Monday, August 16, 2010

Day VI - Calistoga and St. Helena

Final day, we're pumped and ready for the grand finale. We have a great breakfast at Mary's Home Plate Cafe in Calistoga and we're off to Chateau Montelena.

1. Chateau Montelena - In 1976 at the Paris Wine Tastings, Chateau Montelena Chardonnay took the blue ribbon much to the chagrin of the French. I've been reading George Tabor's book about the event and recommend it highly to anyone who wants to learn about what happened to get California wines on the world scene. As far as the wines go, they are good, but pricey. The 2006 Estate Cab will run you $135 and Chard is $50. Great estate here worth a visit if for no reason just to see the setting of "Bottle Shock" the movie.

2. Madrigal - Great private tasting here set up by appointment. We got the entire selection even though we only requested the regular wine tasting, not the reserve. Madrigal received a few 90+ scores on their Cabs and Petit Sirah for good reason. We bought the 2005 Reserve Cab ($80) which will show beautifully in 2-3 years. Hey, they ship to Kentucky! Not a bad place to think about for a club membership.

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