Napa & Sonoma favorites in 3 short days...

We met dear college friends Chris and Lisa, from 20 years ago, in San Francisco, and we shared a car and drove straight to the heart of Napa valley.

What a nice way to start the trip. Lunch on the porch at Auberge (thanks for the recommendation, Alex).

• NV Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  (9/21/2012)

  A beautiful salmon-pink color, with a thick and supple mousse, with bubbles going on and on. The bouquet shows notes of strawberry and apple, perhaps some yeasty notes as well. On the palate, crisp and exciting, with strawberry and apple fruit giving way to a nicely balanced and tense med(+) acidity, a very slight sweetness from the dosage, and a crisp and laser-like finish that cleanses the palate and begs for another drink. so nice on a warm day overlooking Napa Valley wine country. This wine will drink well for another 3-5 years and is lovely.

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We met the wonderful daughter of Bill Seavey, Dorie, who lead us through a nice and quaint tour of their small but epic winery, and then tasted the Seavey current releases with her. Sounds like they are making some efforts to slightly increase production at the winery to hit their sweet spot. The wines were all great, as expected. Chris and Lisa are already hooked...

• 2009 Seavey Vineyard Merlot 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/21/2012)

  Tasted at the Seavey tasting room in Napa. This wine is deep, dark ruby at the core, only gently fading to a medium ruby rim. On the nose, beautiful notes initially of mocha are joined with plum and red cherry fruit, as well as notes of forest floor and minerality. On the palate, this wine could be consumed now, with medium(-) velvety tannins that will continue to integrate and support the gorgeous red and black fruit for another 10 or so years. Complex flavors of dark chocolate and licorice are also apparent, and the wine is nicely balanced with slightly lower med(-) acidity. Full-ish bodied and wonderful, one of the better Merlots I have had...ever.

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• 2006 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/21/2012)

  Tasted at the tasting room. This wine was poured to compare to the 2009 Caravina, which is the current release. The 2006 is noticeably lighter in color and more developed, showing a deep ruby at the core, fading to a medium ruby rim. The wine has medium intensity on the nose, offering up equal amounts of black cherry and cassis fruit, as well as moist soil notes and saddle leather. On the palate, the wine is med(+) in body, with no heat apparent from the alcohol. The black fruits are well intermingled with the savory soil and leather notes, adding tobacco and light charcoal notes. The medium level of tannins are well integrated and velvety, and the wine is in a beautiful spot for drinking now through 2020. Tasty juice.

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• 2009 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/21/2012)

  Tasted at the tasting room. Deep purple in color at the core, a very young and dark wine. Notes of cassis and black cherry are up front on the medium intensity nose, followed by tobacco and soil aromas. On the palate, the wine is primary and fruit forward at this young age, showing off cassis and black cherry fruit, with hints of a mineral streak and some anise in the background flavors. The wine is nicely balanced, full(-) in body, medium acidity, and slightly tight and astringent tannins that should soften with 3 or so years of bottle age, allowing optimal drinking between 2015-2025 or so. The finish goes on for 30-45 seconds and is currently just a bit tight and young to fully appreciate. Very nice quality cab for more near-term drinking, while the Seavey Estate cabs lay down and age to perfection.

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• 2009 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/21/2012)

  Tasted at their tasting room. Dark purple in color, pushing straight out to the rim, this is a deep and thick wine. On the nose, notes of gorgeous crushed black currant, poured over rocks, with an interesting streak of anise in the upper register. On the palate, the wine shows full body, with black fruits echoed from the palate, supported by sweet tobacco, tar, and minerality. The wine feels perfectly balanced, with medium acidity, and a firm and thick med(+) tannin structure that will help support the wine as it ages effortlessly. The finish goes on for over 60 seconds, and seems to change throughout that time, giving a window into the complexity of this wine. Should drink well from 2015-2030ish. Another winner from Seavey (one of my favorites in all of Napa).

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Quite delicious duck confit tacos, Wild Boar meatballs, bacon wrapped scallops, ostrich burger, etc. Very nice meal, enjoyed by all.

• 2008 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/21/2012)

  Drank with friends at Carpe Diem in Napa.

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Tasting deep in the cave is always a nice experience. This vineyard has been a favorite for the last 5 years, and is my wife's all time favorite winery. We also tried a view 2010 Cabernet barrel samples, they seemed to be coming along beautifully, but my barrel tasting experience is very limited. Great time overall.

• 2011 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 88 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Lake County

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. The fruit for this wine came from Lake County, and 25% neutral oak was used in fermentation. This is a nice SB nose of grassy notes and apricot. The wine has med(+) acidity, light tannins, totally dry. Nice medium length finish, but a bit pricey at it's $40 price point. Should drink well for the next 3 years or so.

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• 2010 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. 100% new French oak for 10 mos, undergoing no malolactic fermentation. Smoky, oaky notes on the nose, a bit of green apple, but very oaky. On the palate, med(+) tannins from all the oak. Fruits including apple and pear, even some tropical notes in the background. Medium finish, a bit austere and overdone, coming in at $50.

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• 2008 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir 86 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. This wine comes in at 15.6% abv, fruit from Carneros, 40% new French oak, aged ~22 mos, priced at $55. Medium ruby in color, fading to the light ruby rim. On the nose, bing cherry and plum fruits, with some soil undertones. On the palate, medium in body, medium tannins, slightly hot from the high alcohol, notes of plum and red cherry. Medium length finish that is rather simple, even after 4 years? Drink 2013-2019.

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• 2009 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Right Bank 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. 60% Cab Franc (aged in French oak), 40% Merlot (aged in American oak), 14.8% abv. Deep purple color at the core, fading to medium purple, youthful rim. On the med(+) intensity nose, slightly green and herbaceous notes (in a good way) lead into pencil shavings and a distinctive minerality, really interesting and delicious. On the palate, full in body and lush, with black cherry fruit, very thick and chewy medium level of tannins, which will integrate nicely over the next 2 years and will drink well for the following 10-15 years. The finish lasts forever, at least 45-60 seconds, with heady black / red fruits and minerals, as well as tobacco and soil tones. Lovely, my favorite wine today at this property.

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• 2009 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  tasting room pour. 14.9% abv, with 75% new French oak. Deep purple in color, only slightly fades to the rim, appears huge. Black currant and licorice stand at the forefront on the nose, in a fruit forward style, followed by light soil and pencil lead notes. The palate shows cassis fruit, minerality, plum, tobacco, and rocks; quite complex and really awesome. There is medium acidity, with heavy, slightly astringent tannins. Quite long on the beautiful, fruit laden finish. Hold 5 years, drink over the following 15-20 years.

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• 2009 Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Éloge 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. 62% Cabernet Sauv, 20% Cab Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot. 75% new French oak. On the light-intensity nose (tight and shy today), gravel and tobacco lead into black cherry and soil. On the palate, fruits of black cherry, black currant, some green pepper and herbs, then spice and black pepper. Feels quite structured and tight. There is a lipstick quality (waxy), with a medium length 30+ second finish, and med(+) tannins that are tightly wound today. Medium acidity keeps it fresh on the finish. Drink 2017-2032. Very nice effort.

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Various meats, breads and cheeses from Oakville Grocery. Pricey? Oh yeah. Worth it? Oh yeah!

• 2008 Breggo Cellars Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Consumed after a long tasting at Anderson's Conn Valley Winery, so not sure how much of this one I remember. Medium ruby in color, simple and light floral bouquet of red fruits like red cherry and strawberry. Light bodied on the palate, especially following the big Cabernet tasting we had just enjoyed. A bit green on the flavors, with a simple finish, still quite enjoyable. Drink in the next 3-5 years.

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One of the only tasting rooms we visited that charged a non-refundable $20 tasting fee. It was nonetheless packed at this tasting room, and they sell alot of wine.

• 2010 Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. This wine is very pale lemon in color, with notes on the nose of pear and apple fruits, with a bit of smokiness present in the upper register. On the palate, the pear and apple fruits are echoed, with med acidity (would lke to see higher acid for my liking), and a medium length, simple finish. This wine should drink well for another 2 years or so. overpriced in my opinion for what you get.

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• 2010 Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. Medium ruby color, fading to a lighter rim, with med/fast legs. Notes of tobacco, forest floor, and a nice spice on the nose. Flavors or red cherry and some plum (maybe a bit overripe?), a bit simple and straightforward profile leading into a moderately complex, short/med length finish. The medium level of acidity could use a bit of a boost, and the tannins are slightly angular and astringent, pulling down my score a few points. Should drink well through 2017 or so.

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• 2009 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. This Napa Valley Zin is a quite deep purple color, with almost no fading at the rim. Aromas of black cherry and even currants mix with a nice white pepper spiciness that is very evident, adding to the complexity. On the palate, flavors of ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit intertwine with licorice and spicy pepper notes, showing nice Napa Zin characteristics. The medium level of tannins are already approachable, and should support the fruit nicely for best drinking between 2013-2018 or so. This wine has med(-) acidity and a fairly long fruit-n-pepper finish. Quite nice, but perhaps a tad overpriced for what other Napa Zins deliver FTM.

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• 2009 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. Deep purple in color, nose offers up black cherry and black currant fruit, coupled with a bit of leather and slight rocky minerality. On the palate, nicely structured, showing off the blacj cherry and black currant fruit, as well as nicely balanced medium acidity and fine-grained med(+) tannins that are still a bit firm and persistent. This wine has a nice and pleasant finish that goes on for 30-45 seconds, and I believe this wine will drink nicely between 2014-2024. Always a dependable Napa Cab, with a sub $50 price point and loads of personality.

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• 2009 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel Reserve Napa Valley 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (9/22/2012)

  Tasting room pour. The color of this wine is almost black, it is very concentrated juice. The legs roll down fast, and even the swirls on the side of the glass stain it purple. The nose is intensely fragrant, showing black cherry fruit and jam, with spicy black pepper on the back end. The flavors are also quite intense, with black cherry and blueberry jam, more black pepper spice, and some nice soil notes as well. This wine has a medium level of acidity, which feels just right, and the medium(+) tannins are chewy and big, but still oh-so approachable, even now. The finish is medium-to-longish, with black fruit and spice, and this wine should drink well from 2013-2020 or thereabouts. A very nice Zin, priced at just around $50.

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We got a nice tour of the vineyard, tasted the almost-ready-to-harvest grapes, and got to be entertained by a charming ex-Hallmark employee who had a way with words, and a few emotionally moving stories as well.

My wife and friends had amazing meals, but I went out on a limb for the 7 course Omikase chef-inspired tasting menu. Really over the top and thoroughly delicious.

• NV Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut 91 Points

  France, Champagne

  (9/22/2012)

  Drank at Morimoto with an incredible Chef's course meal.

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The estate is in one of the most beautiful settings in the Valley. We did not have an appointment, but we were warmly received and poured a glass of wine for stopping by. Very nice folks, and quite an operation they have.

• 2008 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 88 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. The estate in Sonoma is one to see, it is an incredible production facility of 90k cases, 60k of which are this Cab, and 30k of their Chardonnay.
  This wine is deep ruby in color, barely fading to the rim. On the nose, slightly underripe cassis fruit comes across as rather primary on this newly released wine. On the palate, the tannins are med(+) and a bit hard and astringent, while the flavors are of slightly underripe cherry and black currant fruit. There is a vegetal green quality on the palate, not too off-putting, but may not improve with bottle age. Drink 2015-2024 in my opinion.

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One of my perennial favorites due to lower alcohol and cool-climate vineyards. This one was risky, because Chris and Lisa "didn't like Pinots or Syrahs"...well, after this tasting, they bought a case of Pinots and Syrahs, and joined the wine club. This was an enlightening tasting experience, the wines are incredible, and the view from the tasting room is beyond compare.

• 2010 Copain Chardonnay Tous Ensemble 93 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. Very light lemon in color. Our host described that this wine saw no new oak, and malolactic fermentation was blocked. The wine was aged sur lie for 10 mos. On the nose, clean and citrus quality. A gorgeous intensity of citrus and white fruits on the palate, with very nice med(+) acid and very light tannins. The wine has a beautiful minerality on the med length finish. Should drink well for another 2-3 years. This is a great food wine.

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• 2011 Copain P2 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. 13.2% abv. Meant to be a lighter red that you can chill and drink with food, like in Provence; this wine is 1/2 Pinot Noir and 1/2 Pinot Gris, cofermented. On the nose, red fruits, floral, and caramel. On the palate, raspberry, and even citrus notes, with superb med(+) acid and fine med(-) tannins. The finish is actually medium in length and just repeats beautiful red fruits with a light chalky nuance. Pretty terrific summer quaffer.

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• 2009 Copain Pinot Noir Les Voisins 91 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. Voisins means "neighbors". According to our host, this wine was meant to be made like a village-level Burgundy, with the vines grown on sandstone soils, so it won't give mushroom and earthy tones. The nose is raspberry and tart bing cherry fruit, with a bit of stones. On the palate, gorgeous tart red fruits of raspberry and strawberry, with nice minerality and a rather long, rocky finish that goes on for 45 seconds. The tart fruits, medium supple tannins and med(+) acid give this food-friendly wine a fresh and satisfying quality.

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• 2009 Copain Pinot Noir "En Bas" Kiser 94 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. This wine weighs in at 13.2% abv. Has deep and complex aromatics, a sage-like spiciness, gravel, red cherry, and possibly black cherry. On the palate, still very tight and primary, with lovely medium level of tannins that are slightly astringent yet somehow velvety at the same time. Med(+) acidity, med body, overall an incredible wine, should drink well around 2015-2025+. Gorgeous.

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• 2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins 93 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour. This wine was made using stems in the fermentation (giving it structure), and was aged in neutral oak. Dark purple in color, with notes of blackberry and currant on the nose, mild anise, and tar. On the palate, blackberry and plums, with tobacco and chalk. The tannins are med(+), firm and persistent, great med(+) acidity, with a nice fruit and spice finish that lasts 30-45 seconds. Delicious, should drink well 2015-2022, awesome food wine.

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• 2007 Copain Syrah Eaglepoint Ranch 93 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  (9/23/2012)

  Tasting room pour, to compare to the 2009 Voisins Syrah. Only slightly more complex than the younger (and $15-20 cheaper) cousin, this Syrah has a concentrated nose of blackberry, black olives, kirsch, and gravel. On the palate, tart blackberry fruit that comes across so elegant and nicely; full body and med(+) chewy/tense tannins that lead into a gravelly minerality on the 60 second long finish. This wine will start drinking well in another 2-3 years, and should go for 10+ years after that.

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Just as wonderful as I remembered from 3 years ago. From oysters to calamari to ahi to pomme frites, this was an amazing lunch and a welcome break in beautiful downtown Healdsburg.

• 2009 Breggo Cellars Chardonnay Savoy Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  (9/23/2012)

  Gorgeous, deep yellow color, with an expressive and floral nose of green apple and a hit of citrusy lemon fruits. These fruits are echoed on the palate, where this totally dry wine almost comes across with a bit of residual sweetness from the ripened fruit profile. The acidity is med(+) giving a great freshness, and the tannins are med and likely come from the new oak. The mouthfeel is creamy rich, showing definite malolactic fermentation. This wine is a lovely example of a fine Anderson Valley chardonnay. Drinking beautifully now, should continue over the next 3 years, I'd say.

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Lost my notes regarding the wines I tried at this estate. Many were surprisingly being just now released from 2007-2009, and were drinking quite nicely. Quite an assortment of delicious Pinots (from simple and quaffable to elegant and intellectually stimulating).

Stopped off at the iconic Beringer Vineyard, where they offered us a free glass of the 2009 Reserve Cabernet as they closed and locked the tasting room door. We opened the remnants of our picnic basket from the prior day, and enjoyed meats and cheeses with a Malbec (one of Chris and Lisa's favorite varietals)...until we were kicked off the porch as they were locking the gate.

• 2008 Swinto Malbec Old Vine 90 Points

  Argentina

  (9/23/2012)

  No formal tasting note. Very smoky and peppery on the nose and palate, with black fruits and notes of charred wood coming through in a nicely complex wine with a long future. The wine had a rather velvety structure, full bodied, a little heat on the palate, with med(-) acidity and a med(+) finish full of minerals, wet soil and black fruit, showing that this wine will improve over the next 5-7 years in the bottle.

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Sat on the back porch at Avia Napa hotel, next to a wonderful fire, and chatted until we almost passed out from warmth (inside and out).

• 2010 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 86 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  (9/23/2012)

  Consumed at the end of a long day tasting wines in Napa. This was sort of a "filler wine" in the evening, with no formal tasting note. It was decent, simple and straightforward, tannins were soft and easy drinking (from what I remember).

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In closing, a great weekend catching up with friends, making the wine experience all the more special. Hope to do this again, soon.