After spending 3 nights in Yosemite, it was time for PAW and I to taste some wine. We thought we would take advantage of being in Napa on a weekday in the fall to experience some smaller wineries and get a good, personal experience. Our first tasting stop of the day was at Dutch Henry in Calistoga. We tasted through there available pours. Unfortunately, I lost my little notebook I kept my tasting notes in, so I will have to rely on my memory for my post. We tasted the Sauvigon Blanc, Zinfendel, Argos, Syrah, 2002 Cab Sauv, and 2004 Cab Sauv. Some highlights of our tasting here included the Argos (right bank Bordeaux style). I enjoyed the integration between the Merlot and Cab Franc on this wine.
There was an earthy mineral essence with a gentle red fruit pallet to this wine. The 2002 Cab Sauv was really good- This wine has all the characteristics of an aged Bordeaux. The nose smelt of sweet cherries, tobacco and dust. It was really reminiscent of wines made from fruit in Red Mountain in Washington. 2004 Cab Sauv- If this isn’t the younger, stronger, more energetic brother to the 2002, I don’t know what is. The nose was darker, deeper yet more closed. The pallet had intense dark fruit and spice. Almost a light tar. The tannins were strong. The finish was complex. Initially there was a wet stone component, gripping the front of my tongue, then, finer tannins and other spices kept me thinking about the wine for quite some time.
Our next stop was at Ladera. PAW planned to do the estate tour where we would learn about the vineyard, winery and caves. Along the way we tasted some cool wines including a barrel tasting.
Sauv Blanc- nearly clear in color. High in acid. Tangy palette
We also tasted a blend of the two estates, Napa Valley Cabernet. This was good but not as good as the reserve wines made from the individual parts.
2006 Howell Mountain Cab- This was my favorite of the wines Ladera made. It was darker and more earthy than the Lone Canyon Cab. The Lone Canyon had more ripe, red fruit and tasted more like a good, traditional Napa Cab.
Viader was our next stop. This property has a beautiful view. PAW and I took a seat at a table outside in the shade on the balcony. We were overlooking the valley far below and didn't mind that 
the temperature was pushing 95 degrees. Wines that stood out there were the Dare label Cab Sauv. It was a good wine typical of many of the other Cabs we had tried throughout the day. It was a steal at the $25 a bottle when sold as part of the six pack. The "V"Viader-wine is the wine that put Viader on the map. This 54% Petiet Verdot, 46% Cab Sauv was a solid wine. At the price point, I would find it difficult to justify the purchase. I’m sure glad I was able to taste this wine.
We thought that we would thank our hosts by preparing them a nice home-cooked meal. Besides, it was nice to cook after eating on the road for a week. I love cooking. Despite the temperature now approaching 100 degrees, something autumnal was in order; it was mid-October after all. We made a pear and spinach salad with herb-crusted baked goat cheese for our starter. The salad was paired with my favorite Sauv Blanc of the day- Ladera 2009 Sauv Blanc.
While I went to work on the salad, PAW took care of business by rolling out homemade ravioli sheets. We baked some butternut squash and mixed it with gorgonzola for the filling. The ravioli were then topped with caramelized onion-apple-toasted walnut-burnt butter sauce. This pasta was designed to pair with a 2008 Andrew Will Merlot brought down from Seattle. I think it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed the meal. They were quite appreciative of a nice meal after their spin class and there was no way they would let us do dishes. There is always next time.
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