Sorry I’ve been absent from the blog lately; however, a return to work and preparation for HVAC replacement in my home has left me with little time to write. Anyway, I do have other insights to share about our recent trip to Napa. I’ll continue with the best/favorite ratings.

Best Chardonnay: Given Napa’s reputation for being a prolific producer of big Chardonnays, we were a bit surprised to find out that almost all of the wineries produced only one white wine and then all reds. The whites tended to be either Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. I like big Chardonnays; Paul does not like Chardonnay unless it has not hibernated in an oak barrel.

Best “Big” Chardonnay: You all know these kinds: buttery, nutty, toasty, honey-textured, etc., I like them, and I don’t care if it’s out of style (This coming from someone who went to a 1980’s reunion concert tour! Anyone remember Flock of Seagulls? Go-Gos?)

Cali 351 2006 Chardonnay: A California classic with a nice nutty nose and butter/honey mouth feel yet generous with the grilled pineapple and pear flavors. Full bodied indeed yet not so over the top that it could not be sipped on its own. In fact, I did sip a glass of this one after the tasting with a nice St. Andre’s cheese, almonds and baguette. Paul declined a sip of this one even when offered—go figure!

Rombauer Chardonnay: Another Cali classic and hard to beat if you like this style of Chardonnay. Salmon, crab cakes, lobster with butter sauce—all would pair nicely. I thought of my Dad when I tasted this one—he really like a nice, bold Chardonnay and appreciates it even more when it is not too chilled.

Best “Other” Chardonnay: Here we get into Paul’s favorite Chardonnay—those with minimal or no oak treatment. Hard to find on this trip, but Paul did like the Christopher Creek Winery’s 2006 Sapphire Hill Vineyard Chardonnay. This one is indeed given some time on oak, but aging is “sur lies” with minimal malolactic fermentation. “Fruity and round” were Paul’s notes, and he even purchased a bottle to brint home.

Favorite Sauvignon Blanc: We both reached similar conclusions here—the 2006 Sawyer Cellar Sauvignon Blanc. Another sur lie aged wine, this one had a nice citrus/hay nose with lemony/flinty flavors. Sawyer Cellars credits the quality of this pour to the vines grown on Rutherford soil. At $19.00, it was also quite a bargain for the quality.

Quirkiest Wine Tasting Experience: OnTheEdge wines sampled in a beeswax candle shop in Calistoga. Tasters are first directed to a closed cabinet which, when opened, reveals a colony of swarming bees. Have no fear—the bees are enclosed behind a glass wall behind the cabinet doors. From there, we went to the tasting bar where our tasting associate took up her knitting needles and continued an undeterminable project. She definitely was not knitting a scarf, socks, sweater, or anything obvious to the eye. Anyway, we got two free “splashes” of wines on her tasting menu. I tried the California native Charbono and did like it. Charbono’s profile might be more similar to a Sryah with its spicy/earthy characteristics.

Most Disappointing Wine Tasting Experience: I hate to write about these experiences as we rarely encounter them; however, sometimes it happens. I love Rombauer’s wines, but the tasting room experience was truly dreadful. No interaction with the tasting associate who was easily distracted with other things—and I mean very easily distracted. We were given dollops of wine in our glasses and then left to our own devices. Our questions were met with terse phrases or one word answers. Jammed-packed tasting room, and our car was parked by a valet due to the crunch. Still, the lack of any interest by the tasting room staff left us feeling let down because the wines were really very good. In fact, after the tasting we simply left with glasses in hand. No one asked us if we had any questions or if we wanted to purchase any wine.

So these were our most memorable wine tasting experiences in California. Now we renew our focus on Virginia wines as the 2008 harvest is about to commence. Going to any wineries any time soon? Whether in California or Virginia, remember to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!