5 Star Wineries

Wine lovers and friends,

Once again I must tell you I love my job! I just returned from my company’s national convention in Napa, Calif. It was a two day extravaganza where I was recognized with 7 awards of excellence. But this is not my main purpose for blogging about this trip. I was able to extend my trip to do what I call RESEARCH! (lol) I visited seven wineries and this is what I wanted to share with all of you.

I had my own rating system which goes to 5 stars. So let’s cut to the chase. There were three wineries that where stand outs and are 5 stars in my book. All three made the grade because of the following: amazing wines, outstanding customer service, and fabulous presentation. They are:

Darioush*, Paraduxx, and Peju.Now lets take them one at a time.

Darioush: As you drive up onto the property it immediately invites you on a unique journey, with a feeling that you have just stepped back in time with its impressive columns that look like you are entering a temple straight out of Raiders Of The Lost Arch. Not typical of Napa wineries.

As you go thru the massive doors you are greeted by Diana Lasso, Concierge and wine expert extraordinaire! She quickly sat us down and began her presentation. If you ever want to really learn about the wines you are tasting this is the place to be. Diana has such a command of the language, but is able to keep it in layman terms and still be elegant. Everything about her is top of the mark. From how she presents herself to how she presents each wine without EVER being intimidating. Nothing is ever rushed!

Let’s talk about the wines, the tasting flight was: 2007 Signature Chardonnay $43.2008 Signature Viognier $39. 2006 Signature Merlot $45... 2006 Duel $45. 2006 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon $80.00

Their Chardonnay and Viognier are geared towards red wine drinkers, meaning they have more complexity, more weight but not heavy in acidity. The Viognier is meant to drink crazy cold! It feels sweet but is all fruit. Viogneirs are tricky to get right and did they got this RIGHT!

Their Merlot is full bodied with a blend of Cabernet & Cab Franc for spice. Aged 24 months in new French Oak.

Their Duel, this is one of my all time favorites. Each year it holds up to all my expectations. This can only be purchase thru the winery and is in limited quantities. It is 60% Cabernet and 40% Shiraz. This has just the right amount of body and weight, yet velvety smooth. You want to savor every sip!

Their Cabernet Sauvignon: This is made in the Bordeaux style, 85% Cab, and 9% Merlot, and 3% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The French would be proud of this one. At the $80 price it is well worth every drop!
http://www.darioush.com/

Paraduxx: As you walk up to the entrance it is this quaint yellow unassuming house, but as you enter it is contemporary, innovative and out of the ordinary. This is part of the Duckhorn Wine Company; it was competed in 2005, located along the less traveled Silverado Trail. Paraduxx is a bold and expressive in their red wines. They have developed their own personality. Their service from the get go was friendly and accommodating, however this is the best; you have a choice to have your tasting inside or out. We chose outside. Both are tableside service! They have the most beautiful and comfortable outside lounge where you wanted to hang out all day. All of this takes place under two of the most massive, break taking trees. As I was lounging reflecting once again how much “I love My Job”! I was then greeted with our guide who was exceptional friendly and pleasant, carrying on a beautiful silver tray (meant to keep all wines at the perfect temperature).Wines were served in stem less glasses, each vintage has its own artist label with its own pair of ducks, along with the perfect cheese and cracker pairings. Fabulous presentation!

About the wines: 2008 Parajaxx Napa Valley Rose, 2004 Paraduxx, 2005 Paraduxx, and 2006 Paraduxx. All Napa Valley red wines.

2008 Rose`: 100% stainless steel, blend of Zinfandel, merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc. This is felled bodied and mixes well with warm weather. Smooth entry wonderful fruits and bright acidity. Aromas are refreshing with layers of strawberry, red cherry, and watermelon. It was the perfect complement to the warm day.

2004 Paraduxx: Aged 18 months in oak, 65% American, 35% French, 70% new, 30% second vintage. This vintage is 65% Zinfandel, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot. And before I start can I just say Yummmmm! Medium bodied, velvety, long finish. Flavors of wild boysenberry, strawberry, currants and just the right amount of toasted oak.
2005 Paraduxx: Also aged in oak for 18 months. This vintage is a blend of 60% Zinfandel, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This also medium bodied but with chewy texture, approachable tannins, lengthy finish. Flavors of raspberry, red cherry, and boysenberry, with hints of chocolate.

2006 Paraduxx: 18 months of aging in oak, 50% American, 50% French, 50% new, and 50% second vintage. A blend of 64% Zin, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon,7% Merlot 2% Cab franc .Dense color, smooth, fine tannins, black pepper, bing cherry ,strawberry ,raspberry, layers of blueberry, red currant finish.

Peju: Beautiful grounds with marble and bronze sculptures. Larger than life aged wood front doors. As you enter small gift store with complimentary appetizers’ served while waiting for your spot at the tasting bar. They have two one off the gift store and one upstairs that overlooks the barreling room. Great staff1 I had the pleasure of having Bob at the upstairs tasting bar. He couldn’t be more personal able and entertaining. He truly loves what he does. His knowledge is extensive, and makes sure you are getting a wealth of information as well as having a good old time!

About the wines: The flight consisted of 2008 Carnival- French Colombard $16(a new release). Provence a California red/white blend $22, 2005 Estate Merlot $35, 2005 Estate Cabernet Franc Reserve $95.

2008 Carnival: This was my first time experiencing a French Colombard, and for the price I couldn’t be more excited about this lovely summer wine. Flavors of peach, apricot preserves, and tropical fruit. Aromas of magnolia, cantaloupe with notes of rose petals. If you enjoy concerts in the park, picnics, or just lounging by the pool, this is the perfect match.

Provence: This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zin, and barrel fermented Chardonnay, along with French Colombard. This has a refreshing finish and begs for a second glass.

2005 Estate Merlot: 87% Merlot, 10%Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cab Franc. Soft yet firm tannins, flavors’ of Bing cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, cocoa, hints of toasted oak.

2005 Estate Cabernet Franc Reserve: This is Bob’s favorite. Lush and full bodied, big nose of dark garnet and black fruit. Flavors of berries and plum with small hints of cocoa, cedar.


Well friends there you have it. I hope if you have the opportunity to travel to Napa that you stop by these extraordinary wineries.

*Darioush not to be missed ask for Diana to complete your experience.

At a later time I will blog about the other three wineries, all were good, and a few stand out wines. Till then…..

Cheers!
Dale
Fine Wine On Line

www.wineshopathome.com/dalerossi