posted 12-15-2009 10:52 AM            

A small group of us will be tasting on Saturday, February 20, probably in Napa. Would you be interested in joining us?

I know we will be stopping by Robert Biale as it is one of our favorite wineries.

posted 11-11-2009 01:45 PM         

I often get lured to Berkeley and/or friends in the general East Bay/San Francisco area with bottles of wine on hand! Unfortunately, Napa Valley has a stigma which seems to be getting worse. The thought is that the area is expensive and thus only good for special occasions and maybe two times a year wine tasting visits. And thus, when friends have a choice of going to dinner or things to do in Napa Valley, other seemingly affordable places win out. I agree to a point - but I have no tolerance for folks who spend absurd amounts of money at places like Cheesecake Factory and then rule out Napa Valley!

posted 11-10-2009 12:11 PM            

I have missed your insightful postings. Don't stay away for 5 months again. What area of the country do you live in?

Last night we grilled a salmon steak, with a little Worcestershire (I can't believe I spelled that one right) sauce dribbled over the top, then a coating of brown sugar on top of that, salt & pepper to taste. Grill flesh side down for 3-4 minutes, then 3-5 minutes skin side down (depending on thickness). We added some brown rice and asparagus on the side.

Then we cracked open a bottle of Robert Biale 2005 Old Crane Ranch Zinfandel. Let me tell you something, THAT BOTTLE ROCKS! As we consumed it, we thought of our recent trip to wine country. When you are back in Napa, make an appointment and visit Biale. Tell Kandice that the guy from Tennessee sent you.

I read your message on the other forum. I agree, if you are going tasting in wine country, you do not have to spend $25.00 for a sip. If you are going to visit several wineries in a day, it doesn't take many tastings to add up to a GREAT bottle of wine. There are many wineries that still charge $10.00 or less (yes, you can still find a free one or two) . . . and . . . these are some of the better wines you will find. Stick with the little guys. I have tasted Round Pond and their wines are good, but not worth the $25.00 tasting fee.

For a special treat, in the Healdsburg area, travel the Alexander Valley and the Dry Creek area for some very special wines. If you carry the Visa Signature card along this trail, many of the wineries give a free tasting. Try Wilson and Mauritson for some great Zins.

Have you experienced Bar Vino in Calistoga for dinner? They have a spaghetti and meatball that is out-of-this-world.

Oh, yes, my favorite music with wine is jazz also. I like the Beegie Adair Trio and Diana Krall.

[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited 11-10-2009).]

posted 11-10-2009 09:35 AM         

Had an 05 Cab from Elizabeth Spencer Wines which was fabulous. I thought it would still be a little early to drink, but it had perfect balance. I had a glass or most likely two while listening to Wes Montgomery with friends. Nothing goes better than wine and jazz is what I say. Someone should do an article on that!

posted 11-03-2009 12:59 PM            

We spent a few days in the valley last week, and although we didn't find many new wineries, visiting our favorite ones was a treat. With a small group of friends in Napa we visited Bennett Lane (outstanding reds), Hall, Corison, Milat, Jessup (some great reds) and Girard. The last stop of that day was at Robert Biale where we had Kandace Jessup as our hostess and guide through the wines. The have some of the best zinfandel's on the market (in my humble opinion) and the group had lots of laughs.

One day was spent in the Healdsburg area where we tasted at Mauritson (great zins), Wilson (again good zins), Amista which we could have skipped, Simi, Sausal and Hanna.