Napa 2011

Napa Valley, California
Tasted Thursday, October 6, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011 by lumpyelbow with 1,121 views

Introduction

We head to Napa Valley with Brenda and Simon for a wine-centric holiday

Flight 1 - Day 1 - Arrival (6 Notes)

Arrival Day. After a work to rule display by security at the airport in Toronto delaying our flight, circling SFO for 30 minutes waiting to land, and the car rental girl driving us crazy but having us in stitches the same time we made our Rooted in Oakville appointment at Groth only 30 minutes late. This was a highlight of the trip.

  • 2010 Groth Sauvignon Blanc

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (10/6/2011)

    5 months in French oak. No malolactic fermentation. 3% Semillon. Citrus, melon and stone. S.B. subtleties. Clean, crisp finish.

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  • 2009 Groth Chardonnay

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (10/6/2011)

    8 months in French oak, 25% new, No malolactic. Aged on lees. Round and fully integrated with the oak. Subtle wood. Some buttery round melt in the mouth backed by nice acid.

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  • 2008 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (10/6/2011)

    22 months in 100% new French oak. 12% Merlot. Light vibrant colour. Nice nose of toast. Round and easy drinking, put together well. Soft like Merlot. Fresh and quaffable.

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  • 2008 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (10/6/2011)

    22 months 100% new French oak. 9% Merlot. The 4th vintage after replanting. Deeper in colour. Reticent nose but very round. More intensity but also showing more elegance.

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  • 2004 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (10/6/2011)

    20 months in 50% new French oak. 13% Merlot. Showing some maturity in the glass. More perfume on the nose but also a little funk for interest. Balanced well.

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  • 2010 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (10/6/2011)

    Barrel Sample! Some cloud, tons of fruit. Judy says the tannin is there, just masked by the fruit. Very heady with oak in the background. My first barrel sample so a great experience and a real treat.

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Flight 2 - Day 2 - Bike Tour (22 Notes)

We drove to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and biked the rest. There wasn't a lot of spitting this day so towards the end the bicycles were getting a little wobbly.

Flight 3 - Day 3 - Car Tour (22 Notes)

Cakebread as a whole was very impressive, as was Phelps - the terrace view while sipping was fantastic. Duckhorn redeemed themselves with the visit - highlights were Three Palms Merlot. Opus was, Opus. I think the 2006 edged out the 2008. Mondavi tour was good - the wines were whatever.

Flight 4 - Day 4 - An Easy Sunday (10 Notes)

On the way to Calistoga we stopped in Duckhorn and bought a bottle of Three Palms. After visiting Chateau Montelena we drank it in Bothe State Park while eating Buster's BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches. The most quaffable wine I have ever encountered. Too bad it's $90 a bottle.

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