posted 12-06-2012 11:20 AM            

Sorry, but I have been without a computer for a few days, my hard drive crashed. My computer guru has had it in the hospital to give it new life. I am feeling better each day. Still tired and weak but they tell me that will be the case for several weeks. Thanks for asking.

Hi Richard,

Now, you really have my curiosity up by saying" I will say, however, that it is the best trip I've had to Napa -- even better than back in the 70s and 80s. "

What made it so special? The wines, the food or something else.

I really enjoy Chris at Black Sears. When our group went there in October, he took us up above the vineyard and had a nice picnic area set up for us and spent about 1 1/2 hours with us tasting and talking.

posted 12-03-2012 12:21 PM         

I will say, however, that it is the best trip I've had to Napa -- even better than back in the 70s and 80s.

BTW, Hawkeye, when we tasted at Black Sears, Chris was going through some written materials to show us and he had one of your day lily cards in there and mentioned that one of his customers sells day lilies. I told him that you had recommended Black Sears and he was excited by that. I hope you're doing well. We had the Black Sears Zin on Thanksgiving day and I thought of you.

posted 11-29-2012 08:17 AM            

Yes, I know he has not posted yet, just trying to prod him a little . . . hint, hint, Richard.

posted 11-28-2012 12:53 PM            

Did I miss your trip report somewhere. I am always excited to hear how your trip went.

I get a little better each day in spite of the limited menu. I am losing some weight and gaining strength, but still a long way to go. They seem to be having trouble with my Coumadin numbers and are trying to get them down. I will get there.

posted 11-05-2012 07:53 PM            

I always go with grand intentions of taking meticulous notes and posting daily - then I get there and am swept away with the beauty of the area and the lusciousness of the wine (and food). <sigh> Poetry in a bottle, but I'm no poet.

posted 11-01-2012 07:49 PM            

Black Sears is at the end of the same road as Outback. You will go across a cattle guard and it is right there on your right. Thomas Rivers Brown is winemaker for both and makes some of his other client's wines at Outback and Black Sears.

Have a great one and maybe we will hear from Damombo before you leave.

posted 11-01-2012 06:25 PM         

Introducing them to excellent wines is the plan. I was at Ladera in June of this year and it has moved up to my favorite Napa winery. I am going to miss their Lone Canyon Cab, but the HM was my favorite. I believe that I have the same vintages in my cooler.

I wouldn't mind adding Bennett Lane, but I don't know where I would fit it in. I am looking forward to the Black Sears tasting. I may have to get directions from you although I have a recollection of going by it when I visited Outpost in June.

posted 11-01-2012 02:08 PM            

I'll tell you what, you are introducing your friends to some very excellent wines.

We just visited Ladera and their wines were tasting good. We brought home their 09 HM Cab. We already had the 06, 07, and 08 in our cooler.

You are right, you are all over the valley. Sure you don't want to make a detour up to Calistoga and Bennett Lane to show them your friends the other part of the valley?

At Kelham ask if they are tasting the 01 Cab. If not, I recommend going ahead and purchasing a couple bottles. It is probably in my top 5 Cabs that I have tasted.

I thought Black Sears Cab was tasting very good when we were up there as well as their Zin. Will be interested in your opinion.

You guys should all weigh 400 pounds by the time you return To Hawaii as much food as you are going to eat. I just seem to lose my appetite when I am there . . . wine takes up all the room.

Have a great trip. Will look forward to your report.

-Lee

posted 11-01-2012 10:53 AM         

Here's what we have so far:

Thursday:

Ladera Club tasting
Lunch at Goose and Gander
Robert Craig tasting on Howell Mountain (new to this location)
Kellham tasting (new for me)
Dinner at Café la Haye

Friday:

Hall Rutherford
Lunch at Sol Bar
Baldachi Tasting
Black Sears Tasting (new for me -- told Chris that Lee recommended it)
Dinner at Bistro Jeanty

Saturday:

Patz and Hall Club Tasting
Lunch at the Lobster feast for Silverado club members
Behrens Family Tasting
Pride Mountain Tasting
Silverado Club Tasting
Dinner at La Toque

Sunday:

Chappellet Club Tasting?
Domain Chandon Tasting?
Late Lunch at Bogetta
Dinner at Jardiniere in San Francisco