WOW Wines

Quick but successful trip to Napa on Monday the 18th of August. Stopped off at Biale. Tried the Black Chicken Zin plus Grande and Stagecoach. Thought the Grande tasted best but they're all good. Then it was off to Jessup in Yountville. '04 and '05 Merlots are good but their Table For Four blend rocked. It's expensive at nearly $80 a bottle but this is seriously good wine. 65% Cab with three other blends.

Then off to one my favs, Corison. Cathy herself actually walked out and we talked. She's a wonderful person and heavy-hitter winemaker. Tasted the '04 and '05 Cabs then got to try a 1996 which was completely different in nose and taste but very, very good. I love her wines.

Finally, a stop at Del Dotto for some serious barrel tasting of '06 Cabs in Missouri and French Oaks. Five tastes of the same wine but in different barrels. Lots to love but expensive. However, I highly recommend everyone take the tour and try as many wines as possible at Del Dotto.

Some Good Wines

Major tasting on Tuesday @ Artisan Wine Bar in Walnut Creek. Big thanks to all for trying some very cool wines:

2005 La Rochelle, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $40 365 cases

2001 Joseph Swan, Mancini Ranch, Zinfandel $25 - Great bouquet

2004 Peterson, Il Granaio, Dry Creek Valley, Sangiovese $27 250 cases. Very good sangiovese

2003 Baxter, Rodger's Vineyard, Napa Valley $30 800 cases

2002 Punk Dog, Sophie's Romp, Sonoma/Napa County, Cab $35 490 cases. I like this wine

2005 Textbook, "Mise en place", Oakville, Napa Valley, Cab $44 Recd 94 WE, 9 barrels, 210 cases

2005 Del Dotto, Cave Blend, Napa Valley $49 Restaurant only!!

Best Nose: Swan Zin
Biggest Surprise: Punk Dog! No lie. I liked it.
Most Interesting: Peterson Sangiovese!
Favorite: Del Dotto Cave Blend. 2nd time to try it and confirms what I already know: love it!

Weather: lots of low and high clouds will give way to mostly sunny skies later on but temps remain cool with lots of 60s and 70s. Looks even cooler by Friday and Saturday. No heat in sight. Some light rain and lightning did pass over the Bay last night but it's gone now.

Friday Night Lights...

Make this quick: tried Del Dotto Caves Cab. Great! Hard to find in retail but if so, don't hesitate. This is serious Napa juice. Loved it.

Weather: more fog today so temps about the same as Sunday. Big news is possible clouds and showers moving up from the south Tuesday and Wednesday. Showers might develop too.

Half Priced Bottle Month

Lark Creek Inn offered half priced bottles of wine during the month of July. Not by the glass, only bottles. Did a half bottle of 2006 Work Vineyard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - 750 ml bottled priced around $24.50. Not a huge Sav. Blanc fan but this is a nice summer sipper. Lots of citrus, lemon zest and minerals.

By the way, Massimo's, in Walnut Creek, will take the torch on half bottle month for August.