Semillion

Semillion

Robert Foley Vineyards

n 1998 Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, and has since expanded and diversified its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for: Petite Sirah, Merlot, Charbono, the limited-release Howell Mountain Cabernet, and Bob's latest creation, The Griffin a blend of the best in the red cellar).

Bob's winery facility on the summit of Napa County's Howell Mountain near Angwin, houses more than 1,000 barrels in an extensive cave system that was completed in 2008 for the production of wines for the Robert Foley Vineyards label as well as Switchback Ridge, Dos Lagos Vineyards, and Engel Family wines.

The winery is a small production facility without visitor facilities, and is not open to the public.

Morlet Family Vineyards

We tasted three pinot's a syrah and two cabs. The three pinot's were from the same vineyard in Sonoma but from three different blocks. Three distinctly different wines. All very Burgundian in crafting but with that amazing Sonoma Coast fruit. My favorite style...French winemaking but with CA fruit!
The Syrah was amazing. Once again, very French. Northern Rhone in crafting but with Bennet Valley fruit.
The Cabs...well, they were quite simply amazing. Two totally different wines from two different AVA's.

Dolce Winery

Napa Valley's Dolce Winery is the only winery in North America that is solely devoted to producing a single, late harvest wine. It is one of the few wineries in the world willing to make such a commitment, sharing a common philosophy with the great Sauternes producers of Bordeaux. Dolce cellar is located within the caves of its sister winery, Far Niente, in California's Napa Valley. Visitors to the winery are welcomed with a hosted tour, followed by a tasting of current and library vintages. By its nature, Dolce is a rare wine that cannot be produced every year. Dolce is made when a natural, beneficial mold called botrytis cinerea attacks the grapes on the vine, while evaporating the water content and concentrating the sugars, acids and flavors. The inaugural 1985 vintage yielded only six barrels, and production grew to nine barrels in 1986. The 1987 vintage was not fine enough to be bottled and 1988 was so warm that no botrytis formed and the grapes were never harvested. The 1989 vintage was the first commercial release of Dolce and it was introduced to the market in 1992. Visits are by appointment, only.

Imagery Estate Winery

They have a beautiful scenic panoramic view. The staff are very personable, knowledgeable, and always willing to be of help. The outdoor patio is perfect for these summer months. They even have horse shoes!!! Nice selection of some pretty nice wines.

Ruston Family Vineyards

We have ordered Ruston wines several times w/ no problems directly from John himself. We were hoping to stop by his place again this March when we are back in town but he hasnt returned any emails! I have seen their wine now on LOT 18 at reduced prices which makes me wonder......
Too bad...their bordeaux blend is as good as it gets in napa for $25!

Hawkes Winery

The atmosphere of the tasting room is simple but modern. You can tell that they put their real energy into the wines. It's a nice stop with the Jimtown Store right next door where you can pick up a tasty sandwich and sit out back looking over the vineyards. When it comes to the people and service, you really get a feel that this is a family run operation. Stephen Hawkes the owner/farmer/winemaker is there every year at the barrel tasting to share the experience and crafted love that goes into these amazing red wines.

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