Terroirs du Vent ‘La Violette’ Viognier 2021 – An absolute delight!

Before you say anything, I know winter is closing in and it’s cold outside but this really is an awesome wine. It’s just arrived this week and one sip and I couldn’t say no! I’m sure you’ll agree. Brought to you by Jean Luc Colombo, his wife Anne, and their daughter Laure, now head winemakerContinue reading “Terroirs du Vent ‘La Violette’ Viognier 2021 – An absolute delight!

Exceptional Cabernet from a Difficult Vintage.

The Vintage. 2017 was a difficult vintage and, as we all know the year finished with devastating fires. Putting all that aside, those that got it right, got some spectacular results. In retrospect, the biggest problem the 2017 vintage faced was being flanked by 2015, 2016 and 2018 vintages that produced some exceptional wines. 2017Continue reading “Exceptional Cabernet from a Difficult Vintage.”

Taub Family/Heritance Wines- an unknown Napa Gem.  

Heritance has been described as the cornerstone Napa Valley brand of the Taub Family Vineyards but its history goes back further than when the Taub Family bought them. The name Heritance was derived from combining the words ‘heritage’ and ‘inheritance’- two important concepts signifying a new tradition and the continuation of an enduring legacy championedContinue reading “Taub Family/Heritance Wines- an unknown Napa Gem.  “

Is it possible to find two Awesome Reds- 95 and 99Pts under $50?

Yes it is, read on … DAOU Winery ‘Sequentis’ Reserve Merlot 2019 Daou is by far one of the picturesque Wineries in California occupying one of the highest peaks in all of the state with spectacularly 360-degree views. I visited 10am Sunday morning in October 2019 and had an extraordinary experience and can personally recommendContinue reading “Is it possible to find two Awesome Reds- 95 and 99Pts under $50?”

A White and a Red For Your Consideration.

Freemark Abbey was one of the first Cabernet’s I tasted and have always been impressed by their wines. I was fortunate to visit the winery PC- pre covid, in October of 2019 and definitely intend to revisit on my next trip to Napa. The Winery is unpretentious and a delight to walk around, friendly staffContinue reading “A White and a Red For Your Consideration.”

Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.

Masseria Liveli Passamante 2019 The vineyard the grapes are sourced is next to a forest called Passamante which drew its name from couples that would sneak off for amorous rendezvous there. Pass meaning to pass by and amante meaning lover and quickly became known as the Forest of Lovers. An inspiring name for an inspiringContinue reading “Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.”

Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.

A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2019 Set in the heart of Napa Valley’s Carneros Wine Region, it was established in 1979, long before there was an AVA or any real interest in the region. Just a belief and a Pioneer spirit that great Pinot and Chardonnay can be grown here and was one of theContinue reading “Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.”

Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.

It was 16 years ago on my first job here and I got to taste their Cabernet for the first time. One sip of Robert Craig’s Cabernet and I was convinced that this was not only a great producer but Napa did, indeed produce awesome Cabernet. Let’s fast forward to today and celebrate the releaseContinue reading “Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.”

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”. – Decanter Magazine. Originally three separate vineyards established in 1873, the Draper Vineyards (La Perla) consisting of 435 acres was the first site of Cabernet plantings on Spring Mountain. Interesting side note: part of the La PerlaContinue reading “Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.”

Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.

Double Diamond Cabernet 2018- Schrader Cellars. Allow me to digress for a minute and introduce you to Schrader Cellars, Oakville, California. A winery that has gained almost mythical status and spoken about in hushed tones of reverence in just 20 years as well as commanding prices out of most people’s reach. Next, we add renownedContinue reading “Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.”