Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Oct 142012
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc, Sonoma County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

A nose of Meyer lemon and citrus with subtle floral notes. 100% stainless steel creating crisp fruit notes offering flavors of Meyer lemon and Granny Smith apple with some intriguing minerality and floral notes. Zippy acidity that calls for summer fare. A good value under $20 Buy This Wine

Oct 142012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Petite Sirah, in my opinion, never seems to get its due. This wine is a great example of Napa Valley Petite Sirah. A rich nose of blackberry pie with notes of smoke and leather. Jammy spicy flavors of cherry, blackberry and ripe plum along with hints of black pepper, smoke and minerality. The tannins are softer than many Petite Sirahs making it all the more approachable. Only 150 cases…Get it while you can. Buy This Wine

Oct 122012
 

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to lead a group of long-time friends on a one day tour of Napa Valley wineries. I wanted to share examples of the many wine experiences Napa has to offer, but in just one day. It was a tall order with so many wine-derful choices. Here’s the strategy.

Napa wineries can be put in many categories, so these are the ones I chose. Old and unpretentious Napa, cutting-edge winemaking Napa, multi-generational winemaking Napa, and money is no object for my dream winery Napa. For good measure I tossed in lunch at one of Napa Valley’s top restaurants and a harvest party with an experienced winemaker with a new project. It was a lot for one day. This group may be grey, even so we were up to the wine-stained task.

Our day started in San Francisco on a clear crisp Friday morning. Knowing we’d be drinking sampling a lot of great wine, we employed a driver. Tom Cilluffo of Napa Valley Limousine Services arrived about 20 minutes before our scheduled 8am hotel pick-up in a brand new SUV, perfect for the five of us. We rode across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Sonoma Carneros wine growing region before hitting Napa. Tom, born and raised in Napa Valley, had a lot to offer about the history and people of Napa and Sonoma. The day was off to a great start.

Our Cru at Smith-Madrone (Stu & Charlie have the beards)

Our Cru at Smith-Madrone
(Stu & Charlie have the beards)

Our first stop was a step back to 1970’s Napa at Smith-Madrone Winery after a narrow and winding yet picturesque drive up Spring Mountain. Napa Valley was not always the glitz and glamour statement it is today and Smith-Madrone is 1970’s Napa all the way. Nothing fancy, in fact the entire winemaking facility is housed in an old red barn. Stu and Charlie Smith founded the winery in 1971 on what is now a 200 acre vineyard/ranch, high above the valley floor. Curly, the winery spaniel, was the first to greet us. Then as we approached the barn door Charlie Smith, in his trimmed Santa Claus beard, stepped out and guided us to the crushpad showing off the pregnant vineyards, only yards away. Continue reading »

Oct 102012
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 90

An enjoyably crisp SB with a nose of Meyer lemon, citrus and honeysuckle. Stainless steel fermentation lets the fruit speak with flavors of Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and tropicals with notes of minerality and white peach as the wine opens. Well-balanced and refreshing with crisp acidity for good food pairing. The addition of 3% Sauvignon Musque in the blend rounds out the mouth-feel a touch. Buy This Wine

Oct 102012
 
2009   Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S)  – Rating 91

A lighter body than many super jammy Zins with an enticing nose of spicy cherry, blackberry and smoke.  A blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah from vines that average over 90 years old. The palate offers well integrated flavors of cherry, blueberry, leather, dark spice and tobacco box with notes of espresso and cocoa in the long finish. There is a definite undertone of earthiness that adds complexity. Buy This Wine