Dean C.
Yelp
2/16/20
I only realized this was the "BV" wine I always see in various markets after we left, but since I didn't actually think about this while having a tasting, I guess my ratings wouldn't be so colored?
Anyway, before we get to the wines, I will say the place is nice. "The place" is the "Main Tasting Room" btw. I just quickly looked at others' pics, and some are far nicer than my own. So, we didn't get to see any of that. Apparently the main room is the least fancy, k? So just keep in mind we didn't see that good stuff...
Anyway nothing particularly fancy looking where we went, but it was cozy, and not too crowded. Their setup is kinda weird--the upper floor where you enter gives you access to some set of their more normal offerings. Tables are high-end wood pieces, with great expensive looking chairs. The staff is really nice too, and always talk with a smile.
They also have an area down a winding staircase where I think they have more wines. My gf was tired, so we just grabbed a seat at the main area, outside of the $$$ stuff. It was fine. (And again, there is a fancier tasting room somewhere else on the grounds. I think it's a lot nicer based on the pics I saw. But we only stayed here.)
And OH!--this was during our 2nd anniversary! Guess I should note that. You know what's really cool?--so we were heading out to fancy schmancy Michelin-star restaurant Auberge du Soleil that night, and who knew, but my gf booked a nanny that would come stay at the hotel with our baby while we stuffed our faces! I never knew you could get nanny's to come to your hotel room. So cool! Okay anyway...
Oh, and one more thing--they have an entire counter JUST FOR CHINESE. This may or may not matter to you. But whatever...
1. Sauvignon Blanc: Aroma is very strong and smells of fermentation. The taste is full body with a bright finish. I liked it. 7/10
2. Zinfandel: A little brighter than other zinfandels it seems to me. A little overly acidic but does have a lovely sweeter body. Also, a bit peppery in a good way. 5/10
3. Cabernet Syrah: Not my favorite. Kinda harsh and flavors were mixed up. 4/10
4. 5 Red: I liked it better than the C.S. Nice sweeter body. Very drying to the tongue. Slightly bitter at the end. 6/10
5. Cabernet: Not my thing. On the drier side and bold, but flavor is flat. Also bitter. 5/10
6. Latore Cabernet: Definitely better than the standard cab. Rounder in taste, but still retains that very dry finish. Has the a brief moment of characteristically bold flavor at the back of the throat, but too momentary. 7/10
Anyway, it was a decent experience. Cost was $21.55 per tasting but we had a discount due to staying at the Rancho Caymus Inn hotel next door. I'm not sure, but I believe the discount was 50% off?--if so, that makes this a $40+ tasting, which is kinda on the expensive side.
3/5
#napavalley #winecountry #weddinganniversary #anniversary #foodtrip #winery #winetasting #napawine