Our trips to Napa
usually begin at Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in downtown Yountville. This
bakery is a heavenly experience of sugar delights that is well worth waiting in
line. The pecan rolls are my favorite and large enough to share on their
outside picnic tables with a cup of their fresh brewed coffee in the movie like
setting of charming downtown Yountville. Linda's favorite is the Quiche. She claims it is the best she has ever had
and not to be missed. They also have an
assortment of freshly made macaroons, muffins and special sandwiches to take
with you to enjoy as you visit the many world famous Napa wineries
nearby.
Keever
Vineyards is located on the top
of a winding road that makes you feel very special as you drive thru the gates.
Their tastings are by appointment only.
Our host was Olga Keever,
wife of Bill, who own the winery. After both retiring from successful careers
in telecommunications, their dreams came true finding this hidden gem property
that keeps them very busy. As they say with satisfying smiles, "we are
not retired but just happily tired proudly producing some world class wines for
the world to enjoy."
Today we had Karen Halip
joined us who is an associate foodie from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
We began our tasting
overlooking the green hills of Napa with the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. It was
refreshing and the flavor spectrum has enough base notes of toast and vanilla
that could pair with an array of entrees. Linda told Olga "This is the
best Sauvignon Blanc I have ever tasted." It is priced at $32.00.
Next was the 2011 Keever
"Inspirado." It is a Bordeaux inspired blend of 51% Cabernet, 25% Merlot, 12% Petite Verdot, and 12% Cabernet Franc. As the
name suggests, Winemaker Celia Welch has created a balanced
and elegant wine that definitely will inspire your wine
tasting experiences .It is priced at $68.00.
Finally, we tasted
the newly released dynamite 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon composed of 93.5% Cabernet, 4.5% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The 2012
was rated 95 by Wine Spectator and this vintage promises to be rated the same
or higher. It will sell for $135.00. All 3 wines were so good that we
took one of each back home to Danville with us.
For lunch there are a
lot of great choices in Yountville. You also can't
go wrong with the Ruththerford Grille's famous corn bread, knife and fork
ribs or enchilada served with a fresh egg on top. They also have no
corking fee so you can bring a bottle of your wine that you just tasted for
lunch or dinner.
For more information and to schedule a wine tasting go to:
