Tag Archives: Napa

Flora Spring of Napa Valley: Current Releases

Posted on July 14, 2020 by don

Flora Springs is one of the Napa Valley’s storied wineries.  Located at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range in Napa Valley, it became famous in the 1990s, especially for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, its best known for its flagship wine, … Continue reading →

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Napa’s Castello di Amorosa Spreads its Wings

Posted on May 11, 2020 by don

This Napa-based family winery was opened in April 2007 by owner Dario Sattui.  It operates from an authentically built castle and winery situated in the hills just south of the city of Calistoga.  On our visit to the Castello a … Continue reading →

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Tongue Dancer Wines: New Releases from Sonoma County

Posted on July 3, 2019 by don

James Mac Phail, one of California’s most accomplished winemakers, is crafting some superb wines under a new project called Tongue Dancer. The unusual name was chosen to reflect his special interest in wines that have texture and mouth feel. Under … Continue reading →

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Napa Valley Boutique Wine Discoveries: Lewelling and Hayfork

Posted on December 1, 2018 by don

When it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, the Napa Valley is home to several of the world’s most iconic wineries.  The sheer number of ultra premium Cabernet wineries makes it difficult for small, lesser known producers to gain visibility. Always on … Continue reading →

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J Lohr Vineyards New Releases from Paso Robles, Napa & Arroyo Seco

Posted on June 18, 2018 by don

Jerry Lohr is one of the California Central Coast’s wine pioneers. He started planting vines in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County in 1972 and now has 900 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other varieties planted there.  In … Continue reading →

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Failla Spring Releases: 2016 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah

Posted on March 30, 2018 by mike

These 2016 spring releases are a welcome collection of new California and Oregon bottlings from the talented winemaker Ehren Jordan and wife Anne-Marie Failla.  The 2016 vintage in California was a welcome relief from drought with a mild spring followed … Continue reading →

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Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: 2015-16 Releases from Russian River’s Cool Green Valley

Posted on March 14, 2018 by don

 Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield have collaborated in making some of the Russian River’s finest wines since 1998. Steve does the farming, and today he manages over 1100 acres of vines spread over 80 vineyards , mostly in Green Valley … Continue reading →

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Napa’s August Briggs Wines: New Releases 2014

Posted on March 6, 2018 by mike

   Located in downtown Calistoga, Napa Valley, August Briggs Winery produces small quantities of handcrafted premium wines.  Founded in 1995 by August “Joe”  Briggs,  a consulting winemaker, and wife Sally, the winery is managed today by their nephew Jess Inman … Continue reading →

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New Releases from Francis Coppola, Bee’s Box and Virginia Dare

Posted on November 30, 2017 by mike

We have been reviewing Francis Coppola’s wines for several years now and are pleased to report steady improvements in the quality of winemaking under Corey Beck.  The improvements have been the result of better sourcing of grapes from Russian River … Continue reading →

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Smith-Madrone: Current Releases from Spring Mountain District Napa Valley

Posted on June 30, 2017 by mike

Smith-Madrone is a small winery located in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley.  Founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith, managing partner and enologist, the winery’s vineyards, which are part of a 200-acre ranch sit at between 1,300 and 2,000 … Continue reading →

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