The Mrs. and I will be in the valley for a few days next month. I could use some advice on wineries putting out a nice pinot. The assumption is the fruit is sourced from someplace outside of Napa. We are fans of SLH fruit. I'd prefer not to go to Carneros, but not opposed to it. My wife has a very California palate and proud of it.
Posts: 2603 | Location: ATL | Registered: Mar 20, 2007
Peter Michael is just north of Calistoga, and although not technically Napa, is easier to get to than crossing the mountains to go into Sonoma, which even then is less than an hour drive to get into the Russian River Valley.
Mondavi, BV and Beringer are right on 29 and do multiple Pinot Noir bottlings.
Over on Silverado Trail you have Clos du Val and Robert Sinskey, and at the Paraduxx facilities I'm sure you can taste through Duckhorn's Pinot bottlings from Anderson Valley.
________________________ If you're young and conservative, you have no heart. If you're old and liberal, you have no brain.
---------- "I was astonished to hear this, if only because I have never felt that loving Burgundy precluded one from loving Pinot Noirs—or any other wines—from elsewhere." -Matt Kramer
Posts: 2602 | Location: San Diego | Registered: Jan 17, 2006
Somerston has a tasting room in Yountville and puts out the Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir. It's not life changing, but it's tasty. They are open later than most so makes for a nice drop in.
Posts: 15 | Location: Denver | Registered: Mar 18, 2012
Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I have some research to do.
EB - When I posed this same question to my friend who lives in Napa, Failla was the first one that came to his mind. I've not heard of them before.
As it stands right now we may make a day of just Spring Mountain.
Unfortunately we will most likely limit our excursions to the valley or just north of it. As long as we come across some nice Pinot at a couple of spots along the way I'll be in good shape.
Posts: 2603 | Location: ATL | Registered: Mar 20, 2007
Originally posted by snipes: Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I have some research to do.
EB - When I posed this same question to my friend who lives in Napa, Failla was the first one that came to his mind. I've not heard of them before.
As it stands right now we may make a day of just Spring Mountain.
Unfortunately we will most likely limit our excursions to the valley or just north of it. As long as we come across some nice Pinot at a couple of spots along the way I'll be in good shape.
My wife and I are doing Spring Mountain on our next visit- Pride, Behrens, Sherwin and Paloma. From what I can tell they're all nearby. Keep us posted!
Posts: 505 | Location: Chicago | Registered: Aug 04, 2011
Originally posted by NolanE: Peter Michael is just north of Calistoga, and although not technically Napa, is easier to get to than crossing the mountains to go into Sonoma, which even then is less than an hour drive to get into the Russian River Valley.
This is what immediately came to mind for me, too. Their Le Moulin Rouge Pinot can be absolutely fantastic.
Cheers!
Posts: 2464 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA | Registered: Mar 22, 2004
School House is true Napa Valley Pinot, they are on Spring Mountain, about half way up the mountain. The vineyard is planted with the infamous "suitcase clones", definitely pay them a visit if you have the time.
Relic also makes a good Pinot, their current release is the 2010 Kashaya from Sonoma Coast. Depending on your arrangement with them, they may host your tasting at the winery formerly known as Behrens & Hitchcock.
Surprised no one mentioned Rivers Marie, they are based in Napa. Would be a great visit if you can get in.
-------------------------- Powell Yang Consignment Director Spectrum Wine Auctions 949.748.4845 ext. 293
