posted 03-15-2011 05:22 AM            

We just tasted at Signorello last week and here is what I wrote. SIGNORELLO ESTATE - We were a little before the 10:00 opening (we like to get an early start) so sat in the drive until the gate opened. At 5 minutes after, I called and they opened the gate. The tasting room and the hostess, Kathlin Walters were warm and inviting. We tasted five wines, a flight of 04, 05, 06 and 07 Cabernet Saavignon Estate and the 06 Padrone Estate blend of Cab, Merlot, and Cab Franc. It still had 83% Cab so technically would be considered a Cab. the 07 Estate Cab wa our favorite and the one following us home. It had all the fruit with even a hint of chocolate which touched Mrs. Hawkeye’s fancy. The tasting fee was $15 and was not refunded with a purchase.

Another of my favorites on you list, again visited last week is Baldacci. It is by appointment, but I have found that a lot of times if you call and say you are in the area and could you stop by, they will accommodate you. Here is what I wrote about BALDACCI WINERY - This has become one of my favorites in the Valley. We tasted the 07 IV Sons Cab of which we have several bottles in our cooler. The 08 should be released very soon. Next on the menu was the 08 Mathilde Russian River Pinot which was tasting very well with enough body to satisfy our Cab palates and one of which is following us home. Then we hit the heavies. The 07 Brenda’s Vineyard Stags Leap Cab was very bold but just a little too dry on my palate. I knew we were going to get blown away by the next. I had written several posts ago that we opened one of our two bottles of 07 Baldacci Diamond Mountain Cab and wished I had more. Well, we now have more. A complex mix of berries with the hint of chocolate that Mrs. Hawkeye loves. She can pick this out every time.

Another in that same area that you may want to try, REGUSCI WINERY - I believe Wolfman had Regusci on his list also. We had tasted here a few years ago and for some reason just never went back. I like their tasting room with the old long “western style” bar, a feeling of years gone bye. We tasted their array of offerings but purchased the 07 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Blend of 55% Cab, 35% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc. Dark in the glass, it tasted like all the berries rolled into one and a very nice finish. I can easily recommend this as a stop on the agenda.

Here are a couple others in that same area, which added to the above, would make a very nice day.

SIGNORELLO ESTATE - We were a little before the 10:00 opening (we like to get an early start) so sat in the drive until the gate opened. At 5 minutes after, I called and they opened the gate. The tasting room and the hostess, Kathlin Walters were warm and inviting. We tasted five wines, a flight of 04, 05, 06 and 07 Cabernet Saavignon Estate and the 06 Padrone Estate blend of Cab, Merlot, and Cab Franc. It still had 83% Cab so technically would be considered a Cab. the 07 Estate Cab wa our favorite and the one following us home. It had all the fruit with even a hint of chocolate which touched Mrs. Hawkeye’s fancy. The tasting fee was $15 and was not refunded with a purchase.

STELTZNER - We tasted 5 wines, Pinot, Pinotage, Merlot, and 2 Cabs. From top to bottom, I rated these wine as very good. We had never heard of the Pinotage, so was interested in it’s heritage. It is of South African heritage and a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (which I have not hear of either) and was created in 1926. It was a very interesting taste and one which we liked. But our favorite was the 05 Estate “Pool Block” stags Leap Cab. It had dark, rich berries and a nice lingering finish. This was the one we brought home. Their tasting fee was $10.00 and not deducted from a purchase. They also have a very reasonable wine cave tour which I might put on the agenda for our small October group. Another nice find.

If you do have time, you might throw in Biale Vineyards on Big ranch Road on the north edge of Napa. Exciting Zinfandels.

posted 03-14-2011 11:21 PM         

I've done tours in VA and in other parts of the country and the world, so I think the tastings are more along the lines of what I'm looking for. I have a pretty good feel for the process. New, interesting wines that are harder to find in TN. Especially good Cabs.

Again thank you!

posted 03-14-2011 05:58 PM         

Sterling - for the view, although with the rain.....
Baldacci
Chimney Rock
Signorello
Trefethen

Those are basically just my ideas from looking at the map, trying to avoid backtracking and hoping to get the most bang for my buck (so to speak). It's my first trip out to the Valley too.

Any suggestions help would be great! Thanks!