg3EDFRwl-HxBWIZ3zAf28-LczNUg2OH5_a421Ntbichx-s8orlR5Q-1t-nHUjh469-1x_bQpVlYlCm1HtUgciUw6B0/s1600/Stag's+Leap+wine+cave+tasting+tables+3.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars tasting room in wine caves</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I can't imagine any serious wine drinker visiting <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> and not going to Stag's Leap
Wine Cellars. The wine is simply too
wonderful and the winery much too historic to be missed. When you also consider the lovely grounds and
wine caves, you have a winery that is one that every serious wine lover should
visit at least once. They are open to
the public without an appointment. At
the time of this visit the tastings were $15 for the Napa Valley Collection
Tasting Flight and $30 for the Estate Collection Tasting Flight. I recommend the Estate Flight or else both
flights. You should inquire about a tasting fee waiver with minimum purchase. They are also in the Napa Neighbor Program.
Please see <a href="http://www.cask23.com/visit/toursTastings/">Tours and Tastings</a> for
current information. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc8sx-d1S-8Xhe6v9_M1h5LkYW0Z-EQ4PEJkf2lOUdUlntZzRcszSm_2K29pUnpyx5kOPKyYXRXarz5Y67nErMFwp3fL3zkLQo6LymjDJwABbaIGVtpagIQbR5vY8-uEieluhAA71qS4/s1600/Stag's+Leap+entry+sign+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc8sx-d1S-8Xhe6v9_M1h5LkYW0Z-EQ4PEJkf2lOUdUlntZzRcszSm_2K29pUnpyx5kOPKyYXRXarz5Y67nErMFwp3fL3zkLQo6LymjDJwABbaIGVtpagIQbR5vY8-uEieluhAA71qS4/s1600/Stag's+Leap+entry+sign+3.jpg" height="372" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars entry sign<br />
Note the spelling </td></tr>
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Note: "Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars" should not be
confused with "Stags’ Leap Winery" (apostrophe after the "s"
rather than before it and called Winery rather than Wine Cellars) where they
produce very nice Petite Sirahs. Also
note that this <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker> (American Viticultural
Area) is spelled "Stags Leap" District with no apostrophe. If there is no apostrophe it is a reference
to the District. If the apostrophe is
before the s, then it is the historic Cabernet place. If the apostrophe is after the s, you will
find some very good Petite Sirah and other wines. I sometimes see the
District name misspelled with the addition of an apostrophe, however.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ufAvj3hqhRLU9tN-i-5gPBvyyBE5wsH_AHTtGcba4Ak6RIwrZtCdo_QOg6A2eO99g8xccn3hsp2yBlsVqP_QRHJhdMLP40Th29bu2tc45e7ne53lJE1Sjj6V8a_Cpk_XOwUzv5lNf4/s1600/Stag's+Leap+statue+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5ufAvj3hqhRLU9tN-i-5gPBvyyBE5wsH_AHTtGcba4Ak6RIwrZtCdo_QOg6A2eO99g8xccn3hsp2yBlsVqP_QRHJhdMLP40Th29bu2tc45e7ne53lJE1Sjj6V8a_Cpk_XOwUzv5lNf4/s1600/Stag's+Leap+statue+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars statue<br />
near front entry </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.cask23.com/">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars</a><br />
5766 Silverado Trail<o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94558</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="skype_c2c_print_container">(707) 944-2020</span></div>
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Date of this review: <st1:date day="11" month="3" year="2014">March
11, 2014</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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Date of previous review: <st1:date day="2" month="3" year="2011">March
2, 2011</st1:date> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9LtaGHXJP3Jis9sIDhrrQB1fP0fJHvFBGbvQzP7R7MtB_51XK58fazQpSSttsNAxS9sVOA1wkJRcrsuFLnnD0kpca3_tMbwFgN-RJQ0JzpkTg3-0877QjZFJXAX2iVWGnWlw_J7-CzI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+hands+of+time+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9LtaGHXJP3Jis9sIDhrrQB1fP0fJHvFBGbvQzP7R7MtB_51XK58fazQpSSttsNAxS9sVOA1wkJRcrsuFLnnD0kpca3_tMbwFgN-RJQ0JzpkTg3-0877QjZFJXAX2iVWGnWlw_J7-CzI/s1600/Stag's+Leap+hands+of+time+3.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Hands of Time"<br />
A small portion of the wall that has many hands<br />
of winemakers and others who have had major<br />
roles in the history of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUlnafcsQDgKVoW9ki3mC3-1VSegr_9Erugpgl5KfOOkARDSzdaRPj8JQz2v_rz-fMWVbFBVsLcVqNGn7Q768BZcypiSjLyaLp_P4dstykS3kB8uX_toUy58s6IaIpZk3Xx1ortoeVWc/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+d3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUlnafcsQDgKVoW9ki3mC3-1VSegr_9Erugpgl5KfOOkARDSzdaRPj8JQz2v_rz-fMWVbFBVsLcVqNGn7Q768BZcypiSjLyaLp_P4dstykS3kB8uX_toUy58s6IaIpZk3Xx1ortoeVWc/s1600/Stag's+Leap+garden+d3.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBifB6t4nrL79YojAhH0Uuhw9HnNd6i5-OIWmMJyWhdjTaJxnxAsgpl-lFp8-Tzwt9SAMbdm3RY282T1Pev3FrQxcGgYCu2fdJHnl6IEZdlADVIIc-v1IgzQGCyc9MW97Fvndk-qM-RA/s1600/Stag's+Leap+Foucault+pendulum+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBifB6t4nrL79YojAhH0Uuhw9HnNd6i5-OIWmMJyWhdjTaJxnxAsgpl-lFp8-Tzwt9SAMbdm3RY282T1Pev3FrQxcGgYCu2fdJHnl6IEZdlADVIIc-v1IgzQGCyc9MW97Fvndk-qM-RA/s1600/Stag's+Leap+Foucault+pendulum+3.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars<br />
Foucault pendulum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBOWJ7JMWSsr76uFVLFESvXb0-l3-v7VIvKadHvSByWFdzHTayiTHmyt4xZVW7eiEJH5CfAYVj47ImO9XDrqVbNq_U9PIJwDgPloHnf05fdTUMWac7mIjTasPkfZ1qtL7MPxQatpotfA/s1600/Stag's+Leap+fountain+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBOWJ7JMWSsr76uFVLFESvXb0-l3-v7VIvKadHvSByWFdzHTayiTHmyt4xZVW7eiEJH5CfAYVj47ImO9XDrqVbNq_U9PIJwDgPloHnf05fdTUMWac7mIjTasPkfZ1qtL7MPxQatpotfA/s1600/Stag's+Leap+fountain+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag's Leap Wine Cellars fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com1Stag's Leap Wine Cellars38.401309 -122.3256810000000312.879274499999998 -163.63427500000003 63.9233435 -81.017087000000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-74890382365196420002014-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:002014-04-24T11:25:47.251-07:00Summers Estate Wines Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
Summers Estate Wines, just off Highway 128 a few miles north of the
town of <st1:city>Calistoga</st1:city>, is a delightful,
friendly, unpretentious family winery that we visit often and highly recommend!
They have some very reasonably priced premium wines and, as of this date, you
may taste five of them for only $15. They are also in the Napa Neighbor
Program, and you should inquire about tasting fee waivers with minimum
purchases. They are open to the public without an appointment but special tastings and tours may be arranged by appointment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6eahTESawh9yjvP0akihXMZiDieKHVQGUOZ30i4qc1XxqtSQzfh2l3218IyGQ6SC8mWPIRp3KY5PwLThBsSCxWMBgHKBdRWylCsuePU6HshUzlCPdID1I1lYElG8LM2sOeIaxFIQN6c/s1600/Summers+entry+sign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6eahTESawh9yjvP0akihXMZiDieKHVQGUOZ30i4qc1XxqtSQzfh2l3218IyGQ6SC8mWPIRp3KY5PwLThBsSCxWMBgHKBdRWylCsuePU6HshUzlCPdID1I1lYElG8LM2sOeIaxFIQN6c/s1600/Summers+entry+sign+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines entry sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UBH8IJd2ogdD95XY2jaUtzY1VmkNrIZHU0fGIt6R6fJwMcG0bmgBJiEMeG5N_cGtmHoH2YiSf9_Yd1RRHp8LlsT8UPUJHiybegK7tKNhRTpdT3iI4IvsrejshdU9b5hpogFM795Z79Q/s1600/Summers+front+entrance+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UBH8IJd2ogdD95XY2jaUtzY1VmkNrIZHU0fGIt6R6fJwMcG0bmgBJiEMeG5N_cGtmHoH2YiSf9_Yd1RRHp8LlsT8UPUJHiybegK7tKNhRTpdT3iI4IvsrejshdU9b5hpogFM795Z79Q/s1600/Summers+front+entrance+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines tasting building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Some wine lovers seem to attend less to those wineries north
of Calistoga, but this is a mistake. Calistoga
wineries offer some wonderful wines, often at comparatively reasonable prices
at small wineries that are often not as crowded as many <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> wineries. They are noted more for their Cabernet
Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and other red wines that do well with more
heat, but some of these wineries source Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other
varietals from Carneros and cooler districts of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> or from <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Summers Estate Wines is one of our favorite
wineries in Calistoga and well worth a visit.
In fact, on warmer days (usually May-October) it would make good sense
to start tasting in Calistoga and work your way down <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> so that you end up in
Carneros toward the end of the day when the temperatures rise.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQAucneqbAWVUWjep5md_apD1strmdXbVzd7dJJ0oR4ZCkl_tqaj1ZOFZOURizQamndtfs9FjrpLDMsi-L0aRm1uxj7CxreLF0wc4w6CslLe4i3Okv2RUoB_31R2EL4YGW21qjKrgslU/s1600/Summers+vineyard+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQAucneqbAWVUWjep5md_apD1strmdXbVzd7dJJ0oR4ZCkl_tqaj1ZOFZOURizQamndtfs9FjrpLDMsi-L0aRm1uxj7CxreLF0wc4w6CslLe4i3Okv2RUoB_31R2EL4YGW21qjKrgslU/s1600/Summers+vineyard+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines vineyard</td></tr>
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The story Summers Estate Wines began in 1987 when Jim and
Beth Summers purchased 28 acres of vineyard in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Valley_AVA">Knights Valley</a> which is located 8.6 miles
northwest of Calistoga, slightly into <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>. They initially sold all of their grapes to other wineries until a larger than
usual production in 1993 allowed them to produce their first Summers Ranch
Merlot. In 1996 they expanded by purchasing San Pietra Vara, a winery and
tasting room north of Calistoga near Highway 128 and <st1:street>Tubbs
Lane</st1:street>, thus adding 25 acres. This <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> vineyard is called Villa
Andriana Vineyard, named after Jim's daughter, with the property itself named
Summers Estate Wines. 22 acres of Zinfandel,
Charbono and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown there, with the Zin vines being over
forty years old. In addition to the
winery and tasting room, they have a bocce ball court, picnic area and
entertainment center. Their vineyard
manager and winemaker over the past 18 years has been Ignacio Blancas who also
replanted most of their vineyards.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmRwyDsi4qBNU2GiHQDIhDJx7fgjT5U_uILPOn3lLSLMguxstplAS10VNIVZEtXS8xWBgbhh5IYvFVpMudloojF2OrOz4nazBEqJ4MVoqbV4SXQgqtOflaDJT1qolIos6biGrTK0yhVI/s1600/Summers+tasting+bar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmRwyDsi4qBNU2GiHQDIhDJx7fgjT5U_uILPOn3lLSLMguxstplAS10VNIVZEtXS8xWBgbhh5IYvFVpMudloojF2OrOz4nazBEqJ4MVoqbV4SXQgqtOflaDJT1qolIos6biGrTK0yhVI/s1600/Summers+tasting+bar+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines tasting bar</td></tr>
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Our last review of Summers was <st1:date day="4" month="3" year="2011">March 4, 2011</st1:date>. Of
course we have visited them since then.
During that visit we loved the <b><u>Summers
2007 Diamond Mountain Cabernet</u></b> <b><u>Sauvignon</u></b>
at $70. Some of this wonderful Cab is still available at the winery. We were also very fond of the <b><u>Summers 2008 Charbono</u></b> and the <b>Summers 2008 Zinfandel</b>. I noted that the wines were very reasonably
priced for <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
premium wines. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwQQX76JpAnbgaauFjypZQEHLVzN1PlO5eu_V0PIAf7Y6nfoGtlITjrbLYtv6j9_-keQbE_qwevQVRoOHiEd4sdZsqKCNR7dUv2UxtvE5MpC55QtBN7pkBYeVE8iQmVFtpluSuYTJIpk/s1600/Summers+fireplace+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwQQX76JpAnbgaauFjypZQEHLVzN1PlO5eu_V0PIAf7Y6nfoGtlITjrbLYtv6j9_-keQbE_qwevQVRoOHiEd4sdZsqKCNR7dUv2UxtvE5MpC55QtBN7pkBYeVE8iQmVFtpluSuYTJIpk/s1600/Summers+fireplace+1.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines fireplace</td></tr>
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During our visit this time we were able to watch in the
distance the "Old Faithful Geyser of California" spouting off, with
the Summer's vineyards and mustard in the foreground. Calistoga wineries tend to be more rural and
unpretentious, reminiscent of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
thirty or forty years ago, and Summers epitomizes such wineries. We always enjoy our visits and owe our thanks
this time to Melissa who was our friendly, helpful, down to earth, and
informative host.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqox29LO7GeyVoRIhLsT5VqBAe1bg6NTrRu7tJi5N2JtVBce1jgF0iMjdkTV5QsfPzkYB8kgdIHFYZJEuKlc1cVDc2bmIzj5EiAcO0yqboT1NX85Ler7wA-81pOgNOnfaTM3ClD1jcSo/s1600/Summers+tasting+table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqox29LO7GeyVoRIhLsT5VqBAe1bg6NTrRu7tJi5N2JtVBce1jgF0iMjdkTV5QsfPzkYB8kgdIHFYZJEuKlc1cVDc2bmIzj5EiAcO0yqboT1NX85Ler7wA-81pOgNOnfaTM3ClD1jcSo/s1600/Summers+tasting+table+1.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines tasting table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The first tasting was the <b><u>Summers Estate 2012 Stuhlmuller Reserve Chardonnay</u></b> at $32. This was awarded 92 points by the reputable Steve
Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast. The grapes
were grown at the famous Stuhlmuller Vineyards in <st1:place><st1:placename>Alexander</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Valley</st1:placename></st1:place> near <st1:place><st1:placename>Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype></st1:place> in <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It is 100% Chardonnay and was aged for eight
months in French oak, with 40% of this new oak.
It received about 30% malolactic conversion. 690 cases were produced. It had an excellent aroma of apple, pear and
lemon with mineral notes. On the palate
it was smooth and well balanced with apple, pear and tropical fruits. It was somewhat soft and buttery, but not
excessively so by any means. Finish was
medium length and soft with some lingering pineapple and lemon cream. If you find some Chards too rich and buttery
and others a bit too acidic and austere, this one might be exactly what you are
looking for. You can drink this by itself or pair it with lobster, scallops,
cream sauces, soft cheeses or any number of dishes. A very good Chardonnay at
an excellent price!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH11SHiW55BYKo2UR5o2SQyadg4BMQR-2zVe3fe7JgOGlqqw_xFtQzAoc7vwzSOiGy4pyiKRodPMlEmFRLbHQrKF8FPPFiF4ac2hLzV3xeAkcRWkyKxbA79L1F6z0iPXrR7SaVN94h260/s1600/Summers+vineyard+d+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH11SHiW55BYKo2UR5o2SQyadg4BMQR-2zVe3fe7JgOGlqqw_xFtQzAoc7vwzSOiGy4pyiKRodPMlEmFRLbHQrKF8FPPFiF4ac2hLzV3xeAkcRWkyKxbA79L1F6z0iPXrR7SaVN94h260/s1600/Summers+vineyard+d+2.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Summers Estate vineyard view</td></tr>
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The second pour was their well known Charbono, the <b>Summers Estate 2011 Villa Andriana Vineyard
Charbono</b> at $32. Charbono is a full bodied Italian red varietal that is
uncommon in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. (Only 80 acres of it are planted in all of <st1:state>California</st1:state>.) This one is 100% Charbono and was aged for 18
months in half American oak and half French oak with 50% being new oak. 1,500 cases were produced. It was a lovely light purple in color with a good,
pleasantly aroma of fresh cherries and toasted oak. On the palate I got blackberry and cherry with
firm tannins, bright acid and a medium length finish. It is perfectly drinkable now but should continue
to improve with age. We always like
their Charbono, and it sells out quickly so we always purchase some when it is
in stock.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3UD9us-hA-i1USyy_MDGKT7u0JHinlMAPAFS6oyTsGUdGJFwOSlpkH8DqwoJRLsdxa6nm-7ZQ8cSnBuTpC24bbCL1mBiEkPDqnHBr-aYljI3-P8wJ6tykqlmERSYXVR9IZ83ZUjkMNU/s1600/Summers+courtyard+c+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3UD9us-hA-i1USyy_MDGKT7u0JHinlMAPAFS6oyTsGUdGJFwOSlpkH8DqwoJRLsdxa6nm-7ZQ8cSnBuTpC24bbCL1mBiEkPDqnHBr-aYljI3-P8wJ6tykqlmERSYXVR9IZ83ZUjkMNU/s1600/Summers+courtyard+c+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines patio</td></tr>
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Next was the <b>Summers
Estate 2010 Knights Valley Reserve Merlot</b> at $34. This is 88% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and
4% Syrah and was aged for twenty months in French oak with 50% new oak. 800 cases were produced. After a good aroma of cherry and raspberry I
got cherry, plum, cranberry and spices with good structure and a long
finish. It was nicely balanced with a
rich texture, firm tannins and a layered and interesting presentation. Very nice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines tasting room</td></tr>
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The fourth pour was the <b>Summers
Estate 2010 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $38. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged
for 19 months in French oak, 60% of this being new oak. 2,000 cases were produced. A lovely garnet in color, it began with a
good aroma of raspberries and cracked pepper.
On the palate I got mostly black cherry and blackberry with very
interesting baking spices and black pepper, with a full mouthfeel and a medium
length finish. Very nice, especially at
this price point.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Summers Estate Wines vineyard</td></tr>
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Our favorite, though, was next, the <b><u>Summers Estate 2010 Calistoga Reserve Cabernet</u></b> <b><u>Sauvignon</u> </b>at $59. Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast gave this 92
points. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
and was aged 22 months in French oak with 60% of this new oak 500 cases were produced. It was deep ruby to purple
in color and had a good nose of blackberries, black currant and toasted
oak. On the palate it was very full
bodied with bold but balanced tannins, blackberry, black currant, mocha and
toasted oak. Finish was medium length. A Napa Valley Cabernet of this quality
usually sells for more. This Cab should
age very nicely and become even more interesting over the years. Exceptionally nice and highly recommended!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Baoe7nQHuEqILMkdpB-OzSr-ZBQQjaAFSHg11w5PGe3pw0vgKEMejcgpWL0IdVhRwG8GzaEeFx6iblq1NcY1cqF2qusK2BT7sRrxjfLWRbwK5pgp4qGqhwM9RPTTgPzZZI-jZHYu-r8/s1600/Summers+courtyard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Baoe7nQHuEqILMkdpB-OzSr-ZBQQjaAFSHg11w5PGe3pw0vgKEMejcgpWL0IdVhRwG8GzaEeFx6iblq1NcY1cqF2qusK2BT7sRrxjfLWRbwK5pgp4qGqhwM9RPTTgPzZZI-jZHYu-r8/s1600/Summers+courtyard+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Summers Estate outdoor patio</td></tr>
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We did not try the Summer's Zinfandel this time but have
always liked theirs. I later noticed
they had a Summers Estate 2007 Checkmate Bordeaux Style Blend that was awarded
94 points by the Wine Enthusiast. I have
not tasted this but imagine it is exceptional.
I can strongly recommend the above 2010 Reserve Cab and their 2007
Diamond Mountain Cab, the later still available at $70 and outstanding. And of course you must try the Charbono. A very pleasant surprise this time was their
2012 Stuhlmuller Reserve Chardonnay which should not be overlooked. We highly recommend that you visit Summers
Estate Winery. Be sure to also check out their wine club for some excellent premium
wine bargains.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4g5vKzbG9FqKvvtj7d-wE57gw0hFTSA2fAA79W2sx6HIJBtRGltP9F2NjC-OkySXFsRc4R1MrCzK1c2ydI96eTb_lvW5YTqyIuuvTbVdVie_-ZTvCqQ38HHDZOEP4NO0lPLFpkpeuGK0/s1600/Summers+vineyard+c+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4g5vKzbG9FqKvvtj7d-wE57gw0hFTSA2fAA79W2sx6HIJBtRGltP9F2NjC-OkySXFsRc4R1MrCzK1c2ydI96eTb_lvW5YTqyIuuvTbVdVie_-ZTvCqQ38HHDZOEP4NO0lPLFpkpeuGK0/s1600/Summers+vineyard+c+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate vineyard</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.summerswinery.com/">Summers Estate Wines</a></div>
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<st1:street>1171 Tubbs Ln</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Calistoga</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94515</st1:postalcode></st1:place><br />
<st1:place><st1:postalcode></st1:postalcode></st1:place><span class="skype_c2c_print_container">(707) 942-5508</span></div>
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Date of revisit: <st1:date day="4" month="3" year="2014">March 4, 2014</st1:date></div>
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Date of last review: <st1:date day="23" month="11" year="2011">November
23, 2011 <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/01/summers-estate-wines.html">Previous review</a></st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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Current information
regarding visits and fees: <a href="http://www.summerswinery.com/visit/">Current visiting information</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhN-v01SzKS3_f_Alw-_Me7DLiDH-QCQqEssDDwKP-jAam9TBjAPLiXUhgjo_Zb2IrhvUR3pk-9zuYbTiX4J11sYsN2MabecAXfqO3YRGE958EIRWJTs23Z4hvCrLovEnmhcAsBDaDq4/s1600/Summers+bocce+ball+court+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhN-v01SzKS3_f_Alw-_Me7DLiDH-QCQqEssDDwKP-jAam9TBjAPLiXUhgjo_Zb2IrhvUR3pk-9zuYbTiX4J11sYsN2MabecAXfqO3YRGE958EIRWJTs23Z4hvCrLovEnmhcAsBDaDq4/s1600/Summers+bocce+ball+court+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate bocce ball court</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWGUjp2OxFI0sxqQalXGR1Do4ivEaEmd5uTiKM9hyrn5mKa4xuMkqwF4RGS97DYgS0EgYaBjmyd-_UXXWD9meWgp5YzoFgpm2DLmBzuOXi_sM-XBvaJoigShkhuMiduxkOIJ53tBPoxo/s1600/Summers+bottle+labels+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWGUjp2OxFI0sxqQalXGR1Do4ivEaEmd5uTiKM9hyrn5mKa4xuMkqwF4RGS97DYgS0EgYaBjmyd-_UXXWD9meWgp5YzoFgpm2DLmBzuOXi_sM-XBvaJoigShkhuMiduxkOIJ53tBPoxo/s1600/Summers+bottle+labels+3.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines wine labels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNwXn7HBaGzO_jueCN0yLFe20GP9jguVVmRJFtpQQKLqHg3r3nqz8FQPUMAV9cadThG2ZvBMeIpjFt3IvVMR3_rMoPAbg02zIZOHt1aHtDAtMRoEHL8h14r9JkvoPMnqz0SoXhh3sU2g/s1600/Summers+bocce+club+entrance+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNwXn7HBaGzO_jueCN0yLFe20GP9jguVVmRJFtpQQKLqHg3r3nqz8FQPUMAV9cadThG2ZvBMeIpjFt3IvVMR3_rMoPAbg02zIZOHt1aHtDAtMRoEHL8h14r9JkvoPMnqz0SoXhh3sU2g/s1600/Summers+bocce+club+entrance+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines entrance to bocce ball court</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKGb35wEFEhNGVSiLZkEyhyphenhyphenikxtG1Pb4xTUMPItsHIwf6Qdvnr6iCczZ7X-QW6giM9iAecsZwftitU0FvR1Ts3AahjzkJPS2uSuzaExSehGUqCHQTs6rMTZ_xXCAWfz4ZdWXGv1hehaY/s1600/Summers+courtyard+b+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKGb35wEFEhNGVSiLZkEyhyphenhyphenikxtG1Pb4xTUMPItsHIwf6Qdvnr6iCczZ7X-QW6giM9iAecsZwftitU0FvR1Ts3AahjzkJPS2uSuzaExSehGUqCHQTs6rMTZ_xXCAWfz4ZdWXGv1hehaY/s1600/Summers+courtyard+b+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Summers Estate courtyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y-7qwyaOdD0h7y-9MqbV4E6sFXeLHbi-k93tD5PEWO8XX4QGCaUdwbGyBBsk-85L_OtpnB16jk7wZLNFqobxKAF2fVlcTjUCo6CHKIh9rClqtXC62F8IrqGCOM63WyMyPAhUXiSdlh8/s1600/Summers+art+work+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y-7qwyaOdD0h7y-9MqbV4E6sFXeLHbi-k93tD5PEWO8XX4QGCaUdwbGyBBsk-85L_OtpnB16jk7wZLNFqobxKAF2fVlcTjUCo6CHKIh9rClqtXC62F8IrqGCOM63WyMyPAhUXiSdlh8/s1600/Summers+art+work+3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summers Estate Wines art work</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Summers Estate Wines38.592176599999988 -122.6052225999999913.070142099999988 -163.9138166 64.114211099999991 -81.296628599999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-90732166146343623652014-02-18T14:32:00.000-08:002014-03-01T09:10:32.669-08:00Miner Family Winery Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
We always love to visit Miner Family Winery. Not only do they have excellent wines, but, in
addition to the usual <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
varietals, they have varietals less commonly found at Napa Wineries, wines such
as Marsanne, Viognier, Sangiovese, Grenache, and Tempranillo. Of the several hundred
wineries we have visited, it has also always been one of the friendliest. Combine that with a lovely scenic view, a very
pleasant setting and reasonably priced premium wines that begin at only $20 a bottle,
and you have a winery that is very high on our short list of "must
visit" Napa Valley wineries.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOne_os9hbL491LP-yBmOpbDu7UCC1AAu9jvFNrSmSYXymMwAc72EZvEbgYG6bLHwoMq-DV2zo-lSIY5e0gChFVw6lq2spYAL7HtUtCYU_0sB1yduLlreJUVGoGD4KTVqQLTwxua8mXlw/s1600/Miner+winery+building+distance+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOne_os9hbL491LP-yBmOpbDu7UCC1AAu9jvFNrSmSYXymMwAc72EZvEbgYG6bLHwoMq-DV2zo-lSIY5e0gChFVw6lq2spYAL7HtUtCYU_0sB1yduLlreJUVGoGD4KTVqQLTwxua8mXlw/s1600/Miner+winery+building+distance+1.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery front entrance</td></tr>
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Miner Family Winery was founded in 1998 by Dave and Emily
Miner. After working for
years in the software industry, Dave turned his love of wine into a career in
1993 by becoming President of the Oakville Ranch Vineyard, owned by his uncle,
Robert Miner, co-founder of the computer technology company Oracle. (The Miner Family Winery's signature wine is called "The Oracle" in honor of Dave's uncle and mentor.) Five years later, Dave started his own winery. <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">F</span>amily owned and
operated, Miner Family Winery is located on the east side of the Silverado
Trail in the Oakville District, with a scenic view of the valley in the front
and a wine cave and mountain in the back.
A large stone entry gate with an ancient Assyrian winged sun god symbol
marks the location as do the numerous solar energy panels that allow Miner
Family Winery to run exclusively on solar power.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kIEf1VMzKXY5XgDOiccaBl-K8uog_i9letx-lFnjnV2lC0qb46gJLvdiFuZMwEtBIsBgcFKnB2bHdm2F-mRT28TED0XxSS01-F9N6QwFhUCRDcjy8hbbbUqOC_VPgZ3En7CFaix6C20/s1600/Miner+upper+deck+patio+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kIEf1VMzKXY5XgDOiccaBl-K8uog_i9letx-lFnjnV2lC0qb46gJLvdiFuZMwEtBIsBgcFKnB2bHdm2F-mRT28TED0XxSS01-F9N6QwFhUCRDcjy8hbbbUqOC_VPgZ3En7CFaix6C20/s1600/Miner+upper+deck+patio+1.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery<br />
upper deck patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Most of the wines produced by Miner Family are sourced from grapes
from vineyards owned by others, but these are some of the finest vineyards in <st1:state>California</st1:state>
and Miner Family controls the farming practices.
These include the famous Stagecoach Vineyard in Napa Valley, where some
of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the world now grow in the area where
Black Bart use to rob the stagecoach that ran from St. Helena to <st1:state><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monticello,_California">Monticello</a></st1:state>. In addition to four vineyards in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Miner Family sources grapes
from three vineyards in the <st1:place><st2:sn>Santa</st2:sn> <st2:middlename>Lucia</st2:middlename>
<st2:sn>Highlands</st2:sn></st1:place>, a vineyard in Mendocino and another in <st1:city>Madera</st1:city>. One of the vineyards in the <st1:place><st2:sn>Santa</st2:sn>
<st2:middlename>Lucia</st2:middlename> <st2:sn>Highlands</st2:sn></st1:place>
is <st1:city>Garys</st1:city>' Vineyard, named after
Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, and famous for its fabulous Pinot Noir grapes. Dave Miner knows that about 80% of the
quality of a wine is determined by the quality of the grapes, and spares no
effort in locating the finest grapes available.
Their annual production is around 25,000 to 30,000 cases per year,
making them a about a medium sized family winery.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery<br />
tasting bar with Cory</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the lovely <b><u>Miner Family 2010 La Diligence </u><u>Marsanne</u></b> at $30. This white wine varietal originated in the <st1:place>Northern
Rhone</st1:place> region of <st1:country-region>France</st1:country-region>
and is rarely found in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. (Interestingly, 80% of the world's Marsanne
grapes are now grown in <st1:country-region>Australia</st1:country-region>.) It is often blended with Roussanne or
Viognier, but this Miner version is 100% Marsanne and from <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> grapes from the famous Stagecoach
Vineyard. It saw seven months in French
oak with 40% of this being new oak. Only
380 cases were produced. "La Diligence,"
by the way, means Stagecoach in French. This
Marsanne is a lovely light straw gold in color with an intense and appealing
aroma that is a sheer joy. I got mostly
pear with some melon, honeysuckle and minerality. You would have to have a bad cold not to
appreciate the wonderful aroma of this wine.
I was just as delighted upon tasting this wine because Marsanne by
itself can sometimes be rather bland and lacking in acid. This one had some very pleasant, lively acid
to complement the fruit but was still smooth and very well balanced. I got mostly pear, cantaloupe, honeysuckle
and some spice and minerality on the palate. I could imagine pairing this with seafood or
simply drinking it on its own. It was one of most
pleasant and interesting California Marsannes I've tasted! Marsanne is one of the few white wines that
can improve and become even more complex with age so it would be interesting to taste some earlier vintages.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4a0MFMC4YWCI6L_aCQahQm7lv941zm9F1x99nEVuEw7GXH_ekxWvGBFf8DBTYv7Og1hPkov0WtDo5WcFITIIwWK1AEqJg0vk5FoChIWfdkeIXdMqePf549ZZhu29FGJ1KhfoV8t3woE/s1600/Miner+wine+cave+entrance+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4a0MFMC4YWCI6L_aCQahQm7lv941zm9F1x99nEVuEw7GXH_ekxWvGBFf8DBTYv7Og1hPkov0WtDo5WcFITIIwWK1AEqJg0vk5FoChIWfdkeIXdMqePf549ZZhu29FGJ1KhfoV8t3woE/s1600/Miner+wine+cave+entrance+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery wine cave entrance</td></tr>
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Miner Family is justly proud of its Wild Yeast Chardonnay
and our host, Cory, made sure I tried some, so next up was the <b><u>Miner Family 2010 Wild Yeast Chardonnay</u></b>
at $50. They use grapes from vineyards
in <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city>, Carneros and
Stagecoach to compliment each other and also to provide different wild yeasts
for the fermentation. This vintage saw
16 months in French oak with 70% new oak.
It also underwent 100% malolactic conversion (sometimes called MLF or
malolactic fermentation). 2,050 cases
were produced. I generally prefer Chards
that are only lightly oaked and with little or no malolactic conversion because
I do not like excessively fat, buttery or oily Chards that exhibit few varietal
characteristics; but this was a big powerful
Chardonnay with ample fruit, acid and intensity and the new French oak and malolactic conversion
complemented it perfectly and brought out the best in it. Cory referred to this Chard as one for Cab
lovers, and it was certainly full bodied and intense; but it was also impeccably
balanced. It had a good nose of green apple, pear, melon and citrus. On the palate I got pear, apple, melon,
apricot and citrus with good minerality and good well balanced acid. It had a touch of butter and the oak was
evident, but it was not excessive in any way.
Finish was medium plus in length.
This was a complex, full bodied Chardonnay that I really enjoyed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlF7xwd9Me7Wks_Io7I0wd7UQLYTwq_OT27RQiT8dlsAUg5-jP_YYZktJQH_aEOZyWATkg2GdIVYqVCx2nKx3eK5Xty4RpEPly-piQx-kxCe0XRpkivnbaloas9PgqRVsvQxEBJL0D-Y/s1600/Miner+winery+building+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlF7xwd9Me7Wks_Io7I0wd7UQLYTwq_OT27RQiT8dlsAUg5-jP_YYZktJQH_aEOZyWATkg2GdIVYqVCx2nKx3eK5Xty4RpEPly-piQx-kxCe0XRpkivnbaloas9PgqRVsvQxEBJL0D-Y/s1600/Miner+winery+building+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery</td></tr>
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I moved on next to the reds, beginning with the <b>Miner Family 2012 Sierra Foothills Grenache</b>
at $28. It is 100% Grenache, was aged
for six months in neutral French oak and 330 cases were produced. I had heard
really good things about their Grenache on previous visits but had never tried
it because it was always sold out. We
were in luck this time. The grapes are
from the Sierra Foothills near <st1:place><st1:city>Auburn</st1:city>, <st1:state>California</st1:state></st1:place>. I love GSMs (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
blends) but sometimes find California Grenaches alone to be too simplistic and light
bodied for my taste. This one
was an exception. It had a good nose of
raspberry, strawberry and red cherry. I got some chewy tannins and good acid
with red currant, cherry and black pepper on the palate. If you
want to try a more interesting California Grenache or want an ideal BBQ wine,
give this a try.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtn5d4prWay4ZM_EcsGsoKpGVvF1LE02sICH7g_Fojfp0OnEEjNYcMElavVshFbg4ypRuwkGUnPS4OY_yfZJiH_Y_nqPEvUpRXs6Ig8S1xcByeHK6C2xBQ8cGBLpLV2PymfzDB6uv8OI/s1600/Miner+entry+sign+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtn5d4prWay4ZM_EcsGsoKpGVvF1LE02sICH7g_Fojfp0OnEEjNYcMElavVshFbg4ypRuwkGUnPS4OY_yfZJiH_Y_nqPEvUpRXs6Ig8S1xcByeHK6C2xBQ8cGBLpLV2PymfzDB6uv8OI/s1600/Miner+entry+sign+1.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery entry sign</td></tr>
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My fourth pour was the <b><u>Miner
Family 2011 Garys' Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir</u></b> at
$60. This saw 15 months in French oak
with 70% new oak. 790 cases were
produced. This Pinot began with a great
nose of strawberry and red cherry. On
the palate I got an amazingly elegant and well balanced Pinot that was simply
divine. The texture and mouthfeel were
incredibly indulgent and sensuous. I
got strawberry, red cherry, subtle spices, and a touch of oak with a long
finish. This was one of the very few
American Pinots that was as interesting and refined as a really good French red <st1:state>Burgundy</st1:state>. It was so well balanced and beautifully
textured that it was a pure physical pleasure to hold in the mouth. No wonder
the <st1:place><st2:sn>Santa</st2:sn> <st2:middlename>Lucia</st2:middlename> <st2:sn>Highlands</st2:sn></st1:place>
is gaining such a great reputation for wonderful Pinot Noirs. If you really love Pinots, give this one a
try. I think it is heavenly! I might do a detailed individual wine review of this exceptional Pinot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6DQ7kM9kvyE4rwwqODdTu5igeq6_9qGMOa2CFBtYiCFIbx3_pTrkTy758RSHszfY78SiB7ftLEvKW36VV8T-PrMQGjehyS2mzbd0QDJcg2piwjx8bTm4nc85Jn2T1Q7tK2tpP_xt9Ng/s1600/Miner+view+2+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6DQ7kM9kvyE4rwwqODdTu5igeq6_9qGMOa2CFBtYiCFIbx3_pTrkTy758RSHszfY78SiB7ftLEvKW36VV8T-PrMQGjehyS2mzbd0QDJcg2piwjx8bTm4nc85Jn2T1Q7tK2tpP_xt9Ng/s1600/Miner+view+2+(2).jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery<br />
view from upper patio deck</td></tr>
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My friend had bypassed the Chard and Pinot and had been
ahead of me in his tastings, raving about the Syrah so I was looking forward to trying it next. This was the <b><u>Miner Family 2009 La Diligence Syrah</u></b> at $40. It is 100% Syrah from Stagecoach Vineyard,
saw 15 months in French oak, with 40% of it in new oak, and 880 cases were
produced. I love really good Syrahs (called <st1:city>Shiraz</st1:city>
in <st1:country-region>Australia</st1:country-region>)
but find many of them to be too fruit forward or jammy, lacking the spice,
character and complexity that a good Syrah should have. (Some inexpensive Australian Shiraz are prime
examples.) This one, however, was excellent. It had a lovely aroma of blackberries and
spices. On the palate it was beautifully
balanced and complex with velvety tannins, blackberries, black pepper, violets,
smoky notes, and a medium plus length finish.
It was very expressive, multi-layered and an outstanding Syrah in every
respect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQxsgTa6suJLdglX_PgHtPHtr8cTUy9pLAXomKqH6pbn3QLh-2UOI9ToSyWnvzzVnjcE9Nl4VAmBeTLy_-obhN0f9IGXbFS8jB_afN7muxiwZ-q2DJ33LhngKcEOBNSUdyYYt5ng8tmw/s1600/Miner+entry+gate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQxsgTa6suJLdglX_PgHtPHtr8cTUy9pLAXomKqH6pbn3QLh-2UOI9ToSyWnvzzVnjcE9Nl4VAmBeTLy_-obhN0f9IGXbFS8jB_afN7muxiwZ-q2DJ33LhngKcEOBNSUdyYYt5ng8tmw/s1600/Miner+entry+gate+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery entry gate</td></tr>
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My next pour was the <b><u>Miner
Family 2009 Napa Valley Petite</u></b><u> <b>Sirah</b></u>
at $40. This is 100% Petite Sirah sourced from the
Sutro family of Palisades Vineyard in Calistoga. It was aged for twenty months in French oak
with 40% of it new oak. Only 359 cases
were produced. I love good Petite
Sirahs and this one is outstanding. It had a
substantial aroma of black cherries and blueberries. On the palate it was full bodied but
exceptionally well balanced with dark fruit, mostly blackberries, and plenty of
black pepper and spice, and some toasted oak and forest floor. Tannins were very well integrated, and the
finish was medium to long. An exceptionally good Petite Sirah that my friend loved as much as I did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe_OtKeq5dEIe8OlMTlOROXo9dXaZzGOMyYfULJq5lllWR8sZ_Ic66p9zRrU_6yr3FA5dCvpVPFc-LW93lGFZp_6884fEsXnQKWSr12liGZx90AEmP6pqVhNS6ueSjdb159JrTEJYSTA/s1600/Miner+tasting+room+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe_OtKeq5dEIe8OlMTlOROXo9dXaZzGOMyYfULJq5lllWR8sZ_Ic66p9zRrU_6yr3FA5dCvpVPFc-LW93lGFZp_6884fEsXnQKWSr12liGZx90AEmP6pqVhNS6ueSjdb159JrTEJYSTA/s1600/Miner+tasting+room+1.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery tasting room</td></tr>
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The seventh pour was the <b><u>Miner Family 2010 Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at
$75. It is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7%
Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot and was aged for 21 months in French oak with 60%
of it new oak. 1130 cases were produced. After a good nose of black cherry and toasted
oak I got a rich, lush, full bodied Cab with black fruits, mostly black cherry
and blackberry, and firm tannins. Finish
was medium plus in length. Although
quite drinkable now, this mountain Cab should cellar nicely and continue to
improve. Highly recommended.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery stone building</td></tr>
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My friend was so enamored with the Miner Family Syrah and
Petite Sirah that I did not expect to hear any more exclamations of pleasure
from him, but he had skipped some tastes and was ahead of me so while I was
agreeing with his very positive assessments of those two varietals he was going
on about how wonderful the The Oracle was. It was with much
anticipation then that I moved on to my last taste, the <b><u>Miner Family 2009 The Oracle</u></b> at $90 which they refer to simply
as a Napa Valley Red Wine. This vintage
is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 5%
Petit Verdot. The grapes came from Stagecoach
Vineyard and the wine was aged for 21 months in French oak with 55% being new
oak. 1380 cases were produced. I got black cherry, black currant and spice
on the nose. What struck me immediately
on the palate was the gorgeous balance of this wine along with its complexity. It was full bodied and lush but had great
structure and many subtle nuances. On
the palate I got a lot of black currant, black cherry, and black berries with some
pepper, forest floor, spices, toasted oak and mocha with a long finish. There was so much going on! My friend's sample had been poured from the
end of a bottle and mine from a new bottle so I tried some of his and it had
opened up very nicely. This is a wine to
spend a lot of time with and to try at different temperatures and with various
exposures to air. I'd love to sit down
and spend several hours carefully tasting and evaluating it. I might even pair it with some cheese or
something simple, but it is so darn good, I'd mostly drink it by itself. Frankly, at $90 this exceptional Cabernet
blend seems under priced. Very highly
recommended!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOca_4jGyhZ3zPY-iSoDIToVhUBpaqgA1cn0xu5Ustwgkg8dpuIEPrKQWYfzwAxLzN8fBcOXUaEl3RYpdcr5OjJVBw3LnTRAW1HEzz9zphVz3g5xVZM8Uo7Bras5IEyKbEPQzjpSMqFl0/s1600/Miner+winery+building+2+%282%29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOca_4jGyhZ3zPY-iSoDIToVhUBpaqgA1cn0xu5Ustwgkg8dpuIEPrKQWYfzwAxLzN8fBcOXUaEl3RYpdcr5OjJVBw3LnTRAW1HEzz9zphVz3g5xVZM8Uo7Bras5IEyKbEPQzjpSMqFl0/s1600/Miner+winery+building+2+(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery</td></tr>
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<br />
Miner Family has a great line up of wines that have a lot of character and complexity and
are incredibly well balanced. They obviously have access to some exceptional
grapes and know how to bring out the best in them. My friend loved their wines so much he plans to join their wine club. We
highly recommend that you visit Miner Family Winery if you really love premium wines.
Because of their license, you will not even need an appointment, unless you
have a party of six or more or want a tour of the wine cave or some special tasting. It is a great place to visit! Much thanks to Cory for hosting us in such a
friendly and professional manner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvQ_AimhXFt6Vn67EjA5qYdv3VYGhKKiua6V0YHJ7lwfsUzoxCXQiSckx3A1SB7q8H7BuDh_5mxHnRV-ON25VW63nKB4DKiXTp7IxREc6ZitO-SVdydX10bNFQx850bpb7s1ujJ8sRpc/s1600/Miner+upper+deck+patio+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvQ_AimhXFt6Vn67EjA5qYdv3VYGhKKiua6V0YHJ7lwfsUzoxCXQiSckx3A1SB7q8H7BuDh_5mxHnRV-ON25VW63nKB4DKiXTp7IxREc6ZitO-SVdydX10bNFQx850bpb7s1ujJ8sRpc/s1600/Miner+upper+deck+patio+2.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery<br />
upper deck patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://minerwines.com/">Minery Family Winery</a><br />
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7850 Silverado Trail<br />
<st1:city>Oakville</st1:city>, CA 94562</div>
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Phone: <span class="skype_c2c_print_container">800-366-9463</span><br />
Date of revisit: February 18, 2014</div>
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Miner Family is open to the public without an appointment.
For special tastings, tours or parties of six or more, however, you will need an appointment. The tasting on the day of our visit was $25 and one received a pour of the Marsanne
and then one's choice of five of ten other wines which included the The Oracle. The tasting menu indicated that one tasting
fee was waived with a $75 purchase.
Miner Family is also in the Napa Neighbor Program. By the way, Miner serves their wines in Riedel glasses with a special glass for each varietal. These glasses do not have stems so the can be washed easily. </div>
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Please see: <a href="http://minerwines.com/contact-2/tasting-room-caves/">Tours and Tasting Options</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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"MINER TASTING <st1:place><st1:placetype><st1:stockticker>ROOM</st1:stockticker></st1:placetype>
<st1:placename>Oakville</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Located in the heart of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> along the scenic Silverado
Trail in <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city>, our Tasting Room
is open to the public daily <st1:time hour="11" minute="0">11am to 5pm.</st1:time>
Visit us and enjoy a tasting of current release wines and sweeping vineyard
views.<o:p></o:p></div>
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No appointment necessary for tasting only (flights starting
at $25).</div>
Groups of 6 or more require an appointment.<br />
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Private tasting experiences, barrel tastings and cave tours are available by
appointment. Please call <span class="skype_c2c_print_container">800-366-WINE</span>"<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeleXEwjIEPjJJpvmieeDgM_fdINtxV-LZ2s6DPZT3Ikp1D7i_jZseI9q7octJgcyXjLz4cKvf6J-DnLW75qiFzls59l5JQ6gZZvnD5KfsXzjMP11bf0_Vu46Ft5TXXlSUAOaRX4M9f0/s1600/Miner+olive+trees+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeleXEwjIEPjJJpvmieeDgM_fdINtxV-LZ2s6DPZT3Ikp1D7i_jZseI9q7octJgcyXjLz4cKvf6J-DnLW75qiFzls59l5JQ6gZZvnD5KfsXzjMP11bf0_Vu46Ft5TXXlSUAOaRX4M9f0/s1600/Miner+olive+trees+3.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery olive trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwkNzU1ULHM2H8djK7onUw_5Jernagf10cfayf0HYCS1aMZrjPxTLo32Aztu_nXUzXnE76efYYA1ksV_tL2FkPLDmO2eNaCulnP2FCP97nilcOwVzaFJqKpIbxYQQk9DCVM4FrSOLBO4/s1600/Miner+view+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwkNzU1ULHM2H8djK7onUw_5Jernagf10cfayf0HYCS1aMZrjPxTLo32Aztu_nXUzXnE76efYYA1ksV_tL2FkPLDmO2eNaCulnP2FCP97nilcOwVzaFJqKpIbxYQQk9DCVM4FrSOLBO4/s1600/Miner+view+2.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner Family Winery view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Minery Family Winery38.4627304 -122.3709213999999912.940695899999998 -163.67951539999999 63.9847649 -81.062327399999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-26513591937718181222014-02-11T15:16:00.000-08:002014-02-16T16:07:09.804-08:00Elizabeth Spencer Wines Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
Elizabeth Spencer Wines is in <st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place>
just off Highway 29, across the street from Rutherford Grill and Beaulieu
Vineyards and is in the charming 1872
historical brick building that was formerly the Rutherford Post Office. We have been there many times and have always
found their service to be very friendly and their wines to be quite good and reasonably
priced considering the quality. Often
when we have lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant Alex (just down the street),
we will stop in and purchase a bottle or two of Elizabeth Spencer wine.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG7uJ84133cOvCl8k3X60iq-uNAN6WejhyphenhyphenpFiNGwYmi4UoEJtUGJujSVZ5I7dJ_-Fw8yL6q3RrdIjxv4ISMYc4SN3j6YU1o-Ku4EOLoZDz5nw1GKC6ozs7WTwzV9RWedNBEeWR9XvR8Y/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+front+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG7uJ84133cOvCl8k3X60iq-uNAN6WejhyphenhyphenpFiNGwYmi4UoEJtUGJujSVZ5I7dJ_-Fw8yL6q3RrdIjxv4ISMYc4SN3j6YU1o-Ku4EOLoZDz5nw1GKC6ozs7WTwzV9RWedNBEeWR9XvR8Y/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+front+1.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elizabeth Spencer Wines<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is a very romantic story behind Elizabeth
Spencer Wines which is named after Spencer Graham and Elizabeth Pressler who
were both deeply involved with wine when they met in 1993 at a winery where </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> was a marketing consultant. With </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt;">'s assistance Spencer became the first mid-Atlantic
distributor for some cult wineries such as Araujo and Harlan Estate. A year
later they went out to dinner at the French Laundry and had such a wonderful
time together that they ended up in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt;">'s backyard, sitting on lawn chairs and talking while watching
shooting stars. In 1997, after a three
year long distant romance, Spencer sold his business in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Virginia</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, moved to </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">St.
Helena</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and they were married. In 1998 they established Elizabeth Spencer
Wines.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRwzqOBMMrDSFG3G0lhrGJP-CdkrgItk7nvKwLytdjSSJdpF-qJiloNGiLk28wtXsbIys15qWj2u4V_2eInpO4zffXVqXFP7XI_YSk_SCvMGK2Xxpc6lRzLk7xLXzbs1s3bCEYNYkVtI/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+patio+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRwzqOBMMrDSFG3G0lhrGJP-CdkrgItk7nvKwLytdjSSJdpF-qJiloNGiLk28wtXsbIys15qWj2u4V_2eInpO4zffXVqXFP7XI_YSk_SCvMGK2Xxpc6lRzLk7xLXzbs1s3bCEYNYkVtI/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+patio+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer patio</td></tr>
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Both Elizabeth and Spencer share winemaking duties with
their primary winemaker. They do not own
their own vineyards but source their fruit from small, high quality vineyards
in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
with whom they have long term agreements.
The wine is not produced on the premises but at a nearby facility. Their small tasting room can accommodate up
to fourteen people, but they have outdoor tables and sofas, a covered patio and
even, during the rainy season, a tent patio that can seat larger groups. There is also a cottage for meetings and
special tastings. To emphasize the
importance of food and wine pairings, they also have an organic vegetable
garden in the back. Total production is
about five to six thousand cases per year.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaOuRs-QTa1gsve7GNdrzHSLRdRKIuhcVTwj9rsJKG9ga9ndxxGjjsdeDDPZKwNhZo1ONstVzm2gZsUy-UBJXUs8DMcaTBi8CoxbgaWJjCLPOkK40Cik1eZqxEwFP3CvAo_z-9jR7Q8s/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+tasting+bar+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaOuRs-QTa1gsve7GNdrzHSLRdRKIuhcVTwj9rsJKG9ga9ndxxGjjsdeDDPZKwNhZo1ONstVzm2gZsUy-UBJXUs8DMcaTBi8CoxbgaWJjCLPOkK40Cik1eZqxEwFP3CvAo_z-9jR7Q8s/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+tasting+bar+1.JPG" height="388" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elizabeth Spencer tasting bar</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Elizabeth Spencer 2011 EXS Russian River Chardonnay</b> at $60. It is 100% Chardonnay all from Wente clones. Native
yeasts were used and it saw 16 months with 40% of it in new French oak with the
rest in neutral French oak. A mere 300 cases were produced. It had a very nice nose of pear and
melon. On the palate I got mostly lemon
and grapefruit with vanilla, some minerality, nicely dry, medium bodied, with
good acid. It had a long finish of pear
and melon. Very nicely done.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iF2Ng_drcxlVy87YMrf-kCFUjihaB7pS6CMYXHBiaopB1o6QEBvaPjAW8bU21EbIj4tRQ1BsyhxnjjTZ_Q0LApMKeO3BcWPpu585mQH7A6ccFQ1YC9Dbj2xKc4mU0XmOtjM5PPBx4vA/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+entry+sign+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iF2Ng_drcxlVy87YMrf-kCFUjihaB7pS6CMYXHBiaopB1o6QEBvaPjAW8bU21EbIj4tRQ1BsyhxnjjTZ_Q0LApMKeO3BcWPpu585mQH7A6ccFQ1YC9Dbj2xKc4mU0XmOtjM5PPBx4vA/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+entry+sign+1.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer entry sign</td></tr>
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The second pour was the <b>Elizabeth
Spencer 2012 Mendocino Grenache</b> at $30. It saw eight months in neutral oak
and 1000 cases were produced. It was a
lovely sparkling garnet in color. I got mostly red currant and cherry on the
nose. It was very easy on the palate
with red currant, cherry, red plum and cinnamon with a medium length finish. If you are fond of California Grenaches, you
should certainly give this one a try.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaGkQYsVeYyYaWA3G_CfcMBWQw2sY4gva5Art3I4OOBKg6zj-lPZGYcU5CaxinSek_FiAfcLEQTVpxsVGwIpsAlaO8GMDPBs1nVuf9RI_sm5vjC9AIltyU2oaaMUz0n4rHYmlNUfScLI/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+cottage+tasting+table+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaGkQYsVeYyYaWA3G_CfcMBWQw2sY4gva5Art3I4OOBKg6zj-lPZGYcU5CaxinSek_FiAfcLEQTVpxsVGwIpsAlaO8GMDPBs1nVuf9RI_sm5vjC9AIltyU2oaaMUz0n4rHYmlNUfScLI/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+cottage+tasting+table+2.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer cottage tasting table</td></tr>
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Our third pour was the <b>Elizabeth
Spencer 2006 Napa Valley Merlot</b> at $55.
This is 100% Merlot and 250 cases were produced. After aromas of red cherry and red plum I got
good structure with firm tannins and
lively acid, mostly red cherry with some spices, toasted oak and a medium length
finish. It is definitely not one of those simple, one dimensional Merlots but
an interesting one. My friend really liked this and purchased several bottles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPT4OxvhtY3eusiIjTFTGFcIHHXgxC_jyVvi2yvgNI-SqDC-G_AngBE5ICfCPFPKXfySgLVAqlMaEpSZeiNVuxvAsWnW8eHQSID8JpFFYXeNftMFi-GK3ZBlvUpH-Medk206oDqPeBTU/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+bottle+sizes+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPT4OxvhtY3eusiIjTFTGFcIHHXgxC_jyVvi2yvgNI-SqDC-G_AngBE5ICfCPFPKXfySgLVAqlMaEpSZeiNVuxvAsWnW8eHQSID8JpFFYXeNftMFi-GK3ZBlvUpH-Medk206oDqPeBTU/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+bottle+sizes+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer bottle sizes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This was followed by the <b>Elizabeth Spencer 2010 </b><st1:place><st1:placename><b>EXS</b></st1:placename><b> </b><st1:placename><b>Sonoma</b></st1:placename><b> </b><st1:placetype><b>Coast</b></st1:placetype></st1:place><b>, Block Nine Syrah</b> at $60. Deep purple in color with a spicy nose, it was
full bodied and had good tannins and spice on the palate with mostly blackberry
and an earthy finish. A very nice
Syrah. This Syrah was my friend's
favorite of the wines we tasted and, as usual, he had to purchase several bottles.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_ocYabETy9ynL4AuJW4RgFu6wEnQZPacGavgj59BG_r39r2uFiRwCRYsgm6D387YYOJ7dsWXOWSg4RdvZfFwK0oybtwVrf9WYCVNloWe8HEdl2Xt9ExVPAXBacl-z1ngkf3yxAKVDo/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+grounds+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX_ocYabETy9ynL4AuJW4RgFu6wEnQZPacGavgj59BG_r39r2uFiRwCRYsgm6D387YYOJ7dsWXOWSg4RdvZfFwK0oybtwVrf9WYCVNloWe8HEdl2Xt9ExVPAXBacl-z1ngkf3yxAKVDo/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+grounds+2.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer grounds</td></tr>
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Our fifth pour was the <b>Elizabeth
Spencer 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $55. This is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet
Franc. 1375 cases were produced. Deep
garnet in color with a light nose of red berries. It was a classic Napa Valley Cab but with
more red than black fruits on the palate.
It had soft tannins, was still young but quite drinkable and had a medium
length finish. It was more fruit focused
than terroir oriented but not overly ripe.
This was my second favorite of the wines we sampled this time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer vegetable garden</td></tr>
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Our final pour was the <b><u>Elizabeth
Spencer 2011 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at $95. Only 75 cases of this lovely wine were
produced. It was my favorite wine of the
tasting and a classic Oakville Cab. It
was deep purple in color with aromas of dark plum, black cherry and
chocolate. On the palate I got
blackberry, black cherry, black currant, mocha, and toasted oak, with lush
tannins in a deep, full bodied and quite accessible presentation. It speaks both of great fruit and great
terroir. I'd love to sit down and
carefully evaluate a bottle of this. Very
highly recommended!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer window view</td></tr>
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Although we did not get to taste any Pinot Noirs this time,
Elizabeth Spencer does offer this varietal for tasting when not sold out. Last time we visited we also tasted a very
nice Sauvignon Blanc. I really want to
try their Pinot Blanc, Petite Sirah, Mount Veeder Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and
their Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon if any these are ever available for
tasting when we visit. My favorites most of the time are the Cabs (especially
"The Guardian", the <st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place> and the <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city>),
but my friend is quite fond of their Syrahs and often purchases some. Much thanks this time to our host, Carisma,
who was very helpful and courteous.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer directions<br />
to other wineries and Philadelphia</td></tr>
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Elizabeth Spencer Wines is very small and family owned. Although they are just off of Highway 29, I
often think of them as one of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valleys</st1:placetype></st1:place>
hidden gems. They offer a wide selection
of premium varietals from <st1:city>Napa</st1:city> and <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valleys</st1:placetype></st1:place>. We always enjoy visiting them and highly
recommend you stop in for a tasting. You can combine this with a really nice lunch
before or afterward at the well known Rutherford Grill or at Alex, my favorite
Italian restaurant, both of which are just across the street.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer 1872 historical building </td></tr>
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Elizabeth Spencer Wines are open daily from <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00 AM</st1:time> to <st1:time hour="18" minute="0">6:00
PM</st1:time> but are closed on December 25th. Tasting appointments may be
made (and should be made for large groups), but drop in visitors are welcome
and are permitted by their license.
There are a number of tasting options, starting at $20, and they are in
the Napa Neighbor Program. Please see
their web page for current options and prices. <a href="http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/visit-us/">Tasting Experiences</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer cottage</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/">Elizabeth Spencer Wines</a><br />
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<st1:street>1165 Rutherford Road</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place>Rutherford, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94573</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: (707) 963-6067<br />
Visited: <st1:date day="11" month="2" year="2014">February
11, 2014</st1:date></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr-FjUaXqRxys9itbhAPkzxxcVmldcWngvLxwN1wfkUs2szcT71HL2-ZmyRcp2uyhr1dqlqZ_uIzyr-Dfy1aK6aFiVNZplWQH_Zf138avt6gGRnN04JiilN96euMWN_0piyDPHxW35zM/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+Napa+Technology+Wine+Station+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr-FjUaXqRxys9itbhAPkzxxcVmldcWngvLxwN1wfkUs2szcT71HL2-ZmyRcp2uyhr1dqlqZ_uIzyr-Dfy1aK6aFiVNZplWQH_Zf138avt6gGRnN04JiilN96euMWN_0piyDPHxW35zM/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+Napa+Technology+Wine+Station+3.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napa Technology Wine Station<br />
at Elizabeth Spencer Wines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnRfSehJfvOjWdNNvhxkrhhUvwaPIA4ms3M4WTxK5r3wnsGVar4zb26PM_rqWS1rR3pctshFONufD3rU35oDmyYzNF2sq6dVDwVZ67sEugzwCQTLmFakOPPCCfg1ZapxDXo6spOXF3J8/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+goliath+27+liters+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnRfSehJfvOjWdNNvhxkrhhUvwaPIA4ms3M4WTxK5r3wnsGVar4zb26PM_rqWS1rR3pctshFONufD3rU35oDmyYzNF2sq6dVDwVZ67sEugzwCQTLmFakOPPCCfg1ZapxDXo6spOXF3J8/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+goliath+27+liters+3.jpg" height="400" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Spencer Goliath<br />
27 liters<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj0kM9l1XLXNbHOcEa15d6iS1BhnfnufYM6n4SWiXCT2xF2M2iz1o-clyCCGUEaFHH7IEKIsG1hnjSHBEC_DLncElRirQiW6H77bdINb-hI5AyokPAwcw2FHuylix-zbVW-gcatIaeHA/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+old+Virginia+Post+Office+mirror+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBj0kM9l1XLXNbHOcEa15d6iS1BhnfnufYM6n4SWiXCT2xF2M2iz1o-clyCCGUEaFHH7IEKIsG1hnjSHBEC_DLncElRirQiW6H77bdINb-hI5AyokPAwcw2FHuylix-zbVW-gcatIaeHA/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+old+Virginia+Post+Office+mirror+3.jpg" height="400" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elizabeth Spencer old mirror<br />
from Virginia Post Office<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b3hahb8fqdvL5DlWPq8ondClSIIVnyTz_CL8n_KlT7O3nbb4_u-J1GnX29Oxt-0tR8FWGSv9LLYxSXu3MWL6dApuCEqt_1gprpZBMArcZWHBybVB9UJ1ymRGuGyh3sKCgyOlfymbgms/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+covered+patio+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b3hahb8fqdvL5DlWPq8ondClSIIVnyTz_CL8n_KlT7O3nbb4_u-J1GnX29Oxt-0tR8FWGSv9LLYxSXu3MWL6dApuCEqt_1gprpZBMArcZWHBybVB9UJ1ymRGuGyh3sKCgyOlfymbgms/s1600/Elizabeth+Spencer+covered+patio+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Elizabeth Spencer covered patio tent<br />
for rainy season</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Elizabeth Spencer Wines38.4590748 -122.42201339999997-9.0709561999999977 154.96079910000003 85.9891058 -39.804825899999969tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-31222939944436862022014-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:002015-01-16T10:02:38.406-08:00Signorello Estate Winery Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Signorello Estate Winery is one of our favorite wineries, a
real jewel. Like a really nice wine, all of its
components come together beautifully.
They are located just off Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>
right next to the Stag's Leap District so finding them is easy. The winery is set back from the Silverado
Trail far enough to provide privacy and is elevated up on a hill to offer a
very lovely view of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
to the west with the mountains in the back.
There is a large parking area. Service has always been great. Wines are
exceptional. Signorello seems more like a small, hidden, romantic, retreat than
a typical winery. The grounds are very pretty with an ivy covered building, an
Italian Terrazzo style patio and an infinity pool, providing a private,
romantic setting that seems ideal for an intimate culinary experience. And, indeed, you can enjoy delicious food and
wine here because Signorello is more than a small, lovely, family owned winery
with friendly service and excellent wines; it also has a full time chef and provides
a gourmet dining experience that was awarded 3.5 stars by the San Francisco
Chronicle. Check out this article about their wine and food offering: "One of <st1:city>Napa</st1:city>'s
Best Dining Experiences Isn't At a Restaurant -- It's at a Winery" <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-orlin/one-of-napas-best-dining-_b_2725506.html">Article</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello winery building</td></tr>
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Inside the attractive, airy, Tuscan styled winery building
is a gourmet kitchen and there are lovely dining areas both upstairs and out on
the patio. While we were there a couple sat outside for lunch and wine in what
seemed like an intimate, romantic setting to rival any in Napa Valley. I could easily imagine this as a place for a
marriage proposal or romantic rendezvous. Neither my friend nor I have tasted
the food here, but it gets rave reviews from others and for the next several
days after visiting, we exchanged phone calls, imagining how nice a wine and
food pairing would be at Signorello. I
have a few favorite places such as sitting on the outdoor patio at Auberge du Soleil
in the summer with my wife, enjoying French food paired with good wine, while
watching the sunset and savoring the scenery.
Signorello seems to be one of those special places where wonderful food
and wine come together in a romantic setting. My friend plans to visit there soon for just
such an experience.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIkAFZDmssRJxA3CXhBTFalgHWvxAiOa9nlXUfjUmHUwTFnY_J1571TuODMnzxCHm1CDtTOCqaOWTYZFr4n3Kjjj4OD4m7vJXtNbykPbR3lAx5ZzFj4LUbTgNb0KuHGLEbjB1OG-eNzM/s1600/Signorello+pool+and+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIkAFZDmssRJxA3CXhBTFalgHWvxAiOa9nlXUfjUmHUwTFnY_J1571TuODMnzxCHm1CDtTOCqaOWTYZFr4n3Kjjj4OD4m7vJXtNbykPbR3lAx5ZzFj4LUbTgNb0KuHGLEbjB1OG-eNzM/s1600/Signorello+pool+and+patio.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello pool and patio</td></tr>
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The 100 acres at Signorello Estate were purchased by Ray Signorello,
Sr. in the mid 1970s. He resided in <st1:city>San
Francisco</st1:city> and originally planned to have a summer home
but decided to plant vineyards and source the grapes to local wineries. In 1985, however, they had a surplus of
grapes and decided to produce some of their own wine. The summer home never did get built, but a
winery building was completed in 1986.
In 1998 Ray Signorello, Sr. passed away and his son, Ray Signorello, Jr.
took over, something that was natural for him to do because he had been
involved with the winery since the mid 1980s and is even co-winemaker. In 1990
they added new plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon (25.5 acres), Cabernet Franc (3
acres), Merlot (1.7 acres) and Syrah (2 acres). These are mostly on the
hillside. The remaining acres are planted with white wines including 5 acres of
Chardonnay, 1 acre of Sauvignon Blanc, 1.5 acres of Semillon and 0.5 acres of
Viognier. The Chardonnay vines were
planted in 1973 on the valley floor and are some of the oldest Chardonnay vines
in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
Signorello Estate now has 42 acres of planted vineyard and is certified by the
Napa Green Certified Land Program. Total production is only about 7,000 cases
per year. Signorello is a very small
production, high quality, boutique, family winery, quite different than the
large, corporate owned, high production wineries.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello ivy covered buliding</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Signorello Estate 2012 Seta</b> at $45.
This is a blend of 64% Semillon and 36% Sauvignon Blanc that was aged in
28% new French oak and remained on the lees for eight months. It did not undergo any malolactic conversion.
700 cases were produced. It is a very
easy to drink white wine that we have always enjoyed. This 2012 had a fantastic aroma of very pronounced
nectarine, along with melon, peach and floral notes. On the palate it was full bodied, very well
balanced and smooth, with good crispness and intense fruit, mostly melon and
pineapple with some toasty oak, vanilla and minerality. The finish was long and delightful. Most Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends are predominately
Sauvignon Blanc with a small percentage of Semillon to soften and round it
out. This one is mainly Semillon but the
combination works well and we always enjoy it, finding it interesting and
different. I like it on its own, but it
pairs really well with many dishes. "Seta" is Italian, by the way,
for silk.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello tasting bar</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYdjuiD-vWTKyBYshLf0nUl8KepZZRB6VarW92LXDP9eN24ZCOoCWB9O1NMMT1lHQBqwg-QNnxDKZMQkaDaJNlQqB0XnzEECOlaTE75oHyDZ3-mCzJk7ryuroHNUyslSb8-fYhDlRlXg/s1600/Signorello+tasting+table+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYdjuiD-vWTKyBYshLf0nUl8KepZZRB6VarW92LXDP9eN24ZCOoCWB9O1NMMT1lHQBqwg-QNnxDKZMQkaDaJNlQqB0XnzEECOlaTE75oHyDZ3-mCzJk7ryuroHNUyslSb8-fYhDlRlXg/s1600/Signorello+tasting+table+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello tasting table</td></tr>
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Next up was the <b>Signorello
Estate 2011 Hope's Cuvee Chardonnay</b> at $70.
30% of this saw 16 months on new French oak, and it underwent 100%
malolactic conversion. Native yeasts and whole cluster pressing were used, with
634 cases being produced. It had great
aroma for a Chard, mostly melon and lemon.
On the palate it was very smooth, round, buttery, and silky, with mostly
citrus, peach and pear along with some vanilla and toasted oak. The finish was medium length and soft with
some additional pineapple and tropical notes.
It is nicely done for this style of Chardonnay and should appeal to many
people who like a Chardonnay that is generously oaked and creamy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjY7MuvFtD-sNOj_fzY-0Xhvrk9IwAQCj6IzVFWYsV4LH99MH0S7kgTxH4HakktT3aFW8XYuFPy1p4B3nO083g7JUXliM0qHDYl6Ty4MDO6WIGUQRsdjOwxqptO7LmuzFwa6H0eyadDQ/s1600/Signorello+pool+and+patio+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjY7MuvFtD-sNOj_fzY-0Xhvrk9IwAQCj6IzVFWYsV4LH99MH0S7kgTxH4HakktT3aFW8XYuFPy1p4B3nO083g7JUXliM0qHDYl6Ty4MDO6WIGUQRsdjOwxqptO7LmuzFwa6H0eyadDQ/s1600/Signorello+pool+and+patio+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello pool and patio area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With our third pour we moved on to the red wines with the <b>Signorello Estate 2009 Merlot</b> at
$70. It is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet
Sauvignon. A mere 90 cases were
produced. This is another one of those
very good Napa Valley Merlots that scoffs at the misinformed presumption that
Merlots are not interesting. This one
began with a very good nose of black cherry, vanilla and toasted oak and was
medium plus bodied. It had good fruit,
mostly red cherry and raspberry with decent structure, good acid and tannins
and a medium length finish. It benefits
from some air. Quite decent and easy to
recommend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S4IkQcfSS7jeGHqTqF6rZQP5aL_rMsnmPJCLxZa7kqwMOF0sblQHsMyDOpebJOV_gZmnRLT2bMahyphenhyphenzMl-YOp-5-8BDMsw8EjKeqIpZlBtPqJtPDrXfhVpbcw2OdQ4WBcq-is5rzjXI0/s1600/Signorello+garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S4IkQcfSS7jeGHqTqF6rZQP5aL_rMsnmPJCLxZa7kqwMOF0sblQHsMyDOpebJOV_gZmnRLT2bMahyphenhyphenzMl-YOp-5-8BDMsw8EjKeqIpZlBtPqJtPDrXfhVpbcw2OdQ4WBcq-is5rzjXI0/s1600/Signorello+garden+2.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLcIi1WwlM5v9eh1phriTXAZoDk6hLgoe-mdwUG-FxnUVgAc80IbuhC7W9SIbiNTqniNobhsIIrcSbUN9-vLR8y9D6K8RG8f9J1F86KAnC-X78E4rFHSFrHJ1G3JdraVurVLH2iy9804/s1600/Signorello+window+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLcIi1WwlM5v9eh1phriTXAZoDk6hLgoe-mdwUG-FxnUVgAc80IbuhC7W9SIbiNTqniNobhsIIrcSbUN9-vLR8y9D6K8RG8f9J1F86KAnC-X78E4rFHSFrHJ1G3JdraVurVLH2iy9804/s1600/Signorello+window+view+1.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello window view</td></tr>
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Signorello is famous for its Cabs, though, and these were
next. The <b><u>Signorello Estate</u> <u>2010 Cabernet Sauvignon</u> </b>at $90 came
first. It is 93% Cabernet and 7%
Cabernet Franc and saw 16 months in 45% new French oak, with 1,025.5 cases being
produced. (They list 2,051 half-cases.)
It was given 93 points by Robert Parker. I enjoyed the lovely ruby to purple
color. It had an earthy nose with cherry, some mushroom and forest floor with
hints of cedar. On the palate it was
black cherry, black currants, vanilla, toasted oak, cedar and baking spices
with good structure. It is a fairly big
Cab and will continue to improve with age.
If I had tasted this blind I would have guessed it was from the Stag's
Leap District, even though I love Oak Knoll Cabs just as well. Highly recommended.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSH6k4EGhxKMSoO2vVmnWBmRjNte_zWiZBe8F_qx0JY83ZxS_tzKRP_NduOQcJqLNfajc2NRsXoEVJJCFwTNPSuh7S-h_25iXYtIhuvMvzZswdX5xcKpq5jkYxz-SN8QiEEspwM9RsMU/s1600/Signorello+patio+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSH6k4EGhxKMSoO2vVmnWBmRjNte_zWiZBe8F_qx0JY83ZxS_tzKRP_NduOQcJqLNfajc2NRsXoEVJJCFwTNPSuh7S-h_25iXYtIhuvMvzZswdX5xcKpq5jkYxz-SN8QiEEspwM9RsMU/s1600/Signorello+patio+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2AiMrvxk_3B1pAzs39ZGMBl-dlyPk04SXj4_eWGtJS5LAMpR0sHwHtDNKNSKtboEWM2s3NrFTLulYrCKX1cbqcYHf1jgJV0bSByT4I8iWa7RZG_k7hh3K6eQ6oqhUuunJdPT0qZ6C0o/s1600/Signorello+patio+with+view+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2AiMrvxk_3B1pAzs39ZGMBl-dlyPk04SXj4_eWGtJS5LAMpR0sHwHtDNKNSKtboEWM2s3NrFTLulYrCKX1cbqcYHf1jgJV0bSByT4I8iWa7RZG_k7hh3K6eQ6oqhUuunJdPT0qZ6C0o/s1600/Signorello+patio+with+view+22.jpg" height="400" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello patio table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our final tasting, and my favorite of the line up, was the <b><u>Signorello Estate 2010</u> <u>Padrone</u></b>
at $155 which is dedicated to the founder, Ray Signorello Sr. The 2010 is 100%
Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 20 months
in 75% new French oak, it sells for $155 and only 658 cases were produced. Grapes come from two blocks on the rocky
hillside where the annual yield is only 1.3 tons per acre. This is a big, full
bodied Cab and I'm not surprised that Robert Parker gave it 95 points. After a good, interesting nose of
blackberries and black currants, it came on with a powerful presentation of
blackberry, black currant, Sumatran like coffee, dark <st1:country-region>Belgium</st1:country-region>
chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak, good tannins and lots of structure with a long
finish that seems to last forever. Although
this is a wine that will easily last another twenty years or more, it was, for
me, very pleasant to drink right now.
Usually wines of this power and complexity are not very drinkable now
and really must be cellared for years until they are approachable. It does need some air of course. Very highly recommended.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YblRWeo627gzrTZhM9EaFCcYeB-DEa5umXBfXGW9y0CX1xojX6gkuo6z4rQyCcQBnZSxwh1dPu8xcf0nxlqqwB4VZwPJjLw864IxGzQqPDeaFvUrjUz7UOdzNYWeCJ-pTSYHcWy9BNk/s1600/Signorello+sign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YblRWeo627gzrTZhM9EaFCcYeB-DEa5umXBfXGW9y0CX1xojX6gkuo6z4rQyCcQBnZSxwh1dPu8xcf0nxlqqwB4VZwPJjLw864IxGzQqPDeaFvUrjUz7UOdzNYWeCJ-pTSYHcWy9BNk/s1600/Signorello+sign+2.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello sign</td></tr>
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Signorello Estate is a charming winery you will certainly
want to visit if you like romantic settings, great wines and excellent service,
but do consider one of their gourmet <a href="http://signorelloestate.com/visit-us/food-wine-pairings-2/">food and wine pairings</a><u> </u>or one of their <a href="http://signorelloestate.com/visit-us/special-events/">special events</a>. Personal cooking classes are also offered.</div>
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<a href="http://signorelloestate.com/">Signorello Estate Winery</a><br />
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4500 Silverado Trail<br />
<st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, CA 94558<br />
Phone: 707-255-5990 or 800-982-4229<br />
Date of visit: February 4, 2014</div>
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We have always had excellent service at Signorello
Estate--friendly, unpretentious and helpful. Our thanks this time to our host,
Joseph. 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.
The tasting fee at the time of our visit was $35 and includes a taste of their
$155 Padrone. They are in the Napa
Neighbor Program. Information about visiting hours and reservations: <a href="http://signorelloestate.com/visit-us/contact-us/">Visiting</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZTUOmwmQOvgIcYf1L9PDDLciRDuYanGGj3AtqiYg1SrzD6N1ZteVuXvnQjVGNZa8GjRQp2QX7HkFiMHDdVFtsSkXF7U6SoSb8a3S_PTsrJ-3vI9644S7DTZtccsEwsoGfaC7MdXnXIM/s1600/Signorello+grounds+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZTUOmwmQOvgIcYf1L9PDDLciRDuYanGGj3AtqiYg1SrzD6N1ZteVuXvnQjVGNZa8GjRQp2QX7HkFiMHDdVFtsSkXF7U6SoSb8a3S_PTsrJ-3vI9644S7DTZtccsEwsoGfaC7MdXnXIM/s1600/Signorello+grounds+2.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi9TC6Za27kouFddmvchXesDcYvd4THV-ZdrYblTa3KW0a8dNEteetv-Y7GkHpaBmdp6tV-qlSp2q50QXh2zzNEcFoq8hL5Ll1MlmwX2V-xeKyBtQyVzdDpp1HXPCPAowo_by2-Hcic4/s1600/Signorello+kitchen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi9TC6Za27kouFddmvchXesDcYvd4THV-ZdrYblTa3KW0a8dNEteetv-Y7GkHpaBmdp6tV-qlSp2q50QXh2zzNEcFoq8hL5Ll1MlmwX2V-xeKyBtQyVzdDpp1HXPCPAowo_by2-Hcic4/s1600/Signorello+kitchen+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSacPV939zwJqe-1EdBSaoOgQwWFWoTW2p1Ydo1lOpOMrTgfa2NWITYb3wViq-zfEGvfl-scS8qn_3wn_FCYDc8n94JV8MigdijTuiUKCyarlD8-tRhS84zbHWYG-5Df9w4QZKB0z44U/s1600/Signorello+Bacchus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSacPV939zwJqe-1EdBSaoOgQwWFWoTW2p1Ydo1lOpOMrTgfa2NWITYb3wViq-zfEGvfl-scS8qn_3wn_FCYDc8n94JV8MigdijTuiUKCyarlD8-tRhS84zbHWYG-5Df9w4QZKB0z44U/s1600/Signorello+Bacchus+2.jpg" height="372" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello Bacchus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2feKZrTvlrrR15Ip3Hy0HrRpU6h4NLMRY5k3iyBlphjIzPcGZFzZno1g07lX7xPwD0tKc2wulwrZE01QFqUW3OTOXKXOXi338TvR8jpuUmXaI2ZF6ZtNdu8-o9CYDGsOXbsh4oZcNEm0/s1600/Signorello+fountain+and+patio+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2feKZrTvlrrR15Ip3Hy0HrRpU6h4NLMRY5k3iyBlphjIzPcGZFzZno1g07lX7xPwD0tKc2wulwrZE01QFqUW3OTOXKXOXi338TvR8jpuUmXaI2ZF6ZtNdu8-o9CYDGsOXbsh4oZcNEm0/s1600/Signorello+fountain+and+patio+2.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9z1HCs2WSV2Npw5tkLg3xS4KJDup1crWIRJM0VHwbkVzpfN0bOKbfiVZXvHBOW3DDvSomthQDNPv3shRrtSEap_rBLx03XNTNu5qG8A9iqcHQrV8JS0zx7oP0lvENpiOPGa2iLipSws/s1600/Signorello+driveway+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9z1HCs2WSV2Npw5tkLg3xS4KJDup1crWIRJM0VHwbkVzpfN0bOKbfiVZXvHBOW3DDvSomthQDNPv3shRrtSEap_rBLx03XNTNu5qG8A9iqcHQrV8JS0zx7oP0lvENpiOPGa2iLipSws/s1600/Signorello+driveway+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello driveway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello grounds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello sitting bench</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signorello tasting room<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9_HJaSCEDX9EwPJ2S0KJBbL-OwrbCLIhisdBzCZMNEnFgn6rHVLjHa5k6uhQp7VlzeOuNeCZJ0QYdSaS5k11MqUltcOVCtmDZne2d7Px4qmDTpYfwkhSoqdQIALQ8aS2xEIl4k1BNPw/s1600/Signorello+statue+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9_HJaSCEDX9EwPJ2S0KJBbL-OwrbCLIhisdBzCZMNEnFgn6rHVLjHa5k6uhQp7VlzeOuNeCZJ0QYdSaS5k11MqUltcOVCtmDZne2d7Px4qmDTpYfwkhSoqdQIALQ8aS2xEIl4k1BNPw/s1600/Signorello+statue+3.jpg" height="400" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Signorello Estate Winery38.370173 -122.2948079999999912.848138500000001 -163.603402 63.8922075 -80.98621399999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-66024838213183333052014-01-16T14:03:00.000-08:002014-01-25T09:33:22.525-08:00Acacia Vineyard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you love Chardonnays or Pinot Noirs you will surely want
to visit Acacia Vineyard. Acacia Vineyard is in
the heart of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>'s
Carneros district only a few miles from <st1:place><st1:placename>San Pablo</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Although not that far from the Napa Sonoma highway
(121) or <st1:city>Napa</st1:city> 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 <st1:city>North
Bay</st1:city> and even some of the <st1:city>San Francisco</st1:city>
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.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard winery</td></tr>
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Acacia Vineyard has been producing wines
since 1979, and they were among the first wineries in <st1:state>California</st1:state>
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 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> or <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. 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.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard tasting bar</td></tr>
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Los Carneros or "Carneros" is an <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>
(American Viticultural Area) that received its <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>
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 <st1:place><st1:placename>San Pablo</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and spans both <st1:city>Napa</st1:city> and <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Counties</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Up until the 1970s, Carneros was noted more
for its sheep than wine. The climate is quite distinct from the rest of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> 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 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
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.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard bocce ball court</td></tr>
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Acacia Vineyard was originally founded by Mike Richmond and the
winemaker Larry Brooks in 1979, before Carneros was even an <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>.
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 <st1:state>Burgundy</st1:state>
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard entry sign</td></tr>
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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 <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker>.
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 <st1:state>Burgundy</st1:state>. Acacia helped put Pinot Noir on the map as a <st1:state>California</st1:state>
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Acacia Vineyard French oak barrels</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with two Chardonnays, both from <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place> grapes. The first pour was the <b>Acacia Vineyard 2011 Russian River Chardonnay</b> 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 <b>Acacia Vineyard 2011 Sangiacomo
Chardonnay</b> 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.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard grounds</td></tr>
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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 <b>Acacia Vineyard 2010 L'histoire</b> <b>Profonde Pinot Noir</b> 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 <b>Acacia Vineyard</b> <b>2011
Sangiacomo Pinot Noir</b> 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 <b>Acacia Vineyard 2009 Redding Ranch Pinot
Noir</b>. Production was 342 cases. This is from grapes sourced from <st1:place><st1:placename>Marin</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>. 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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvW4n9NRkyR0FVyT59omQVBNNQLh4WwGBjcoITBfgKyT9ztR3cX1S_ECNTDNHWNcV8zzE_BNVnTJn1eIhqKR-iFF4mdzon38MPOZv09mDqy3o931ghnIkzbT0ndgzZZOoVhFDrIruAOU/s1600/Acacia+outdoor+lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvW4n9NRkyR0FVyT59omQVBNNQLh4WwGBjcoITBfgKyT9ztR3cX1S_ECNTDNHWNcV8zzE_BNVnTJn1eIhqKR-iFF4mdzon38MPOZv09mDqy3o931ghnIkzbT0ndgzZZOoVhFDrIruAOU/s1600/Acacia+outdoor+lounge.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia outdoor covered lounge</td></tr>
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<br />
If you like Pinots with lusher fruit, rather than the leaner,
more restrained, terroir oriented style, you would probably prefer the <b><u>Acacia Vineyard 2010 Lone Tree</u></b><u>
<b>Barrel Select Pinot Noir</b></u> (200
cases released, $69) or the <b>Acacia
Vineyard 2011 Winery</b> <b>Lake Estate
Pinot Noir</b> 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 <st1:place><st1:placename>Winery</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place> was also nice with some red as
well as black fruit, some toasted oak and a medium length finish. I think the <st1:place><st1:placename>Winery</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place>, 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.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aHOQCX2keTyfqOjlaf_guLhNhbS1S9cO9S23nva6_TJnafcD0HQKzws2TYoRsffHXdquvsLfIsDrodYHRlOQPTafgST5fLLIpk8kX4xXKHGjMMH6a4xVm1pJqzHU4I9yDxoAbuVacLg/s1600/Acacia+picnic+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aHOQCX2keTyfqOjlaf_guLhNhbS1S9cO9S23nva6_TJnafcD0HQKzws2TYoRsffHXdquvsLfIsDrodYHRlOQPTafgST5fLLIpk8kX4xXKHGjMMH6a4xVm1pJqzHU4I9yDxoAbuVacLg/s1600/Acacia+picnic+area.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard enclosed picnic area</td></tr>
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Many visitors seem to think of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> wineries as being located from <st1:place>North
Napa</st1:place> 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.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.acaciavineyard.com/">Acacia Vineyard</a><br />
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<st1:address><st1:street>2750 Las Amigas Rd</st1:street><br />
<st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>94559</st1:postalcode></st1:address>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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(707)226-9991 or (877)226-1700, extension 2<o:p></o:p></div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="16" month="1" year="2014">January
16, 2014</st1:date></div>
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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.
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"Hours: Standard Hours of Operations (please call
regarding holiday schedules) Mondays through Saturdays <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</st1:time> Sunday Hours <st1:time hour="12" minute="0">12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.</st1:time>"<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgDhYoMOLd429ZiFovXOVJnNZGGUNl1KsunHLSk2max5I8OLs_oGYVMtTAqYcGNan49cySypNiVweWbu0avDSs9-Wl5m7kpkWLPd97qMhX7W_HuAa6Bg9He4eZCs7hU5b29_HQcxLuVY/s1600/Acacia+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgDhYoMOLd429ZiFovXOVJnNZGGUNl1KsunHLSk2max5I8OLs_oGYVMtTAqYcGNan49cySypNiVweWbu0avDSs9-Wl5m7kpkWLPd97qMhX7W_HuAa6Bg9He4eZCs7hU5b29_HQcxLuVY/s1600/Acacia+entrance.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acacia Vineyard entrance<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVUjjy6PNxFE-u0Xw_qNhUEXXRJLyAjG5jjIFgu6S4JiKWb-JPmlJtY8zXtd483Ua4M1rqfWhrrfjgEYsULu9iPxmhc8KZgaWVCAshH5awc1sLQbmCeET5kN6XH2I1IOovbv9pHenVCE/s1600/Acacia+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVUjjy6PNxFE-u0Xw_qNhUEXXRJLyAjG5jjIFgu6S4JiKWb-JPmlJtY8zXtd483Ua4M1rqfWhrrfjgEYsULu9iPxmhc8KZgaWVCAshH5awc1sLQbmCeET5kN6XH2I1IOovbv9pHenVCE/s1600/Acacia+view.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Acacia Vineyard view during drought</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMlxaDE0XljcPPoqw5lsNZwiBvfe87QrPPACie_qT0DOAV8b3LlbjOp0RPkI2lImpSEF4z2-TCplhDhDjEoyVVk8xA5zRTpACncBX1uS6b4wGdYqkHHUF6BGNtkeS_OJQG2infxp76lQ/s1600/Acacia+building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMlxaDE0XljcPPoqw5lsNZwiBvfe87QrPPACie_qT0DOAV8b3LlbjOp0RPkI2lImpSEF4z2-TCplhDhDjEoyVVk8xA5zRTpACncBX1uS6b4wGdYqkHHUF6BGNtkeS_OJQG2infxp76lQ/s1600/Acacia+building.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Acacia Vineyard winery building<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRlDQIeZBQvxQWW6i4u7xDTIPTYKCoT75y3QOYMvovp6vkaXKdZo4mPrjQiCMwXETPyFwfsYVq2hVOis0nyXP33BGBWWz7ib2S3keidQwOpiZm7KO7-LlTFv8bCfvclTZsO_wqU7u3nA/s1600/Acacia+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRlDQIeZBQvxQWW6i4u7xDTIPTYKCoT75y3QOYMvovp6vkaXKdZo4mPrjQiCMwXETPyFwfsYVq2hVOis0nyXP33BGBWWz7ib2S3keidQwOpiZm7KO7-LlTFv8bCfvclTZsO_wqU7u3nA/s1600/Acacia+poster.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Acacia Vineyard poster</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5Ozc97lh5-UyDy6iEZwclZmdiuEs1DCBsszodNgzk4jNwECaD7VK5S6QxZkrmWzggxuJuYyQSFD6Cj8ik2UNwk9o9ND0yFIB7qNI2mBpzrN5n9KLFNMP0pQuNxouqlgb3prAwfws88o/s1600/Acacia+tasting+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5Ozc97lh5-UyDy6iEZwclZmdiuEs1DCBsszodNgzk4jNwECaD7VK5S6QxZkrmWzggxuJuYyQSFD6Cj8ik2UNwk9o9ND0yFIB7qNI2mBpzrN5n9KLFNMP0pQuNxouqlgb3prAwfws88o/s1600/Acacia+tasting+menu.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Acacia Vineyard tasting menu</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Acacia Vineyard38.2306038 -122.3487628000000312.708569299999997 -163.65735680000003 63.7526383 -81.040168800000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-73405479346661808302014-01-05T14:31:00.000-08:002014-07-02T08:28:29.970-07:00Budget Wine Favorites in 2013It 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: <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2014/01/favorite-wines-from-napa-valley-wineries.html">Favorite Wines from Napa Valley Wineries</a><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Brancott Estate 2011 Sauvignon
Blanc</u>, </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marlborough</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Zealand</b>.
$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moderately recommended</span></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at
this price</span></b>. You might want to see my previous New Zealand
Sauvignon Blanc post at: <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/04/budget-wine-report-8-new-zealand.html">New
Zealand Sauvignon Blancs</a><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BV 2010 Coastal Chardonnay-</b>$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Very mild,
rather tepid, recommendation at this price if you really can't afford $7.99 for
the Clos du Bois.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Castle Rock 2010 Mendocino Pinot Noir</b>-$7.99
Trader Joe's<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">- </b>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.) <b>You take your chances on the 2010 Mendocino.</b>
<b>Addendum </b><b>5/13/13</b><b>:
</b>I'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.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Castle Rock 2009 </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Monterey</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Pinot Noir</u></b>-$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? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Highly
recommended at </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this price for a</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PN.</span></b>
<b>Addendum 6/21/13: </b>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.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chalone 2010 Chardonnay</b>-$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mild
recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cline 2011 </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cashmere</b> (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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mild recommendation at this price</b> if you are looking for a Rhone
style California wine.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Clos du Bois 2010 Northern
California Chardonnay</u>-</b>$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Highly recommended at this price</b>.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">County Fair 2010 Flying Pinot Noir</b>-$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. <b>Mild recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Delas Saint-Esprit 2011 Cotes-du </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rhone</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Rouge</b>-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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This 2011 is only mildly recommended at this price level</b>.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Delas St. Esprit 2010 Cote du
Rhone Rouge</u></b>-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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moderately
to highly recommended</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">at this price.</b></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>DeLoach 2011 </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>California</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Pinot Noir</u></b>-$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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">moderate
recommendation at the price if you like this style Pinot</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dry Creek Fume Blanc 2011</b>-$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mildly
recommended at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Epicuro</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2009 Salice Salentino</b>-$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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Epicuro Anglianico</u> </i></b>and the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
Epicuro Primitivo</i></b> 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. <b>Very mild recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Giesen 2011 Sauvignon Blanc </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Zealand</b>-$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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mildly recommended at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gnarly Head 2010 Malbec</b>-$8.99 at
Safeway-Tastes rather like a Malbec. Okay for the price. Not many
budget Malbecs out there. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mildly
recommended at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine
Zinfandel </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Lodi</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-</b>$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. <b>The 2010 is moderately recommended at this
price but not the 2011. Addendum </b><b>1/24/13</b><b>:</b> 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 <b>Gnarly Head 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel</b> 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.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hess 2010 Select Chardonnay</b>-$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mildly recommended for the price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>La Ferme Julien Rouge 2012 </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Rhone</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Red</u>- </b>French.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Highly
recommended for a $5 wine.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">La Merika 2011 Pinot Noir</b>. $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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mild
recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Les Portes de Bordeaux 2012 Sauvignon
Blanc</b>-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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mildly recommended for a Sauvignon Blanc at
less than $5.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Mezzacorona 2010 Pinot Grigio</u></b>-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. <u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Very highly recommended for the price.</b></u><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Panilonco 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chile</b>-$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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">very</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mildly recommended</b> if you are looking
for a Cab at under $5.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Piper </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Sonoma</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>, </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Sonoma Valley</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>NV</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Brut</u></b><u>-</u>$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Very highly recommended for the price!</u> </b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Portico da Ria 2011 Albarino</u></b>-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.) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Very highly recommended Albarino for the price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reserve des Cleones 2012 Muscadet
Severe et </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Maine</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Sure Lie</b>-$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 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mild
recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Saint-Bris Vin de Bourgogne 2012
Sauvignon Blanc</u>-</b>French.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moderately
recommended.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seaglass 2011 Sauvignon Blanc</b>-$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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mild
recommendation at this price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Tarmina 2012 Monastrell-</u></b>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. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moderate plus
recommendation at the price.</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Trader Joe's Grand Reserve 2010
Carneros Pinot Noir</u></b>-$12.99 Trader Joe's-Aroma of red, ripe
cherries. Medium bodied with lush mouthfeel of red cherry and some baking
spices. <i>Extremely well balanced!</i> 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!! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Very
highly recommended!!!</u></span></b> <b>Addendum </b><b>6/21/13</b><b>: </b>Long gone. Don't confuse it with
others that sound similar.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Trader Joe's Grand Reserve 2010 </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Russian</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>River</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Pinot Noir</u></b>-$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. <b>Mildly recommended at this price</b>.
<b>Addendum </b><b>6/21/13</b><b>:
</b>Long gone. Don't confuse it with something that sounds similar.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Trader Joe's Reserve 2011 </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Napa</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> </u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Valley</u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Pinot Noir</u></b>- (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.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Highly
recommended at this price.</span></b> <b>Addendum </b><b>6/21/13</b><b>: </b>Long gone. Don't confuse it with
something that sounds similar.<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">Other Budget Wine Reviews may be viewed here:</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/some-budget-wines.html">Budget
Wine Review 1</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/alsatian-gewurtztraminers.html">Budget
Wine Review 2 Alsatian Gewurtztraminers</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/budget-wine-report.html">Budget
Wine Review 3</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/budget-wine-report-3.html">Budget
Wine Review 4</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/budget-pinot-noirs.html">Budget
Wine Review 5 Pinot Noirs</a></span></b><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/budget-wine-report-4.html">Budget
Wine Review 6</a></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/04/budget-wine-review-7-pinot-noirs.html">Budget
Wine Review 7 Pinot Noirs</a></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/04/budget-wine-report-8-new-zealand.html">Budget
Wine Review 8 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs</a></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2013/01/budget-wine-report-8.html">Budget
Wine Review 9</a></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2013/08/budget-wine-review-10.html">Budge Wine Review 10</a> </span></b><br />
<a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2013/02/bachtobacchus-favorite-budget-wines.html">Budget Wine Favorites in 2012</a><br />
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328543094385197517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-90614744144698910312014-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:002016-12-22T19:08:19.653-08:00Google Field Trip and Bach to Bacchus PartnershipGoogle 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is one device that even narrates the review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A phone number is listed so the user may contact the winery for an
appointment or additional information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Field Trip application is available here:
<a href="http://www.fieldtripper.com/">Google Field Trip Application</a><br />
<br />
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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Field Trip asked to use most of the winery reviews
written in the past two years and, of course, all new winery reviews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place><st1:placename></st1:placename><st1:placetype></st1:placetype></st1:place>Field Trip scans Bach to
Bacchus daily for any new winery reviews and for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>corrections or changes to older reviews. So
far Bach to Bacchus has the only contract with Google Field Trip to write <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> winery reviews.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Over a million people have downloaded Google Field Trip, but there are no statistics available on how often the application is used
specifically for <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wineries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because there is no charge to the
user or the winery, Google Field Trip appears to be a win-win for everybody. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">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.</span><br />
<br />
On the left hand side of the Bach to Bacchus blog are listed most of the
wineries reviewed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those in ALL capital letters are also
featured in Google Field Trip. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others
are only on the Bach to Bacchus blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are the owner or publicist for a <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> winery and would like us to
visit to write an article, please send an email to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 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. </span>My friend (designated
driver and wine collector) and I are
both retired, long time <st1:city><st1:place>Napa</st1:place></st1:city> residents
who have each been visiting <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wineries since the early 1970's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Here are a few
comments from the Internet about Google Field Trip:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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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,
<st1:date day="4" month="10" year="2012">October 4, 2012</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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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, <st1:date day="8" month="3" year="2013">March 8, 2013</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-10723583878990622832014-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:002014-12-04T11:49:57.597-08:00Favorite Wines from Napa Valley Wineries<div style="margin: 0in;">
The wines
listed below are some of our favorite wines from 150 or so <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> wineries we visited over the past few years ending with
2013. <st1:date day="3" month="1" year="2015"></st1:date>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 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, I have tried to make a note of that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not
surprisingly, we were especially impressed with the very high quality of
Cabernet Sauvignons in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. 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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
welcome questions from potential visitors to <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. 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.<br />
<br />
Please note that all prices were effective at the time of our visit to the winery and might have changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><u>Cabernet
Franc:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ballentine
2008 Cabernet Franc $29. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chappellet
2009 Cabernet Franc $65<o:p></o:p></div>
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Girard
Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc $40<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city>Oakville</st1:city> Ranch
2009 Robert's Blend at $98 Cabernet Franc. <b>My
favorite!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peju 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc, $115<o:p></o:p></div>
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Robert
Keenan 2008 Cabernet Franc $60<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stepping Stone 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Franc, $35 at Cornerstone
Cellars<o:p></o:p></div>
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Titus
Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc $36<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><u>Cabernet
Sauvignon and Cab Blends:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Alpha
Omega Winery 2007 Proprietary Red,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend, $86<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alpha
Omega Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $85<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alpha Omega 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $92. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alpha Omega 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Proprietary Red Wine, $92.
49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Artesa 2010 Morisoli-Borges
Cabernet Sauvignon (<st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>), $85. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Barnett
2009 Rattlesnake Hill Cabernet Sauvignon $140<o:p></o:p></div>
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B Cellars
2008 Synergy Cabernet Sauvignon $55<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bennett
Lane Winery 2006 Maximus $35,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beringer
2007 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $89<o:p></o:p></div>
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Burgess
Cellars 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon $68<o:p></o:p></div>
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Burgess
Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $80<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cain 2002
Cain Concept $70<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cain 2007
Cain Five $100<o:p></o:p></div>
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Caymus 2010 Special
Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, $130. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Caymus 2011 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Cabernet Sauvignon, $72. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ceja 2007 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Cabernet Sauvignon $50<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chappellet
2009 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$135<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chappellet
2009 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $49<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chateau
Montelena 2007 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $135<o:p></o:p></div>
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Corison 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, $115. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corison 2004
Cabernet Sauvignon, $90. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corison 2006 Kronos
Cabernet Sauvignon, $119<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corison 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $75. </div>
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Cornerstone Cellars
2009 <st1:place><st1:placename>Howell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $80<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cornerstone Cellars
2009 The Cornerstone, $125<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cosentino
2006 Winemaster, Cabernet Sauvignon, $60<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cuvaison 2010 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $55</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Del Dotto 2011 Oakville Jupille Sylvain Cabernet
Sauvignon, $125</span></div>
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Elizabeth
Spencer 2007 The Guardian $60<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elyse
2007 Morisoli Vineyard, $70<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $48. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Erna
Schein (Behrens) 2006 Fat Boy $75,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend<o:p></o:p></div>
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Far Niente 2005 <st1:place><st1:placename>Oakville</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Cave</st1:placetype></st1:place> Collection Cabernet Sauvignon,
$175</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foley Johnson 2010
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank Family 2009 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $85. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frog's Leap 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $42. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Girard
Winery 2009 Artistry,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend, $40<o:p></o:p></div>
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Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $60.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Groth
2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $125. Wonderful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hall 2010 Jack's Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, $125</div>
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Heitz 2006<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place>Martha's
Vineyard</st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon $150<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heitz 2002 Trailside
Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $85. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Heitz 2002 <st1:place>Martha's Vineyard</st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $200.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hendry
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $55<br />
<o:p>Hess Collection 2010 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, $55</o:p></div>
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Hill
Family Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $55. Great value<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hill
Family Estate 2007 Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon $150<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hill
Family Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $48<o:p></o:p></div>
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Honig
2009<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Campbell</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $75<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ideology
2007 Reserve Block Cabernet Sauvignon $68<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inglenook
2006 Captain’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $48<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inglenook
Estate 2007 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon $65<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inglenook
Estate 2008 CASK Cabernet Sauvignon $65<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jacquelynn
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon $175 (Chateau Boswell)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joseph
Phelps Vineyard 2006 Insignia $200. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Joseph
Phelps Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $54<o:p></o:p></div>
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Juslyn
2007<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet Sauvignon $110<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kelly
Fleming 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $120.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kelly
Fleming 2007<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet Sauvignon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$120.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kelly
Fleming 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon $90<o:p></o:p></div>
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Louis
Martini 2007 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon $85<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Marston
Family Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $120.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Marston
Family Vineyard 2008<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet
Sauvignon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$100<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merryvale 2009 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $65. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merryvale 2009 <st1:place><st1:placename>Profile</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Proprietary Red Blend, $165. 87% Cabernet <o:p></o:p></div>
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Neal Family
Vineyards 2004 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $65<o:p></o:p></div>
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Neal Family
Vineyards 2005 Second Chance Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $75<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neal Family Vineyards
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $60<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neal Family Vineyards 2008 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet, $48. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city>Oakville</st1:city> Ranch 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon at $82<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peju 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $150</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pine Ridge 2009
Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, $85<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quintessa
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $155<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quintessa
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $155<o:p></o:p></div>
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Raymond 2009
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $35<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raymond 2008 <st1:city>Oakville</st1:city> Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raymond 2009 Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raymond 2009 Generations (100% Cabernet Sauvignon), $115.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regusci
Winery 2008 Angelo’s Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon $125<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regusci
Winery 2008 Patriarch Proprietary Blend,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend, $80<o:p></o:p></div>
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Robert
Keenan 2008<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet Sauvignon $49<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert Mondavi Reserve 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $135<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rombauer 2007 <st1:place><st1:placename>Atlas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> Cabernet Sauvignon, $70</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Round Pond 2010 Rutherford
Cabernet Sauvignon, $60. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Hill 2007 TFV Cardinal’s Peak $48<o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Hill 2007 TFV<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$62<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salvestrin 2008 Estate "3D" Cabernet Sauvignon,
$125.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sawyer
Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $49<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Schweiger
Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $58<o:p></o:p></div>
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Schweiger
Vineyards 2007 Dedication $85<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smith-Madrone
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $45.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smith-Madrone
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $45<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smith-Madrone
2007 Cook's Flat Reserve $200. Fantastic<o:p></o:p></div>
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Somerston
Wine Co. 2007 Somerston Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $120<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spring
Mountain Vineyard 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $75.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> Vineyard 2005 Elivette, $160.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Vineyard 2009 Elivette, $125<o:p></o:p></div>
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St.
Supery Estate 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon $80<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Stag’s
Leap Wine Cellars 2007 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon $125<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Stag’s
Leap Wine Cellars 2008 FAY Cabernet Sauvignon $95<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stag’s Leap
Wine Cellars CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon $195.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summers
Estate, 2007<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placename>Diamond</st1:placename><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet Sauvignon $70<o:p></o:p></div>
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Terra
Valentine 2007 Marriage,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend, $75<o:p></o:p></div>
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Trefethen
2006 Halo (92% Cabernet Sauvignon) $175<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Trefethen
2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $100<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Volker Eisele
Family Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $45. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Volker Eisele Family Estate 2008 Terzetto a <st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city>
style red blend made from equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
and Merlot, $75. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2003 Cave Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $85.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2004 Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon $45.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2005 Laureate Cave Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $100 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2005 Laureate<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Cabernet
Sauvignon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$45. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2006 Claret,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>blend, $36.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Charbono:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hess 2011 <st1:place><st1:placename>Artezan</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Charbono, $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Summers
Estate Wines 2008 Charbono $28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Chardonnay:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ceja 2009 Chardonnay at $34<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Chateau
Boswell Russian River 2009 Chardonnay "The Voyage" $75<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Cuvaison
2010 Carneros Chardonnay<span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>$23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cuvaison 2011 Estate Chardonnay, $25.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Del Dotto 2011 <st1:place><st1:placename>Sonoma</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place> Chardonnay, $85.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Far Niente 2011 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Estate Bottled Chardonnay, $63<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grgich Hills Estate 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Chardonnay, $42.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hill Family 2012
Reserve Chardonnay, $65<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Keenan 2010 Chardonnay $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Smith-Madrone
2008 Chardonnay $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Smith-Madrone
2009 Chardonnay $30.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My
favorite!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Stony
Hill 2010 Chardonnay $42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
White
Rock Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
ZD 2009 <st1:state>California</st1:state> Chardonnay $34<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Chenin
Blanc:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Chappellet
2010 Signature Chenin Blanc $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Gewürztraminer:</u></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corison 2009 Gewürztraminer, $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Stony
Hill 2010 Gewürztraminer $24.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My
favorite.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Grenache:</u></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Burgess
Cellars 2009 Grenache $24<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Late Harvest white wine:</u></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dolce 2007 Napa Valley Late Harvest Semillon-Sauvignon
Blanc $85 half bottle at Far Niente<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Van Der
Heyden 2002 Late Harvest Semillon $125 half bottle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Malbec:<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darioush 2010
Captaz Malbec, $48<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Merlot:</u></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Barnett
2009<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Merlot $55<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Burgess
Cellars 2008 Merlot $28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Darioush
Winery 2007 Merlot $46<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Duckhorn
Vineyard 2007 Merlot $52<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Paloma
2008 Merlot $54. Outstanding! A great Merlot.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My favorite.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peju 2008 Merlot, $35.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Pride
Mountain 2008 Merlot $58<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Keenan 2008 Merlot $36<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Rutherford Hill
2007 Reserve Merlot, $59<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Petite
Sirah:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Ballentine
2009 Fig Tree Vineyard Petite Sirah $28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Behrens
Family Kick Ranch Petite Sirah $50<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Burgess
Cellars 2009 Petite Sirah $28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chase Cellars 2009 Petite Sirah, $50</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
David Fulton Winery
2009 <st1:place><st1:placename>Old</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Vines</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Estate Petite Sirah, $45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga
Estate Petite Sirah, $45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Esoterica
(Kent Rasmussen) 2007 Petite Sirah $40.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My
favorite.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
(The 2008
Esoterica is not nearly as good. The 2009 is not quite as good.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Gustavo
Thrace 2006 Petite Sirah $40.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raymond 2009 Small <st1:place>Lot</st1:place> Petite Sirah $40<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vincent Arroyo 2011
Petite Sirah, $32<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Pinot
Noir:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Artesa Limited Release
2011 Carneros Pinot Noir, $50<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
August Briggs 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>River</st1:placetype></st1:place> Pinot Noir, $38. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Barnett
2010<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:state>Savoy</st1:state><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Vineyard Pinot Noir,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placename>Anderson</st1:placename><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, $55<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Belle Glos 2012 Dairyman Pinot Noir, $44 at Caymus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Clos
Pegase Winery 2008 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros, $35.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cuvaison 2011 Estate Pinot Noir, $38.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Del Dotto 2012 <st1:place>Allier</st1:place> Vosge Pinot Noir, $75<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Etude
2008 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir $42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Etude
2009 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir $42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merryvale 2011 <st1:city>Stanley</st1:city>
Ranch Pinot Noir, $65.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reata 2011 Napa/Sonoma Pinot Noir, $30. At Jamieson
Ranch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Port
type:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Beringer
1987<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place><st1:placetype>Port</st1:placetype><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:placename>Cabernet</st1:placename></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Sauvignon $60<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<st1:place><st1:city>Heitz Ink Grade Port</st1:city><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:state>NV</st1:state></st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$30 half bottle, now $36, very reasonably priced<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Red
blends:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
B Cellars
2008 Blend 24 Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangioves/Petite Sirah/Syrah, Super Tuscan $55<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Benessere
Vineyard 2006 Phenomenon $50, Super Tuscan<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Envy Wines 2010 Calistoga Estate Bee Bee's Blend, 75%
Merlot, 15% Cabernet </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sauvignon and 10% Petite Sirah red blend, $41</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hill Family 2010
The Messenger, $48. mostly a Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert Sinskey 2007
Los Carneros Marcien Proprietary Red, $90<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Round Pond 2011
Proprietary Red Wine, $80. equal parts Cab, Malbec and Petit Verdot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salvestrin 2008
Retaggio, Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, $45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Riesling:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Smith-Madrone
2010 Riesling $36. Incredible!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My
favorite!!!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stepping Stone 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Riesling, $20 at Cornerstone
Cellars<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Stony
Hill 2010 “White Riesling” $27<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Trefethen
2011 Dry Riesling $22, better than 2009 or 2010, exceptional<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Rose
and blush wines:<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cuvaison 2012 Vin
Gris of Pinot Noir (Rose), $19. <b>My favorite.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Roussanne:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Truchard
2010 Roussanne $22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Sangiovese:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Benessere
Vineyard 2008 Sangiovese $28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Sauvignon
Blanc:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alpha Omega 2012 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Sauvignon Blanc, $38.<br />
Artesa Napa Valley
2012 Sauvignon Blanc, $26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darioush 2012
Signature Sauvignon Blanc, $45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grgich Hills Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Essence, $48<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Hill
Family Estate 2010 Tiara Sauvignon Blanc $35<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Jacquelynn
2010 Cuvee Blanc $45<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Joseph
Phelps 2009 ‘<st1:place>St. Helena</st1:place>’ Sauvignon Blanc $30<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Kelly
Fleming Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $30. Great!<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My favorite</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Marston
Family Vineyard 2010<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><st1:place>Albion</st1:place><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>$50. Really nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neal Family Vineyards 2012 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Sauvignon Blanc, $18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Peirson
Meyer 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $28.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Mondavi 2010 Stag’s Leap District Sauvignon Blanc $32<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Mondavi 2009 Fume Blanc $20 (sale $13 Safeway) Great value<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Robert Mondavi 2011 Oakville 2011 Fume Blanc, $32. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Solovino
2009 Sauvignon Blanc $19, good value<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Syrah:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Cakebread
2009 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Syrah $55<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Cuvaison
Estate Wines 2009 Diablo Syrah $35<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Darioush
Winery 2008 “<st1:city>Shiraz</st1:city>” $68<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Keenan 2008 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Syrah $38<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>Viognier:<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darioush 2012
Signature Viognier, $41<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reata 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Viognier, $35. At Jamieson Ranch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place><st1:placename>Storybook</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> Vineyards 2011 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Viognier, $35.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<b><i><u>Zinfandel:</u></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
August Briggs 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Page</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Nord</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Syrah, $32<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Ballentine
2009 Old Vine Zinfandel $25<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caymus 2010 Zinfandel, $38.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chase Cellars 2009 Hayne Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel, $75<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Elyse
2008 Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard (Rutherford) $37<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frank Family 2010 <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> Zinfandel, $36.75. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Hendry
2007 Block 28 Zinfandel $35<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<st1:place>Highlands</st1:place> Winery 2006 <st1:place><st1:placename>Howell</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> Zinfandel $29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jana Winery 2006 <st1:place><st1:placename>Old</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Vines</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Zinfandel, $35 at David Fulton Winery</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neal Family 2011
Rutherford Dust Vineyards Zinfandel, $24.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Robert
Biale 2009 Monte Rosso Zinfandel $50.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>My
favorite.</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Storybook Mountain
Vineyards 2009 Napa Estate, Antaeus (Zinfandel blend), $40.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-83412323134869670782013-12-18T17:43:00.000-08:002014-01-19T09:11:04.724-08:00Spring Mountain Vineyard Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<st1:place style="text-align: left;"><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="text-align: left;">
Vineyard is one of our very favorite wineries of the several hundred </span><st1:place style="text-align: left;"><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="text-align: left;"> wineries we have visited
over the past forty years.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Their wines,
especially their Cabs, are among the finest in the world.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Hospitality is always wonderful.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">The setting is so pretty that it was featured
on the TV series Falcon Crest from 1981 to 1990.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Appointments are required because of a county
ordinance, so you will need to call or complete the online appointment form, but you will receive very
personal attention during your visit. We do recommend the tour and not just the
stand up tasting; t</span><span style="text-align: left;">here is simply too
much to see, and the sit down tasting is more relaxing.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><st1:place style="text-align: left;"><st1:placename>Visiting</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="text-align: left;">
Vineyards is an incredible experience, and it really doesn't get much better
than this.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Put it on your bucket list,
and indulge yourself by visiting and touring this lovely winery.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I can't imagine anybody soon forgetting their
visit to Spring Mountain Vineyard.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG_bf95h2g3JhHgDzmr6oKh8u07OibtHUzH1c3QKyKQ5sEDE3zYxBg-vciIdXomQRn81PMVLomjVICfdMFUp60_aCw9647Tvfj-TQczoB06Ecqt8ODH858cDXGYBc_Lm0wHsGt6s68y0/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG_bf95h2g3JhHgDzmr6oKh8u07OibtHUzH1c3QKyKQ5sEDE3zYxBg-vciIdXomQRn81PMVLomjVICfdMFUp60_aCw9647Tvfj-TQczoB06Ecqt8ODH858cDXGYBc_Lm0wHsGt6s68y0/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard Miravalle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBn1Q-CvdB8P52w9cxTri6170Vgv1K69U2NbOpsbG_gHCzN9iDIdyN8FISFFETg0I8DifptcGO5W6NZgfRC1HBSWv5jwvG2U-GGBcacztRjdYZifaUWaDEJeJ2YI1COPIjAxZQHjqRi4/s1600/Spring+Mountain+buliding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBn1Q-CvdB8P52w9cxTri6170Vgv1K69U2NbOpsbG_gHCzN9iDIdyN8FISFFETg0I8DifptcGO5W6NZgfRC1HBSWv5jwvG2U-GGBcacztRjdYZifaUWaDEJeJ2YI1COPIjAxZQHjqRi4/s400/Spring+Mountain+buliding.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard entry to wine caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Spring Mountain Vineyard has a wine history dating back to
1884 when the owner was instrumental in overturning the Chinese Exclusion Act
that prohibited California businesses from hiring Chinese workers, and Chinese
workers were able to build by hand (with pick axes) the initial wine
cave. The gorgeous Victorian mansion on the premises, known as Miravalle,
was commissioned in 1884 and designed by the famous architect Albert Schroepfer
who designed the lovely Rhine House at Beringer Vineyards along with the winery
building at Inglenook and the San Francisco Orpheum Theatre. Miravalle
was empty for seventy years until 1974 when Spring Mountain Vineyard was
established by Sir Michael Robbins who maintained the estate until 1992 when
Jacob Safra, a European businessman and wine collector, purchased the vineyard,
then called Miravalle, along with La Perla and Chevalier Vineyards. The
estate now comprises 845 acres and includes four adjacent vineyards: La Perla
(435 acres dating from 1873), Miravalle (257 acres dating from 1885), Chevalier
(120 acres dating from 1891) and Streblow (33 acres dating from 1979.)
This is rugged mountain terrain so only 226 of the 845 acres are planted in
vineyards. The vineyards are all sustainably farmed and over a thousand
bluebird houses are in the vineyards to provide habitat for the birds and to
help control insects.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3hNUdv8DWDlpFn09FreVfQsoXyPCGXIrgpXxd_Ndct8Sxyjx2bjKEfrb6b_fcL-lgImQZC1BTQcJ6HOx8qsGNzguNEqNQRFNlwJ0aaA2JAZ0xefWRIVg2F-U6e_AYFYv5u3kSPYWDp0/s1600/Spring+Mountain+grounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3hNUdv8DWDlpFn09FreVfQsoXyPCGXIrgpXxd_Ndct8Sxyjx2bjKEfrb6b_fcL-lgImQZC1BTQcJ6HOx8qsGNzguNEqNQRFNlwJ0aaA2JAZ0xefWRIVg2F-U6e_AYFYv5u3kSPYWDp0/s400/Spring+Mountain+grounds.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The estate rises from 400 feet above sea level to 1600 feet and includes a number of microclimates.
Spring Mountain <st1:stockticker>AVA</st1:stockticker> receives more
rain and cooler weather than the valley and the rocky well drained mountain soil
stresses the grapes to make more concentrated fruit with lower yields. The stressed growing
conditions and rugged mountain soil at Spring Mountain Vineyard often yield less
than two tons per acre, with some of the grapes going into the Elivette wine yielding
less than one ton per acre. When
harvested, each block is initially kept separate for fermentation and aging. They only retain their finest grapes, with the rest being sold to other
producers. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58v2Sg8T7GYNXp4DgCg12r1XDHdPEdzDAwgYa6YMwEGUPwgKAAo83h4_F6eEc7fflg0tLIJyQSy94_l2T6TSLrBc7cFuYPvR2o_RuN-WAgDeF2OrRBw8peyRNofvW8yNoRHNTHPdCoN8/s1600/Spring+Mountain+vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58v2Sg8T7GYNXp4DgCg12r1XDHdPEdzDAwgYa6YMwEGUPwgKAAo83h4_F6eEc7fflg0tLIJyQSy94_l2T6TSLrBc7cFuYPvR2o_RuN-WAgDeF2OrRBw8peyRNofvW8yNoRHNTHPdCoN8/s400/Spring+Mountain+vineyard.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Some of the Spring Mountain Vineyard vines are pruned in the uncommon but ancient Roman vertical goblet (Gobelet) style that can be viewed in the photo directly below. This is done to maximize the sunlight that reaches the fruit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdWQLW7q5Ricudicy_tpr9I65K8HT-wK77Dc6fz7Sy5FMJLupq2B22vtfzBMZl5xWh2LZm7rkOe9mErnG6Vhn5jdxs3L-bKs6TZDdJZpjHK2IKpIaXL67ZqaE9NP037rsH4GsY3NnS6E/s1600/Spring+Mountain+vineyard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdWQLW7q5Ricudicy_tpr9I65K8HT-wK77Dc6fz7Sy5FMJLupq2B22vtfzBMZl5xWh2LZm7rkOe9mErnG6Vhn5jdxs3L-bKs6TZDdJZpjHK2IKpIaXL67ZqaE9NP037rsH4GsY3NnS6E/s400/Spring+Mountain+vineyard+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard goblet trained vines</td></tr>
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In 1976 Spring Mountain Vineyard gained world wide
recognition when they won fourth place for their Chardonnay in the Judgment of
Paris, scoring higher than some very famous and expensive French wines. More
recently, their 2005 and 2010 Elivettes won world wide Gold Medals from Decanter Magazine. <a href="http://www.springmountainvineyard.com/w_ir.htm">Awards and ratings.</a> Three of their wines are now
on the wine list at the famous restaurant The French Laundry. Their estate Cabernet and Elivette Cabernet
blend usually score in the 90's with critics and are considered among the
finest Cabs in the Valley. But you won't need to know about scores or awards to appreciate the excellence of their wines; simply taste them for yourself!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShqe7EMjwiwvharM2Jtle9Cl1lCzNANFB6ZSblFs9TM1akDOjsTnj7WSPYI83meyQ0SGwnUBdPGCG849fel9k1yFJh5W5FJpT6coDA56N1GfWODCGznhFM3EKT0-d5wfPz7_AR8HNxME/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShqe7EMjwiwvharM2Jtle9Cl1lCzNANFB6ZSblFs9TM1akDOjsTnj7WSPYI83meyQ0SGwnUBdPGCG849fel9k1yFJh5W5FJpT6coDA56N1GfWODCGznhFM3EKT0-d5wfPz7_AR8HNxME/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+window.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard Miravalle window view</td></tr>
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In addition to the beautiful architecture and lovely
vineyards, Spring Mountain Vineyard has a unique tropical garden with palm
trees, banana trees, and other very interesting flora, plus historic wine
caves, a green house, gorgeous vineyard and mountain views, and numerous other attractions. It is one of the most photogenic wineries in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. (I would have even more photos if my camera had not malfunctioned.) Bring your camera along for
an experience you will remember for years to come.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wyl26h45qKp1WjtEjbBdrmGMKtiPV8pvu1zuvqCGqpSnXEDXizSUwGiRDuI5a4GqHJw5xBq5-DnFsh0ksQSDx9X2UlV0T84gcIkb-GBdvQro9PTOc5IrAvSakPLBtDCtnjEwYxmJe2M/s1600/Spring+Mountain+stock+winecave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wyl26h45qKp1WjtEjbBdrmGMKtiPV8pvu1zuvqCGqpSnXEDXizSUwGiRDuI5a4GqHJw5xBq5-DnFsh0ksQSDx9X2UlV0T84gcIkb-GBdvQro9PTOc5IrAvSakPLBtDCtnjEwYxmJe2M/s400/Spring+Mountain+stock+winecave.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard wine caves<br />
Photo courtesy of SPV</td></tr>
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Much thanks this visit to Valli and to our host Marilyn. Both were very courteous, professional,
helpful and informative. Our visit
included a walk through the grounds and garden, a tour of the wine caves and a visit
into the gorgeous Miravalle house where we sat down to a very lovely and relaxing
tasting of some wonderful wines. It is an experience you won't forget.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHqSA_We8LeMjB_ctN_BF4RNhHxCVQxMEriGCIYAtmTugFKVUy771eS3M56RkADorZFAYFFEWdupy9hAmt52X2r0gNLYWlAAII8OMwjZxovi6Hq2wSo0yZoijCJpxHUm2Vlkg2MJoTPk/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHqSA_We8LeMjB_ctN_BF4RNhHxCVQxMEriGCIYAtmTugFKVUy771eS3M56RkADorZFAYFFEWdupy9hAmt52X2r0gNLYWlAAII8OMwjZxovi6Hq2wSo0yZoijCJpxHUm2Vlkg2MJoTPk/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard Miravalle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our first pour actually began when we arrived and were
initially greeted. As we approached, Marilyn came out to welcome us with two glasses of the <b>Spring Mountain Vineyard
2010 Sauvignon Blanc</b> that retails at $40.
They have been producing Sauvignon Blancs since 1993. This one is 84% Sauvignon Blanc and 16% Semillon
and was aged six months sur lie in neutral French oak with 1,006 cases being
produced. It had a very nice nose of white peach, with some tropical and floral
notes. On the palate it was medium plus bodied and crisp with white peach,
lemon, grapefruit, tropical fruits and some herbaceousness with a very good
medium plus length finish. My friend liked it enough that he purchased several bottles.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino1ldnzlZtNEvZsoILya3800HghSXQI9inDm3VgvhCS-bFovsAUWex_ovlWEkZVTgjPl9BUwgqIU7wL4ivc5Yi6S8Ev6icdw9rLa1aFTvg2-HFYPWEYPG3aef4vL_JiQWaO9SXudjA2w/s1600/Spring+Mountain+vineyard+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino1ldnzlZtNEvZsoILya3800HghSXQI9inDm3VgvhCS-bFovsAUWex_ovlWEkZVTgjPl9BUwgqIU7wL4ivc5Yi6S8Ev6icdw9rLa1aFTvg2-HFYPWEYPG3aef4vL_JiQWaO9SXudjA2w/s400/Spring+Mountain+vineyard+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our second pour was also provided prior to the tour and was
the <b>Spring Mountain Vineyard 2010</b> <b>Estate Pinot Noir</b> at $75. Almost every Napa Valley Pinot Noir is grown
in Carneros but this one is actually grown on <st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>, which is very
unusual. The grapes came from their
La Perla estate at 1550 feet using clones 115, 777 and Pommard 5. It is the eighth year they have produced a
Pinot Noir. The 2010 saw 22 months on
French oak and a mere 583 cases were produced.
I got mostly strawberry with a light floral aroma on the nose. On the palate I got a soft, light bodied
presentation of strawberry and red cherry with decent acid and a medium length
finish. My friend purchased some of this too as did the other visitor.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd0EZPDFWBxdQlsNr8OcmshQKTHglIRj24lqmxL8M40zbVSGWyUmvdBqPaqCsLLSxgW-lQHnAv8RmenojdUjLho1leQIIj2uyTTiHvwKrBPUoc4s0Qs0IyjCb0cBoUJCa1KJLtivl7uE/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBd0EZPDFWBxdQlsNr8OcmshQKTHglIRj24lqmxL8M40zbVSGWyUmvdBqPaqCsLLSxgW-lQHnAv8RmenojdUjLho1leQIIj2uyTTiHvwKrBPUoc4s0Qs0IyjCb0cBoUJCa1KJLtivl7uE/s400/Spring+Mountain+house.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard inside Miravalle</td></tr>
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The other pours were at the end of the tour which lasted
about 45 minutes or so. These tastings were
done in the Miravalle house near the fireplace at a luxurious setting. We each had four wine glasses so
we could go back and forth between the four wines to compare them. Such a lovely way to taste great wine! You will feel more like royalty than a
tourist at Spring Mountain Vineyard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRUaXpwEEwjMvz8B0mdbfcOK8zYzgrWBHnzFgDM6doPMuNoGqgbYKpVsEVfi04qhVJvQx-CdVLC8268S5SotVG5lQkIJgXZXIMHE3g_XvlKTblttkE1N0nM-Gk6wa9AVnEt8T6hFpuB0/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+tasting+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRUaXpwEEwjMvz8B0mdbfcOK8zYzgrWBHnzFgDM6doPMuNoGqgbYKpVsEVfi04qhVJvQx-CdVLC8268S5SotVG5lQkIJgXZXIMHE3g_XvlKTblttkE1N0nM-Gk6wa9AVnEt8T6hFpuB0/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+tasting+table.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard tasting table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The four wines we tasted next were two Cabernets and two
Elivettes, their Cabernet reserve <st1:city>Bordeaux</st1:city>
style blends, beginning with the <b><u>Spring
Mountain Vineyard 2005</u></b> <b><u>Elivette</u></b>
at $160. During our last visit to Spring
Mountain Vineyard on <st1:date day="17" month="2" year="2011">February 17, 2011</st1:date>
we tasted the 2006 and 2007 Elivettes, both of which I liked very much. But it was the Spring Mountain Vineyard 2005
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at $75 that we purchased, tasted very carefully and
raved about. At that time I wrote in our
blog:<i> "</i>Addendum <st1:date day="6" month="10" year="2011">10/6/11</st1:date>:
We opened the 2005 Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($75) and it was
one of the best cabs I’ve had in the past 40 years. All three of us were
in ecstasy. <st1:place><st1:placetype>Spring</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Vineyard is really making some great wines!!! I can’t wait to return." So you can imagine my excitement at being
able to taste the Spring Mountain 2005 Elivette Reserve. Well, 2005 appears to have been a magical
year for Spring Mountain Vineyard, and their 2005 Elivette is sensational. This is a very traditional style Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon that is bold and masculine but with layers of complexity,
even more so than their 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and it should continue to improve with age. This 2005 Elivette
is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. It saw 22 months in French oak and 3,300
cases were produced. It began with a
deep, dark red color followed by a great nose of black currant, black cherry,
vanilla, baking spices, chocolate, cigar box, graphite, and a complex host of
other aromas. On the palate it was a
classic Napa Valley Cab with dark, black fruits of black currant, black cherry,
black plum, and blackberries augmented with complex earthy forest floor notes,
dense well integrated tannins, dusty oak, smoky cigarbox nuances, definite
baking spices, hints of anise and touches of dark chocolate. It was a complex Cabernet Sauvignon with
great structure. The finish was long and
very pleasant. Be sure to give it plenty of
air. An outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon blend in the finest, classic Napa Valley style.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvvXi7afIWOSbdQhN3s7NVLwX8vn7bN-m6oSKsEjl-sCiwyv662PyOc6NDMA2QkulllWoAc5KdgkK9jUhrNRxCe_ugKD0cAgwrpBUpg06vjo7qnuGekaGA6B0wYISUOWYEUo2asLJT_s/s1600/Spring+Mountain+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvvXi7afIWOSbdQhN3s7NVLwX8vn7bN-m6oSKsEjl-sCiwyv662PyOc6NDMA2QkulllWoAc5KdgkK9jUhrNRxCe_ugKD0cAgwrpBUpg06vjo7qnuGekaGA6B0wYISUOWYEUo2asLJT_s/s400/Spring+Mountain+door.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard door to wine caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next up was the <b>Spring
Mountain Vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $75. This was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet
Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot and saw 22 months in 100% new French
oak. 3,215 cases were produced. It had a lovely garnet color with a good nose
of cherry and vanilla. On the palate it
was relatively soft, smooth and fairly fruit forward for a Cab. Mostly black fruit with well integrated
tannins and good balance, this is a Cab that is immediately accessible and
should have wide spread appeal for those who like easy to drink Cabs. It might not have the power and complexity of
the 2005 Elivette, the decadent lush fruit of the 2009 Elivette or the refined elegance of the
2007 estate Cab, but it was still a pure pleasure to drink and can easily stand
alone or could be paired with a wide variety of dishes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9NKyog9PoEn1Y6_SwNQK1bJHHcUbsSNl-9KSGYmoTnwLUN2uEC5F9qIWlMeXQq9sF1SsofL8MMKrXj3DeaFAAE7FfNXKcmcWXg16y_UQcue2zyCtnQozIhpqt4NmJsH8dFBhjRuCMuA/s1600/Spring+Mountain+cave+tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9NKyog9PoEn1Y6_SwNQK1bJHHcUbsSNl-9KSGYmoTnwLUN2uEC5F9qIWlMeXQq9sF1SsofL8MMKrXj3DeaFAAE7FfNXKcmcWXg16y_UQcue2zyCtnQozIhpqt4NmJsH8dFBhjRuCMuA/s400/Spring+Mountain+cave+tasting.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard cave tasting area</td></tr>
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This was followed by the <b>Spring Mountain Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon</b> at $75. Unlike the 2008, this one is almost all Cab
with 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. It saw 20 months on 80% new French oak and
3,000 cases were produced. This was an
excellent year for Napa Valley Cabs and this one is right up there with many of
the finest 2007 Napa Valley Cabs. Dark
purple in color with a lovely nose, this was rich and dense on the palate with
good, well balanced tannins and concentrated fruits of black cherry, black
currants and blackberry. Finish was
long. It was not as complex and intense as the 2005 Estate Cab that I liked so much
at our last visit, but is still very good indeed. During this visit I preferred this 2007 to the 2008, but my
favorites were the two Elivettes, especially the 2005. Of course, they are all wonderful and each has a special appeal. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uFDoZ5aSSR3zCAKYzbRwrDZKI6ZsOaINo8VbMScpZgTDXOXYnRAORyu7aEozZb5RMTBztoNj-BXbJOSsyJNNfc1NbpAJjynDObXjOsM4qYmvPH1RLeTuQAGk_oRzVxkr8XznGP-CTKE/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uFDoZ5aSSR3zCAKYzbRwrDZKI6ZsOaINo8VbMScpZgTDXOXYnRAORyu7aEozZb5RMTBztoNj-BXbJOSsyJNNfc1NbpAJjynDObXjOsM4qYmvPH1RLeTuQAGk_oRzVxkr8XznGP-CTKE/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+fireplace.jpg" height="380" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard<br />
fireplace & tasting table in Miravalle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our last pour was the <b><u>Spring
Mountain Vineyard 2009 Elivette</u></b> at $125. This is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet
Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot and 1% Malbec and saw 22 months in new
French oak. 2,350 cases were produced. It
was brick red in color and opened with cherry, cigar box, vanilla and a hint of
cedar on the nose. On the palate I got a
deep rich, full bodied, very well balanced and smooth presentation with black
currant, cherry, chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and well integrated smoky tannins
with a good finish. This is much more
immediately accessible than the 2005 Elivette and has lovely, even luxurious
fruit. It might not have all the
complexity of the 2005 but it makes up for it in pure hedonistic, rich, dense, silky,
velvet like fruit. It was my second
favorite of the wines we tasted (next to the 2005 Elivette) and is ready to drink now.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixCqvL1agbX4dgDnu_urK7kg8uELjZoYR7NcYvRju7CTmF9ClHNPYRoyWmXMZ_y7QFHoBerxnmTrpF3Ch7qbFMo1YlPBNWgTP_xbtxI3S0xy_ZDj-j5YEpumauqYAvWaiRp0qojoWmao/s1600/Spring+Mountain+house+window+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixCqvL1agbX4dgDnu_urK7kg8uELjZoYR7NcYvRju7CTmF9ClHNPYRoyWmXMZ_y7QFHoBerxnmTrpF3Ch7qbFMo1YlPBNWgTP_xbtxI3S0xy_ZDj-j5YEpumauqYAvWaiRp0qojoWmao/s400/Spring+Mountain+house+window+3.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard<br />
window at Miravalle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you love great mountain cabs you will certainly want to
visit Spring Mountain Vineyard. But the
wine caves, beautiful grounds and garden, lovely Victorian like mansion, and warm
hospitality make this winery one of the most appealing in all of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Try to arrange to see the Miravalle house and
wine caves with the full tour. I have read that the Miravalle house is not always open so be sure to
ask if this will be part of your tour when you make reservations. I hope
you enjoy your visit as much as we did. It is a very special place!</div>
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<a href="http://www.springmountainvineyard.com/">Spring Mountain Vineyard</a><br />
<st1:street>2805 Spring Mountain Road</st1:street></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>St. Helena</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA 94574</st1:state></st1:place></div>
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Phone: 967-4188</div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="18" month="12" year="2013">December
18, 2013</st1:date><br />
<st1:date day="18" month="12" year="2013"></st1:date><br />
<st1:date day="18" month="12" year="2013">Tasting and tour options may be viewed here. <a href="http://www.springmountainvineyard.com/i_tours.htm">Tasting and tour options</a> With a minimum purchase, depending on which option you chose, the tour and tasting fee is waived. The wines are simply divine and are priced reasonably, given the very high quality of their wines. They are also in the Napa Neighbor Program. Notes from our last visit in 2011 may be viewed here: <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/01/spring-mountain-vineyard.html">Spring Mountain Vineyard</a></st1:date></div>
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"To make your reservation, please complete the <a href="https://www.springmountainvineyard.com/frms/trs/frm.htm">appointment request form</a> online or call (877)769-4637 or (707)967-4188 between 8AM and 5PM (PST)." <br />
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Spring Mountain Vineyard greenhouse</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard<br />
tasting bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard entry sign<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard stained glass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Mountain Vineyard stained glass<br />
window in Miravalle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Spring Mountain Vineyard<br />
Christmas tree</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Spring Mountain Vineyard38.5055465 -122.4890305000000112.983512000000001 -163.7976245 64.027581 -81.180436500000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-39728849024375932572013-12-03T13:34:00.000-08:002013-12-19T09:18:07.987-08:00Foley Johnson Winery<div class="MsoNormal">
Foley Johnson Winery is a small, extremely friendly winery
with very good wines that are affordably priced given the quality of the wines. They are right in the heart of winery row on
Highway 29 in <st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place> but are not usually too crowded
because of the ordinance that requires them to offer tastings and tours by
appointment only. Call them if you are in the area, though, even if you don't have an appointment because they can sometimes accommodate visitors on short notice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson entry</td></tr>
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Foley Family Wines purchased Sawyer Cellars around May of
2012, and the new winery became Foley Johnson Wines named after Bill Foley and
his wife Carol Johnson Foley.
Their purchase included the 49 acre property with 40 acres of sustainably
farmed, prime <st1:place>Rutherford</st1:place> vineyards and the tasting room
on Highway 29 that is in a converted redwood barn built in the 1930's, plus the ten
acre nearby Peral Vineyard. Up until 1984 the main ranch had been a plum and
walnut orchard. From 1994 to 2012 it was owned by the Sawyer family.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Nvb4ak6u1d45-jjt69NaaD4ynDRLzyPJrPuIkB3El-pyKnCBjJ3L6A9Ex3DEosjf4oYYOHIjSZk8xoON2TgMoGo-4Cg5x-dbw-w53a2eutwPOhq5Nq_ZNONb4MGubYpSUEr84KV_Kc/s1600/Foley+Johnson+building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Nvb4ak6u1d45-jjt69NaaD4ynDRLzyPJrPuIkB3El-pyKnCBjJ3L6A9Ex3DEosjf4oYYOHIjSZk8xoON2TgMoGo-4Cg5x-dbw-w53a2eutwPOhq5Nq_ZNONb4MGubYpSUEr84KV_Kc/s400/Foley+Johnson+building.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson building</td></tr>
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Foley Johnson Wines have maintained the small, friendly,
intimate setting that is a refreshing alternative to some of the large, busy
wineries in this area of Highway 29. They were also wise enough to keep their
wonderful winery host, Candace, who also assisted us when we visited Sawyer
Cellars back on <st1:date day="4" month="4" year="2012">April 4, 2012</st1:date>. Much thanks to Candace and Jeri for such a
pleasant visit. Foley Johnson Wines also
wisely retained Brad Warner who had been the winemaker for Sawyer since 1999,
having started at Charles Krug in 1967 and then staying at Robert Mondavi
Winery for thirty years. They also utilize
the expertise of the well known Consulting Winemaker, David Ramey. Production is around 6,000 cases per
year. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDv5Gbr3gyVss6_zCweeBF6demnFDodPB_tAtXvinT2EfOh1jwAJgPtzE9oii2GQOoYFwANQ7bHFGpRgbrZecGFYxvRBxPT4Lah07Eb4tc04G77-ON782VC7vlpqsOpmPsiueqIzcHT0/s1600/Foley+Johnson+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDv5Gbr3gyVss6_zCweeBF6demnFDodPB_tAtXvinT2EfOh1jwAJgPtzE9oii2GQOoYFwANQ7bHFGpRgbrZecGFYxvRBxPT4Lah07Eb4tc04G77-ON782VC7vlpqsOpmPsiueqIzcHT0/s400/Foley+Johnson+patio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson patio</td></tr>
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Because they are required to provide tastings by appointment
only, you may visit a premium quality winery that is right in Rutherford on Highway 29 without having to encounter large crowds,
busloads of tourists or long lines. Foley
Johnson Wines is open by appointment from <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10AM</st1:time>
to <st1:time hour="16" minute="0">4PM</st1:time>. If you are in the area but
don't have an appointment, just call them to see if they have any same day
openings. You never know when someone might cancel. Most wineries in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>, btw, are appointment only <span lang="EN">due to the 1990 Winery Definition Ordinance that
restricted new wineries from having tours and tastings open to the public.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JUTuy2vlcS1XXARtm6ENoVjHV3-jjDN2s4U4Mw4qJGVDr9gO51CtPKLjJXNNgbAPI-cR46enzYZvtD_jjnqANB6QBkOjfjQMT54vp7PIBYn9uEZi9SkpXwmh9V5Gs1EW1dVdz6Gu-lw/s1600/Foley+Johnson+tasting+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JUTuy2vlcS1XXARtm6ENoVjHV3-jjDN2s4U4Mw4qJGVDr9gO51CtPKLjJXNNgbAPI-cR46enzYZvtD_jjnqANB6QBkOjfjQMT54vp7PIBYn9uEZi9SkpXwmh9V5Gs1EW1dVdz6Gu-lw/s400/Foley+Johnson+tasting+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson tasting bar</td></tr>
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Foley Family Wines began in 1996 and now includes Merus,
Kuleto and Altvs in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
Chalk Hill near Healdsburg, Sebastiani in <st1:city>Sonoma</st1:city>,
Foley Estates in <st1:place><st2:sn>Santa</st2:sn> <st2:middlename>Rita</st2:middlename>
<st2:sn>Hills</st2:sn></st1:place>, Lincourt Vineyards in Solvang, Three
Rivers Winery in <st1:place><st1:placename>Walla Walla</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
Firestone Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, Eos in Paso Robles and two wineries in
<st1:country-region>New Zealand</st1:country-region>--Vavasour
and <st1:place><st1:placename>Clifford</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Bay</st1:placename></st1:place>. They also created the <a href="http://www.foleyfoodandwinesociety.com/Wineries/Napa/Foley-Johnson">Foley Food and Wine Society</a> This is a family that is seriously devoted to
great food and wine.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcMmxl7l2Xg1LTL3c2yG4ZXhrWCpGWDepMdAHsVn4PIYhhILfU5Zh9TUtYofWks3PXI5F6Q3x_5gdIqs4GptcnPp1f74xDVJ05DcaQJhKNq-jdc5CXo6nhdzIMnR18x5q-aFDcrZSlNI/s1600/Foley+Johnson+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcMmxl7l2Xg1LTL3c2yG4ZXhrWCpGWDepMdAHsVn4PIYhhILfU5Zh9TUtYofWks3PXI5F6Q3x_5gdIqs4GptcnPp1f74xDVJ05DcaQJhKNq-jdc5CXo6nhdzIMnR18x5q-aFDcrZSlNI/s400/Foley+Johnson+fountain.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson fountain</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Foley Johnson 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc</b> at only $24. ($19.20 if you are a wine club member.) This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and only 280
cases were produced. A pale yellow in
color, it began with a good aroma of grapefruit, lime and white peach with some
floral notes. On the palate it was crisp
and clean with mostly lemon and grapefruit along with some minerality and a hint of oak. The finish was medium to long and very
refreshing. Very nice, especially at
this price level.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson gift shop</td></tr>
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The second pour was the <b>Foley
Johnson 2011 Napa Chardonnay</b> at $38.
It is 100% Chardonnay and only 280 cases were produced. It had a very good nose of lemon and white
peach with some minerality followed by melon and Meyer's lemon on the palate
along with some minerality and herbal notes.
It was not at all overly oaked or too buttery but was nicely balanced
with plenty of varietal characteristics coming through. Quite enjoyable.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson grape vine light</td></tr>
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Third up was the <b>Foley
Johnson 2010 Estate Merlot</b> at $42.
Again this is 100% Merlot and a mere 220 cases were produced. After a light cherry nose I got mostly cherry
and blackberry with some vanilla and chewy tannins on the palate. It is still a young wine that should improve
with another year or two of age but is quite drinkable now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson patio</td></tr>
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This was followed by the very nice <b>Foley Johnson 2010 Meritage</b> at $45.
It is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5%
Petit Verdot. 818 cases were produced. 35%
of it was aged in new French oak for 23 months with the remainder aged in
neutral oak. Deep ruby in color, it had a very good nose of black currants,
vanilla and oak followed by black currant, cherry and raspberry on the palate
with nice soft tannins and very good balance, followed by a pleasant medium plus
length finish. Very pleasant indeed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson tasting table</td></tr>
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My favorite, though, was the <b><u>Foley Johnson 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> at $75. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and 818 cases
were produced. I confess I am rather
partial to Rutherford Cabs. This one had
a very good nose of black currant and blackberry, followed by a deep rich
palate of black fruit, mostly black cherry and black currant with a touch of
baking spices, good tannins, great balance and a fairly long finish. An exceptional Cabernet!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foley Johnson barrel room</td></tr>
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With a very friendly, family atmosphere, great customer
service, and very good wines that are reasonably priced for the quality, it is
easy to recommend a visit to Foley Johnson Wines. Give them a call even if you don't have an
appointment and you might luck out. Better yet, call them ahead of time to make
an appointment for a tasting.</div>
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<a href="http://www.foleyjohnsonwines.com/">Foley Johnson Winery</a><br />
<st1:street>8350 St. Helena Highway</st1:street>
(also known as Highway 29)<br />
<st1:place><st1:city>Rutherford</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>94573</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: (707) 963-1980 </div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="3" month="12" year="2013">December
3, 2013</st1:date></div>
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<a href="http://www.foleyjohnsonwines.com/Visit-The-Estate/Tours-Tasting">Tasting options and tours starting at only $15</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Foley Johnson Winery38.4495982 -122.414143912.927563699999997 -163.7227379 63.9716327 -81.1055499tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-26647929902801506512013-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:002014-05-24T09:10:32.763-07:00Del Dotto St. Helena Venetian Estate Winery and Caves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Del Dotto St. Helena Venetian Estate Winery and Caves is
very unique and quite amazing! The
mosaic marble floors, fresco paintings by the resident artist Carlo Marchioriand,
ornate Venetian architecture (in honor of the Del Dotto family origins), inlaid gold ceilings and opulence make it appear more like an Venetian palace than a winery.
It is a fascinating, exotic and visually stunning winery that provides
many photo opportunities. Their wines,
especially their Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs, are excellent and their
wine cave tour and barrel tasting are very informative and are done with
elaborate care.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto building</td></tr>
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During the tour, Del Dotto offers generous pours of many of
their wines; we tasted eleven of them. You might want to have a designated
driver who does not swallow all of the wine, and be sure you do not visit when
you have an empty stomach. Although Del
Dotto requires an appointment to visit, they can sometimes accommodate same day
appointments so give them a call if you are in the area. They are one of the very few wineries that are open 365 days a year. Much thanks to Desiree Del Dotto and to our friendly,
helpful and informative hosts Kristina and Simon. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto inside entrance</td></tr>
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There are actually two different Del Dotto wineries. The one we visited, the Del Dotto St. Helena Venetian
Estate Winery and Caves, is the new one on Highway 29 south of the town of <st1:city>St.
Helena</st1:city> that opened in 2007. There is also a more historic one (Del Dotto
Napa Historic Winery and Caves), with wine caves that were dug in 1885, that is
in <st1:city>Napa</st1:city> up on <st1:place><st1:placename>Atlas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> and opened to the public in
1999. The newer one is modeled in a
Venetian estate style with new wine caves and is done with Italian marble,
ancient mosaic tiles depicting the history of wine, Venetian crystal
chandeliers and ceilings inlaid with gold.
During the several years it took to complete the construction of the new
winery, stone masons were brought over from <st1:country-region>Italy</st1:country-region>
to assist. It is amazing to walk into a wine cave that has crystal chandeliers
and beautifully tiled floors after having visited so many more rustic wine
caves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto pillars and painting</td></tr>
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The Del Dotto family can trace its origins back to 1150 and
have been making red wines since 1450. The
family moved from <st1:state>Tuscany</st1:state> to <st1:state>California</st1:state>
in the late 1800's and began producing wine in <st1:city>Merced</st1:city>. In 1988 David del Dotto and his wife Yolanda
visited <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and ended up purchasing a lovely 1906 Frank Lloyd Wright designed house and 17
acres of property, moving there in 1990.
After they arrived they planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Merlot and Sangiovese. Their first
vintage was the 1993 Del Dotto Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon that received a
score of 92 points from The Wine Spectator.
Not bad for a first release! And
they managed to obtain the same high scores for the next three vintages. By 1997 Del Dotto increased their production
from 500 to 5000 cases and by 1999 they opened to the public. In 2004 Dave visited <st1:country-region>Italy</st1:country-region>,
where wine has been made since around 5000 BC, and returned with four clay wine aging vessels
that were 300 years old and weighed over a ton each. They accommodate up to five tons of Zinfandel
or Sangiovese that are released each year as a featured wine.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto wine cave</td></tr>
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In addition to the vineyards at their two wineries
(Rutherford and Atlas Peak), Del Dotto owns vineyards in Oakville, St. Helena,
Spring Mountain, Howell Mountain and Sonoma Coast. All are organically farmed, and allow Del
Dotto to grow a number of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet
Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Total
acreage is 437 acres with 121 planted. They also experiment with over fifty different types of oak
barrels with a variety of oak toasting levels, something that will be
demonstrated during the barrel tastings where you will view the barrel staves
with their various stages of toasting and barrel grooving and then sample
the identical Cabernet Sauvignons, one
aged in American oak and the other in French oak. Del Dotto continues to be family run with an
annual production of between 8000 and 12,000 cases yearly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto frescos</td></tr>
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<o:p><br /></o:p>We had reservations for the Del Dotto Estate Cave Experience
and Barrel Tasting which actually began at the tasting bar with a pour of the
<strong>Del Dotto 2012 Rutherford</strong> <strong>Sauvignon Blanc</strong> at $39. It was a bright straw in color with a very
good nose of grapefruit, lemon and melon.
On the palate I got mostly grapefruit and lemon with a lush mouth feel
and good, but very well balanced, acid.
It was the perfect combination of dryness, fruit and acidity with a
good, medium plus length finish. Quite
nice. The second pour, and only other
white wine, was the <strong><u>Del Dotto 2011</u></strong> <strong><u>Sonoma Coast Chardonnay</u></strong> at $85. Our tour guide arrived before I could take any
tasting notes, but I remember this Chard as being excellent with lemon, white peach,
minerality, and a full body with a very good finish. Very classy! I really liked it and highly recommend it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto tasting bar</td></tr>
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Most of our other pours were in the wine cave. With a glass in one hand, a camera in the
other, a notebook under my arm and wine cave lighting, I was simply unable to
take any tasting notes. We had the <strong>Del
Dotto 2011 Cave Blend</strong> (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet
Franc) at $49 first followed by the <strong>Del Dotto 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon</strong> at $65 and both were good. For
the <strong>Del Dotto 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot R</strong> we were able to taste the same wine
aged in <st1:state>Missouri</st1:state> oak compared to
some aged in French oak (both at $65).
This provided a very interesting comparison. I preferred the French oak, but the American
oak wine might be better if paired with barbeque. Both were nice Cabs but my favorites were to
follow.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto tasting room ceiling</td></tr>
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The <u><strong>Del Dotto 2012 Allier Vosge Pinot Noir</strong></u> at $75 was
especially good and is enthusiastically recommended as are both the <strong>Del Dotto
2011 Lot W Cabernet</strong> <strong>Sauvignon</strong> at $85 and the even better <u><strong>Del Dotto 2011
Oakville Jupille Sylvain</strong></u> <strong><u>Cabernet Sauvignon</u></strong> at $125. I would love to have spent more time and taken careful tasting
notes on each of these three excellent wines.
These three stand outs brought an end to the wine cave educational tour,
and we returned to the main tasting room where we were able to sit down at a
table and were brought Italian meats, gourmet cheeses, fresh bread and Del
Dotto's own excellent olive oil. The
salami is made by their own chef and we were able to pair the food with a pour
of the <strong>Del Dotto 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir</strong> at $75. This Pinot had a great nose of cherry and
raspberry with a lot of fresh fruit on the palate, mostly cherry, cranberry and
blackberry with some mushroom, spice and cedar, followed by a long finish. It
was nice but I preferred the Pinot we sampled in the wine cave, one that has
not yet been released. The finale to the
tour and tastings was the <strong>Del Dotto Port Wine Ca'Nan Blend</strong> at $55 for a 500 ml
bottle. This is a blend of 56%
Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet and was quite good. It paired perfectly with the dark
chocolate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCpViaT_GXhcEnnoqt8EVEwr5n9Py_pY18i4Xv8ZbKUgbIaDVxt_nowNBXAD28todN0O4IpeQapuLkP6ybWaGHeb_l9HgBaUfiZTtF9X1nfJwHwt5o3SAw2upLI6xzWs7td0B9_jA4a8/s1600/Del+Dotto+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCpViaT_GXhcEnnoqt8EVEwr5n9Py_pY18i4Xv8ZbKUgbIaDVxt_nowNBXAD28todN0O4IpeQapuLkP6ybWaGHeb_l9HgBaUfiZTtF9X1nfJwHwt5o3SAw2upLI6xzWs7td0B9_jA4a8/s400/Del+Dotto+fountain.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto fountain</td></tr>
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Del Dotto combines a spectacular setting with excellent
hospitality, a great tour and outstanding wines. The tasting and tour cost $60 but are well
worth it. (The bar tasting, with six
pours, is half that price, but you will miss the educational tour, the barrel
tasting and the wine caves) They are
very generous with the size of the pours and the number of wines sampled, with the
wines being very high quality. They also provide you with a gourmet meat and
cheese plate, bread and their own olive oil, plus dark chocolate and their port. (Friday through Sunday there is homemade
pizza as well.) The tour is fascinating
and educational. The setting is a feast
for the eyes. Actually the Del Dotto
experience is a feast for all of the senses and we enthusiastically recommend
it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto outside buliding</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.deldottovineyards.com/">Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery and Caves</a><br />
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<st1:street>1445 Saint Helena Highway</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Saint Helena</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94574</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 707-963-2134<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hours: <st1:time hour="11" minute="0">11 A.M. to 5 P.M.</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
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Reservations can be made at above phone number or online here: <a href="http://www.deldottovineyards.com/Visit">Reservations</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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"Hours of Operation <st1:time hour="11" minute="0">11am
to 5pm</st1:time> 7 days a week<br />
Open Every Day of the Year"</div>
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<a href="http://www.deldottovineyards.com/?method=pages.showPage&PageID=730937fe-05d8-7d96-d8b9-c5a1b466681d&originalMarketingURL=Visit/St-Helena-Venetian-Estate-Winery--Caves">Tasting options.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7XdMz82_Ev6xEqUgnEDLqKnYp7bBMcOvGYpGtZONCBWxOwM7GrySgeLaQxjaCMkciiA-V6zVDYGa8QJlN39HN66Z9Hax8sJQi9renI6Ed3Q1Bdbst4JRQoTVXX8F_hHEHOWo6qP6sjU/s1600/Del+Dotto+vineyard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7XdMz82_Ev6xEqUgnEDLqKnYp7bBMcOvGYpGtZONCBWxOwM7GrySgeLaQxjaCMkciiA-V6zVDYGa8QJlN39HN66Z9Hax8sJQi9renI6Ed3Q1Bdbst4JRQoTVXX8F_hHEHOWo6qP6sjU/s400/Del+Dotto+vineyard+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc8ddAwkSTJC2rj9v64dOo2-qQq0c54kBphKXCotTt53e2ugrBYN95ogN8oWaJfkssIiK32C-PGPLDkPISxNIsdkZ_IvzeX4_a9WM-ztvvggnBPXHynnV57NrJuJOQy444dGMHR0LPbk/s1600/Del+Dotto+vineyard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc8ddAwkSTJC2rj9v64dOo2-qQq0c54kBphKXCotTt53e2ugrBYN95ogN8oWaJfkssIiK32C-PGPLDkPISxNIsdkZ_IvzeX4_a9WM-ztvvggnBPXHynnV57NrJuJOQy444dGMHR0LPbk/s400/Del+Dotto+vineyard+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto old olive trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6-T0dIm9MkwsikY92KP79G1MtObpluA-p9LE0WVUmO16zAjdZ4WMf8QCemC8QXiRgOsOVh2vV1WfK-Foe0KxJM_EMxD0BQYfLqEwnrTdl5g24wKcWb_n6ivDG10zi48D5tnUEpHK0H8/s1600/Del+Dotto+skylight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6-T0dIm9MkwsikY92KP79G1MtObpluA-p9LE0WVUmO16zAjdZ4WMf8QCemC8QXiRgOsOVh2vV1WfK-Foe0KxJM_EMxD0BQYfLqEwnrTdl5g24wKcWb_n6ivDG10zi48D5tnUEpHK0H8/s400/Del+Dotto+skylight.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto skylight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFQ_JXwJbVY7kNx4LcDh_0pxo9YMWgi5zj1Cap17pS7LTuhlXJ3TLWBZjfkBjCrHUge9J8SKd0vFRv953ewYJw0YKnuY4PP_yFKM-xiqeFH_z5SpMKYdZSym6vqbAm7IPzknq1MtizKc/s1600/Del+Dotto+mosaic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFQ_JXwJbVY7kNx4LcDh_0pxo9YMWgi5zj1Cap17pS7LTuhlXJ3TLWBZjfkBjCrHUge9J8SKd0vFRv953ewYJw0YKnuY4PP_yFKM-xiqeFH_z5SpMKYdZSym6vqbAm7IPzknq1MtizKc/s400/Del+Dotto+mosaic+2.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto mosaic floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQAcm5P1sDAMK8H6iaQrl84Bt3NgXZgYIcYfbwhgeeNA-6WYdRZ3Uv3tATAOXOVZZEPyyCCbSxyEk2qY7BSfkoPbsWqawDcGBNkACUxoFlrSHEZfcFbZFx7oLztKkTOhDAubEBID_faI/s1600/Del+Dotto+gift+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQAcm5P1sDAMK8H6iaQrl84Bt3NgXZgYIcYfbwhgeeNA-6WYdRZ3Uv3tATAOXOVZZEPyyCCbSxyEk2qY7BSfkoPbsWqawDcGBNkACUxoFlrSHEZfcFbZFx7oLztKkTOhDAubEBID_faI/s400/Del+Dotto+gift+shop.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto gift shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOARPI8sexmG1aCbD3EFLXYZ7DDuUtX5huuDQ5iEiu0Qvb2l8C69LmjrCBxTt_E2aCKM_1MWpch7b4Epm2vxNLZyu35mXA3Lg0uXtfOSF1wEK4Dnls9-C9ZXPvgnlBjiAEgkBVMxt4CHg/s1600/Del+Dotto+entry+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOARPI8sexmG1aCbD3EFLXYZ7DDuUtX5huuDQ5iEiu0Qvb2l8C69LmjrCBxTt_E2aCKM_1MWpch7b4Epm2vxNLZyu35mXA3Lg0uXtfOSF1wEK4Dnls9-C9ZXPvgnlBjiAEgkBVMxt4CHg/s400/Del+Dotto+entry+sign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto entry sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi5qwztOZ9LT8un0G5LF-Uss-qoCn5SfYeNU3J0A2sDFWNQGIJG1chG4caZvGaw7PPG3kPMfGvDuqIk2TXY8jdlni_XI2sSC8_ICKHZ_FAuSzS3OgyOx0X9N4Mde4DGcSbbczb6MJDF0/s1600/Del+Dotto+vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi5qwztOZ9LT8un0G5LF-Uss-qoCn5SfYeNU3J0A2sDFWNQGIJG1chG4caZvGaw7PPG3kPMfGvDuqIk2TXY8jdlni_XI2sSC8_ICKHZ_FAuSzS3OgyOx0X9N4Mde4DGcSbbczb6MJDF0/s400/Del+Dotto+vineyard.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1p2tjfZ-AQidTgCKEEqhxItp9hsd3aW5ocv_xCX5BaMCQP_yLsgT-_Ol2oC8HPvwBoBIWuzXGfzPHhtQ_HkGWBjCTzmXeikVqiGO2xk-ii5DbftDTyaLpkt5vw39Nt6VjzWJDXwnmjQ/s1600/Del+Dotto+300+yo+amphora+ceramic+vase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1p2tjfZ-AQidTgCKEEqhxItp9hsd3aW5ocv_xCX5BaMCQP_yLsgT-_Ol2oC8HPvwBoBIWuzXGfzPHhtQ_HkGWBjCTzmXeikVqiGO2xk-ii5DbftDTyaLpkt5vw39Nt6VjzWJDXwnmjQ/s400/Del+Dotto+300+yo+amphora+ceramic+vase.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto 300 year old wine vessel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglyjMjDSSJvGh55F3wQ6CGLuDGW4HTh3xpoIxkWouBDI1LyrsR3lcNWGvDVQWP8X3U_EPaXiuItzkWpayxNb9vs3bOjJyHT4qt5rt1x0BY0amf3ORGRtnbhvM0PaJLOejtQRqRKOjRRs/s1600/Del+Dotto+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglyjMjDSSJvGh55F3wQ6CGLuDGW4HTh3xpoIxkWouBDI1LyrsR3lcNWGvDVQWP8X3U_EPaXiuItzkWpayxNb9vs3bOjJyHT4qt5rt1x0BY0amf3ORGRtnbhvM0PaJLOejtQRqRKOjRRs/s400/Del+Dotto+balcony.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto balcony</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Del Dotto inside entrance<br />
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery and Caves38.4798479 -122.442467412.957813400000003 -163.7510614 64.0018824 -81.1338734tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-11419061335380827422013-11-13T14:04:00.000-08:002013-11-23T09:02:03.847-08:00Hess Collection Winery<div class="MsoNormal">
I've been a fan of Hess Collection Winery for many years. I first visited the winery when it was Mount
La Salle Winery run by the Christian Brothers (1930-1986) but was very pleased
when Hess took over bringing better quality wines and a great art collection. The
historic stone wine building was built in 1903 from rock that came from the
hillside behind the winery. The grounds are lovely and the service for us has
always been very helpful, down to earth and friendly. Being a local Napan, Hess
is one of the hand full of wineries I always bring out of town visitors. Hess has a wide range of wines, always quite
pleasant and affordable and sometimes really exceptional. Of the thirteen wines offered for tasting,
all but two of them are $30 or less, something that is increasingly unusual for
<st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wines. We use to be invited to the annual Christmas parties at Hess and can
testify that their chef is outstanding.
Hess is open to the public without appointment but please see the times,
dates, etc. below. Much thanks to our
host Andrew, who seems to have a natural gift for making people feel welcome
and for being very down to earth and helpful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess Collection Winery ivy covered building</td></tr>
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Hess is one of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>'s wineries that is well
worth visiting even if you don't drink wine.
They have a small but world class art collection that is open to the
public free of charge. Yes, it is modern
art. No old masters. But it is one of the highest quality modern
art collections you will ever visit and some of it changes when new pieces are
obtained. Three Studies of Lucian Freud, a 1969 triptych painting by the British
artist Francis Bacon, sold on <st1:date day="12" month="11" year="2013">November
12, 2013</st1:date> at a Christie’s auction in <st1:city>New York
City</st1:city> for $142,405,000. (Yes over 142 million dollars.
I did not add too many digits.) The Hess collection includes six of Bacon's
works, including a few of his finest. Some of the art at Hess might make you wonder,
but most of it is very accessible to anyone who is even mildly appreciative of
modern art. I imagine even Margaret Thatcher would have found something of interest even though she did not like Francis Bacon, who is surely one of the great artists of all time. An online, recorded or
guided tour of the art collection adds considerably to one's enjoyment. I have had a half dozen tours of the Hess art
collection and learn something new every time.
Photography is allowed for most of the art works, but flashes are not allowed. (That is why some of my art photos are not very sharp since I did not have a tripod and could not use a flash.) In 1981 ARTnews ranked the Hess art collection as one of the top 200 art
collections in the world! About a
quarter of the collection is housed at the winery in <st1:city>Napa</st1:city>. An online audio video tour may be viewed
here: <a href="http://www.hess-family.com/audiotour.html">Hess Collection Winery Art Tour</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Francis Bacon work</td></tr>
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The Hess Collection Winery opened to the public in 1989
after being leased in 1986 from Christian Brothers by the Swiss born, Donald
Hess, who became interested in winegrowing in the mid 1970's. In 1978 he purchased his first vineyards and
by 1982 he owned 900 acres of vines up on <st1:place><st1:placetype>Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename>Veeder</st1:placename></st1:place> in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>, all of which are sustainably
farmed. In 2008 Hess was one of the
first ten wineries to be certified by the Napa Green Winery program and in 2010
they were among the first to be certified through the <st1:state>California</st1:state>
sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Donald
Hess retired in 2011 at the age of 75 but still remains chairman of the board
for his wineries and other enterprises. <a href="http://www.hess-family.com/history.html">Hess Family History</a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great hospitality at Hess</td></tr>
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Our tasting began with the <b>Hess 2012 Artezin Verdelho</b> at $22.
It is sold exclusively at the winery. Verdelho is a white wine grape from <st1:country-region>Portugal</st1:country-region>,
not to be confused with the Portuguese grapes Verdelho Tinto or <span lang="EN">Verdelho Feijão nor with the Spanish white wine
grape that is spelled Verdeho without an "l". Verdelho is especially common on the island
of Madiera but is rarely offered at Napa Valley wineries. Hess obtained the grapes from Amador County. A
pale straw in color, the wine had a great aroma of melon and green apple with
some floral notes. It is dry and
refreshing with melon, green apple, lemon, and tropical fruits on the palate
followed by a medium plus length finish.
Very pleasant to drink and quite interesting.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Hess gold fish pond</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">The second pour
was the <b>Hess 2012 Small Block Albarino</b>
at $28. This also is available only at
the winery. Abarino is a popular Spanish white wine grape that is known as Alvarinho
in Portugal. It is one of my favorite
white wines, but it is not found frequently at Napa Valley wineries. Albarinos almost always have a pronounced and
interesting aroma and this one is no exception.
It was fairly dry with lively acid and mostly citrus and white peach
with floral notes and a hint of minerality.
Refreshing and very nice.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSaMaydQTRsBo1J67rqAduDkNfCitHG8o4tbMA5KJeIMaecinilHuerBWsh6O_GYMTergyy1ATK8tT3BzjxK2UlkNuElqfAe5iCWcMleIga0QpKm6vklBeG2dkZ2ztOjfWL1ziD4V354/s1600/Hess+outdoor+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSaMaydQTRsBo1J67rqAduDkNfCitHG8o4tbMA5KJeIMaecinilHuerBWsh6O_GYMTergyy1ATK8tT3BzjxK2UlkNuElqfAe5iCWcMleIga0QpKm6vklBeG2dkZ2ztOjfWL1ziD4V354/s400/Hess+outdoor+patio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess outdoor patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN">Third up was the <b>Hess 2011 Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel</b>
at $18. This has 10% Petite Sirah added. It had a very nice aroma of red cherry and
raspberry with some spice followed by a palate of fresh red fruit with a hint
of black pepper. The tannins are soft in
this lighter style Zin and it is very well balanced, refreshing and easy to
drink. You might want to think of it as leaning more toward the Pinot Noir spectrum than the Cabernet Sauvignon of red wines, although that is a simplistic comparison. More to the point, it is not one of those big, bold,
tannic, rather rustic, high octane Zins that requires a bbq to be appreciated. It is drinkable now and need not be paired
with food to be enjoyed, although I think it would pair well with many different foods. This
is a Zin to appeal to many tastes at a price that is very reasonable. Both of
us really liked it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlXsQbottWx_cqXkMAqIFGrm78wMWcJCLp3NczyICwUCqriVuW3-Xzd1Kc823kDHwFgd4AgRQb9Da7t116nQqpd8NOweXmkOgs-NPeTpJvh1Z90Zd3qg7NsqDvYhEyHzqqOmSrBmAvvE/s1600/Hess+window+into+barrel+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlXsQbottWx_cqXkMAqIFGrm78wMWcJCLp3NczyICwUCqriVuW3-Xzd1Kc823kDHwFgd4AgRQb9Da7t116nQqpd8NOweXmkOgs-NPeTpJvh1Z90Zd3qg7NsqDvYhEyHzqqOmSrBmAvvE/s400/Hess+window+into+barrel+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess window into barrel room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN">I love Petite
Sirahs and never pass on tasting one so we had to try the <b>Hess 2011 Artezin</b> <b>Mendocino
Petite Sirah</b> at $25. It had 6%
Zinfandel added. This one leans more
toward fresh fruit than being one of those bold, tannic, rustic Petite
Sirahs. I got a light aroma of red
cherry. On the palate it was lighter
bodied than many Petite Sirahs, with relatively soft but decent tannins along with blackberry, black pepper and spices.
Finish was medium length.
Pleasant and reasonably priced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjfvIbQDSMPNgxvFL_4qTneQQnLxy_bcfpj_QI4z1LcJiIR6GegMf3nHmFFxH9TiSPQEqFKFG3HVL47oEGF1CvedEPZyz3Mxxk5Yn8b6HvnT65Qmc2IyEFqwRV0D7jsRY6nw7-G5HjxM/s1600/Hess+native+plant+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjfvIbQDSMPNgxvFL_4qTneQQnLxy_bcfpj_QI4z1LcJiIR6GegMf3nHmFFxH9TiSPQEqFKFG3HVL47oEGF1CvedEPZyz3Mxxk5Yn8b6HvnT65Qmc2IyEFqwRV0D7jsRY6nw7-G5HjxM/s400/Hess+native+plant+garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess native plant garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The <b><u>Hess 2011 Artezan Napa Valley Charbono</u></b>
at $30 was up next. Charbono is a French
varietal, also called Douce Noir or Charbonneau, that is very rarely found in
Napa Valley. In fact, it is not found
very often in France anymore either but is the second most common varietal
grown in Argentina (Malbec is first, of course.) The only other Napa Valley winery where I have encountered a Charbono is at Summers in Calistoga. According to
the Hess vineyard notes, these grapes are from a Charbono vineyard that was planted
back in 1904 and was used by Inglenook but is now farmed sustainably by Gary
and Peter Heitz. It is "one of
Napa's heirloom virus-free sites."
This one has 1% Zinfandel added and is available only at the winery. It was very dark in color, almost black with
a good aroma of blackberry and black currant.
Charbonos tend to be full bodied wines and this is no exception. On the palate I got black cherry, black
currant and chocolate, all very well balanced, chewy and smooth. For being such a big, dense wine it is
actually quite approachable, although if paired with food you would need to
make sure it does not overwhelm the food.
I happen to like Charbonos and really liked this one. Highly recommended.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsKPHU346uvVMASGbgH-Bp0y9nbAyrsvOELOXB7w5pOzQbTgfiihqrL3pnlKeQXqPt_w5VeRZSbPQD6qTD7VJ87UCoyLEVfJnQfa5DF536rFIglKc62l8TYu5G3aPzHPv3cEVCYP50wQ/s1600/Hess+art+Anselm+Kiefer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsKPHU346uvVMASGbgH-Bp0y9nbAyrsvOELOXB7w5pOzQbTgfiihqrL3pnlKeQXqPt_w5VeRZSbPQD6qTD7VJ87UCoyLEVfJnQfa5DF536rFIglKc62l8TYu5G3aPzHPv3cEVCYP50wQ/s400/Hess+art+Anselm+Kiefer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess art by Anselm Kiefer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN">I could never
visit Hess without tasting the current release of their famous Mount Veeder Cabernet
Sauvignon. The <b><u>Hess Collection 2010 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon</u></b> sells
for $55 or $44 to wine club members. (The
do have an even more premium Hess Mount Veeder "The Lion" Cabernet Sauvignon that sells for $125 but
I have never tasted it. I'd happily do a long and thorough review of either wine if I happened to encounter a bottle.) This is 100%
Cabernet Sauvignon. It had a moderate
nose of cherry with vanilla, cedar and spices.
On the palate I got black cherry, toast, vanilla, cedar and forest floor,
with well integrated tannins, all well balanced, followed by a fairly long
finish. Although it was definately a
mountain Cab, it was more approachable than many. With many mountain Cabs that are this young,
I immediately start estimating how many years of cellaring it will take to make it more
accessible or what I'd have to pair it with to tame the tannins. This is a mountain Cab you can either drink
now or lay away in your cellar for further development. It is not as big and powerful as I remember some of the Hess Mount Veeder Cabs. As with
many very high quality mountain Cabs, however, this one spoke of terroir and
uniqueness. If I tasted this blind I
would immediately think something like this, "Hmm, I wonder where this is
from. Napa Valley but from the mountains, not the floor. Unique and single
vineyard. Not Spring Mountain but probably Mayacamas." This Cab speaks of a unique place and
terroir. And it is very accessible now. The Hess 2010 Mount Veeder is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and is highly
recommended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTiZk_agxJ3z3XDAuSpK1Cq2-yy3a8WTan3CxnuqbtXTcdmEubPBXX2EWadVkWFgPqxJo6fB4RMyqIoJhNP3qQGqzlPIKQA5u_XfAAWLniUZaBMy_AdAcPrMzO_TpweCs4LlUnTOa6j8/s1600/Hess+window+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTiZk_agxJ3z3XDAuSpK1Cq2-yy3a8WTan3CxnuqbtXTcdmEubPBXX2EWadVkWFgPqxJo6fB4RMyqIoJhNP3qQGqzlPIKQA5u_XfAAWLniUZaBMy_AdAcPrMzO_TpweCs4LlUnTOa6j8/s400/Hess+window+view.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess window view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN">We were about to
leave but our hosts wanted us to try the <b>Hess
2010 Allomi Vineyard</b> <b>Cabernet
Sauvignon</b> that is made from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon grapes but sells
for only $30. They wanted us to know
that Hess offers alternatives to big mountain Cabs. This Cab is much softer than the Mount Veeder
with tamed tannins and acid. I got a
light nose of red cherry and vanilla with mostly blackberry and black currant
on the palate with soft, round tannins. It was very easy to drink and I imagine
some people who like lighter style cabs might even prefer this one. But for me it was not nearly as interesting
or complex as the Mount Veeder. It was
pleasant but not very unique or distinctive.
It is a nice Cab for the price, though, and you should drink it now
because I don't think it will improve with cellaring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe3V-8Pc8sZ3lkkWgkzkrtVtZkjs5s68CN6DTMQJReUIjjbq0pn9mExoOEOUsd5Ydp_BrMFVlMfQ-OkJHgYs9nkgZ18dZUE42QBo91w0N3MwVYZs5Qj_m_bgMeYQMekM6Ims_DIYGcBA/s1600/Hess+garden+arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe3V-8Pc8sZ3lkkWgkzkrtVtZkjs5s68CN6DTMQJReUIjjbq0pn9mExoOEOUsd5Ydp_BrMFVlMfQ-OkJHgYs9nkgZ18dZUE42QBo91w0N3MwVYZs5Qj_m_bgMeYQMekM6Ims_DIYGcBA/s400/Hess+garden+arch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess garden arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN">Hess Collection
Winery should be very high on the list of Napa Valley wineries to visit. They have some unusual and interesting
varietals that are priced very competitively compared to other Napa Valley
wineries. They make some outstanding
mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder.
Service for us has always been very friendly, hospitable and down to
earth. They have a world class art
collection that is worth a trip in itself if you love art. And if you ever get invited to one of their dinners or food events, you will be in for a special treat.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-MWj0kFYdLpBl-BQ9ddFjtsIioiP0TTwbfK-YGlshiBgwWlvZh5IyJoKVKza56Yw6rCQltG14n3thhfcc6N0DcoE4bS8-ewtSrOfOW_HpBHC06QahYkDICbl1_1qzXwDLX5B2jCmjMI/s1600/Hess+entry+sign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-MWj0kFYdLpBl-BQ9ddFjtsIioiP0TTwbfK-YGlshiBgwWlvZh5IyJoKVKza56Yw6rCQltG14n3thhfcc6N0DcoE4bS8-ewtSrOfOW_HpBHC06QahYkDICbl1_1qzXwDLX5B2jCmjMI/s400/Hess+entry+sign+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess entry sign</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.hesscollection.com/">Hess Collection Winery</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:address><st1:street>4411 Redwood Rd</st1:street><br />
<st1:city>Napa</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>94558</st1:postalcode></st1:address><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 707-255-1144 </div>
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Date of visit: <st1:date day="13" month="11" year="2013">November
13, 2013</st1:date></div>
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<br /></div>
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Hess offers a number of tour and tasting options, some
paired with food. Please see their web
page for current offerings. <a href="http://www.hesscollection.com/experience/tastings_tours.html">Current offerings.</a> </div>
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The standard tasting includes the choice of four tastings
from an option of 13 wines for $15. This
includes some less common wines such as Albarino, Pinot Gris, Verdelho,
Carignan, Mourvedre and Charbono as well as their famous Mount Veeder Cabernet
Sauvignon and other varietals found more frequently in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Hess is located
in northwest Napa on a winding road that heads up toward Mount Veeder. It is a lovely scenic drive and not that far
but you probably want directions first unless you have a good </span><st1:stockticker><span lang="EN">GPS</span></st1:stockticker><span lang="EN"> unit. </span>You can obtain directions to
the winery here: <a href="http://www.hesscollection.com/experience/directions.html">Directions</a></div>
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From the Hess webpage <st1:date day="13" month="11" year="2013">11/13/13</st1:date>. Please call or check out their webpage for any
changes: <a href="http://www.hesscollection.com/experience/tastings_tours.html">Hess experiences, tastings and tours.</a></div>
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"Please Note: the visitors center, gallery and tasting
room will be closed from <st1:date day="6" month="1" year="2014">January 6-17,
2014</st1:date> and reopening on <st1:date day="18" month="1" year="2014">Saturday
January 18, 2014</st1:date> at <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00 AM</st1:time>.
We apologize for any inconvenience."<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Visitor's Center Hours<br />
Tasting Room: <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00 AM - 5:30 PM</st1:time><br />
Art Museum: <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10:00 AM - 5:00 PM</st1:time><br />
Winery & Vineyard <st1:city>Tours</st1:city>: <st1:time hour="10" minute="30">10:30 AM - 3:30 PM"</st1:time></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tRemv4LTiAuh3GTDz43ZHFLFPIIigk9jtGvcuyUiOjG7hEsek9etw3GFAyrUgOh9u4ESWje87rikmFtmVw7urP6gtMWccr5Z6EIlN8YfwP4e57rfjKbeESSPKwgCfIzcZ6gGeAB0uk/s1600/Hess+reception+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tRemv4LTiAuh3GTDz43ZHFLFPIIigk9jtGvcuyUiOjG7hEsek9etw3GFAyrUgOh9u4ESWje87rikmFtmVw7urP6gtMWccr5Z6EIlN8YfwP4e57rfjKbeESSPKwgCfIzcZ6gGeAB0uk/s400/Hess+reception+desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hess reception desk<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LMwlG6Ff0xPW5Gjaqv2jH6qkWggq1kuRM_rWgdK8wgPge7L0gCe2MMfIzt4VZ-l6crKkCfR95boEiiM8KUyDiPS9Nr16zgAFPoP9l-LHQqxaa8Ih7TB4vmkhiamnYiRxrh3swMK4gVk/s1600/Hess+art+Johanna+2+by+Franz+Gertsch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LMwlG6Ff0xPW5Gjaqv2jH6qkWggq1kuRM_rWgdK8wgPge7L0gCe2MMfIzt4VZ-l6crKkCfR95boEiiM8KUyDiPS9Nr16zgAFPoP9l-LHQqxaa8Ih7TB4vmkhiamnYiRxrh3swMK4gVk/s400/Hess+art+Johanna+2+by+Franz+Gertsch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johanna 2 by Frantz Gertsch<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0wTrxhmUE1SUYu27Pr8yvOeoI4CYWmMiHYTCk-q-aB91H_8u-Y_EilJIDi1dR-sguRVgL1ztr4hNkOaJur0Qt8mzB5KHIZyXD_KJgoJpr_J4kzRutjtZ-vcaGOatrrxPoX1YRDyfFos/s1600/Hess+art+Crowd+Magdalena+Abakanowicz+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0wTrxhmUE1SUYu27Pr8yvOeoI4CYWmMiHYTCk-q-aB91H_8u-Y_EilJIDi1dR-sguRVgL1ztr4hNkOaJur0Qt8mzB5KHIZyXD_KJgoJpr_J4kzRutjtZ-vcaGOatrrxPoX1YRDyfFos/s400/Hess+art+Crowd+Magdalena+Abakanowicz+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crowd by Magdalena Abakanowicz</td></tr>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Hess Collection Winery38.340644999999988 -122.3952279999999712.818610499999988 -163.70382199999997 63.862679499999985 -81.086633999999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1995791015034557826.post-36967860958804699332013-11-06T14:39:00.000-08:002013-11-16T08:11:54.150-08:00Hill Family Estate Wines Revisited<div class="MsoNormal">
Hill Family Estate Wines is a very friendly, family owned and
operated winery located in downtown Yountville where you can find some
outstanding premium <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>
wines at prices that are less than what comparable quality wines usually sell
for elsewhere. That is why we are
members of their wine club. Their wines start out as little as $22 for
their very nice Sauvignon Blanc ($17.60 if you are a wine club member.) Nine of
the twelve wines on their list are $50 or less.
Some of the finest grapes grown in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> are used in their wines and
Hill Family sells most of these wonderful grapes to other high quality wineries. Please see my previous 2011 review of Hill Family
Estate for more accolades: <a href="http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2012/01/hill-family-estate-winery.html">Hill Family Estate Wines Review</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family tasting bar</td></tr>
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After over 23 years of growing grapes for some of <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>'s finest wineries, the Hill
Family began producing their own wine in 2001.
Their first release was a Merlot blend called "Origin", a
blend that changes from year to year and continues to be offered. Total production is about 14,000 cases per year, the actual crushing being done by them at the Laird Family Estate. The winery and vineyards are family owned, and
the family members are fifth generation farmers and local Yountville residents. (Douglas, Darci, Ryan and Carly Hill.) Hill
Family grows most of its grapes on fifteen different vineyard locations in <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley. Doug Hill is manager of over 600 acres of vineyard located in Los Carneros, Oak Knoll, and <st1:place><st1:placename>Atlas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Most of their grapes are sold to other high quality <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> wineries, but they keep most of the best for themselves. </st1:placetype></st1:place>Please don't be put off by
their downtown boutique looking tasting room where there is no vineyard or
winemaking facility. This is a premium <st1:place><st1:placename>Napa</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> winery.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family tasting room area</td></tr>
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Hill Family Estate's winemaker is the charming and amiable Alison
Green-Doran, who has been a winemaker for over thirty years and was mentored by
the famous winemaker Andre Tchellistcheff who is referred to as the <span lang="EN">"dean of American
winemakers." </span>Alison's father purchased Simi Winery in 1969 and
hired Tchellistcheff, as a consultant. After taking time off from college in 1973 to
work as an intern with Andre for six months, Alison switched from studying
animal science at UC Davis to completing a degree in winemaking there and then
spent more time studying at vineyards in <st1:state>Alsace</st1:state>,
<st1:country-region>France</st1:country-region>. Alison
has been a winemaker since 1981 and has been with the Hill Family since their
inaugural vintage of 2001. She was one
of the first women winemakers in <st1:state>California</st1:state>,
probably the fourth in its history, starting back when it was difficult to be
taken seriously in this career if you were not a male. Today many of the finest winemakers in the world
are women! Alison is now a consultant
winemaker to six wineries and has her own label called Hoot Owl.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family lounge area</td></tr>
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We visit the Hill Family Estate about every three
months. During the current visit I decided to taste all of the regular "Tasting
Today" wines, six of them in all. This
began with their regular Sauvignon Blanc. I have liked all of the Sauvignon
Blancs I've tasted at Hill which have
included the 2010, 2011, and 2012 vintages of both their regular Sauvignon
Blanc and their "Tiara" Sauvignon Blanc. The Tiara is a different clone and is
dissimilar to most California Sauvignon Blancs with its floral and white peach
nose and peach and honeysuckle on the palate.
The regular SB is drier and more citrus like, more typical of California
SBs. The <b>Hill Family 2012
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc</b> retails for $22. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 70% of it was aged in stainless steel and 30%
in neutral oak and 1,437 cases were produced.
It had a very nice aroma of honeysuckle and melon. On the palate I got mostly lime, white peach
and melon. It was dry and very well
balanced with good acid and a moderate plus finish. This is a very nice SB for the price.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family tasting room area</td></tr>
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The second pour was the <b>Hill
Family 2012 Rose of Pinot Noir</b> at $26.
This is 97% Pinot Noir, 2% Malbec and 1% Chardonnay and is from Carneros
grapes. Only 260 cases were
produced. This was a lovely light pink
in color with a light but refreshing nose of melon and lilac. On the palate I got mostly lemon and melon
with a dry crisp presentation and a very clean finish. Those who like dry roses should find this
very appealing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family tasting table</td></tr>
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The <b><u>Hill Family
2012 Reserve Chardonnay</u></b> at $65 followed. This is 100% Chardonnay, the grapes coming
from two different vineyards in <st1:place><st1:placename>American</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Canyon</st1:placetype></st1:place>. 60% of it saw new French oak for ten months
and 483 cases were produced. It was
allowed partial malolactic conversion to soften the acidity. This Chard had a great nose of apple, lemon
and floral notes. On the palate I got
mostly apple with some buttered toast and a
concentrated but well balanced presentation with a medium plus
finish. It is great on its own but will pair really well with a wide variety of food. This is the finest Hill Family
Chardonnay I have tasted and is highly recommended. Alison must have used one of the bats in the
corner of the photo below to hit a home run with this Chard. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Another Hill Family tasting table</td></tr>
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Fourth up was the <b>Hill
Family 2011 Clarke Vineyard Syrah</b> at $40.
It is 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier.
40% of it saw 9 months in new French and American oak with the rest in
neutral oak. 475 cases were
produced. It was deep purple in color
with a good nose of cherry and spices.
On the palate I got mostly cherry with some spice, smooth, very well
balanced and not at all over the top with fruit. Too many Syrahs these days are fruit bombs,
not so much fruit forward but fruit in the face. This one is very tastefully done and allows
for some spice, vanilla and varietal characteristics to come through without
being overwhelmed by the fruit. It also
has a good medium plus finish. Very
nicely done.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Early Christmas decorations</td></tr>
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The <b>Hill Family 2010 Origin</b>
at $45 was next. This blend changes from
year to year and has not always been my favorite, sometimes being too fruit
forward for me. The 2010 is 57% Merlot,
15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec and 9% Syrah. It saw 16 months in French oak and 928 cases
were produced. This one had a very nice
aroma of plum and vanilla. On the palate
it was ripe with black plum, black cherry and some chocolate all in a smooth,
rich package with a medium to long finish.
A very appealing blend that is well worth trying, especially as it
matures.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Family gift shop</td></tr>
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Our final pour was the <b><u>Hill
Family 2010 The Messenger</u></b> at $48.
This is mostly a Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend, a blend that is found
mostly in French Provence. In this case
it is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec
and 1% Viognier. It was aged for 16
months in French oak with 50% of this new oak.
A mere 197 cases were produced. I've
not always been fond of Cab and Syrah blends.
Ideally they should complement each other but too often to me they seem
at odds with each other. This one is an
exception, and I quite liked it as did my friend. It was a deep purple in color with a really
nice nose of cherry, chocolate, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate it was full bodied with cherry
and spice along with a clean medium length finish. Alison somehow managed to get it all to come
together in a very interesting way. Both
of us liked this best of the red wines we sampled at Hill Family this time.</div>
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Although we did not taste any of the Cabs this time, we have
had many of them in the past and highly recommend them, especially the 2007 and
2008 Napa Valley Cab and their 2007 Double Barrel Cab. I did not like the 2009 regular Cab quite as
well as the 07 and 08 and don't recall tasting their current 2010 release which
sells for $50. ($40 to club members.) I have not tasted their 2010 Sacrashe Cab
($120). In general you can't go wrong
with a Hill Family Cab.</div>
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If you are serious about premium wine, especially Cabs and Sauvignon
Blancs, (and now I have to add the 2012 Reserve Chardonnay!) then you should check out Hill Family Estates next time you are near
Yountville. If you are unable to visit,
we recommend you purchase some of their wines to try at home or to take with
you to a nice restaurant. We hope you
enjoy them as much as we do. Much thanks to Jeff for being our friendly and informative host.</div>
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<a href="http://www.hillfamilyestate.com/">Hill Family Estate Wines</a></div>
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<st1:street>6512 Washington Street</st1:street><o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city>Yountville</st1:city>, <st1:state>CA</st1:state>
<st1:postalcode>94599</st1:postalcode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 707-944-9580</div>
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Date of this visit: <st1:date day="6" month="11" year="2013">November
6, 2013</st1:date><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Hill Family Estate tasting room is located in downtown
Yountville and not at a vineyard.
Tastings are available without an appointment. They are easy to locate
and there is usually ample parking on nearby streets. Most of the tasting is done at the tasting
bar but there are tables, sofas and lounge areas for special events, such as
their many wine club get togethers, or by prior appointment. Please check the
Hill Family Estate website or call them for the most up to date information,
including the minimum purchase for a waiver of the tasting fee. As of <st1:date day="6" month="11" year="2013">November
6, 2013</st1:date>, their website listed the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Our salon-styled tasting room offers a setting, amid
eclectic décor such as a Fender electric guitar, antique furniture, a
surfboard, and baseball bats stained with Hill Harvest Red wine. It’s elegant
and quite polished (this is Yountville after all) but still kicked-back, with
relaxed staff who can impress sophisticated foodies as well as rowdy imbibers. Our tasting room is open daily from <st1:time hour="10" minute="0">10am</st1:time> to <st1:time hour="18" minute="0">6pm</st1:time>
(except on major holidays). We offer bar tastings (no appointment necessary)
for $20.00/guest, and table tastings paired with prosciutto, cheese and a
baguette for $35.00/guest. To schedule a
table tasting paired with food, please call 707-944-9580."</div>
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TJ Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11861514200210090684noreply@blogger.com0Hill Family Estate38.4011643 -122.3600111000000112.879129799999998 -163.6686051 63.923198799999994 -81.051417100000009