Carolyn Tillie's Ultimate California Wine Blog

Husic Vineyards - 163

Frank Husic has had some astonishingly good luck and some astonishingly bad luck. The good luck is that he has nine acres of prime Stags Leap appellation vineyards which produces 500 cases of one of the more highly sought-after California Cabernets currently on the market.

The bad news is that Frank owns 120 acres in the same area and he isn't allowed to plant them to grape. It seems that those nine acres were planted before an anti-mountain growing ordinance went into affect, preventing the rest of the acreage from being developed.  Frank is pretty philosophical about it all. "It isn't going to hold us back from planting elsewhere -- in fact, we'll be releasing our first Chardonnay next year." It is easy to be taken in by his enthusiasm. Having winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek crafting his wine doesn't hurt either. Masyczek came into view when she created the now much sought-after 1998 Staglin.

The bottle is immediately recognizable as different. It is easily the tallest and heaviest bottle on the market. Substantial in size, Frank revels in pointing out the archway design with the names of his family crowning the artistic representation of his hillside vineyard. The two palm trees under the logo name actually exist on the property - a rather odd occurrence in the Napa Valley and one I am glad he represented.

Husic made insider news at the 2004 Premiere Napa Valley auction (an event where barrel samples are tasted and purchased as futures by high-roller retailers) when five cases of an un-released, unknown wine was sold for $13,000. Bottom line? This is a winery to keep an eye on -- could it be the next Screaming Eagle?

2002 Husic Cabernet Sauvignon - A mere hint of the earthy terroir of Stags Leap that I often find overwhelming. Some dusty earthy with a core of dark cassis and currant in the nose. Black raspberry and cinnamon hit the tongue first, but a cinnamon that is intensely soft and elegant, blossoming to show layers upon layers of dark brambleberry, blackberry, and dark plum. The finish shows velvety vanilla. Sold out - usually only available and finer restaurants.

Husic ~ Vineyard; 189 Ridge Drive ~ Napa Valley ~ CA ~ 94558; Office; 80 McLaren Avenue ~ San Francisco ~ CA ~ 94121 ~ 707-812-4909

Steltzner - 126

Dick Steltzner was born and raised in in Northern California and was inspired early on to enter the wine industry with Ernst Wente as his mentor. After college and some savvy real estate dealings which got him a small piece of property in the Stag's Leap District, Dick found himself in the business of vineyard management. This was the 1970s.

By 1980 he started making his own wine in a building that had been constructed in 1915 as a prune dehydrating shed. Converting that building into a winery, his production grew from 3,000 cases to 5,000 by 1990. Now there is a Mediterranean-style complex in place of the prune building, and the business is up to 15,000 cases a year.

Now Dick has daughter Allison at his side, learning the ropes and ready to continue her father's legacy. The wines are classic Bordeaux varietals, expected for the Stag's Leap appellation, but a few additional surprises await. The tasting room is intimate, with a living room ensemble and a baby grand piano in the corner.

The staff is helpful, offering tasting comments as the wine is being poured. I actually prefer to make my own determinations before having flavors indicated, but I can certainly see the benefit to newbie wine tasters who are still learning about flavors that are in wine. I still took my own notes, not relying on what I was being told...

2004 Chardonnay, Oak Knoll Estate - No malo in the wine which was 100% fermented in stainless stell. Overt tropical fruits of pineapple and kiwi presented on the nose. Rich floral tones and easy entry. Complex white peach finish. $18.00

2004 Rosé of Shiraz - Fascinating offering. Meaty raspberry and a hint of strawberry on the nose that is not sweet, but deep. Medium to thin entry that shows some peach a minerals on the mid-palate. A bit more mineral finish that desired. Curious that they are growing Shiraz, but making a rosé with it. $18.00

2002 Merlot, Stags Leap District - Dusty twig and floral tones that subside to show some cherry and dark berry.  Juicy entry with muted tannins. $26.00

2001 Sangiovese - Possibly opened the day before as oxidized notes predominate. I did detect raspberry under the dusty twig with a faint whiff of licorice. $38.00

2002 Claret - 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot. Jammy blackberry with integrated sweet black licorice in its core. A faint hint of green bell pepper just hides behind, classic Stags Leap District. The rich, oppulent nose follows into the initial mouthfeel, showing spice and dark fruit but finishes a bit chalky and dry. $16.00

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District - Bricky red in color with obvious age. Smoky twigs and soft berries show in the nose. Medium bodied in the mouth feel displaying muted flavors despite the spicy nose. A bit of sen-sen burn in the back of the throat. $36.00

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District - Purplish in color, very bright and very fresh in tone. Cinnamon spice and hints of green olive are coupled with the fresh fruit. Juicy and long finish. $36.00

NV Terraces Merlot Port - Berry jam and black licorice couple with integrated dusty twig bouquet. The initial taste is decidedly sweet with the lovely spices being slightly toned down. $34.00/375ml

Steltzner Vineyards ~ 5998 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-252-7272

Mondavi - 77

It is true -- I have had folks ask me when I would visit the Vatican of the Napa Valley. For what other analogy can be made for Robert Mondavi? Despite the recent upheaval in his corporation, the man himself can only be considered the reigning pope of the California wine industry.

Besides the heritage and history that Robert himself lends to the estate, many come to Mondavi to be introduced to Napa and the production of winemaking. No less than seven different types of tours are available, from the basics of winemaking, to food and wine pairing, to the (I'm told) romantic twilight tour which only takes place at 6:00 on Friday evenings. I decided to forgo any tours for my first visit, which also precluded me from tasting any of the reserve wines on this occasion. It was a quick stop only, intended to look around and taste quickly the standard offerings of the facility.

There are three different tasting rooms and the most public, Le Marche, is a pretty standard one as far as the valley is concerned including gift items and apparel. Surprisingly, the tasting bar is relatively small and each taste is charged for individually at $5.00 for each two-ounce pour. Guests are not allowed to "run up tabs" so if you want to taste through their entire offering (six on the day I was there), each guest would have to pony up $30. Still, if visiting for the first time or wanting to experience all aspects of a winery, Mondavi is a great place to start.

2002 Sauvignon Blanc, Stags Leap District - 100% stainless steel. Surprisingly creamy aroma with integrated tropical fruits. A hint of the classic cat pea appeared in the back of the sinuses and anticipated the sharp mouth entry. The initial acidity quickly subsided and blossomed to a brighter, engaging offering with a long, spiky finish. $23.00

2002 Fumé Blanc - Here's a story not many people know: Robert Mondavi "invented" the Fumé Blanc in 1962.  What he really did was take the Sauvignon Blanc (which wasn't very fashionable at the time), and gave it a French twist by hijacking part of the name from the Pouilley-Fumé, putting it in oak, and adding a little Semillon. This current offering was a harsh follow-up to the Sauvignon Blanc I had just tasted, but quickly warmed in showing lemon meringue on the nose (a distinct combination of lively citrus with layered cream notes). The finish was tighter than I would have liked. $17.00

2002 Chardonnay - Seven months is 20% new French oak (Mondavi ONLY ever used French oak!). This wine was very clear with upfront aromas of classic butter and hints of tropical fruit. The initial taste is robust but thins out too quickly with a mineral finish. $18.00

2002 Pinot Noir - A tad murky in its garnet color, the raspberry bouquet revealed itself beside other fresh berries. Mineral tones dominated in the mid-palate and gave way to a thin, metallic finish. $21.00

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Warm dark berry aromas couple with cassis and cocoa. A soft, Merlot-like entry has a bright flavor with even acidity. Quite drinkable. $25.00

2002 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon - Classic Oakville dustiness shows in aromas and flavor. Dried herbs and some twigs predominate in the nose. A bit tannic on the entry, the very dry mid-palate leaves a mineral ending. $40.00

2004 Muscato d'Oro - With 10% residual sugar this simple dessert wine at 8% alcohol could prove way too easy to drink. Sweet orange blossom and honey suckle aromas do not anticipate the slightly effervescent entry. Sweet and orange and floral in tones, an easy summer dessert. $20.00

Robert Mondavi Winery ~ Highway 29 ~ Oakville ~ CA ~ 94562 ~ 1-888-RMONDAVI (1-888-766-6328)

Chateau Boswell - 68

Chateau Boswell is one that has intrigued me for some time because of its old-world charm and style in architecture. It lies on the Silverado Trail, beyond Deer Park towards Calistoga. I hazard to guess it is a part of the Trail that is far less traveled as many folks tends towards the town of St. Helena before venturing up that far. Pity that, for a number of exceptional wineries lie up in that vicinity.

Chateau Boswell is not a very well known name due to their limited production; 300 cases of an already-sold-out Chardonnay, 330 cases of a Cuvée, and barely 165 cases of a Reserve Cabernet. Started 1979 by Dr. R. Thornton and Susan Boswell, it is still family-owned and operated. The grapes are grown organically, but not yet certified as such.

When I visited, I was surprised to meet Susan Boswell herself pouring wine and greeting customers. I was fortunate that they are usually only open by appointment and that I stumbled upon an open tasting room on a Saturday. Susan even admitted that her son usually does the tastings. She did explain that all the wines are dedicated to members of the family and that each year she designs a special back label with custom artwork in those dedications.

The tasting room is barely that -- a small enclave with antiques which lies adjacent to the barrel room of the winery. There is a hint of mustiness in the air which seems to compliment the surroundings. I tasted two of the offerings during my visit, both of which were exceptional.

2002 Jacquelynn Cuvée -- Named after their daughter, this is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, both from the Stags Leap District. Intensely opulent without the classic dirty Stags Leap flavors I tend to expect. Aromas of dark berry and hints of mocha with balanced tannins that produce concentrated, well-structured fruit and a silky, lingering finish. $64.00

2002 Renaissance Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Allowing me to taste a sold-out wine is usually a sure sign I am going to want it... Dark aromas of well-integrated blackberry, cassis, oak, and spice successfully anticipate the elegant entry and mouth feel of this wine. 100% new French oak is evident with hints of smoke on the back palate, just barely subsiding to the velvety finish. $94.00

Chateau Boswell ~ 3468 Silverado Trail ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 707-963-5472

Clos du Val - 63

Clos du Val is among those in Napa which has an amazing reputation and long-established reputation. In 1972, John Goelet and Bernard Portet, an American business and French winemaker respectively, joined forces in establishing one of the more famous wineries in the Napa Valley. Their reputation grew and by 1976, was one of the very few California wineries represented in the now-famous Paris competition.

The truly stunning building complex can be seen from the roadway, vine-covered, warm, and inviting.

The tasting room is always crowded and the staff extremely amiable. I have brought a lot of friends to Clos du Val because of their reputation for quality wines and excellent service. I'm just having difficulty getting beyond the overtly green Stags Leap qualities in the premium offerings.

2002 Ariadne - 73% Semillon and 27% Sauvignon Blanc demonstrated crisp grassy notes layered with kiwi fruit. A surprisingly creamy entry finished with a punctuated tanginess. $21.00

2003 Carneros Chardonnay - A light, non-malo prepared Chardonnay shows tropical fruits with a touch of apricot in aromas. Nine months in French oak have given the mouth feel some darker vanilla notes. $21.00

2001 Carneros Pinot Noir - Immediate earthy, bretty tones with a mineral mid-palate failed to impress. $38.00

2003 Carneros Pinot Noir - Fresh strawberry and raspberry scents present themselves immediately which follows in taste, accented with layered tones of black cherry, an earthy mid-palate, and a lively, spicy finish. $24.00

2002 Napa Valley Merlot - Intense aromas of green bell pepper predominate, with secondary dense brambleberry in nose and mouth. 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc give this wine a bit more earth but it still seems muddled. $25.00

2000 Stags Leap District Cabernet - Intense, burning green bell pepper which was tight and acidic. Maybe it will even out with age. $62.00

2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Barnyard and hospital aromas belie the fruity entry with a dry, mid-palate and pale, earthy finish. $28.00

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - Overwhelming green bell pepper beyond which I perceived very little. $28.00

2001 Reserve Zinfandel, Stags Leap District - Classic SLD green bell pepper with a spicy entry that fails to go anywhere. $40.00

Clos du Val ~ 5330 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-261-5225

Chimney Rock - 61

Chimney Rock is one of the many wineries along the Silverado Trail which lies within the famed Stags Leap District. For Chimney Rock, not only does the winery sit within the appellation, but all 112 vineyard acres which make up their wine is Stags Leap as well. Initially, this would fill me with some trepidation, knowing my tepid reaction to Stags Leap appellation wines in general. Fortunately, Chimney Rock proved me wrong.

Here is where I learn about architecture. From the street, the Chimney Rock buildings seem reminiscent of some of the California Missions and I thought the architecture a tad Spanish in that respect. It is stately and elegant and up until a few months ago, was marked by a row of Cyprus trees which have since been removed. Apparently the architecture is not remotely influenced by the California Missions, but (according to their website) inspired by the Cape Dutch. Interesting, isn't it?
 

The cost for the tasting is $10.00 for five wines but if you want to taste only reds (and a reserve), than the fee is $15.00. Both fees offer a complimentary glass with the tasting. The room has vaulted ceilings and adds an aura of elegance and class. The pouring staff are extremely pleasant, happily describing the wines, the neighborhood, and Napa in general, with no pretense or hard sale. Great wines and a great atmosphere.

2003 Fumé Blanc - 20% French oak and 80% Aluminum. The aluminum surprised me. I am accustomed to stainless steel, but rarely aluminum. I was also told that it was 100% fermented dry. It produced a wine that is a light straw color with clear tropical and apricot notes. $20.00

2003 Rosé of Cabernet Franc - The wine sees 36 hours on its skins and is almost a fluorescent salmon color with aromas of fresh strawberries which surprised me when I perceived green bell pepper on the entry. Crisp and fun with a touch of spice on the end. $16.00

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon - Warm, spicy berry with rich, port-like aromas with some hint of earth through the mostly dark fruit. Smooth entry with a mineral mid-palate and an even, silky finish. $56.00

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon - Dark berries behind the warm, almost hot, bouquet. Soft, velvety entry blossoms and expands but then dries a bit in the middle with a tinny finish. Just needs time, that's all. $52.00

2001 Elevage - A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, with 18% Petite Verdot. Plummy and rich with tones of chocolate and blackberry that don't deceive the mouth entry. Very bright in tannins with oak and cedar on the finish. $72.00

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - Dark, dark berry  Great opulent aromas that match the flavors, enhanced by a spicy plumminess. I would still give this wine another dozen-plus years. $100.00

Regusci Winery - 60

I'm pretty enamored with history and art. Wineries that combine either history or art are an easy mark for my affection. Driving up and down the Silverado Trail every day, I glance often at Regusci Winery as their historic buildings have always intrigued me. Apparently part of the Ghost Winery trails, there is a building that lies back off the road, nestled behind some olive tress that was constructed in the 1878.

It was a gravity-method building that had been constructed and is thankfully one that is still standing to this day. It was in 1932 that Gaetano Regusci purchased the estate and along with grapes, also raised cattle and pigs to supplement the family's income. The family continued to farm grapes, but it was Gaetano's grandson, Jim, who re-established the estate as a winery.

Today, the historic building still greets visitors, as does several of the winery dogs including Scrappy, an accommodating Golden Lab who guards the parking lot. The tasting room is expansive and bright with natural light. The crew working the pouring counter are amiable, fun-loving, and informative. While there is a limited number of wines to taste, all are of exceptional quality.

2003 Chardonnay, Napa Valley - Classic citrus and tropical fruit bouquet with a crisp entry and balanced, even buttery mid-palate. Creamy vanilla finish. $28.00

2001 Regusci Estate Merlot - Some hints of green bell pepper but segues into dark, plummy, black raspberry. Vanilla, cherry and complex spices characteristics in the mouth feel with a bright, engaging finish. $40.00

2002 Regusci Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Ultra ripe, port-like entry with subtle overtones of chocolate, boysenberry and other dark berries, and a touch of toasted vanilla. A complex, cherry finish that is rich and heady. $48.00

2002 Regusci Angelo's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - This is a wine from the Stags Leap District which (thankfully for me), does not have those disdainful SLD characteristics I seem to continually experience; dirty, earthy, green bell pepper. The antithesis of this lies in this reserve offering. Fruit forward bouquet that includes dark berries as well as layered, complex tones of toffee and caramel. It enters the mouth with toasty, rugged qualities that include tobacco and leather, but heighten with dark cherry and more toffee on the finish. $95.00

Pine Ridge Winery - 27

Pine Ridge Winery is one of those about whom I knew nothing before this blog. I knew of their reputation, but I had never tasted their wines. I placed them in the Stag's Leap District appellation because that is where there building is located. However, they utilize fruit from five different appellations for their extensive wine list. I was most intrigued with a Howell Mountain Cabernet that they make, but was told that it generally goes to wine club members exclusively and is never tasted in the retail outlet.

The building is expansive and the classic adobe style of California architecture that I grew up with. The tasting room is spare and elegant. A large floral display the only formal decoration. It is not cluttered with mundane tourist items found almost everywhere else. It was rather refreshing in its sparcity. The gentleman who poured for me was elderly and had been with the company for 17 years. No nonense and no hard sell. Just informative on their quality product.

2003 Dijon Clones Chardonnay - 100% ML and one-half of the wine sees new oak. Significant butter bouquet gives way to secondary tropical fruit tones in the nose. Brighter and more clean on the palate than I anticipated considering the heavier butter aromas. Flavors of peach and more tropical fruit dominate. $27.00

2001 Crimson Creek Merlot - 60% of the fruit for this wine comes from Carneros and the other 40% comes from Rutherford. It is actually 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. A slight engagement of green bell pepper hits the nose but gives way to brown sugar and nutmeg. Dark berries dominate the palate and the slightly acidic finish indicates the wine should be cellared for another five to eight years. $27.00

2001 Charmstone - A "proprietary" bland of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Clear garnet color and substantial bell pepper aromas couple with a hint of brambleberry. Hot cinnamon mid-palate somewhat overwhelmed me. $30.00

2001 Cabernet Franc - Bright ruby color produced an earthy, barnyard bell pepper tone. Significant roasted flavors predominate with a surprisingly thin finish. $35.00

2001 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon - 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Tannat. Again, classic bell pepper aromas up front, gives way to some black olive and black pepper. Tasting produced a brighter, smoother mouth feel than the nose predicted. Long finish of black fruit. $39.00

2000 Andrus Reserve - Another "proprietary" blend of the Bordeaux varietals all planted in the Rutherford appellation. Dark, rustic flavors of roasted coffee and oak fill the bouquet and anticipate flavors of mocha in the mouth. A slight vanilla finish which was long and predicted a wine which would age well. $95.00

Pine Ridge Winery ~ 5901 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-252-9777

Baldacci Family Vineyards - 26

Baldacci Vineyards is another winery along the Silverado Trail that is small and easy to miss - but definetely worth looking for. Their sign is small and attached to their gate. Their tasting room unassuming, a mere shack compared to the palatial palaces and villas that speckle the landscape. They are a relatively new winery as Tom Baldacci (a home builder by trade) started off purchasing old, heritage vineyards to sell grapes to other wine producers. Later, he decided he wanted to make the wine himself.

Not being satisfied with the old vines, he set about replanting to increase productivity in the soil. He got local wunderkind Rolando Herrera as his winemaker (Rolando has his own Mi Sueno label which is pretty fabulous!). The wine? A single offering of a limited production estate-grown Cabernet. But what a wine...

2000 was their first vintage and I was fortunate to taste both the first and second vintage of their estate wine (they also produce a limited production Cabernet, named after Tom's wine, Brenda, which was not available to taste).

2000 Baldacci Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - With one acre of Cabernet Franc vineyards, there is a 9% CabFranc blended into this wine. Tremendous brambleberry aromas come from a wine that is downright inky in color. Elegant cocoa and eucalyptus flavors come through and a long, velvety finish continues.

2001 Baldacci Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - This wine has 6 1/2% Cabernet Franc and for a change, instead of the classic Stag's Leap manure smell that I tend to tire of from this appellation, this wine effuses dark, rustic fruit and oak with a hint of tobacco. Flavors of dark cherry and blackberry produce mid-palate and the finish is vanilla and wonderfully extensive.

Baldacci Family Vineyards ~ 6236 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-944-9261

Robert Sinskey Vineyards - 25

Before I moved to the Napa Valley, I would drive up on three- and four-day weekends from Los Angeles.  Robert Sinskey Vineyards was one of my favorite wineries during every visit. This is the bain of the neophyte visitor -- you find a great place and it is hard to move on to discover other great places, but always happy and satisfied knowing an old friend is there for you. I was initially drawn to Sinskey because of a friend's invitation, but have gone back many times because of their Pinots.

One of the many charms that Sinskey offers is more than good wine. I have always received exceptional, personal service from the pouring staff. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with architecture that is both modern and austere, yet constructed of wood that is warm and inviting.  For its categorization, I have placed it in both the Napa Carneros appellation, where the bulk of their vineyards are located (200+ acres) as well as the Stag's Leap District appellation, where their winery physically stands but is also the home of their Cabernet vineyards (4 acres of Cabernet and 1/2 acre of Merlot).

The entry into the tasting room presents exaulted, open ceilings and a semi-round tasting bar which instead of offering sharp, angular, psychologically sharp corners, softens the room making it immediately comfortable and inviting. There are many of the standard retail items strewn about, but not blatantly so and more set back. Directly behind the tasting bar are large, glass windows behind which displays part of the wine making area with stainless steel vats. At the end of a normally retail-oriented space, is a small presentation kitchen with wood-fired stone oven. This is all related to Maria Helms-Sinskey's belief that wine tastes better with food and has subsequently also written the well known The Vineyard Kitchen.

When tasting their wine, they continue with the philosophy that wine pairs better with food. Inasmuch, small ramekins of rosemary-scented Marconi almonds and Nicoise olives are set out with olive oil crackers to taste with the wine. And one last point before the wine notes; I was a tad surprised that much of the Pinot I tasted for this blog is the same vintage that I tasted three years ago; 2000. However, I have been assured that a number of new vintages will be released at the beginning of March; a 2002 Los Carneros Pinot and the 2001 Four Vineyards. More exciting, however, is the news that later in the year will be the presentation of some vineyard-specific Pinots which I will anxiously await: The Vandal Vineyard, The Three Amigos, and The Capa Vineyard Pinots.

2003 Pinot Blanc, Los Carneros - 100% stainless steel produces a surprisingly warm nose of aromatic jasmine and citrus blossom. Thick, engaging mid-palate which produces melon flavors. The tanginess that is normally perceived in Sauvignon Blanc appears in this wine as part of the finish. $18.00

2002 Chardonnay, Three Amigos Vineyard - Los Carneros of Napa Valley - Eight to ten months of French oak don't overpower this Chard, probably because there was no malo fermentation used. Initial bouquet of apple and vanilla anticipates the deeper flavors of pear and toasted nut. Very long, silky finish. $30.00

2004 Vin Gris - Pinot Noir Rose - Beautiful peach color with wild strawberry aromas. Extremely bright and engaging. Warm nose with a soft entry that builds and effuses. Keeps going and going. Must try with BBQ! $16.00

2000 Four Vineyards Pinot Noir - Los Carneros of Napa Valley - Very bright red raspberry nose just barely hides a secondary aroma of vegetal pepper. First tastes produce strawberry and minerally tones which give way to a slightly acidic finish that diminishes quickly. Having tasted this vintage upon its release several years ago, I believe the wine is waning. $46.00

2001 Merlot - Los Carneros of Napa Valley - A blend of 76% Merlot with 24% Cabernet, but this Cabernet was not from Stag's Leap, but Carneros. Green bell pepper bouquet which made me think it might have been from Stag's Leap District, but I think the bell pepper aromas were the Cabernet. Harsh, astringent entry with a hint of mint in the mid-palate. Tannic finish. $26.00

1999 Vineyard Reserve, Napa Valley - 52% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc. Another earthy entry, quite probably from Stag's Leap District Cabernet. Bouquet of mint and spice. Extracted pine in the mouth with a cocoa finish. $36.00

Robert Sinskey Vineyards ~ 6320 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 707-944-9090

Cliff Lede - 3

This one can be a bit confusing. Cliff Lede purchased this estate from what was S. Anderson. Apparently John Anderson , son of Dr. Stanley Anderson, instead of following in the family tradition, went the alternate route of starting a confectionery, Woodhouse Chocolates in St. Helena. (I've had the chocolates, they are fabulous...) When you approach the winery, there are a number of signs out front; Cliff Lede, Poetry, and S. Anderson (although the S. Anderson sign is a small stand-up, just outside the shot of my picture). 

But it is what lies inside (and in the bottle) that counts, right? Therein lies the three names. While S. Anderson produced sparkling as well as still wine, Cliff Lede, the man, retains the S. Anderson label for the sparkling wine alone. The Cliff Lede label is for most of the rest, and Poetry is the signature reserve Cabernet. One must give Mr. Lede a great amount of credit. Behind the tasting room building is a great deal of construction -- in caves which never existed when it was S. Anderson as well as an inn, which will be known as Poetry Inn. I realize so many labels can get confusing, but in the long run, it is the product that counts.

Before I mention the tastings I had on my visit, I'd like to mention a bit more about the grounds. I am a sucker for artwork. I especially love wineries that promote the arts with a large variety of artwork, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Part of my blogging exercises will be to look at and discuss the artwork as well and I greatly applaud those wineries which combine the two. Here at Cliff Lede, there are a number of statues which bedeck the grounds. I'm just ashamed that I didn't get the artist's names or the titles to the two works I photographed. I really liked the Two Hearts sculpture -- and it stands over six feet tall. Close up, one can see it was very well crafted. But on to the wines...

When you enter the tasting room, you are immediately served some form a sparkler. In my case, it was the S. Anderson 1998 Brut Rosé. Many rosé tend towards the sweet and fortunately, this one did not. It had delicate florals and brighter fruits like dried orange peel and ripe melon. I would not have minded drinking this wine with salmon. But I was more interested in red wines and asked to forego the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Even though the winery itself lies in the Stag's Leap District, the 2002 Cliff Lede Pinot Noir comes from Carneros. It was a tad cloudy and I neglected to asked if it was filtered or not. There was definite lush berry on the nose and had a warm, opulent finish of cherry.

Next poured was a 2002 Cliff Lede Claret which was comprised of 70% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, I immediately was hit with mint and tobacco and that quintessential Stag's Leap earthiness. Funny, I used to like valley floor fruit a lot better but am getting jaded towards mountain vineyards.

I am just getting into Syrah and asked for a small taste of the 2002 Cliff Lede Syrah. There is some meat to this syrah, but not quite enough for me. I perceived some wonderful spice on the nose but the finish was a bit too metallic and thin.

Unfortunately, both the Cliff Lede and Poetry cabernets were sold out upon my visit. I guess this is a winery I will have to return to as I think a full tasting of their sparkling would be great fun and I'm dying to try the Cabernet.