Sunday in Napa valley headed north on Rt 29 with the family in tow. Curving northward past Calistoga and into Knights valley and beyond to Alexander valley. The sky was clear and the road was clearer ahead. 85 degrees all the way to Sonoma where we were heading to visit friends and to taste from a few select vintners.
Driving down from Geyserville south along Dry Creek passing many of my favorites along the West Road all the way down to the River Road. Stopping at the Joseph Swan Vineyard to taste and purchase some '05 "Mancini Vineyard" Zinfandel;much lighter in alcohol at 13.9 % ,with hints of dried cherries and a wonderful pepper finish. Then on to Merry Edwards where I can't resist buying more Sauvignon Blanc. The '09 is just released and this will be the 3rd year in a row of my losing control of my wallet to buy this wine. My absolute favorite Sav Blanc and this '09 is more citrus and tropical fruit than last year's wine which was delightful with it's lemongrass notes, just can't wait to drink this '09 with friends! Of course friends were where we were headed for so it was back to Vinehill Road and dinner with Don & Patricia. Always so great to see them and always a delight to share their wine :) As you can see below in the photo, we started with the '02 DuMol "Chloe" Russian River Chardonnay. The '02 has maturity and a well integrated touch of oak, it made for very pleasant sipping as we all shared some goat, sheep and cow cheeses.
Dinner came and so did the '00 Kistler "Sonoma Coast" Pinot Noir, still big and bright with its deep cherry fruit flavor and so nice after 10 years of waiting to be appreciated. What a nice day, the kids, the wife and a day spent appreciating how wonderful it is to be living here.