Napa Valley: An American Cabernet Eden

Napa Valley has been making wine for generations upon generations. However, its reputation soared to international acclaim when in 1976, Cabs from Napa Valley beat out the top Bordeaux chateaux at the infamous ‘Judgment of Paris’ in a blind taste test. From that moment on, Napa and its Cabernets catapulted onto the international stage. At this tasting, we will explore Napa through its history, its vastly different terroirs, and its winemaking styles - all the while enjoying copious amounts of Cabernet. 

Our first flight begins with a time-travel trip through Napa’s historic properties.  While most people think of Napa as a young wine region, its roots stretch back almost two centuries in producing high-quality Cabernet.  This trip back provides us with the lineaments for a great tasting and the structure of what is to come.

Our second flight looks at Napa Valley appellations from north to south and compares them to Napa’s three dominant soil types – alluvial, fluvial and volcanic.  We trace the appellations and soil types into the wines' flavors, highlighting how you, as the end consumer, can understand how a wine will taste even before you purchase that bottle.

Finally, we examine the human factor.  Winemakers do make a difference and in Napa, that difference can be huge.  From the ultra-ripe to the ultra-lean, Napa’s winemaking traditions are at their most divergent ever. 

For the Napa enthusiast, or the casual imbiber wanting to explore, this is a tasting not to miss.

Wines to be tasted:
 

2021 Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet $54.99
2021 Brendel Cooper's Reed Cabernet $49.99
2021 Coup de Foudre Cabernet $129.99

2022 Ghost Bear Napa Proprietary Red Wine $169.99
2022 Elizabeth Rose Chocablock $29.99
2022 Snowden The Ranch Cabernet $89.99

2019 Oleandri Cab Franc Stagegcoach Vineyard $99.99
2022 Emmolo Merlot $59.99
Caymus' Red Schooner $49.99

All prices listed shown are regular retail. Significant discounts offered on all wines at the tasting.

Due to the their highly allocated nature, some wines may change without notice.