Day One - Arrival

Arrival. After a little "rush hour" traffic I checked in the hotel at 6:30pm then trecked to Taylors Refresher. Unfortunately, the Mahi Mahi sandwich was sold out - went for the cow / blue cheese. Very good burger! Back to the hotel to settle in.

Day Two - the "Party" Begins

French citizens Nicholas and Annette hooked up for breakfast with my cousins then off to . . . Neil Family Vineyards in Angwin. While outside the doors to the barrels introductions are made. As soon as another guest answered his name, I asked "would you be redwingstonewear?" Yep - indeed his is. Now off to the barrels . . .

Marks philosophy is quite simple - he releases his wines not on some predetermined timetable, but he lets the wine speak to him and determines release based on when it is ready. The barrels tasted came from the following:

2002 Neil Cab (a blend from different barrels)
2002 Rutherford Cab
2002 Second Chance Vineyard Cab

All were excellent. I was surprised that the alcohol in the Rutherford was totally hidden (over 16% alc.). The Second Chance was extremely complex and was a crowd favorite. All were a must purchase imo (when they become available) . . .

Next Stop - Del Dotto Vineyards
Took the Silverado Trail south to The Caves. After introductions with Harvey, our tour guide, we begin. This is an excellent tour that showcases the effects of oak (French vs. American, etc.). You even have the option of selecting a specific barrel from which to buy from - - I have never seen this before! I can onlyh say this is a "must stop" for anyone interested in one of the most unique tours in the Valley. A big "thank you" goes out to Cavegirl who arranged for a special gift to be given to me afterwards while dining with Pyang; all because we didn't "connect" while I was at the winery. Now thats exceeding my expectations!

Dinner at La Toque
Exceptional. This restaurant is Prix Fixe at $98 and worth every penny. We opted for the supplemental cheese selections after the meal and went for the recommended wine pairings at $56. Check this out:

1999 Sauternes, Chateau Rieussec paired with foie gras

2001 Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Cru, Bouchard praired with bass

2001 Siduri Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vineyard paired with with wild hare

2001 Paloma Merlot paired with bass

2002 Loring Pinot Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard paired with various cheeses

2000 Nieport Secundum Port paired with chocolate cake

This was pure hedonism. Worth the cost of entry. Service and Food was both exceptional . . .

Day Two - Start with David Arthur Vineyards . . .
Up we go to David Arthur Vineyards. I didn't know what to expect, we are warmly greeted by his assistant and she mentioned that David will be joining us shortly. He arrives with a warm smile and is very interested in where we are from. Wouldn't you know it - - his brother was involved in rehabing Yorktown Mall, just down the block from where I work. . .

off to the caves - - work in process
We drive to the caves along with others and Dave invites us in. A smooth decent into the "project" that when completed will not only store hundreds of barrels, but will also have a complete kitchen from which to entertain. The walls are covered in a film that allows water to run down behind the barrier and onto the floor Asked when complete and Dave said "before we start another one . . ."

Next, I asked while we started with a Meritagio blend (Bordeaux varietals and Sangiovese) if the 1997 Elevation 1147 what put him on the map. Dave shared a very interesting story . . . he was at a wine shop looking around when the shop owner asked if he needed assistance. Dave noticed that his wines were not represented and asked if perhaps he would like to stock a few. The shop owner said "what winery do you represent?" David replied, "oh, I have a little winery and the name is David Arthur. There was silence. The owner said "wait here." and he went to get one of those pre release rating sheets that had the Elevation 1147 in the top 3 wines of the 1997 vintage. At this point, David did not realize that his wine was reviewed. From the pt. forward, the phones and fax went from silence to working overtime. And to show you how generous Dave is, he poured both the 2000 and 2001 Elevation 1147. So, how do you top this? Dave says "I will be right back . . ." and he returns with White Lightening . . . a moonshine that will get you speaking in tongues in no time! My suggestion for anyone who wishes to visit David Arthur . . . don't drive, and make it your last stop! Btw, my cousins wre shocked that Dave had nothing to sell; he only wanted to share his wines and dialogue. One heck of a great guy. Thanks Dave for everything! By now we had the munchies so after a stop at Dean and Deluca for a sandwich . . .

Next stop - Chappelet Vineyards
This is a few driveways from David Arthur. The road winds up there but once there, you are greated and welcomed by the Chappelet Sons. Candice(?) us our tour, and a fine job she did! We went back with the barrels where a (2001 vintage) tasting table was set up. We start with some Chardonnay, then moved to Sangiovese. Next came my favorite, the Cab from the 2000 vintage. Candice did welcome any questions and then we moved out to the vineyards. This really got me curious about the 2001 vintage Cabs . . .

Next Stop - Lewelling Vineyards
Lewelling Vineyards (caution: pls. use the Lewelling map; not mapquest). If you ever want to hang with the most unassuming, humble and terrific guy, David Lewelling is your man. He took the time explain their technique (when they prune, crop shooting, spacing, etc.) and their philosophy in winemaking. A good portion has been replanted due to phylloxera. His grapes are sold to several mighty fine cutomers: Viader, Caymus, etc. Next, we are invited to the office and tasting room . . . which is a small 1920s California bungalow. On to the wine . . .

1998 Lewelling Cab - Sweet, balanced, and concentrated. Probably one of the best 98s I've had.

2000 Lewelling Cab - Terrific balance with a sweet finish. A surprise.

2001 Lewelling Cab - Ah, now we are talking. A step up with great concentration and balance. I am glad I ordered some of this!

We finish the day with dinner at Pere Jeanty. Service was slow, but the food was good. They will waive the corkage 1 for 1 for every bottle purchased.

Saturday, February 14th - Open
We split up for the first time; my cousins went to Sonoma and I went to Copia in downtown Napa. An interesting wine / cooking cultural center that was a nice way to spend the afternoon. Seems more slanted to cooks than enophiles. Worth the trip nonetheless.

Wine Dinner at All Seasons Bistro[/B]
There are posts on this; lets just say that this was one of the most memorable wine evenings for me in a long time. We were in a "private" room surrounded by the wine cellar. My cousins were dumbfounded. One said "the honeymoon I never had . . .;" they must of enjoyed themselves since french kissing seemed to be the norm (for them, not me!!!). Thanks again pyang for the excellent choice. There are posts on this but let me say this - - this is why I luv wine; friends, family, food, wine and conversation. I can still taste the wine after 1 week!

Sunday, February 15th - we depart
I think we all had a great time. The only thing I can think of that would make this trip "better" would be if Better Half Blue Oval was by my side. Next time for sure. . .



Cheers,
Blue Oval

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Feb 16, 2004 at 10:59 PM.]

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Feb 16, 2004 at 11:03 PM.]

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Feb 21, 2004 at 08:30 PM.]

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Feb 21, 2004 at 08:38 PM.]

Sounds like a great trip. Looking forward to the rest of the details.

VM

bump . . .

Blue - You're married, yet d idn't spend V-Day with your wife?

Tsk Tsk Tsk...

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AIM: Drunken Mariachi

DJ,
I brought back to Chicago a bunch of chocolate and such. She was happy with that. She doesn't really like wine (except the sweeties) but that weekend would of been more enjoyable had she been there with me. Unfortunately, no one was available to watch the kids. However, she will be leaving for Florida soon . . .

Nice meeting ya, DJ . . .

Cheers,
Blue Oval

[This message was edited by Blue Oval on Feb 21, 2004 at 09:57 PM.]