I've found it best to visit Napa during the weekdays as this avoids the tour bus crowd and the limos full of brides-to-be with their loaded posses. So, Friday was a relatively safe bet because we got out of there in the late afternoon.
1. Elizabeth Spencer - We are club members here so we got the royal treatment with a private tasting the the cottage behind the tasting room. Most of Spencer Graham's wines I'm already familiar with but we got the opportunity to try the 2007 Zinfandel which is not usually available.
2. Alpha Omega - Here too we are members. We arranged for a private tasting of the usual menu plus two library Cabs to compare with the current vintage. As a bonus, we received a barrel tasting from the 2008 Era yet to be bottled. It is amazing! Yes, we will be buying it. You don't want to know what it costs...
3. Pina - One of my favorites last year, Pina was a must see this year. The 2008 vintages didn't see the robust flavors of 2007, but that is true with almost everyone throughout the state. Still, with the 2007 D'Adamo Vineyard Cab offered at half price, this visit was very worthwhile. Yes, I bought one.
4. Miner - I own a 2005 Miner Oakville and wanted to get some opinions from the staff about has it is showing now. "Well," they say, "hold it 2 -3 more years." So I shall. Good stuff here, try the Viognier, very nice!
5. Peju - A big hit with us last year, this year not so much. Too many people crowded the tasting room so pours were small and the host was very short with us. I can't say what I liked and the selection was from the latest bottling. Do try to go to Peju when the crowd is thinner.
We had dinner at the Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar in Sonoma. Great menu, good wine menu as well. Tomorrow is Russian River and Healdsburg!
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