Today we ventured to Napa, a rare occasion. We tend to like the more laid-back Sonoma County wineries as well as our regional wineries along the peninsula and in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Today we attended an event at Laird Family Estate for Chiarello Family Vineyards. It was a release party and barrel tasting that included lunch, a bottle of wine and a booklet of Michael Chiarello’s recipes. In addition, the Fine Living channel was filming something for the Napa Valley Wine Auction. We visited a few wineries before and after the event as well:
Nichellini Winery:
A small, family owned winery that goes back for several generations. The tasting room is charming. The wines are not great and are low priced. We bought an inexpensive bottle of Sauvignon Vert – an okay picnic wine.
Napa Cellars:
Nice folks (Kerri poured our wine), and really good wine all around. We bought a bottle of Late Harvest Zinfandel for Larry’s dad. We even liked their Chardonnay. None of the wines were over-oaked, a common problem in California (especially with Chardonnay). Loved the Reserve Merlot.
Chateau Potelle:
We went here because the Zinfandel VGS is to die for. We try it every year at ZAP. However, we weren’t impressed at the winery. Nothing really stood out, even the VGS. I think the bottle had been open too long.
Chiarello Family Vineyards:
The Gianna Zinfandel was good, and the Felicia was even better. The Old Vine Petite Sirah was just yummy. The barrel sample of the Gianna Zinfandel was excellent, fragrant and jammy.
Rugusci:
Wines are kind of pricey, but all were really good.