The Prisoner Winery Company: Napa’s Newest Gem

In an effort to visit all 600 Napa wineries (400 and counting), my wife Linda and recently traveled to Prisoner Winery in the heart of Napa Valley.

Recently opened, this Winery is the latest masterpiece of Architect, Mark Hollis and Interior Designer, Richard Von Saal. It features high ceilings, wood, glass and a very comfortable, fresh modern decor.

Our host was Jeremiah who was very knowledgeable and very proud to be working at this great new winery.

We began our tasting with #39007 a 2017 Chenin Blanc with flavors of floral and white peach. Next, we had Syndrome 2017 Rose. It was crisp with flavors of watermelon and strawberry.
The 2015 Thorn was a Napa Valley Merlot with an earthy taste of dark blackberry and cherry. We then tasted the 2016 Cabernet Cuttings, a full-bodied wine with hints of currant, black cherry and pepper.  Chef Brett Young paired these great wines perfectly with a Fiscallini cheese dip and crackers.

The final tasting was the 2016 Prisoner named after the famous Goya painting. It was ‘bursting with flavor and a perfect blend’ of Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Charbono. It was so great that a few bottles returned to Danville with us.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend this new Napa gem.
 
For more information and to arrange a tasting go to:
 
https://www.theprisonerwinecompany.com/

San Francisco Hayes Valley Parisian Bistro: Monsieur Benjamin

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (1000 and counting), my wife Linda and I recently dined at Monsieur Benjamin in the ‘great city by the bay’.

Monsieur Benjamin is located in Hayes Valley section of San Francisco surrounded by a large selection of shops and restaurants. The area is full of youthful energy and this Parisian Bistro has a large variety of great food creations. 

The restaurant has a warm ambiance and is a very fun place to dine with friends.
 
The restaurant also has a great selection of wine and spirits to enjoy with your meal. If you bring your own wine, there is a $20.00 corking fee.

We brought a 2015 Carmenere from Chalk Hill that was full bodied and bursting with flavor.

We began our dinner with some fruits de Mer and enjoyed 3 types of oysters, Beau Soleil from New Brunswick, Mookie Blue from Maine and Shigoku from Washington. Next, we shared Escargots braised in red wine jus, mushroom duxelles, garlic and parsley with homemade country bread and Spring Hill Jersey butter.   For the entree, Linda ordered the Atlantic Salmon Poelee, leek and sauce Remoullade that was cooked to perfection. I enjoyed Steak Frites with Sauce Choron and a 12ounce Ribeye grilled in the charcoal oven that was sensational.  For dessert, we shared a warm banana crepe with rum raisin ice cream and cinnamon streusel that deserved a ‘qui qui’. 

In conclusion, we enjoyed this restaurant and vibrant location in Hayes Valley and plan on returning soon. It is a wonderful French Bistro. 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

https://www.monsieurbenjamin.com/