by Frank Mangio
Last week we took our readers through Part 1 of our latest journey in the hallowed wine country of Napa Valley, that 30 mile stretch of the most traveled visitor attraction in California and home to the most exalted group of wineries in the state, and arguably the world.
It all came together for Napa Valley in 1976 at the now famous French tasting where Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay beat its French counterparts, led by Chardonnay winemaker Mike Grgich, then with Chateau Montelana. Grgich proceeded to strike out on his own, and now two of
Napa Valley’s most delicious Chardonnays can be found at his Grgich Hills Estate just off Highway 29 in Rutherford. The family winery has now made the transition to Certified Organic and Biodynamic grape growing, that richly endows their two Chardonnay vintages: the ’07 Napa Valley ( $47.) and the ’06 Chardonnay Carneros Estate Grown ($75.). Fresh flavor and pleasing acidity, citrus flower and balanced minerality are hallmarks of these wines. See www.grgich.com.
The Carneros district, which encompasses the southern edge of both Sonoma and Napa Valley, is getting respect as an important wine country due to foggy mornings, warm daytime temperatures, the Petaluma winds in the afternoon and is naturally air conditioned with cooler nights from San Pablo Bay. Chardonnay is picked way later in September than most, allowing sugars to develop while keeping a bright acidity.
Dotting the Napa Valley landscape, with an important vineyard in Mendocino, is the Duckhorn Wine Company, a collection of 7 small winery estates co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976.
They produce 4 Merlots, 4 Cabernets, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Bordeaux Blend under the Duckhorn and Decoy labels. Other labels include Goldeneye with its lovely Pinor Noir from the Anderson Valley of Mendocino which I have reviewed into my most recent Top Ten Tastes. I was most impressed with the just released 2006 Napa Valley “The Discussion,” an artful blend of varietals from six of their estate vineyards. The composition includes: 53% Cabernet, 28% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Duckhorn will quickly tell you that this is their highest acclaimed creation, and it’s true! ($115.) Learn more at www.duckhornvineyards.com.
The story of Tamber Bey Vineyards in the Yountville district of Napa Valley is a fascinating review of a high tech professional, who through hard work and perseverance, gets to live out his dream since childhood, raising Arabian horses and making estate wines. It began in 1999 when former Apple executive Barry Waitte bought 60 acres of prime Napa Valley land near Yountville and became a grape farmer. In quick order, he purchased an estate for his residence, as well as acreage for prime cabernet and a set of stables for his endurance racing Arabian horses. In 2003 the Tamber Bey label premiered, named after his two favorite Arabians: Tamborina and Bayamo, and released a Merlot, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay. The family of wines has since increased to another blend, Rabicano, and a 100% Cabernet.
“I’m a marketing guy and I was having an incredibly hard time finding a name for the winery,” Barry revealed. “One day Jennifer Nice, my winery manager and horse trainer and I were riding through the vineyards, and she says, why don’t you just call it Tamber Bey with an equestrian theme throughout?” Barry agreed and quickly made a number of horse terms part of the Tamber Bey lexicon.
Tamber Bey was a major player in the annual Wine Auction Week, a charitable event held recently by the Napa Valley Vintners Association. His current 2007 Rabicano, (and my Tamber Bey personal favorite, which made my latest Top Ten Tastes) was a stellar performer in raising a portion of the 8.5 million raised. 375 cases were made, and Barry vows the 2008 edition is going up to 1,000 cases. It sells for $48.
Here’s a real comer to the Napa Valley wine scene and you don’t want to miss it. Find out more at www.tamberbey.com.
Wine Bytes
Canapes in San Marcos hosts a John Hawley Sonoma Winemaker Dinner Tues. July 27 from 6:30 to 8pm. Chardonnay, Pinot Noirs and Zins will be poured paired with Canapes special menu items. $65. each. Limited guests so call 760-510-2088 asap.
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is pulling out some great Zinfandels for its Friday Tasting on July 30 from 6 to 8pm. Call 760-479-2500 for price and RSVP.
The WineSellar & Brasserie in San Diego is presenting a Flowers Winery Dinner with winemaker Darren Lowe, Fri. July 30. Reception starts at 6:30pm. Cost is $95. Call for reservations at 858-450-9557
In Temecula Wine Country, Briar Rose Winery has a BBQ and Blues Fundraiser on Sat. July 31 starting at 5:30pm. Four local BBQ entries will be judged as best ribs in town. Tickets are $48. pp. Call 951-308-1098.
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego is having another Brown Bag wine event on Sat. July 31, 2 to 9pm. Cost is $15. Of the 8 wines to try, if you are right on 4 of them, you will win a gift. More info at 619-236-0005.
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