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Wineries
Of Special Interest |
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The wineries listed in this section are generally family
owned and run. They are often not open to the public because
they are so small in size and production. However, their wines
are some of the finest in the world and are often available for
purchase in fine wine Shoppe's and restaurants.
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- Grape Note.
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Napa
Valley
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FAR NIENTE 1350
Acacia Drive Oakville, California 94562 707.
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FAR NIENTE is one of Napa's
premier vineyards producing Cabernet and Chardonnay.
This vineyard is open to the trade by
appointment.
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| WINE: |
1998 Chardonnay is styled along the lines of
White Burgundy. The malolactic fermentation leaves this wine crisp, clean
and refreshing. The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is still very young and
does not yet have the depth and character of earlier vintages, is a
delicious full bodied red wine loaded with fruit, black currant, cassis
and hints of spice. Wonderful wines. |
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DOLCE by Far Niente is a
sophisticated Late Harvest wine with sweet nectar and full of pears.
A fabulous compliment to
any desert, cheese or after dinner occasion. |
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WINERY:
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Magnificently
manicured lawns envelop this vineyard. Gil
Nickel's antique car collection is displayed in a beautiful barn-like
structure at the winery. A true photo-op for shutter bugs. |
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WINE & WINERY: |
Ric Forman Cabernets' best known for
their elegant Bordeaux like style are grown from grapes on Forman's
St. Helena estate. His wines are cellared underneath his magnificent
mountainside home and winery. From his vineyards are some of the most
spectacular views of St. Helena. If you are able to reach Ric Forman and
receive an invite, RSVP immediately and bring your camera. |
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KARA'S
VINEYARD AT THE ROBERT PECOTA WINERY
Calistoga California, 707.942.6625
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Robert Pecota Winery is not
generally open to the public however, if you call in advance and
make an appointment you may find yourself welcome to meet the
vintner. |
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WINE & WINERY: |
Kara's vineyard is named for Robert Pecota's
daughter Kara, who is an integral part of the family run business. This
small, quaint winery is located just outside of Calistoga at the northern
edge of Napa. This vineyard is home to 360-degree views of the valley's
surrounding hills and mountain ranges. Pecota's flagship wine is the
estate produced Kara's Vineyard Cab with big fruit, firm tannins and a
delicious long finish. Not to be missed is Pecota's Syrah and the Asti
D'Andrea Muscat, named for Pecota's other daughter, Andrea who also plays
a significant role in the family business. |
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NEWTON VINEYARD
2555 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena 707.963.9000 Tasting & Tours
by appointment only and only on Fridays at 11:00. Tasting fee: none
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WINE & WINERY: |
Take the long, magnificent ride up the side of
spring mountain to reach this unbelievably beautiful vineyard set in
English-style gardens with it's grand red gate and Chinese lanterns. The
wine we tasted was the 1994 Le Puzzle Cabernet Sauvignon, which was
absolutely delicious, an elegant and smooth wine with deep berry flavors
and a firm tannic structure for aging. The Puzzle Cab is named after the
vineyards, which appear to look like a jigsaw puzzle piece when viewed
from the mountaintop vineyard. A must see and taste for the true wine
lover. New ton is also famous for their Merlots. |
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| PAHLMEYER
WINERY Napa 707.255.2321 |
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WINE & WINERY: |
Pahlmeyer is best known for the Pahlmeyer red.
A Bordeaux-styled blend of distinctive character and pure elegance. The
1997 Merlot is outstanding, deep and full of complex flavors. The
Chardonnay is also a consistently fine wine. If you would like to taste
these fine wines visit the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. |
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VIADER VINEYARDS
1120 Deer park Road, St. Helena 707.963.3816 Tastings and Tours: By
appointment only, no fee.
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To properly pronounce the name of this
vineyard remember the rhyme "if you dare" then "Viader".
This family owned vineyard produces only 4000 cases of its' truly
spectacular Cabernet. Delia Viader is both the owner and winemaker
of this absolute gem in wine country. |
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| WINE: |
1997 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that has
harmony. The Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon grapes blend beautifully to
present with firm tannins, which will allow this wine to age for the next
10 - 20 years but still drinks beautifully now with its' rich, deep
flavors of Cassis and Blackberry. A true stunner and a must have. |
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AMBIANCE: |
The ambiance here is Delia Viader herself. An
Elegant, sophisticated, bright and talented winemaker whose personality is
truly reflected in her wines as well as her winery. |
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WINERY:
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A stunning hillside winery with the vineyards
running from the top to the bottom of the mountain. A magnificent view,
bring your camera. |
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