Larkmead, Cliff Lede, Neal, Ladera, Etude & more
Tasted Tuesday, August 7, 2007 by vinole with 2,549 views
Spent two days visiting eight wineries whose wines I have enjoyed or whom I have read good things about and get to decide for myself.
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A beautiful winery that was bottling their 05 cabs via mobile trailer the day we were there. A one on one tasting (no fee) by appointment conducted in their wine cave.
Another beautiful winery that was also bottling its 05 cab the day we were there on their own line. A one on one tasting (no fee) by appointment. Had a chance to speak with Mark Neal who came by during the tasting.
The site and winery buildings were not as attractive as the first two, but the wines, from top to bottom, were some of the best I tasted. Tasting by appointment ($15 fee) conducted in their tasting room.
The winery is currently undergoing an addition, but continues to use its older, rustic tasting room. No appointment necessary and no fee. It sells most of its wine at the winery (as opposed to lists or retail), and only V. Sattui outsells it in direct winery sales.
Group tastings by appointment. I chose the tour and tasting for a $25 fee. One of the most informative and educational tours, though I was less excited by the wines.
No appointment necessary at its rather large and relatively new tasting room that also features an art collection and a nice sculpture garden. A $20 fee to taste which is refundable with a purchase of 3 or more bottles. $40 for a tour (by appt.), which I did not do.
No appointments or fees required. They will also give you a tour of their facility and wine cave.
Appointments and a $25 fee required. By far the most detail given in terms of information on the specific wines. No tour given, but for sheer quantity and quality, this was hands down the best money I spent to taste.
2006 Ladera Sauvignon Blanc Howell Mountain 86 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Firm bite with a creamy finish. Light to medium body with low acidity.
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2004 Ladera Syrah Napa Valley 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Bold fruit and obvious oak, but still retains an elegance and structure. A style I like.
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2004 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
A more subdued and elegant style as one would expect for a mountain cab, with noticeable acidity and dark fruit flavors. A wine with finesse and good with food.
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2003 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Lone Canyon Vineyard 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
A big, full bodied wine, with lots of tannin, toasty oak and dark fruit of currants and a nice finish of 40 sec. Great example of a big, lush Napa cab.
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