Stunning Reds from Blankiet
Sometimes it is just appropriate to enjoy world class red wine. Such is the case at Blankiet Estate (pronounced Blănk-ē-ā) in Yountville, California. This winery does things to extract the most flavor and deliver smooth texture in each bottle of wine. It starts with the management in the vineyard and extends through each step of the harvest to cellaring.
Our visit to Blankiet was impressive as the views are simply gorgeous. The winery sits on the western slope of the Mayacamas Mountains that create part of the western edge of the Napa Valley. The ride up from Highway 29 was a gentle slope up a gravel road. The approach to the winery was a bit deceptive as the winery itself is contained in a cave that is well carved from the mountain, not visible from the road. From the road, all you see are vineyards.
Leviathan: A $40 Red Blend Worth Twice as Much!
This evening I opened and decanted a young red blend named Leviathan. This is a 2016 wine that is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. This wine is made from grapes from some of the most coveted vineyards in Napa Valley by winemaker Andy Erickson. His is a name you should know and trust, as he is the winemaker behind some outstanding wines from Napa Valley. He and his wife, Annie, are the vintners for Favia; and he crafts Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, and Marciano — and I’m sure I’m missing others. He formerly made Screaming Eagle if you want more references. He is a masterful winemaker, and this bottle is wonderful.
ZD Wines: A New Perspective!
Just the other day I was doing some “heavy” lifting, picking up some orders I had placed on line for wine at properties in Napa Valley. It was a tough day, yes; but someone has to do it! I drove up Spring Mountain to Pride and to Spottswoode in St. Helena. With all that work, I knew I needed a tasting. It was that time of the day!
ZD Wines came into sight as I came northbound on the Silverado Trail. As my memory served me, it was a winery that did not require an appointment; so I pulled right on in. Upon walking into the tasting room, it was clear a lot had changed since my last visit. The front tasting area was now expansive with an open glass wall to the barrel room. The entire area was modern with a bar to the side. Real renovation had taken hold.
Through the Eyes of the Winemaker: Featuring Bob Bolan
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Bolan, the winemaker for Bremer Family Winery. These are unique opportunities to learn and see wine through the lens of the winemaker. What do they see? What do they consider in making wine that is a joy to drink, share, and remember? It also allows for an appreciation and understanding of what brought them to this passion. It is a real moment to capture new insights and understandings.
Bremer is one of the fine wineries on Howell Mountain near Saint Helena within the Napa Valley. Rich, textured, deep flavored Cabernets are the hallmark of this AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Howell Mountain AVA is unique in that one of its defining characteristics is altitude. To be included in this AVA, your vineyards must be above 1400 feet. Most vines in this AVA are planted between 1400 and 2200 feet. This is real mountain fruit that provides great depth of flavor.
Odette: Sophisticated and Relaxing
There are 550 wineries within the Napa Valley that are listed on the Napa Valley Vintners’ website. At 88 of those wineries, you can taste simply by walking into the winery’s tasting room. Another 292 are open by appointment only. Imagine how long it would take to personally visit all of these wineries! Don’t worry though; I am working on it for you.
Sophisticated and relaxing are two words that describe the setting at Odette Estate Winery. As I was driving by, on a whim, I stopped into the winery. They are open only by appointment. So I pulled out my phone, called the winery and asked to make an appointment. I let them know I was standing outside, and they said come on in.
Giving Thanks
Cheers to all of you on this Thanksgiving holiday. May your holiday season be spirited and sparkling. Thanks for your support and for following Diana’s Wine Blog!
Harvest in the Napa Valley!
Harvest is a special time in the valley. It is the culmination of diligence and oversight of the vines and the evolution of the fruit. This year we were in the vineyard with our friend as his grapes were picked and hauled away to the waiting winery. It was especially sweet since last year his entire crop was lost to smoke taint from the Tubbs Fire. For the vineyard owner, it was a truly remarkable harvest experience.
The process of picking customarily takes place in the cool of the evening. The reason for this is so the process of fermentation does not begin. The cool evening hours provide a measure of assurance that the process does not start without the oversight of the winemaker. There is much to be done before the fermentation begins to bring that lovely bottle of Cabernet to your table.
Amici Cellars: A New Find!
A few friends who loved Napa Valley wine decided to make their own — and started Amici Cellars in 1991. With that quiet beginning, they named the winery Amici, which means “friend” in Italian. The winery itself is located in Calistoga just a couple of miles past the center of town on Old Lalley/Toll Road. It is a rural setting with gorgeous views of the Palisades Mountain Range and sitting directly under Mount St. Helena. Easy to get to, it’s only a five minute drive from town and a delightful wine experience.
The tasting we experienced was set up outside in front of the guesthouse on a pleasantly warm Sunday afternoon. With the mountains in the background, our host Shawn took us through seven wines.
Keplinger: A Favorite!
This is exciting news! For years, I have followed and loved the wines made by Helen Keplinger. My first taste of her wine was the 2006 Red Slope, a Grenache based wine that I can still recall. It was lush with mouth watering fruit – so much so that I needed to join the mailing list. It was a great decision!
I’ve written about Helen’s wines several times in the past out (check it here and here). The challenge has always been how to introduce the fine art of her winemaking to my friends. There was no tasting room, and the busy schedule of Helen and her husband/business partner, DJ, made it hard to schedule a tasting. The wait is over. This is the email they sent me! Read on, and…
Schramsberg Vineyards: A Sparkling Occasion
Many people reserve sparkling wine for special occasions, and others allow it to make any occasion special. However you approach it, there is a great experience waiting for you at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.
This property was one of the first wineries in the Napa Valley, second only to Charles Krug. With that, they have developed a rich history of producing fine sparkling wines that have been served at official State functions by every U.S. Presidential administration starting with President Nixon. Schramsberg produces excellent sparkling wines that are crafted with several of the old practices through a history that spans over 50 years.