Napa Valley, some 5o miles north of San Francisco is still the “Holy Grail” of all wine countries in the U.S., even the world. Over 4 million visitors pay homage to the 30 miles of vineyards and wineries that number about 400. Only 75 are open to the public, so if you are heading up to your favorite winery, a call ahead of time will likely gain you entrance to a tasting. Napa Valley makes only 4% of the wines in California but produces 20% of the wine sales in the state. The Napa Valley Vintners Association paid a call to San Diego recently at Flemings Steakhouse in La Jolla, with over 22 wineries pouring.
When I looked at the lineup it struck me right away that the baton has been passed from the venerable names like Mondavi, Chateau Montelena, BV, Beringer and others, to a new breed of winery with a style, taste and public persona that wine consumers are turning to.
Names to know now in Napa Valley are: Frank Family, Tamber Bey, Monticello, Lewis, Duckhorn, Chiarello, Fifty Row, O’Shaughnessy and a favorite on the Howell Mountain side of Napa Valley, Howell at the Moon.
Howell Mountain is the crown jewel of the Napa Valley, rising above the fog to 2,000 feet with strong afternoon sun influences and cooler nights. The wineries on the mountain are known for their Cabernet and Zinfandel.
On this occasion, I got an opportunity to participate in a “vertical tasting” of Cabernets presented by Howell at the Moon wines, from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages. Owner Marc Cohen was quick to tell me he is completely out of the ‘05 and ’06, and it was easy to taste why. The tannins mellowed out and the enriched Cab flavors came spilling in with dark, brambly cherry/berry accents.
Cohen also has been a big seller of his wines in China where most of his 600 to 900 cases have gone. With some aging, the 2007 ( $75.) will be in the same class.
Howell At The Moon is 21 acres and makes only Cabernets. “We have spared no expense to accomplish being able to offer a fine quality single vineyard, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon,” Cohen said. We have assembled the best at what they do, including my dog, Tysie. His job is to signal maximum grape ripeness at harvest by howling.” It is his dog Tysie you see on the Howell at the Moon label. See more at www.howellatthemoon.com.
V. Sattui Faces Life After 125
In the most traveled lane through Napa Valley, Highway 29 just above St. Helena, you will discover V.Sattui Winery. Last year it turned 125. First founded in 1885 by Vittorio Sattui, it has a proud history of the highest standards of wine, vineyards, buildings and customer service. Under the leadership of owner Dario Sattui and President Tom Davies, the winery looks only to the future, determined to make certain that everything they do is the best. If you have to go to just one event in Napa Valley, make it the V. Sattui Festa Italiana on Saturday July 30. It is an old world midsummer outdoor feast, with music and dancing.
Tom Davies, President of V. Sattui from Napa Valley
presides over a wine picnic on the grounds of the winery.
A trip into the wine tasting room finds the aromas of old Italy with cheeses, meats, olive oil and nearly a hundred different wines to choose from. Over 70,000 cases of wine are sold direct from the winery, made by celebrated wine maker Brooks Painter. The winery has been awarded Best Winery 5 times in the last decade.
What will V. Sattui do next? I have no doubt, this winery will soar to even greater heights. Take a look at www.vsattuui.com.
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