Just Got Back from Wine Country

[oostexan]

Had a great time and definitely did the quality over quatity approach. This was my 7th or 8th trip up, so I am getting much better at navigating. We were there for four days and only visited 3 wineries per day, and typically by appointment. I traveled with 5 other couples that are mostly amateur wine drinkers. So I was the tour guide, host, and source of much prognostication. My short and simple notes(and not necessarily Cab):

JC Cellars - Small winery and tasting was done by Alexandra Cohn, the wine maker's wife (Jeff Cohn formerly of Rosenblum). This was the best winery that we went to based on the quality of wine and overall experience. Alexandra was a joy, and the Syrah was just remarkable. Heavy hitter stuff, the meek need not apply. Maybe I just have a soft spot for entrepreneurs, but these guys have really put it on the line to follow their hearts. The wine reflects their passion and commitment.

Robert Craig - Close second and visited based on the weener's recommendation. Affinity was awesome, both 02 and 03. Syrah and Zin good but not up to par based on other choices that are available (JC Cellars, Novy, Gary Farrel, etc.). But all wines were very good top to bottom. The overall experience was very, very good as well. An excellent winery and my first time to visit. I joined the club and ordered a case of Affinity. This is a "must visit" winery on future trips.

Siduri / Novy - Very good Pinot on the upper end of the pricing spectrum, and the Syrah was freaking awesome. Not the best experience I ever had at a tasting, but this is one excellent winery. I strongly recommend you pick up one of their Pinots and expecially the Novy Syrah (they are all great).

Flora Spring - We did the full barrel to bottle tour, tasted wine in barrel, and had an incredible time. I cannot say enough about this fantastic winery. I have been in their club for a couple years and just love it. The single vineyard Cabs are some of the most overlooked high end wines in Napa. The regular Napa Cab is my house wine, and the Toad Hall Bodacious is a favorite of my snobby wine friends.

A. Rafanelli - David Rafanelli gave us a personal tour of the winery. Just an unforgettable, super cool experience. I would rate this the top but the only wine they had to taste was the 03 Cab. It is very, very good so I bought half a case.

Rosenblum - I went to the Healdsburg tasting room on a Saturday, so it was a cattle call. The Zin was very good, and Syrah was nice. The whites were typical.

Ridge - Excellent Zin, poor Syrah. Enjoyed the personal attention on a busy Sunday. Bought half a case of the 01 Paso Robles Zin from the Library selection, then another half case of the 04 hoping to age it.

Unti - Cool winery. Interesting varietals. Very good wine but did not blow me away. Great Sangiovese.

I went to a few others, but they were not stand out or worth mentioning. I think the above wineries are some of the best in the state. It was a great trip.



[This message has been edited by oostexan (edited 04-12-2006).]

[hotwine]

For future reference - how did you transport your purchases home?

Nice notes and thanks for taking the time.

[oostexan]

I am having everything shipped. They are holding it until we get some cooler weather. I am hoping for one last cold front before it starts to really heat up. Only A. Raff would not ship, so I carried the wines.

[wondersofwine]

Agree that your notes are helpful. Have you done much exploring with Washington State Syrah? I think in general I favor them over the California ones but I haven't had the JC or Novy yet. Sounds like the Cohns will do well with their enthusiasm and passion.

[oostexan]

No, I have not explored the Washington Syrahs. Where would you recommend I start? My favs in Cali are JC, Novy, Pax, and Ojai.

[wondersofwine]

Three Rivers Winery Boushey Syrah (Boushey is the grapegrower) or Saviah Red Mountain or Walla Walla Syrah are good. I also liked the wines from Willow Crest and Kestrel. These aren't the big names but they are up and coming. For further reviews check out Bucko's reviews on wineloverspage: http://www.wineloverspage.com/bucko/walla05.phtml
and
http://www.wineloverspage.com/bucko/washvineyards.phtml
Bucko (Dr. Buckner) is also a moderator on this board.

[Triple H]

Last week I had a 2002 Syrah from Cougar Crest Winery, Walla Walla WA using Estate grown fruit. Very Nice.

[oostexan]

Wonders, thanks for the recommendations, I will give them a try!