Monticello Winery: A Napa Gem for Over 50 Years

On our recent visit to Monticello Winery, we were reminded why its been a Napa treasure since 1970.

Founded by Jay Corley, Monticello remains one of the few family-owned wineries in the Napa Valley a point of pride for Jay. He named the winery after Thomas Jefferson’s iconic home in Virginia, modeling it after Jefferson Monticello estate. Jay, a true lover of wine and food, admired Jefferson’s preference for wine over ale, reflecting Jefferson’s belief that a good wine is the necessity of life.This passion for wine is something Jay wholeheartedly shared.

Today, Monticello continues to produce world-class, estate-grown wines.

We were warmly welcomed by Cante, our host for the day, whose enthusiasm and wealth of wine knowledge made the experience even more memorable.

After touring the estate, we started with the 2023 Estate Chardonnay and the 2020 Estate Pinot Noir both were exceptional. Next, we sampled the 2019 Proprietary Red Blend, a smooth combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which we couldn’t resist taking a couple bottles of back home to Danville to share with our wine-loving friends.

Our tour then moved to a cozy wine room, complete with wine photography, comfortable seating, and a crackling fireplace. There, we sipped on the 2019 Tietjen Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, the 2019 Yewell St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2019 Corley Reserve Napa Valley. While all were outstanding, the Yewell Cabernet Sauvignon stood out, and we made sure to bring a bottle home.

As Thomas Jefferson famously said, “Good wine is a necessity of life.” At Monticello, they are not just making good wine they are crafting truly great wine. If you’re planning a Napa visit, this winery is a must-see.

For more information and to plan your visit, head to:

https://www.corleyfamilynapavalley.com/

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Paso Robles Rocks:Allegretto Resort and Vineyard

Photo by MJ McColgan

Paso Robles is an amazing destination, and our recent stay at Allegretto Resort and Vineyard was truly exceptional.

Our journey began at Pebble Beach, where we celebrated Super Bowl MJ’s birthday and our anniversary at Spanish Bay.

Just a 2-hour drive from Pebble Beach, Paso Robles, also known as the “New Napa," boasts over 200 wineries producing fantastic wines.

In music, Allegretto signifies a lively tempo of 112-120 beats per minute.

Allegretto, a 20-acre Tuscan-inspired paradise owned by 4th generation hotelier Douglas Ayres, features vineyards, Mediterranean-style architecture, and a range of amenities to rejuvenate your spirit.

The resort offers diverse guest rooms and suites, including ADA-equipped and pet-friendly options, along with excellent meeting facilities and a picturesque setting for weddings.

Indulge in delectable meals at Cello Ristorante, serving South Asian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with local wines. Don't miss the chance to taste the resort's award-winning private label wines at the Allegretto Tasting Room.

Unwind at the on-site spa with holistic treatments, stay fit at the gym, relax at the outdoor pool and hot tub, and take in the serene atmosphere with art installations and fire pits around the property.

Conveniently located near Paso Robles Event Center and downtown attractions, Allegretto Resort is the perfect base for exploring the area, including the stunning Sensorio light display.

Our visit to Calcareous Vineyard for lunch, breathtaking views, and wine tasting was a highlight—particularly savoring the unique Chardonnay influenced by the calcium-rich soil.

In conclusion, "Paso Robles Rocks," and we highly recommend an unforgettable stay at Allegretto Resort and Vineyard—a truly special place that caters to all. We are eagerly anticipating our next visit!

For more details and reservations, visit https://www.bookonline.com/hotel/allegretto-vineyard-resort-paso-robles?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABov2PZwcVseeqP08GRoah7uux0oU&trz=0

Bella Union Winery Opens in Napa

Recently, we had the pleasure to visit a new addition to the Napa Valley wine scene Bella Union Winery. This highly anticipated opening is located in the famous Rutherford AVA on 120 acres. The new winery was founded by Dirk Hampton along with partners Larry McGuire, Beth Nickel wife of Far Niente’s late founder Gil, and Erik Nickel, Gil’s Nephew.  

 

Winemaker Brooke Price’s goal is to highlight Rutherford’s rich fruit in every vintage.

It is a sleek and ultra-modern design with a Jewel Box tasting room that feels like it is suspended in midair. It is designed to attract younger wine drinkers that the industry is trying to reach.  

 

Our host today was Win who was very passionate and had a wealth of wine knowledge. 

We began our tasting with a 2022 Bianco White Blend that was a very refreshing start to a great tasting day.

After touring this beautiful winery, we sampled the 2022 Liaison Red Blend Napa Valley, 2022 Cultivist Red Blend Napa Valley, 2022 La Gemma Red Blend Napa Valley, and 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley.

 

All were ‘great’ but their flagship 2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was exceptional. We took a bottle back to Danville to share with our friends.

 

In conclusion, this winery is a ‘must do’ to add to your Napa bucket list.

 

For more information and to make a tasting appointment go to:

 

www,bellaunionwinery.farniente.com

 

Palmaz Vineyards: “Passionate Pursuit of Wine Making Perfection”

Recently, we had the pleasure to return to Palmaz Vineyards. In an effort to visit all 600 Napa wineries 400 and counting, Palmaz has the distinction of being on our Top 15 Winery list. Palmaz is proudly perched on Mt. George on 600 acres  in Napa. 

This second generation winery was founded by Julio and Amalia Palmaz. Their son Christian is the COO, Daughter Florencia CEO, and daughter in law Jessica Chief Marketing Officer. Florencia is also President of the family’s other primary business, Good Heart Brand Specialty Food Company based in San Antonio, Texas.

We met this warm and passionate wine family many years ago and their spectacular story is unique and very impressive.

We also had the pleasure to travel with Julio, Amalia and Florencia on a memorable trip to South America. The wine cruise sailed from Rio de Janeiro down the coast to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The trip included fabulous wine dinners served by the attentive staff on Silver Seas Cruise line.

The trip was highlighted with an elegant luncheon and day of “fun in the sun” at the Palmaz oceanfront summer home in Punta de Este, Uruguay.

Palmaz Vineyards features over 100,000 square feet of caves and a gravity feed wine making system that produces high quality wines. Wine club members enjoy elegant theme parties throughout the year. A wine member receives a gift of an Argentinean Gaucho facon, a silver personal steak knife that can be used at the annual Palmaz Asado barbecue.

From the web site:

“Julio Palmaz was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Julio invented the Palmaz Coronary Stent, a device that revolutionized medicine. (Artifacts related to his research now sit in the Smithsonian Institution medical collection .) Having moved from Argentina in the late 1970’s to pursue medical research at a notable institution, Julio completed his residency at the University of California Davis, where his passion for wine first emerged. To unwind on weekends, Julio and his wife Amalia would drive through Napa in a white Triumph Spitfire, visiting wineries and restaurants. “ I had wanted to make my own wine since my days at UC Davis,” he would later say, “And where better to make the best wine in the world than Napa Valley?”

Our knowledgeable and passionate host for this tour and elegant tasting was Julio. The tasting and food pairing took place in a private room with a high tech computer presentation of each wine.

Our tasting began with the 2019 Louise Riesling paired with Southwest Chicken Salad on an Endive Leaf with Miera Cilantro. Next was 2019 Amalia Chardonnay paired with a Chilled Diver Scallop with Maradal Papaya Mousseline.

We were then treated to a vertical tasting of 2019, 2018, and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Wild Mushroom Flan Bruschetta, Flank Steak Roulade with French Mustard and French Dip Brioche with Horseradish Cream.

Next, we sampled the 2019 Florencia Muscat paired with Piave Vechio with Honey and Toasted Almonds. Finally, we enjoyed the 2017 Gaston 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

In conclusion, this winery is a unique experience and a “must do” to add to your Napa bucket list.

For more information and to make an appointment go to:

http://www.Palmazvineyards.com

Ackerman Family Vineyards: 30 Years Of Excellence

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Ackerman Family Vineyards. The vineyard was purchased 30 years ago in Coombsville in 1994. Coombsville became the 16th AVA within the Napa Valley in 2011.

Winemaker Leo Tellez is a third generation Napan. With Ackerman Family Vineyards, he has found the perfect fit as part of a small family operated estate based wine company creating world class wines.

The knowledgeable team at Ackerman includes Lauren Ackerman, President, Kristie Fondario General Manager, and Joe Hinde Director of Sales and Hospitality.

A variety of experiences are available that include wine tasting, corporate events, weddings, afternoon teas, cooking classes, and private dining.

In 2010 Lauren purchased the 1888 Napa  Victorian known as the Clifford house located 2 blocks from Main Street in downtown Napa.

She restored this historic mansion to its 19th century splendor. In 2015, it opened as the Ackerman Heritage House. Since then, many people have enjoyed unique experiences at this iconic Napa treasure.

Today our informative host Joe Hinde began our tasting with a glass of 2022 Sauvignon Blanc as we toured this elegantly decorated Victorian.

We then moved to their tasting room and were treated to 3 of their red wines. 2021 Alavigna Tosca, 2018 Memoir and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. We especially enjoyed the Memoir a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 5% Petite Verdot. We took a couple bottles back to Danville to share with our friends. This is a ‘must do’ experience to add to your Napa bucket list.

In addition, there are many great restaurants within walking distance. We enjoyed a great lunch overlooking the Napa River at The Waterfront Seafood Grille.

For more information and to make a reservation go to:

https://www.ackermanfamilyvineyards.com/

Top 15

After publishing the Top 10 of our favorite wines, we decided we needed to add to our list after visiting several new wineries. We are now changing our list to read the Top 15,

You may read in detail about all of these on my blog https://mikemccolgan.blogspot.com/

We have been very fortunate to visit over 400 wineries in Napa, Sonoma and Healdsburg. Each one is unique. 

Many have asked us what are your favorites?

At lunch one afternoon we tried to select our favorites. That was not an easy task. We considered the wine, the terroir, the passion of the winery members and several other points. Each winery has an interesting story and is an experience. 

One of our favorite visits was blending our own wine at Raymond Vineyards. Not only did we learn a lot about blending but the wine we made came out great and made us happy. This is another fun and ‘must do’ wine experience. “McColgan Private Reserve”.  It is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. 30% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc.

In no special order, we would recommend visiting these 15 Wineries. Some are well known, and others are top secrets. The good news is that all of them are close to Danville.

Antinori Napa Valley-Atlas Peak

Stag’s Leap-Stags Leap

Chimney Rock-Stags Leap

Davis Estates-Napa Valley

Vineyardist-Diamond Mountain

Lokoya- Spring Mountain

Aperture-Healdsburg

Constant-Diamond Mountain

Cultivar-Whitehall Lane in the Mayacamas Mountain Range

VGS Chateau Potelle- Mount Veeder

Palmaz-Coombsville

Gandona-Pritchard Hill

Lithology-Howell Mountain

Melka Estates-St Helena

Raymond Estates-Napa Valley

 

Go to their web sites and make an appointment. You will not be disappointed. 

Antinori Napa Valley: Six Centuries Of Winemaking

 

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Antinori Winery proudly perched at the top of Atlas Peak like an Eagle overlooking the beautiful Napa Valley.

The Antinori family has been making world class wine for over 6 centuries. In 1385, Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers Guild.

Marchese Piero Antinori is the 25th generation of this famous winemaking family.

Marchese has passed the stewardship of the company to his 3 daughters. Together the 25th, 26th and 27th generations continue the pursuit of excellent winemaking.

Our knowledgeable wine ambassador today was Melinda. She presented the wines with a fabulous food pairing in the dining room overlooking 1200 acres of beauty. It was like being in Tuscany without having to travel there.

We began with a side by side tasting of the 2021 and 2022 Chardonnay. Both were fresh and vibrant on this warm summer day. Next, we were treated to the 2021 Antica Cabernet Franc with an eloquent blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. A couple bottles went home to Danville to share with our friends. Finally, we tasted the 2019 Townsend Cabernet Sauvignon with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc Townsend was the name of the former owner of this spectacular piece of property.

 This winery is a ‘must do’ to add to your Napa bucket list.

 For more information and to make an appointment go to

https://antinorinapavalley.com/

 

Rewa: Classic Coombsville Cabernet

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Recently, we had the pleasure to visit Rewa Vineyards crafting world class wines in Napa’s Coombsville District.

Owner GS Sareen is an entrepreneur and fine wine collector. He was born and raised in India and came to the Coombsville AVA to fulfill his dream of owning a vineyard. REWA is his wife’s name.

Our host was Brian Kulich Rewa’s National Sales Manager. He is a former sommelier enthusiastic and knowledgeable about wine. He also has his own brands of wine called Brian David, Lish, and GlassMan wines.

We had our tasting on the patio of this beautiful house with sensational views of the vineyard and Napa Valley.

Rewa winemaker Celia Welch is known as one of Napa’s top winemakers. Her experience at Scarecrow, Staglin, Kelly Fleming, Hollywood and Vine and her own label Corra has continued at Rewa creating these world class wines.

We began with the 2022 Rewa Sauvignon Blanc that soothed your senses on this warm summer day. We then sampled the 2021 “Khanda” Red wine. We especially enjoyed the blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec.

We then were treated to a 2016 Rewa Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2021 Rewa Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and elegant expressions of excellence.

For more information about tasting or buying these outstanding wines contact: Brian@Rewavineyards.com

 

Sensational Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Recently, we visited Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars winner of the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The 1973 SLV Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the highest honor at this prestigious blind tasting.

This award quickly vaulted Napa Valley  to be recognized for making outstanding world class wine. It established  Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars as an international superstar.

This Napa Gem was founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski. It was situated on 44 acres of pristine beauty next to a vineyard owned by wine growing pioneer Nathan Fay.  In 1986 he doubled the size purchasing the Fay Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

In 1996, he purchased a Chardonnay vineyard named Arcadia owned by winemaker Mike Grgich.

Mike was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena.  His 1973 Chardonnay was the winner at the 1976 Judgement Of Paris.

In 1986, a law suit with Carl Doumani owner of Stags’ Leap Winery was decided by the California Supreme Court.  The two wineries were founded in the same year and both claimed first use of the name Stags Leap.

The court decided  the wineries were named after the area and both were allowed to use the name. The judgement included that Winiarski would keep the apostrophe before the ‘s’ and Doumani  would keep the apostrophe after the ‘s’.  

In 2007 Winiarski sold the winery to Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori for a reported $185 million.  It included the winery facilities and SLV and Fay Vineyards. The Arcadia vineyard was kept by the Winiarski family and provided fruit to the winery.

In 2023, Marchesi Atinori bought Ste. Michelle’s 85% stake and became the sole owner.

The Estate was designed by Spanish architect Javier Barba. The Fay Outlook and Visitor Center was built with stone gathered from the property and combined with sapphire glass showcases the serene beauty of the vineyards and Stags Leap Palisades.

The 35,000 square foot wine cave offers a memorable experience for any private event. The cave showcases extraordinary architecture, art and design pieces throughout the Arcade, Great Room and Round Room.

Since 2013,  Winemaker Marcus Notaro and his team continue the legacy at Stag’s Leap producing world class wines. 

We began our tasting with our passionate host, Patrick, and enjoyed the 2023 Elia Rose with a touch of Cabernet Franc.

We then had a side by side tasting of the 2021 Fay Cabernet, 2021 SLV Cabernet  and 2021 Cask 23. The tasting was outside in the members lounge overlooking the sensational vineyards.  

The wines were all very special and we took home a  couple bottles of the 2023 Elia Rose and a 2021 bottle of the Fay Cabernet.

In conclusion, Stag’s Leap has a rich history and a ‘must do’ Napa experience.

For more information and to make a reservation go to:

https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/