We were the first customers in the tasting room at Chimney Rock. They have 3 tasting fees, $20 for their Introductory Flight (4 wines, two were Terlato), $25 for the Verticle Flight (4 Cabernet Sauvignon), and $30 for the Prestige Flight (4 wines). Dave and I were talking with the pourer, TJ, (I did mention I worked for a distributor) and he let us pick and choose across the flights which was perfect. It was a wonderful tasting of the following Chimney Rock wines:
2008 Elevage Blanc (a friend gave me a bottle of this and it is what made Chimney Rock a favorite winery of ours),
2009 Rosé of Cabernet Franc (when we saw this on the tasting sheet it was a must try and we're glad we did),
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Elevage (red), and
2006 Tomahawk (red).
Because we were discussing the wines with TJ, and savoring and enjoying them he also let us taste three that were not on the tasting list:
2008 Tomahawk,
2007 Elevage (red), and
2002 Elevage (red and WONDERFUL).
A nice way to start our day.
We left Chimney Rock just in time to get to our appointment at Baldacci. It was a small, unimposing vineyard. Dave and I sat in the car for a bit debating whether or not to taste the wines or move on. With an "oh what the heck" we went in. What a nice surprise. For a tasting fee of $10 you tasted three wines. With each glass I got lost in the aromas. Since there were only three wines, I'll review them now.
First was Baldacci 2009 Elizabeth Pinot Noir, a wine we enjoyed while walking through the caves. A fruit aroma and flavor is about all I could tell you. With the walking we weren't able to focus on the wine, but listened to our tour guide. Winemaker's Notes: The 2009 Elizabeth Pinot Noir continues our tradition of rich, fruit forward wine from our Estate vineyard in Carneros. The wine has aromas of cranberries, dried rose petals, clean earth and dried sage all wrapped in the flavors of strawberries, pomegranate, baked vanilla with a mouth-watering minerality that keeps you wanting more. Elizabeth has been a Baldacci favorite since our first release in 2004 and continues to get rave review from all who enjoy it.
Next Baldacci 2007 IV Sons Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with an aroma of black cherry, coffee, and caramel. The flavor was dark fruit and vanilla with integrated tannins. Not bad and would be great with food. Winemaker's Notes: This wine is powerful and filling. Aromas of vine-ripened raspberries, cherries, coffee, tea leaves, white chocolate and caramel entice you and the lingering flavors of plums, wild berry and a dash of mocha are wrapped in delicious vanilla flavors from the accent of our 10% new American Oak (the rest of the barrels are French Oak 40% new). This wine is enjoyable with all its’ “teeth-staining,” full-bodied flavor but it will age spectacularly for at least 7 years!
Last Baldacci 2007 Black Label Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and is blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyard blocks. An aroma of dark fruit and some oak. The flavor was dark fruit and caramel. Mild tannins. Pair with food and it will be great. Winemaker's Notes: Our 2007 Black Label Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth, rich and generous – a Stags Leap District wine that truly represents the “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove;” it is what we think of when we say “Napa Valley Cabernet.” The aging in 100% French, 55% new, for 18 months only enhances this balanced wine. Aromas of cassis, blackberries and clean earth complement the layered flavors of black cherries, wild berries, caramel custard and refined, mouth-water tannins. Irresistible in its youth, this wine will age gracefully for 8-10 years.
The next stop for tasting, Orin Swift for a 1:00 p.m. appointment. They don't have a vineyard but source the grapes from the California growing region. Hence, our tasting was at their offices in Napa. The tasting fee at Orin Swift is FREE. I was slightly disappointed with the tasting. I was looking forward to tasting a few wines that I am not able to find in Virginia; namely Abstract and Mercury Head, and they did not have them. Sold out. Orin Swift has their roots in inventing new blends (which I did not realize) and they do it well. Our tasting was on 2010 Veladora (white),
2009 D66 (red blend made in France),
2009 Saldo (which I reviewed on May 9th), and
2009 The Prisoner (2008 was a favorite of ours and this is just as nice).
We had no more appointments and decided to drive up the road and turned into Freemark Abbey. For a $10 tasting fee you could taste four wines; thirteen to select from. Dave and I were talking with the pourer and one thing led to another. Next thing you know we end up tasting six wines PLUS four wines from a member library tasting from the night before (they are celebrating 125 years) . Very nice wines.
It was now time to head to dinner. Destination - back to Coppola in Sonoma to their restaurant Rustic. On the way we pass Chateau Montelena. I've heard this is a beautiful property, and it was "the judgement of Paris 1976", so ... have to turn in. Yes it's a very nice Chateau and property. The wines ... we're not fans. For $20 you can taste five wines.
We finally make it to Coppola and as we walk through the tasting room to the restaurant I see that they are pouring Sofia and a Moscato. I have to taste. I tasted:
Sofia 2010 Blanc de Blancs,
Sofia 2010 Riesling, and
Coppola 2010 Moscato.
As with all the other wines - later on for a review. Once again the Coppola Rosso was the preferred wine ordered and poured at tables. It is a winner.
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