Fresh off a month in (arguably) Canada’s premiere wine
region, the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, I have the fortune to spend a
fortnight in the Napa Valley. With both work and pleasure opportunities abound,
I am putting up with being put up as a house-sitter (i.e. “squatter”) in
suburban Napa, complete with convertible to explore the vineyards and pool to
freshen up with after a long day of sipping. Not my traditional way of
exploring wine regions (frugality-balanced with-cleanliness accommodation and
public transport to winery), but I have to admit that it is nice to see how the
other half live.
And the other half live well, especially here in Napa. Where
land prices in the Okanagan can rival vineyard acreage this far south, the
plethora of massive estates and convertibles is surely unmatched anywhere else
in the world. Add to this exclusive country clubs and wineries “by appointment
only” and you have a mix that is well-suited for the well-healed.
If living alongside verdant golf greens and the fabulously
wealthy isn’t enough for you, then don’t forget the massive wine industry that
dominates the area. More wine is produced in Napa than is produced in all of
Canada, so there is no shortage of wineries to visit. This being my first full
day here, I decided to check out my temporary neighbours and the wares they
bare here at the southern end of the Silverado Trail:
Poolside & Pink-hued with Luna's "Minuet"
Luna Vineyards (www.lunavineyards.com) – One of the
closest to my “home,” Luna Vineyards has been growing estate grapes for about
30 years, and releasing wines under their own label for about 20 years. Setting
them apart from other Napa producers is their focus on Italian-influenced
grapes, most notable Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. Ahead of their time, Luna was
among the first Napa estates to see the potential of Pinot Grigio, and just
this year have released the first (and only?) Pinot Grigio Rose. Dinner Choice: Luna Pinot Grigio
“Minuet” Rose with Mexican-inspired stir-fry.
Del Dotto (www.deldottovineyards.com) – It’s been a few years
since my last visit to Del Dotto, and how can I resist a return when their
premium label is called “David.” Iconic and limited (just like me!), the David
label sources grapes from two estates; one in the hotter valley-floor
Rutherford AVA and the other higher up in the Howell Mountain AVA. (I preferred
the Howell Mountain; a bit more refreshing and complex, again, just like me…).
A Chardonnay and Pinot Noir programme from North Coast vineyards is very good,
and look for their first release of a traditional method “Ca’Nani” in the
coming weeks.
William Hll (www.williamhillestate.com) – Perched on rolling hills above the Silverado Trail, William Hill estate fruit not only benefits from more moderate
afternoon temperatures than the Valley floor but also has among the most
stunning scenery. 140 acres of rolling landscape define the William Hill
terroir, and their Unfiltered Chardonnay shows classic Cali fruit and weight
but balanced with fresh acidity. Only 7,500 cases produced…”limited” by Napa
standards.
Razi (www.raziwinery.com) – A family-run winery,
Razi is just off the beaten path and worth the hidden turn off the Silverado
Trail. The 18-month, American-oak-aged Chardonnay in particular shows classic
Napa structure, but flavours are enhanced by naturally occurring acidity this
far south in the Napa. The pure Cab-Sauv and Cab-Sauv-based blends are also
good, but with a hint of mint not expected from a traditional Napa Cab. Special
shout out to their value Shiraz; produced specifically in honour of their
Persian roots (where, it is argued, the Shiraz grape originates).
Worth noting is that with the exception of Luna, the above wineries advertise "by appointment only." For future wine-savvy travelers, I've discovered the best way around this is to travel in small groups, don't show up on a Friday or Saturday, and have cards on the ready.
With neighbours like these, I suspect greater things are
waiting for me as I delve deeper into the wine cellars of Napa.
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