Vintner Dinner with Mario Andretti

[hotwine]

We're booked to attend this event on 20 Oct at the Grey Moss Inn, NW of San Antonio. It's one of our favorite restaurants, and one we frequently choose to celebrate our anniversary, which is only a few days later on Halloween (long story there). We know nothing of Mr. A's wines, which will include:
Andretti Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 1999
Andretti Claret, Napa Valley, 1998
Texas goat cheese canapes
Smoked chicken sausage
Grilled portabella and brandywine tomatoes

Andretti Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 1997
Andretti Pinot Noir, Napa Valley 1997
Roulande of Atlantic Salmon on a bed of seared spinach and roasted pine nuts

Andretti Merlot, Napa Valley 1997
Andretti Cab. Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1995
Filet of Prime Beef stuffed with Montagnola cheese
Rosemary-spiked rack of lamb on a bed of roasted garlic mashers and grilled fennel

Andretti Sangiovese, Napa Valley 1995
Bittersweet flourless chocolate cake with roasted hazelnuts

The food is always top notch at Grey Moss, so we have no concerns there; but we know nothing of Mr. A's wines. Can anyone offer insights?

[Drew]

They're probably fast and racey and go down quick! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/tongue.gif[/img]

[Bucko]

I've never had one myself......

Bucko

[Thomas]

Drew beat me to it. Have never had Andretti wines--wasn't aware there are so many of them.

[hotwine]

Thanks for your responses, guys. I'll take it as a homework assignment to post some TN's later (after the fog of exhaust and burning motor oil clears).

[hotwine]

My tasting notes on each of the seven wines listed above are posted under their wine-specific forums.

Dinner last night was most enjoyable, and Mr. Andretti was a gracious and generous host, pressing the flesh with the 70 or so attendees and sharing his experiences in both racing and wine-making. If you get the opportunity to attend a similar event, highly recommend you grab it!

We were particulary impressed with the following of his wines:
Andretti Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 1999 ($9.99)
Andretti Pinot Noir Napa Valley 1997 ($13.99)
Andretti Chardonnay Napa Valley 1996 ($9.99)
Andretti Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1995 ($17.49)
Andretti Sangiovese Napa Valley 1995 ($21.99)

Five out of seven ain't bad.

[hotwine]

Here's a little more info on the Andretti Winery. It's located near Silverado, at the southern end of the Napa Valley. Phone # 707-259-6750, website andrettiwinery.com.
Winemaker is Bob Pepi. Chairman of Andretti Wine Group, Ltd is Joseph Antoninni, former CEO of KMart. Mario Andretti is Vice Chairman. They bought the winery in 1994, and it comprises 53 acres of vineyards. Stock is traded OTC on the pink sheets with the symbol VINES.