posted 01-07-2013 11:10 AM            

We go to Napa on March 5-8. Can't wait to go and I am putting together an agenda now.

Will post an agenda once I have it finished.

Reb

posted 01-07-2013 08:25 AM            

We opened a 2002 Schweiger Spring Mountain Cab last week. It was pretty darned fabulous - perfectly divine! A lovely nose, with deep plum and toasty oak, velvety mouth feel and a lingering finish.... happy sigh!

I think I mentioned that we were rearranging the wine cooler/cellar/closet and realized that we had several Cabs that were probably ready to open - going to be such a difficult couple of months. Forcing ourselves to enjoy the well aged wines we've been hoarding.

Reb - When is your next trip?

Cheers!

posted 01-06-2013 02:06 PM            

I think you just like wine!

posted 01-06-2013 10:59 AM            

Biale was one of your suggestions - loved it.
Black Sears was one of your suggestions - loved it.
Hall Rutherford was one of you suggestions - loved it.
Scotti Stark and the wineries he represents - loved it.

posted 01-06-2013 10:54 AM            

I like both of the O'Shaughnessey Cabs also, but lean toward the Mt. Veeder.

I believe we are still waiting for Richard to post about "his best trip ever". Since I am in the process of planning, whixh he would report.

posted 01-06-2013 08:32 AM            

I actually ended up having Howell Mountain and Mt Veeder with a lean to Howell for me. They were both excellent though.

Havent seen any trip reports lately. Arent we due one from somebody? I am excited about my next trip and will start working on it very soon.

Cheers,

posted 01-05-2013 12:57 PM            

Aren't you glad that I turned you on to the Chase Zins? In addition to good wines, they make you feel like you are the most important visitors they have had. Jeff Blaum is an excellent host.

When I started this, there was a question I wanted to ask you but it flew out the window which is even closed.

I am beginning to work on a March itinerary (yes, I decided to go if further surgery doesn't get me down). Are there any ideas from the group on some wineries that we should visit? You know I like the smaller, family owned wineries, but will consider others. Thanks for your help.

P. S. I remembered my question. Where did Jeff Blaum suggest you have lunch in St. Helena?

Life is very, very good.

-Hawkeye

posted 01-04-2013 08:41 PM            

We had a fun New Year's BBQ/Smoked meats dinner and enjoyed a vertical tasting of Chase Hayne Vineyard Zins: 2002-2006.
Started with ribs, then pulled pork sliders, then smoked chicken, smoked sausage, & ended with brisket.
Mr. Damombo outdid himself with the smoky goodness.
The Chase wines were a great match for the meal and we enjoyed comparing the wines. The 2005 was the group favorite, followed by the 2003.

posted 01-04-2013 12:47 PM            

Which O'Shaugnessy did you have? Mt. Veeder or Howell Mountain.

I don't know any wineries you should stay away from, but if you would like a winey lunch, Give Jeff a call at Chase Family Cellars. He did an awesome BBQ lunch along with wine for our group lat year. The cost really wasn't that bad.

One word of advice, It takes a lot longer to go to a tasting with a group. Sometimes it is hard to get them to move on. You will have to crack the whip. Just don't plan as many in one day and allow more time between. Just sayin'.

If you would like to do a dinner, call Kandice Jessup at J. Gregory Cellars. She will arrange one at a restaurant in Yountville. However, it won't be cheap.

posted 01-04-2013 12:13 PM            

I had a bottle of O'Shaugnessy on New Years eve with a filet that I cooked on my Big Green Egg. Wine and food were both awesome!!

Getting ready to start planning our trip to Napa. We will have about 5-7 couples on this trip. Any wineries I should avoid with this size group? We will be traveling the first week in March.

Hope this is a great 2013 for everyone.

posted 01-02-2013 12:25 PM            

Mrs. Hawkeye and I both had the filet of beef, which is my all time favorite here. With that, we paired a Joseph Phelps 2008 Insigna. Normally a little out of my budget range, but heck, it was New Year's Eve. We received this when we were members of their wine club. The wine was very good, and got better the longer it was opened. However, I have had much cheaper wines that I liked better, eg. 2001 Kelham Cab, or the 2008 Spottswoode Estate Cab.

What did you have New Year's Eve or day?

Happy New Year to all my Board friends. May your glass always be half full.