Rombauer: Spring Release Party

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending the Rombauer Spring Release Party with some wine friends.

Rombauer is a favorite libation at happy hour in many Blackhawk resident homes. 

KR Rombauer and his attentive staff rolled out the red carpet on this sun splashed Napa day.

The Release Party was filled with ‘joy’ tasting these great wines and enjoying Hog Island Oysters, barbequed shrimp and beef kabobs, assorted desserts, picture booth, and a New Orleans style band on their pristine property.

The real stars of the day were the great bottles of perfectly blended wines.

Everyone received a Rombauer glass and multiple tasting stations were set up to avoid waiting to taste these wines.

Current releases of Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were served.  

You could also purchase these wines at a discounted price. We took home some Chardonnay and Zinfandel.

If you have not been to Rombauer, it is a ‘must do’ to add to your wine bucket list.

For more information and to schedule a tasting go to:

https://rombauer.com

AuburnJames Winery: St.Helena Gem

 

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting AuburnJames Winery and Tasting Cottage in St.Helena.

Matt Ospeck and his sister Mary Ann Cope had their dreams come true in 2005 with the first crush of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Raywood Vineyard in Napa Valley with Winemaker Jim Frost.  In 2015, the winery relocated to a historic property nestled between the Napa River and Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley.

 

Matt loves cars and worked over 20 years in the automotive industry. Auburn was a beautiful, stylish and sleek vehicle produced in Indiana from 1900-1937. 

James is AuburnJames winemaker. As a result, the name AuburnJames.

  

In addition to the winery, you can enjoy these ‘great’ wines at Auburn Lounge located in Downtown Danville.

 

Today we had the pleasure of tasting this award-winning juice with Matt. We especially enjoyed the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay, 2014 1001 Napa Valley Proprietary Red, and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Rutherford. Several went back to Danville with us.

 

For more information and to make an appointment go to:

https://www.auburnjames.com/ or call 707 967 9100 open for tasting 7 days, 10am-5pm.

 

Aperture Cellars: Spring Release Party

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Jesse Katz’s new winery Aperture Cellars Spring Release party in Healdsburg.  Jesse Katz is a brilliant young winemaker who has traveled all over the world with his famous photographer father Andy Katz. Andy has traveled to 90 countries and has also written 14 books

Andy’s pictures grace Jesse’s bottles of wines thus the name Aperture. He has also done album covers for many famous rock groups like the Doobie Brothers and many others. His pictures also are displayed on the walls of this new winery that was completed in 2020.

Jesse learned his winemaking craft working for famous wineries like Petrus in France and Screaming Eagle in Napa.  He made the wedding wine for his friend Justin Timberlake and sold the most expensive bottle of Cabernet at the Napa auction for $350,000.

The 2022 Spring Release featured these great wines with food bites perfectly paired with these works of art in a bottle.  We especially enjoyed the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Red Bordeaux blend, and 2019 Oliver Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.  You can also purchase these “sensational” wines at Draeger’s Market in Blackhawk.

Healdsburg is a slice of “wine heaven” with many great restaurants, hotels and wineries. The Healdsburg Square also has many tasting rooms to enjoy.  You can also just go for the day as it is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Danville. It is a “must do” to add to your wine bucket list.

To make an appointment to visit and taste his wines go to:

https://aperture-cellars.com/

 

Napa Gem: Sequoia Grove Winery 

Recently we had the pleasure of visiting Sequoia Grove in the heart of Napa,  They have a wide selection of Bordeaux styled wines and a fantastic food pairing experience.

The winery and its 24-acre estate vineyard were part of the original Rancho Caymus land grant given in 1836 to George Yount, changing owners many times until it was purchased in 1978 by James and Barbara Allen. The following year, the duo opened a winery in a 100-year-old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees, and so Sequoia Grove was born. The property is today 100 acres of vineyards and nine different grape varieties in total.

Our host Kenny poured the 2018 Chardonnay, 2016 Merlot, 2016 Syrah and 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

We especially liked the 2016 Syrah and took some back to Danville with us.

After our tasting, we enjoyed a great lunch at the iconic Rutherford Grill and dessert at the newly remodeled bar at Brix.  Their Expresso Martini is a ‘must do’ and a great way to end the day.

“Napa Rocks.”

Napa Silver Oak Release Day: 2022

Recently, we had the pleasure to attend the Napa Silver Oak 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Release Day party. This grand event is a ‘must do’ Napa tradition. The Silver Oak motto “Life is a Cabernet” is perfect for their world class wine.

The Napa Release Day is always in February and Alexander Valley in August. There is a morning session and afternoon session to satisfy the loyal patrons of this world class wine.

This iconic winery was founded in 1972 by Ray Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer.

The release day is full of fun with photo booths, food, music, and generous pours of their great wine. The 2017 Napa is full bodied and promises to be highly rated.

“Life is a Cabernet.”

For more information and to make a tasting appointment go to:
 https://silveroak.com/visit/

Historic John’s Grill: San Francisco Landmark Since 1908

Recently, we had the pleasure of dining at historic John’s Grill located in the heart of the city at San Francisco’s Union Square. John’s Grill has been open since 1908 and has been rated in the top ten restaurants in America by Esquire magazine.

Pictures of movie stars, celebrities from all walks of life, Presidents, world leaders, Industry Titans and foodies grace these famous walls.

The bar serves a variety of wine, beer and classic mixed drinks. The Perfect Manhattan’s are a treat to enjoy in this cozy atmosphere. They will warm your heart for a start to a great dining experience.

An extensive menu of lamb chops, fish, steaks and a seafood salad for 2 named after patron and famous old time health guru Jack Lalane will satisfy any foodie desires.

There is also a tribute to the movie Maltese Falcon on the second floor.  The movie starring Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam Spade was filmed in San Francisco. The Sam Spade Lamb Chops are still offered on the menu and a great recommendation.

In conclusion, John’s Grill is a ‘must do’ when you are in the ‘great city by the bay’. It’s timeless excellence and first class service since 1908 is a ‘special‘ experience in our fast paced high tech world.

> For more information and to make a reservation go to:
> https://www.johnsgrill.com/

Cultivar:Napa Winery and SF Restaurant Gem

 

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Cultivar Winery located in the heart of Napa.

This Napa Gem is owned by Jody and Gingy Harris Gable.  Jody and his sister Gingy grew up on their family’s picturesque property.

From the web site, “the word Cultivar means a variety of a plant that has been deliberately selected for specific desirable characteristics.”

Jody also has a great restaurant in San Francisco called Cultivar that serves all of their wines.

 
We had the opportunity to dine at his restaurant in the great ‘city by the bay’. We enjoyed great service and a variety of ‘perfectly prepared’  dishes in a warm and cozy atmosphere buzzing with excitement from many happy patrons.

At the winery, Hospitality Manager Deborah Evans shared her vast wine knowledge and led our wine tasting with Jody and our good friends from Marin Pete and Louise Petri.  It was a joy to experience Winemaker Julien Fayard’s wide array of ‘sensational‘ creations.  We especially enjoyed the estate blend Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet.  

All of these great wines can be tasted at his great restaurant in the Marina District in the ‘great city by the bay’.

To make reservations at the restaurant go to 

www.cultivarsf.com

Ken’s Table- Wine Appreciators Luncheon

Recently wine appreciators Tony Giovanzana, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Jeff Behring enjoyed a special luncheon in the Blackhawk Lakeside French Room which was a favorite place to dine for Blackhawk founder Ken Behring.

The wine appreciators enjoyed a four-course wine pairing with fabulous food prepared by Chef Miguel and professionally served by Jessica and Ono. 

Tony Giovanzana organized the wine appreciators to bring some great wines from Spain and Portugal. This was the second Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators luncheon. 

We began with an interesting 2017 white wine from Spain called El Zarzal. It was an elegant and refreshing blend to prepare our palates for this special luncheon.  In addition, these wines we tasted are available for purchase at Draeger’s in Blackhawk. 

The first course was a White Bean Fabada with Pork Belly Olive Crostini. It was paired with a 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico Ribera del Duero and a 2016 40th Anniversary Keenan Syrah.

Course 2 was Chorizo and Mozzarella Flatbread with Green Olives, Roasted Red Peppers and Cilantro. We enjoyed this with a 2006 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja and a 2009 Muga Prada Enea Gran Reserva Rioja. 

Course 3 was Grilled Lamb Chops with Hint of Rosemary and Goat Cheese Sauce. It was paired with Portugal varietals 2014 Luis Duarte Rubrica and 2015 Prats Symington Chryseia. 

Course 4 was Braised Oxtail, Red Wine Reduction and Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. It was paired with a 2015 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape and a 2018 Rene Ristaing Cote-Rotie Ampodium. 

Ken’s spirit was definitely felt as many stories of his interesting life were shared by his sons David and Jeff. 

We concluded this luncheon with Chef Miguel’s sensational Grand Marnier Soufflé.

We look forward to planning another Ken’s Table-Wine Appreciators Luncheon in 2022.

Meritage Napa Valley Resort and Spa

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at the magnificent Meritage Napa Valley Resort and Spa. In addition to this Napa Gem, the Meritage collection offers a laid-back luxury experience in La Jolla, Kauai and Huntington Beach. Napa’s Tuscan designed resort offers world class service, luxury accommodations, cave spa treatments, wedding chapel and business meeting rooms all close to famous Napa wineries, golf courses and restaurants.

Upon arrival, you are greeted with a glass of champagne and a complimentary bottle of wine from the on-site Trinitas tasting room in your room.   We had the pleasure of also enjoying a great dining experience at their signature restaurant Olive and Hay.  This restaurant offers great service and selection of wine, cocktails and beer to enjoy with a fabulous menu of ‘picture perfect’ food.  We especially enjoyed the meat balls, veal, halibut and Italian donuts with chocolate sauce for dessert.

Food is also served at the casual Crush Lounge that has bowling alleys to challenge you and your friends.

In conclusion, Napa Meritage Resort and Spa is a ‘must do’ Napa experience. It is a refreshing place to relax from the rigors of life and enjoy the many Napa wineries. It is only 45 minutes from Danville and we highly recommend staying at this magnificent resort and world class spa.  We look forward to returning soon.

For more information and to make a reservation go to:

https://www.meritagecollection.com/meritage-resort

 

Ken Behring Wine Appreciators Luncheon

Recently a wine appreciation luncheon was held at Blackhawk founder Ken Behring’s favorite lunch and dinner table in the Lakeside dining room. Special thanks to Chef Miguel, Tony Giovanzana, Jessica and Ono for pairing some great food with some fantastic wines. Wine Appreciators Jeff Behring, Mike L. McColgan, David Behring and Tony Giovanzana enjoyed this sensational 2 hour 4 course luncheon.

The first entry was Day Boat Scallop with Lemon Risotto paired with a 2017 Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet and a 2017 Grgich Hills Chardonnay that was spectacular. Course two was Grilled Rainbow Trout with Bacon Green Beans and Farro. It was perfectly paired with a 2016 Sea Smoke Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir Ten and a 2014 Domaine des Beaumont Morley St Denis Les Millandes. The next course was Orecchiette Ragu Alla Bolognese with Shaved Pecorino. It was paired with 2016 Gianni Brunelli Amor Constante IGT and a 2012 IL Poggione Brunello di Montalcino that was presented picture perfect. The final course was Sliced New York, Pan Seared Onions and Mushrooms Truffle Potato Gratin. It was paired with a 2015 Chateau Leoville Barton St. Julien and a 2016 Bulgeroni Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This was a fitting ending to a very special day.

It was also a clear sunny day sitting at Ken’s favorite table overlooking the Signature 18th Lakeside hole. It was very interesting to listen to David Behring talk about Ken’s great vision to create this golf hole exactly how it is today when they walked around this property in the 70’s. Ken’s clear vision of the future was the key to his great success in his busy life. The luncheon was so much fun that we are planning another one featuring wines from Spain, Chile and Portugal.