A Journey Through Napa
Napa Valley
Tasted Sunday, May 18, 2025 - Tuesday, May 20, 2025 by bracine33 with 172 views
Introduction
I finally had the opportunity to visit Napa Valley with my girlfriend. The trip was originally planned around attending a close friend’s wedding, but we decided to extend our stay and explore some of the producers we genuinely believe are crafting some of the finest wines in the region—though Inglenook stands out as a bit of an exception.
Flight 1 - Greer's Barn (2 Notes)
The Greer team was gracious enough to host me at the Greer Barn, which is located in the middle of the Greer Vineyard. Visiting Greer's Barn is a truly special experience that I will not forget. You meet a member of the Greer team, and you taste a few of their wines overlooking their vineyard and others. The team member brought a 2017 and 2019, which were both outstanding. The 2019 was a true standout and a top 3 wine of the trip.
Flight 2 - Inglenook and Coppola's Estate (4 Notes)
I took my girlfriend to Inglenook, so I can show her what a typical Napa wine tasting may be. It was a lovely afternoon, and we enjoyed exploring the grand estate and looking at the museum. The coffee shop makes some of the best coffee in Napa as well. While pleasant, it wasn't the most memorable tasting of the trip.
Flight 3 - Lunch with 001 (2 Notes)
Jack Bittner, manager of the famous Ecotone Vineyard, graciously met out for lunch in St. Helena. For the lunch, he brought a 2020, 2021, and a barrel sample of a non-cabernet 2023 blend they'll release next year. All wines were incredible, and I thought Jack had double decanted the wines earlier that morning. However, due to an issue at the vineyard, he wasn't able. Yet, the 2020 and 2021 001's were delicious out of the gate. Meanwhile the 2023 barrel sample was out of this world and one of my favorite wines of the trip. It will be special when they release it. Just be on the lookout for those emails.
Flight 4 - An Afternoon with MOWE (3 Notes)
Dustin and Renee graciously hosted us at their home, where we tried the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, and a barrel sample of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. All the wines were special and incredible. The 2023 cabernet will be one of the wines you cannot miss this fall. I may be biased, but the 2022 cabernet was likely my wine of the trip, though the 001 barrel sample and 2019 Greer made it competitive.
It was just lovely speaking with Dustin and Renee about their journey and how they found the special land that their home and cabernet vineyard sits on. You can tell how much producing beautiful wines means to them. Visiting their home likely made the Napa trip.
Flight 5 - The French Laundry (2 Notes)
My girlfriend somehow got a reservation to The French Laundry to celebrate my birthday. A truly special dinner and evening. They pulled out all the stops. We had many great wines, but two wines stood above the rest - the 1994 Trefethen Chardonnay and 1981 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. I think I will be chasing the high of tasting the 1994 Trefethen for the rest of my life. I'm not sure I've tasted anything remotely like it. The 1981 Robert Mondavi really showed how great Napa wines can age and is one of the older bottle I've had.
Flight 6 - A Morning with Tench (5 Notes)
I was finally able to visit Margaret at Tench Estate. Even though she couldn't host due to other reasons, it was lovely trying the four different different wines they make, along with an older vintage of the their now Lilian John. All the wines were well-made, complex, and will age well. I think their sauvignon blanc (grown a stone's throw away from Screaming Eagle) is one of the best values in the US for wine. It is that good.
Flight 7 - Bergman Estate (3 Notes)
Finally, our trip ended with meeting Brett at the Bergman Estate and trying a few of their recent wines. Due to their vineyard's location, their wines are a bit different than wines you may see on the valley floor. The estate and the wine cave are incredible, and it was amazing to explore the land/vineyard with Brett. I think their chardonnay has some of the best potential in Napa Valley and will age incredibly. Similarly, their red blend will be a wine that every enthusiast should seek.
My favorite part of tasting with Brett was that you can tell how much he breathes, drinks (no pun intended), and sleeps wine & winemaking. It was special meeting someone at a similar age (albeit a little younger) that is that enthusiastic about the wine and making it properly, so people will enjoy it. I know the Bergman Estate will be in great hands for many future years.
Closing
The trip to Napa Valley was truly one of a kind. Although there were still a few producers I hoped to visit, the ones mentioned above were the main ones I wanted to experience and learn more about. I am excited to follow what each producer creates in the coming vintages, especially in 2023. One thing is certain: each wine will be unique and special in its own way.
2017 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon Greer Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
(5/18/2025)
No present tasting notes, but I had this at the Greer barn, along with the 2019. It was delicious and it had a bit more of a leather taste to it. Just comparing it to the 2019, it wasn't that close. Still quite good and enjoyable. My girlfriend really enjoyed it.
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2019 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon Greer Vineyard 98 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
(5/18/2025)
No present tasting notes, but I had this at the Greer barn, along with the 2017. Wow - what a wine. Truly amazing. It was top 3 wine of the entire Napa trip. It was that good.
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