Post Card From Napa

     It is still officially Winter, but in the middle of February in Napa Valley Spring is performing a dress rehearsal.  Bright, sun washed skies with occasional puffy clouds are a serene background above fields of neatly pruned dormant vines.  Brilliant, day-glow yellow mustard is sprouting  up and down the rows of new and ancient vineyards, serving as a beautiful ground cover and source of nutrition for the 2008 vintage.  Balloons rise peacefully overhead most mornings, carrying tourists on adventures of a lifetime, absorbing beauty seen only by a few.

     The year 2008 started off very wet.  Above average rainfall, about 15% above normal,  was the trend throughout Northern California during January.  No major flooding took place, but some small streams overflowed their banks.  The vineyard managers are very happy  with the levels of water in the reservoirs.

     Locals know that February can often show every type of weather imaginable.  This year it has.  The occasional Spring preview  has lasted over a week.  Red blossoms are appearing on some fruit trees and daffodils are proudly posing in the sun.  At the same time we know that danger lurks in form of frost.  The wind machines are being tested and the vineyard heaters are at the ready.  As for me, I have "Spring Fever", enjoying every flower and the warmth of the sun, getting higher every day.

     I would like to share some of my recent wine discoveries.  These wines were especially chosen for February.  A month of romance, a month flirting with Spring, and a month with some chilly nights define my wine choices.

Jana 2006 Napa Valley Old Vine Riesling, Lazy K and E Ranch

     I first tasted this wine at a new custom crush winery in Napa.  Silenus Vineyards is between Napa and Yountville, formerly Newlan Winery.  Every day they pour several different brands for the guests.  Winemaker Scott Harvey was a former student of mine when I taught high school many years ago.  Scott's wife is named Jana. This beautiful, off dry Riesling was came from a vineyard 136 years old.  It is in the Rutherford District of Napa.  2006 was a very long harvest, being wet and cool.  A small percentage of this gorgeous wine was actually "noble rot".  It is only 10.5 % alcohol, and 2% residual sugar. I love it before dinner and with roast pork.  It is very limited, about 350 cases.  Retail is $20

B Cellars Blend 24, 2004

     Another wine that I was introduced to at Silenus was a red blend.  It is Cabernet Sauvignon,75%, Merlot 15%, and Syrah 10%.  Very drinkable with lighter and heavier foods, this wine was served at a meal featuring barbequed chicken and beef.  Red fruit flavors combine with tart cherry and plum nuances.  Very full bodied but with nice finesse. Retail $35 and worth it.

Whetstone 2004 Sonoma Coast Guidici Family Vineyard Syrah

     Jamie Whetstone is a surfer from South Carolina.  I see him at Laird Family Estate winery, where he makes wine  for a few of our clients.  He is a very nice guy with wavy blond hair and a sunburn.  His vocabulary is sprinkled with surfer language. He also has his own label.

     This Syrah is filled with concentrated dark fruit flavors, punctuated by a slight spicy, peppery finish.  This will warm you on a cold February night, served with comfort food and a loved one.

Ceja 2004 Sonoma Coast Syrah

     The Ceja family has my deepest respect.  Their story gives promise to all who pursue the American Dream, starting  as immigrant field workers.  I recommend that readers research Ceja Vineyards through their web site, since time does not permit me to tell their entire story here.

     The Ceja Syrah is full of deep, palate pleasing flavors of raspberries and spice.  My imagination runs wild with food pairings.  When February wears its Winter face I will pair this Ceja Syrah with roasted red potatoes, Swiss chard, and grilled chicken apple sausages.