posted 10-18-2012 11:41 AM            

Our first appointment was at Tresspass Vineyards owned by Dana and Don Gallagher. Don was our host for the morning. Again, it was a nice morning so we were able to taste outside. The first time we went there last year, all he had was outside seating and I remember sitting among the vines tasting his Cabs with a light mist falling on us. Since, he has built a building but still prefers to taste outside in nice weather. We had purchased his 2006 and 2008 Cabs from last year so we just purchased his 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel this time. It was fruity with a peppery finish. His winemaker is Kirk Venge from our first day.

Our lunch was at Tra Vigne Pizza, another of our favorites. Jeff Blaum of Chase Family Winery was able to join us and brought a bottle of his 2009 Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel to share at lunch.

Now for those of you traveling to Napa, this is right in the middle of the construction. Although they were only doing the utility poles, there was still some congestion especially going into St. Helena from the south. When they start the road construction, it looks to me like it is going to be impossible.

We followed Jeff back to the winery for a formal tasting. One couple had never been with us before and Jeff toured them through the 100 year old Zinfandel vineyard with a glass of Zin in their hands and explained the whole wine making process with them. They were really impressed with him. We bought a couple bottles of his 2009 Zin and a couple of his Cab which was really tasting well that day. Jeff is always a good visit.

From there, we went to another of my favorites, Redmon Winery. Lisa Redmon-Mangelson, the owner is the host and does a fantastic job. Here is another that began wine making in their garage. Now she puts out about 600 cases of Cab, Cab blend and Chardonnay per year. Redmon is another wine club that we belong to and again I can get all reds even though she does make a pretty good Chard.

If I remember correctly, our dinner venue was Checkers in Calistoga. Two of our favorites were not available. The Calistoga Inn had a fire, so their restaurant was closed and the Flat Iron Grill was closed because the rent was raised so high on them they decided not to renew. What a shame.

After tonight, we would be down to four of us.