INTERESTS
I have a wide variety of interests, so expect this page to evolve as I add to the list of interesting sites I've discovered.
My Favorites
- Silver Oak 1991 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (but because of its price, it's a very rare treat)
- van der Heyden 1990 Napa Valley Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon
- van der Heyden 1994 Napa Valley Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon
- Arrowood 1992 Sonoma County Malbec
- Benziger 1994 Alexander Valley Cabernet Franc
- Justin 1994 San Luis Obispo County Cabernet Franc
Planning a trip to Napa/Sonoma Wine Country?
Here's some recommendations I made to a buddy of mine before he ventured out there:
If you want slick touristy presentations, you will be
pleased with the
Benziger Family
Winery in Glen Ellen (Sonoma Valley). I didn't take the
tours (to witness barrel-making, etc), but judging from the
crowds and the limos, it must be very enjoyable. Though I
was disappointed that their Malbec was already sold out
(didn't last very long), I was very pleasantly surprised
with their 1994 Cabernet Franc, and it's reasonably priced
to boot ($18).
One of my regular stops on the Sonoma Hwy is
Arrowood
Winery. This is where I had the good fortune to taste my
first Malbec (a '92). Their Malbec production is very
limited (the '92: a mere 1,500 bottles, and they sold
quickly). I am also a fan of their Merlots and Cabernets.
Arrowood consistently turns out excellent red wines (I can't
vouch for anyone's white wines since I rarely drink other
than reds).
In Napa Valley a few years ago, I acted on impulse and drove
a protesting carload of my sophisticated friends into the
very unpretentious driveway of
van der Heyden
Vineyards. Situated near the bottom of the Silverado
Trail, this vineyard stands out from the rest of the
pleasant but mildly plastic culture of the California wine
country. Austinites will surely appreciate the laid-back
style of Andre and Sande van der Heyden. Cats often lounge
in the tasting room (graciously tolerating human existence),
and when Andre, beaming, launches into a strongly-accented
conversation about wines, I can't shake the feeling that I'm
sharing a drink with an old-world relative. If you visit,
ask for a sip of the '94 Late Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is a rare jewel of a wine--some say the taste resembles
a port more than a cabernet. I know little of ports, but I
do know this LH Cab is one of the best wines I've ever had.
Because of this unique wine, it is no surprise to see a
Jaguar, Benz, or Rolls exiting the humble little farm. A
last note: Andre is an entertaining storyteller, and you'll
want to ask him about items in the display case.
Drive north in Napa Valley to St. Helena, and you will come
upon Greystone, an old stone castle run by the CIA.
The
Culinary Institute of America, that is! Built in 1888,
and more recently the home to the Christian Brothers Winery
for 50 years, Greystone is now a prestigious school for
chefs. The building includes a restaurant which is booked
far in advance for dinner, though if you're lucky you might
be able to wangle a barstool at the counter. I didn't eat
there because it seemed more highfalutin' than I was dressed
for at the time.
If you like wine but have no time to visit wine country,
while you're visiting Fisherman's Wharf you can stroll to
The Cannery Wine Cellars (2801 Leavenworth). They have a
great selection, and last time I was there the manager
recommended a $22 Justin Cab Franc ('94) which I enjoyed
greatly.
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Page Last Updated: Sept. 8, 1997