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.

Wheeler Farms Winery: Napa Excellence Since 1871

Recently, we were recommended to visit Wheeler Farms by James from Theorum Winery on Diamond Peak. We were not disappointed.

Wheeler Farms has a rich history that started in 1871 by Charles Wheeler.  In 2014, Bart and Daphne Araujo led a group that purchased this historic property and continued the tradition of making world class wines. The property includes beautiful gardens, a fruit tree orchard, olive trees, edible gardens, chickens and bees. The winery on the property includes the most advanced technology for winemaking for Wheeler as well as other wine brands.

Our host today was Patrick whose passion and knowledge of wine made for a very special wine tasting experience.  We enjoyed a great pairing of food that was paired perfectly with renown winemaker Nigel Kinsman’s heavenly creations. 

We began with the 2019 J.H Wheeler Cabernet Franc Rose that was crisp, refreshing and perfectly paired with a Salmon and Ocean Trout Rillette, served on house made crackers

Next, was the JH Wheeler 2020’Sauvignon Blanc. It had fresh aromas of lemon, lime and apricot and was paired with shrimp salad with cucumber, nectarine, pickled red onion and tarragon.

We then enjoyed the 2018 JH Wheeler Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a blend of 90%Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. It was paired with crispy duck confit with flageolets and huckleberry jus.

Finally, we tasted the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Beckstoffer George’s III Vineyard.  The wine was ‘sensational‘ and perfectly paired with prime beef sirloin with roasted garlic pomme purée and caramelized onion.

In conclusion, we would highly recommend you add this winery to your ‘must do’ Napa Valley bucket list. The tasting room is stunning and the ambience brings a wonderful relaxed feeling.  We look forward to returning soon.

For more information and to make a reservation, go to:

https://www.wheelerfarmswine.com/

Ritz Carleton San Francisco : Jean-Charles Boisset (JCB) Tasting Lounge

Recently, we enjoyed an elegant wine tasting at renown wine owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s new San Francisco tasting lounge at the iconic Ritz Carleton Hotel in San Francisco.

 

We know JC as we are members of his Raymond Vineyards located in Napa. His flamboyant personality is reflected in this newly opened and opulent decorated tasting lounge.

 

Our host today was Kelly.  Her vibrant personality and impressive wine knowledge captured the beauty of all these great wines.

 

We began with a Surrealist Brut Rose that was perfectly chilled and served from the ‘Passion Collection’ of JCB and Baccarat designed elegant stemware.

 

These unique wine glasses can also be purchased and would make a very ‘special gift’ to any ‘lover’ of fine wine.

 

We then had the 2016 number 3 Pinot Noir from Russian River and JC’s Burgundy grapes. This unique blend was also served at JC’s wedding to Gina Gallo. Gina is from another powerful wine family, Gallo Wine.  

 

We then enjoyed the Number 1 and 10 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that were big, bold beautiful bottles of carefully crafted wine.

 

To complete this ‘exceptional’ wine experience, we tasted the 2016 Surrealist Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a perfect 80/20 blend of Cabernet and Petite Verdot grapes.

 

This wine also received a ‘100’ point rating from renown wine critic Jeb Dunnuck and was a ‘great ending’ to a fabulous wine experience in the ‘city by the bay’.

 

After our tasting, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Pallete Tea House located in the center of Ghirardelli Square.

 

This modern decorated San Francisco restaurant features a variety of dim sum specialities.

 

We especially enjoyed the Honey Walnut Prawns, Fried Noodles and Chicken Wings. It is a ‘must do’ foodie experience and we look forward to returning soon.

Reservations are recommended and seating is available inside or outside.

 

For more information and to make a reservation at the JCB tasting lounge go to:

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/san-francisco/dining/the-jcb-tasting-lounge

 

 

Pebble Beach: Tiger Woods Design Peter Hay Short Course

Recently, we had the pleasure of playing the redesigned Peter Hay short course at Pebble Beach. “The Hay” is a ‘must do’ experience.

Professional golfer Peter Hay’s vision of a fun short course for families, kids and golfers of all skills has become reality with the redesign of this course by Tiger Woods. 

It is an affordable way to experience Pebble Beach complete with a copy hole of famous number 7.   

Green fees are only $65 with kids under 12 playing for free and $5 for youth on course members. There is also a putting course that is no charge for everyone. It is also 50% off to replay it.

After you are done, lunch at the famous 19th hole “Tap Room”featuring Kobe burgers the coconut cake is highly recommended. 

For the avid golfer, you can complete this special golfing experience by playing nearby Pacific Grove known as “The Poor Man's Pebble Beach“ with many fabulous ocean view holes for $45.

For more information and to make a tee time go to:

https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/the-hay/

Torrey Pines 2021: 121st US Open

Torrey Pines is a special place for our family. In 2008, we were the guests of the Golf Channel to the US Open Championship as a result of MJ winning the Father’s Day Essay Contest. Tiger Woods dramatic win in a playoff against Rocco Mediate is arguably one of his best victories. He played virtually on one leg as a result of a painful knee injury.  MJ's essay was selected from 25,000 entries. He also won merchandise including a set of custom-made Taylor Made golf clubs and pro bag with his name on it.  His win put us on national television on Father’s Day. It is an eternal memory in our rich memory bank.

As a Hall-of-Famer golfer, MJ was invited by the USGA to attend the 2021 US Open Championship this year.  Torrey Pines is a slice of heaven with 2 great courses flanking the great blue Pacific.

We stayed at the nearby Hilton Torrey Pines. It is a fantastic facility with stellar service, multiple restaurants, pool, spa and balcony rooms with heavenly views of the manicured golf course and hang gliders soaring over the majestic cliffs and ‘deep blue’ Pacific Ocean.

This year was also very special as the golfers enjoyed perfect weather and challenging conditions with the golf course playing 7800 yards, lightning-fast greens and a penal rough for wayward golf shots.

It was a battle to the end with Jon Rahm winning by one stroke and being crowned the 2021 US Open Champion with a score of minus 6. It was only fitting after being disqualified the week before as a result of testing positive for Covid.  He also proposed to his wife on the 18th hole last year.

Here is MJ's winning essay. It had to be 200 words or less. The words are ‘inspiring’ for any golfer or any person.   Enjoy

Golf Channel Winning Father’s Day Essay 2008 US Open Torrey Pines

By Michael (MJ) McColgan

I have been playing golf since I was 5 years old.

Having been born with a walking disability, my Dad taught me to focus on my ability and not my disability.

As a result, I have won 7 straight Northern California Special Olympics State Championships, 3 National Championships, and been inducted into 2 Hall of Fames—2004 San Francisco Tri Valley and 2006 Michigan having been born there.

My Dad taught me that golf, like life, is a hard game but with a positive attitude, proper instruction and a will to win, anything can and will happen. In a round of golf, never-never give up.

He also told me to enjoy the beauty and many friends I will make in this game. He often told me that one could go out as a single player and meet three strangers on the first tee and by the end of the round be friends for life.

Finally, he taught me to never get nervous on the first tee. Like life, getting off to a good start is very important.

Thanks Dad!