POST CARD FROM NAPA

WINE MEMORIES

     As a native of Napa Valley, it was only a matter of time before I became introduced to wine.  My parents hardly ever drank wine and it was never on the dinner table except during a holiday dinner.  In church they would mention wine as symbolizing the blood of Christ, which made it special and mystical in my mind.  I was instructed not to drink it until I was 21 years old, adding to my curiosity.

     One Thanksgiving holiday dinner when I was 19 years old I was given permission to have a glass of Wente Brothers Grey Reisling with the turkey!  It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.  It was cool and refreshing yet the warm feeling began when I swallowed.  It made me relaxed and happy, not nearly as shy as I was typically.  And I remember how the turkey tasted so good along with the crisp, acidic wine. 

     In college I first experienced the romantic, aphrodiasic qualities of the mystical beverage.  By candlelight  I shared a bottle of Carlos Rossi Hearty Burgundy with my girlfriend Judy.  Kisses warmed by the wine tasted so sweet and our inhibitions dissolved with each sip.  I often say, only half jokingly, that Carlos Rossi was my favorite wine of all time because of that experience.   It became our drink of choice when we camped in the park on warm nights, zipped our sleeping bags together  and talked about the stars.  Now Judy lives in a different state but we still correspond. 

     My tastes in wine have changed because of my occupation.  Working in hospitality for several premium Napa Valley wineries has given me the opportunity to try some of best wine in the world and meet some world famous people.  Having Christmas dinner in the formal dining room of the beautiful Victorian home at Spring Mountain Winery was especially memorable.  The gorgeous stained-glass windows reflected the candlelight, classical Christmas music was playing softly, and the then-owner Michael Robbins told wonderful stories from the head of the table.  He went to his cellar and returned with a 1974 Spring Mountain late harvest Zinfandel.  Whether the wine would have tasted as good in a different setting we will never know.  I learned then that wine will elevate a good time, as a good time will elevate the wine!

     Most all the wineries for whom I have worked have been Cabernet Sauvignon houses.  Due to extensive study and tastings I learned more about Cabernet, and it is still my sentimental favorite.  But recently some Syrahs and Merlots are very interesting to me.  I had the very rare opportunity to visit the incredible new winery home of Ann Colgin, maker of one of the world's

most sought-after Cabernets.  Her winemaker, Mark Aubert,  poured me some of the Colgin Merlot.  Mark had promised me it would be the best Merlot I had ever tasted.  He was right.  The flavors were very deep and pure, reminding me of ripe red fruit.  The finish lingered a long time between sips, and looking north over Lake Hennessey toward Mt. St. Helena I felt at peace with the world.