Any "wine snobs" out there?

[JScott 20]

I'm opening a bottle of 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon tonight for a celebratory steak dinner. Anyone familiar with Chappellet?

 

Note: I did not pay the price listed on the site.

 

 

ETA: Figured I'd just keep a list at the top of the thread, see if this goes anywhere, with others adding to it

JScott - 1/23/07: 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)

JScott - 2/23/07: 1996 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)

JScott - 3/8/07: 1996 Robert Stemler Pinot Noir (Carneros)

[remote controller 143]

I'm opening a bottle of 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon tonight for a celebratory steak dinner. Anyone familiar with Chappellet?

 

Note: I did not pay the price listed on the site.

You probably know this, but, open it at least an hour before serving, and hopefully it is still at room temp.. Do you have a decantor?

[Yer mom 2]

I'm opening a bottle of 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon tonight for a celebratory steak dinner. Anyone familiar with Chappellet?

 

Note: I did not pay the price listed on the site.

 

 

Thats good stuff, mix it with some Mad Dog 20/20 or Schnapps.....kick the class factor up a notch

[Brown Eyed Girl 1]

I'm opening a bottle of 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon tonight for a celebratory steak dinner. Anyone familiar with Chappellet?

 

Note: I did not pay the price listed on the site.

 

No, but please report back your thoughts on it after you have tasted!

[SUXBNME 1,639]

No, but please report back your thoughts on it after you have tasted!

BLEECCHH

[JScott 20]

You probably know this, but, open it at least an hour before serving, and hopefully it is still at room temp.. Do you have a decantor?

 

Yep. I always pour a small sip to start, then put the rest in the decantor. Then another small sip, every 20 minutes just to see how it changes while it opens. I've been told some of the better wines can change 2 or 3 times while decanting, with pretty distinctive taste differences.

 

We keep our wine fridge temp at 62, so after decanting it's usually just below room temp.

 

<-- substitute Riedels

 

Thats good stuff, mix it with some Mad Dog 20/20 or Schnapps.....kick the class factor up a notch

 

 

This made me spit wine out of my nose and all over my computer screen.

 

 

alsonotreally

[remote controller 143]

Yep. I always pour a small sip to start, then put the rest in the decantor. Then another small sip, every 20 minutes just to see how it changes while it opens. I've been told some of the better wines can change 2 or 3 times while decanting, with pretty distinctive taste differences.

 

We keep our wine fridge temp at 62, so after decanting it's usually just below room temp.

 

<-- substitute Riedels

[De Novo 0]

I'm opening a bottle of 1996 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon tonight for a celebratory steak dinner. Anyone familiar with Chappellet?

 

Note: I did not pay the price listed on the site.

I have not had the Signature but I have had a Chapellet Cab Sav (96 or 95 vintage) and I thought it was The tannins were too strong for my liking and it didn't have a lot of character. I suspect your bottle is better

[TheNewGirl 1,639]

One of my FIL's won Best in Class at a SF wine tasting, it's listed in the SF Chronicle.

 

Need to get a case before the price goes up, LOL.

[Hurricane Ditka 0]

Yep. I always pour a small sip to start, then put the rest in the decantor. Then another small sip, every 20 minutes just to see how it changes while it opens. I've been told some of the better wines can change 2 or 3 times while decanting, with pretty distinctive taste differences.

 

We keep our wine fridge temp at 62, so after decanting it's usually just below room temp.

 

<-- substitute Riedels

This made me spit wine out of my nose and all over my computer screen.

alsonotreally

I live within 10 miles of 30 different wineries. The taste does change because the wine settles some. The acids mix, the sugar settles, etc. depending on the wine.

 

If you ever get a chance visit some of the wineries in Washington and Oregon. You will never change wines as the growers here toss all bad grapes becuase they don't distribute.

 

Here are some websites for some wineries that will just knock your socks off because the quality is so good:

 

www.portteus.com (the owner is a perfectionist of merlots and ports, and the reserve wines here rule)

 

www.silverlakewinery.com (Great sweet wines and whites, deserts)

 

www.hyattvineyards.com (across the board best wine, great prizes and they do a Roza Red blend that rules)

 

www.tefftcellars.com (All reds are great and great prices)

 

www.sagelandsvineyard.com (2002 Cab Sauv is awesome)

 

I would back these wineries with my 100% approval that you will enjoy the wine.

[SUXBNME 1,639]

I live within 10 miles of 30 different wineries. The taste does change because the wine settles some. The acids mix, the sugar settles, etc. depending on the wine.

 

If you ever get a chance visit some of the wineries in Washington and Oregon. You will never change wines as the growers here toss all bad grapes becuase they don't distribute.

 

Here are some websites for some wineries that will just knock your socks off because the quality is so good:

 

www.portteus.com (the owner is a perfectionist of merlots and ports, and the reserve wines here rule)

 

www.silverlakewinery.com (Great sweet wines and whites, deserts)

 

www.hyattvineyards.com (across the board best wine, great prizes and they do a Roza Red blend that rules)

 

www.tefftcellars.com (All reds are great and great prices)

 

www.sagelandsvineyard.com (2002 Cab Sauv is awesome)

 

I would back these wineries with my 100% approval that you will enjoy the wine.

 

Not you too

 

I had higher hopes for you

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,433]

I remember back to 1986 when I worked at that winery. That was a high class place that took everything into consideration. You should be happy to know that all of the bottles were filled in vaccuum areas and then stored on their sides in temperature controlled vaults for at least 6 years. They had automated rotation schedules which were computer managed (at that time a unique component in wineries). In addition, they had folks that would inspect, on a monthly basis, the integrity of the corks, which were the primary cause of spoilage.

 

Suffice to say that the bottles of wine were treated with the utmost care and probably had more attention than most patients in the ICU. You should greatly enjoy that particular bottle since it has just come into its prime for drinkability. If you wait any longer, you are likely risking spoilage and will not see any advantage to waiting longer.

 

Enjoy a great bottle and think of me when you have that first sip because of the hard work that we put into that bottle for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, I failed to mention earlier that the secret ingredient in that bottle was some of my "man juice" which you will, no doubt, enjoy

[Hurricane Ditka 0]

Not you too

 

I had higher hopes for you

A nice pink steak and a tall glass of red. Come on! There is NOTHING on the planet better than that at the dinner table.

[BiPolarBear 497]

I gave a Lafite Rothschild to my parents who never drank it. When I found it on a visit, It must have been worth well over a thousand bucks. It really was exceptional.

[SUXBNME 1,639]

A nice pink steak and a tall glass of red. Come on! There is NOTHING on the planet better than that at the dinner table.

A "cultured" Bears fan, huh?

 

Actually, I have never had a glass of wine, so I guess that my opinion is worthless

[JScott 20]

I have not had the Signature but I have had a Chapellet Cab Sav (96 or 95 vintage) and I thought it was The tannins were too strong for my liking and it didn't have a lot of character. I suspect your bottle is better

 

'Signature' is their standard Cab Sauv. The 'Pritchard Hill' line is the higher end stuff. So you've had the same 2 bottles/vintages I've had. I opened the '95 a week ago, and it had already turned. It was very disappointing but you have to expect that once in a while. Since your '95 was bad as well, it could be that that particular vintage has already turned.

 

So we opened the '96 tonight. Disappointed again. While it hasn't turned like the '95, this '96 was definitely past peak. We could still nose the heavy fruit (dark berries), which is one of the main reasons I'm a big fan of the heavy CA cab sauvs, but it didn't translate to taste. You would get a hint of the boldness, but then it would go flat.

 

Chappellet had sent a 'vertical' case to us ('95, '96, '97) and all 3 bottles have been stored properly since we've received them. The '95 had turned, the '96 is/was on it's way, I really hope the '97 is ok. If not I can only assume that the vineyard did not ship the wine to us properly as it would be fairly unlikely that all three vintages had gone bad. But if there's any vintage that will withstand it's got to be the '97. For anyone that cares, I'll let you know...

 

But while we're on Chappellet wines, I highly recommend the '02 Signature Cab Sauv if you can find it. For the price (<$50) it's one of the best values I think you can find for a big, bold, heavy CA cab sauv.

[Yer mom 2]

A nice pink steak and a tall glass of red. Come on! There is NOTHING on the planet better than that at the dinner table.

 

 

Hi! My name is Lobster! Mind if I jump in to complete the Trifecta?

[JScott 20]

One of my FIL's won Best in Class at a SF wine tasting, it's listed in the SF Chronicle.

 

Need to get a case before the price goes up, LOL.

 

Don't bogart the wine... link? Name?

 

 

Hi! My name is Lobster! Mind if I jump in to complete the Trifecta?

 

I agree, got to love the surf 'n turf. My two favorite eats. But I'm not a big fan of cab sauv with seafood. And I'm not one of those people that thinks you can only have whites with fish, reds with steak, etc, etc. Just my personal choice.

 

I gave a Lafite Rothschild to my parents who never drank it. When I found it on a visit, It must have been worth well over a thousand bucks. It really was exceptional.

 

A business associate had given my father a '82 Rothschild. He doesn't drink wine so it's still sitting in his wine rack (came with the house). For years, he hasn't stored it properly so there's a good chance it's rooned, but he figured as long as it was unopened it still had value. So last time I visited him we google the '82 Rothschild; anywhere from $600 to $1,100. He was so proud, like someone had just given him an award... then I corrected my search '82 Mouton Rothschild... $17.... my dad .... me (I couldn't help it).

[Hurricane Ditka 0]

A "cultured" Bears fan, huh?

 

Actually, I have never had a glass of wine, so I guess that my opinion is worthless

Lots of Italians in Chicago. Some of my best friends are Italian and I can thank them for pointing me in the wine direction.

[De Novo 0]

'Signature' is their standard Cab Sauv. The 'Pritchard Hill' line is the higher end stuff. So you've had the same 2 bottles/vintages I've had. I opened the '95 a week ago, and it had already turned. It was very disappointing but you have to expect that once in a while. Since your '95 was bad as well, it could be that that particular vintage has already turned.

 

So we opened the '96 tonight. Disappointed again. While it hasn't turned like the '95, this '96 was definitely past peak. We could still nose the heavy fruit (dark berries), which is one of the main reasons I'm a big fan of the heavy CA cab sauvs, but it didn't translate to taste. You would get a hint of the boldness, but then it would go flat.

 

Chappellet had sent a 'vertical' case to us ('95, '96, '97) and all 3 bottles have been stored properly since we've received them. The '95 had turned, the '96 is/was on it's way, I really hope the '97 is ok. If not I can only assume that the vineyard did not ship the wine to us properly as it would be fairly unlikely that all three vintages had gone bad. But if there's any vintage that will withstand it's got to be the '97. For anyone that cares, I'll let you know...

 

But while we're on Chappellet wines, I highly recommend the '02 Signature Cab Sauv if you can find it. For the price (<$50) it's one of the best values I think you can find for a big, bold, heavy CA cab sauv.

Wow, I had no focking clue that was a $100+ bottle. I probably shouldn't have been so critical. The labeling looked so... cheap... that I assumed it was a $35 bottle.

 

I'll keep my eyes open. The couple wine stores I shop at have a pretty good selection so I might have some luck. I usually prefer Pinot Noir to Cab Sauv, so I've been sticking to that lately. Buying Cab Sauv is much easier (and cheaper). Are you into Bordeaux, or do you stick to California?

[JScott 20]

Lots of Italians in Chicago. Some of my best friends are Italian and I can thank them for pointing me in the wine direction.

 

I've had a few Chateau Ste. Michelle wines from the Columbia Valley region in WA lately (Canoe Ridge Estate and Indian Wells). Both were very good, and exceptional for the price. I'm definitely going to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks!

 

Wow, I had no focking clue that was a $100+ bottle. I probably shouldn't have been so critical. The labeling looked so... cheap... that I assumed it was a $35 bottle.

 

I'll keep my eyes open. The couple wine stores I shop at have a pretty good selection so I might have some luck. I usually prefer Pinot Noir to Cab Sauv, so I've been sticking to that lately. Buying Cab Sauv is much easier (and cheaper). Are you into Bordeaux, or do you stick to California?

 

You know what, tasting wine when you don't know the price is the best way to get a true opinion. And I think you were right on.

 

My first choice is usually a CA cab sauv, but Mrs JScott is much more knowledgable about Bordeaux. So we have a good mix in our wine fridges. We've also visited Sonoma and Napa so that tipped the scales for me too.

 

We do drink a lot of Pinot Noir too (although since she's preggers she's not drinking anything right now... read: more for me). One of my favorites was a '99 Reserve Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. But for <$20 my favorite Pinot is from King Estates in OR. They also have a very good Pinot Gris.

 

What are some of your top Pinot? I'm always looking to try new wines.

[SUXBNME 1,639]

Lots of Italians in Chicago. Some of my best friends are Italian and I can thank them for pointing me in the wine direction.

Turn in your man card right focking now

 

With a name like "Huricane Ditka" there is no way you should:

1) Be talking about wine

2) Have knowledge about said wine

3) Ever tasted wine

4) Even know WTF wine is (except if it is used for marinade... that is acceptable)

 

Cultured bastage

[Hurricane Ditka 0]

Turn in your man card right focking now

 

With a name like "Huricane Ditka" there is no way you should:

1) Be talking about wine

2) Have knowledge about said wine

3) Ever tasted wine

4) Even know WTF wine is (except if it is used for marinade... that is acceptable)

 

Cultured bastage

Hey focktard! Do your homework. Ever been to Ditka's in Chicago? It has a huge winelist! Same with Walter Paytons Roundhouse.

 

And with a name like Hurricane Ditka you should know that I have a knowledge of everything. EVERYTHING my friend.

 

Wine makes the toothache numb and gets the wifeys thong off of her with no promised afterward backrub.

[Ditka311 0]

I've had a few Chateau Ste. Michelle wines from the Columbia Valley region in WA lately (Canoe Ridge Estate and Indian Wells). Both were very good, and exceptional for the price. I'm definitely going to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks!

You know what, tasting wine when you don't know the price is the best way to get a true opinion. And I think you were right on.

 

My first choice is usually a CA cab sauv, but Mrs JScott is much more knowledgable about Bordeaux. So we have a good mix in our wine fridges. We've also visited Sonoma and Napa so that tipped the scales for me too.

 

We do drink a lot of Pinot Noir too (although since she's preggers she's not drinking anything right now... read: more for me). One of my favorites was a '99 Reserve Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. But for <$20 my favorite Pinot is from King Estates in OR. They also have a very good Pinot Gris.

 

What are some of your top Pinot? I'm always looking to try new wines.

 

I don't drink many pinots since, like Cali cabs, they are ridiculously overpriced. (Cali cabs more overpriced than pinots..anyway). I tend to drink zinfandels, syrah/shiraz, and as of late a lot of malbec. One pinot that i picked up and thought was really good for the price was 2004 Benton Lane from Oregon. Good stuff.

[dirty dug 0]

I've had a few Chateau Ste. Michelle wines from the Columbia Valley region in WA lately (Canoe Ridge Estate and Indian Wells). Both were very good, and exceptional for the price. I'm definitely going to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks!

You know what, tasting wine when you don't know the price is the best way to get a true opinion. And I think you were right on.

 

My first choice is usually a CA cab sauv, but Mrs JScott is much more knowledgable about Bordeaux. So we have a good mix in our wine fridges. We've also visited Sonoma and Napa so that tipped the scales for me too.

 

We do drink a lot of Pinot Noir too (although since she's preggers she's not drinking anything right now... read: more for me). One of my favorites was a '99 Reserve Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. But for <$20 my favorite Pinot is from King Estates in OR. They also have a very good Pinot Gris.

 

What are some of your top Pinot? I'm always looking to try new wines.

 

Try Belle Glos Pinot Noir - Santa Maria (I believe this is the 2002): Belle Glos is a Chuck Wagner project in the Santa Maria Valley that focuses on Pinot Noir. Aromas of ripe raspberries, brown spices (nutmeg/ginger), brambles, and the earthy note so alluring in this Pinot Noir. Fresh and exuberant in the mouth, with expansive berry and strawberry jam flavors, and more spices within a silky texture.

 

FYI, this came from the wine inventory database at my work, not my personal tasting notes. Though I had this wine at Thanksgiving and it was tremendous. We sell it for $37

[TheNewGirl 1,639]

Don't bogart the wine... link? Name?

 

 

http://sfgate.com/bestofclass/

 

Zinfandel - $25.00 - $34.99

Sierra Foothills

Deaver Vineyards 2004 Zinfandel, $25.00

[SUXBNME 1,639]

Thunderbird

[dirty dug 0]

Thunderbird

 

We get it, you are desperate for attention.

[JScott 20]

http://sfgate.com/bestofclass/

 

Zinfandel - $25.00 - $34.99

Sierra Foothills

Deaver Vineyards 2004 Zinfandel, $25.00

 

Thanks

[De Novo 0]

I've had a few Chateau Ste. Michelle wines from the Columbia Valley region in WA lately (Canoe Ridge Estate and Indian Wells). Both were very good, and exceptional for the price. I'm definitely going to check out some of your suggestions. Thanks!

You know what, tasting wine when you don't know the price is the best way to get a true opinion. And I think you were right on.

 

My first choice is usually a CA cab sauv, but Mrs JScott is much more knowledgable about Bordeaux. So we have a good mix in our wine fridges. We've also visited Sonoma and Napa so that tipped the scales for me too.

 

We do drink a lot of Pinot Noir too (although since she's preggers she's not drinking anything right now... read: more for me). One of my favorites was a '99 Reserve Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. But for <$20 my favorite Pinot is from King Estates in OR. They also have a very good Pinot Gris.

 

What are some of your top Pinot? I'm always looking to try new wines.

I usually only drink California Pinots when I go out to dinner and they're usually nothing special. I had a bottle of '05 Adelsheim a month or two back that I really enjoyed. I mostly stick to Burgundys when it comes to Pinot. My favorite Pinot for the money is an '05 Gevrey-Chambertain Signature du Domaine. It's about $30 a bottle and it probably rates at about a 91 or 92.

 

As for Cabernets (or Bordeauxs), Chateaux Bel Air (Haut-Medoc subregion) was amazing for the price ($20 or so). I had a Fleurie Beaujolais the other day (like 10 or 12 bucks) that was very good. I'd give it an 87 or so. The Colonial Estate (I believe it's a Cali vineyard) makes pretty good wines. I believe I've had one of their Pinots and Cabernets and both were very good. Montoya makes a pretty good inexpensive Cabernet (I believe I had an '03). Another good French wine is a Chateau Lilian Ladouys (it's a St. Estephe). Amazing wine for the price. Probably a 90 and it's about $20 a bottle. The best Bordeaux I can recall is an '01 Chateau Dauzac Margaux ($35 a bottle). I've had a few $200 bottles of Bordeaux and this one blew them out of the water. This is a fantastic wine. Had it with a filet and seared tuna last Valentine's day and I thought I was gonna blow my load.

[JScott 20]

I usually only drink California Pinots when I go out to dinner and they're usually nothing special. I had a bottle of '05 Adelsheim a month or two back that I really enjoyed. I mostly stick to Burgundys when it comes to Pinot. My favorite Pinot for the money is an '05 Gevrey-Chambertain Signature du Domaine. It's about $30 a bottle and it probably rates at about a 91 or 92.

 

As for Cabernets (or Bordeauxs), Chateaux Bel Air (Haut-Medoc subregion) was amazing for the price ($20 or so). I had a Fleurie Beaujolais the other day (like 10 or 12 bucks) that was very good. I'd give it an 87 or so. The Colonial Estate (I believe it's a Cali vineyard) makes pretty good wines. I believe I've had one of their Pinots and Cabernets and both were very good. Montoya makes a pretty good inexpensive Cabernet (I believe I had an '03). Another good French wine is a Chateau Lilian Ladouys (it's a St. Estephe). Amazing wine for the price. Probably a 90 and it's about $20 a bottle. The best Bordeaux I can recall is an '01 Chateau Dauzac Margaux ($35 a bottle). I've had a few $200 bottles of Bordeaux and this one blew them out of the water. This is a fantastic wine. Had it with a filet and seared tuna last Valentine's day and I thought I was gonna blow my load.

 

Thanks for the info I'll definitely keep an eye out for some that you mentioned.

 

Btw, I opened a "try" yesterday... '00 Bordeaux from Haut-Medoc, Chateau De Sainte Gemme. If I remember it was around $15. Not bad, but I've definitely had better. I'd give it 83, although WS gave it a 90.

[JScott 20]

Chappellet had sent a 'vertical' case to us ('95, '96, '97) and all 3 bottles have been stored properly since we've received them. The '95 had turned, the '96 is/was on it's way, I really hope the '97 is ok. If not I can only assume that the vineyard did not ship the wine to us properly as it would be fairly unlikely that all three vintages had gone bad. But if there's any vintage that will withstand it's got to be the '97. For anyone that cares, I'll let you know...

UPDATE: We opened the '97, just as bad as the '96. All 3 vintages were bad. I called Chappellet's vineyard, and talked to the woman who gave us the tour. She actually remembered us. I told her what had happened with our 3 bottles, and she agreed they must have turned during shipping. She's sending us another 3 bottles at no charge! Wow. They're out of their '95 so it will probably be '96, '97 & '99 Since we now live in CO they can ship directly to us. Before we were in MA so they had to use a third party, that's what probably did the bottles in.

 

But while we're on Chappellet wines, I highly recommend the '02 Signature Cab Sauv if you can find it. For the price (<$50) it's one of the best values I think you can find for a big, bold, heavy CA cab sauv.

Btw, had another bottle of '02 at a dinner party

[dirty dug 0]

UPDATE: We opened the '97, just as bad as the '96. All 3 vintages were bad. I called Chappellet's vineyard, and talked to the woman who gave us the tour. She actually remembered us. I told her what had happened with our 3 bottles, and she agreed they must have turned during shipping. She's sending us another 3 bottles at no charge! Wow. They're out of their '95 so it will probably be '96, '97 & '99 Since we now live in CO they can ship directly to us. Before we were in MA so they had to use a third party, that's what probably did the bottles in.

 

Btw, had another bottle of '02 at a dinner party

 

That's awesome, well done. That's some great customer service.

 

You ever tried Ledson wines? www.ledson.com

[JScott 20]

That's awesome, well done. That's some great customer service.

 

You ever tried Ledson wines? www.ledson.com

 

Yeah, it's a fantastic family owned/run vineyard. Which is really unusual (at least to me) considering they produce such a high-end Napa wine. When I called I was sort of hoping they might take pitty and send us at least one bottle, but mostly I was just calling to report what had happened, just customer feedback. When she offered to replace the 3 bottles I was floored.

 

 

Never had tried Ledson. I'll keep an eye out. Anything variatle inparticular?

[dirty dug 0]

Yeah, it's a fantastic family owned/run vineyard. Which is really unusual (at least to me) considering they produce such a high-end Napa wine. When I called I was sort of hoping they might take pitty and send us at least one bottle, but mostly I was just calling to report what had happened, just customer feedback. When she offered to replace the 3 bottles I was floored.

Never had tried Ledson. I'll keep an eye out. Anything variatle inparticular?

 

You can't find them anywhere, must buy direct. They don't sell retail and are only in something like 4 restaurants. I'm a member, get a case every three months. They have a ton of stuff and have vineyards scattered. I'm a real big fan of their sauvignon blanc and their zin from "Amy's Vineyard" is quite nice as well. I have a bottle of their Meritage that I'm waiting to open.

 

Have you been to Chapallet? My company works closely with them and a colleague said it's one of the most beautiful vineyards.

[JScott 20]

You can't find them anywhere, must buy direct. They don't sell retail and are only in something like 4 restaurants. I'm a member, get a case every three months. They have a ton of stuff and have vineyards scattered. I'm a real big fan of their sauvignon blanc and their zin from "Amy's Vineyard" is quite nice as well. I have a bottle of their Meritage that I'm waiting to open.

Understood. Similar to another one of my favorite vineyards, V.Sattui, they only sell at the winery (Napa) and direct.

 

Have you been to Chapallet? My company works closely with them and a colleague said it's one of the most beautiful vineyards.

 

I have, in the summer of '05 on our Sonoma/Napa vaca. I had never heard of Chapallet before then (was out of price range for the wine I was drinking) but Mrs. JScott knew of them. Friends of ours who own a wine shop asked their Chapellet distributor to get us in for a tour/tasting. From what I gathered you either need to know someone in the business or be in the business to visit; no walk-ups. And even when we called to confirm our tour, they had to give us directions, it's a few miles off the Silverado trail, up into the hills. And they purposely have misleading directions in Yahoo, MapQuest etc to keep walk-ups away (not sure how they did that). The grounds are beautiful and unique for Napa as the vineyard is up in the hills, but the building is very plain for the area; basically a warehouse for the barrels with a very small office space in the front. The vineyards for most of the other wineries in Napa had beautiful buildings, with similar looking fields. A good friend of mine was the architect for the new Silverado balcony (which was one of my favorites even before I found out he designed it).

 

Are you in the business or just a wine "snob" like me? The only wine club we're a member of is Silverado.

[Toro 3]

I am looking to get into wines a little more. My knowledge on the subject is very basic.

 

Any suggestions? Should I look into a book or is this the kind of thing you should do in a class?

 

This is what I was looking at: http://www.localwineevents.com/Houston-Wine/

[krista4 0]

I am looking to get into wines a little more. My knowledge on the subject is very basic.

 

Any suggestions? Should I look into a book or is this the kind of thing you should do in a class?

 

This is what I was looking at: http://www.localwineevents.com/Houston-Wine/

Local wine events is a great site for finding tastings. There are several listings every day for stuff in Chicago, and I'd have to imagine Houston will be the same. Also get to know some of the wine shops in your area--many in Chicago have free tastings every weekend, and that can help you start with some basics. I can't emphasize enough that you should get out there and taste, or go to a local class--don't read a book. Nothing in a book can really give you the experience that you need to be able to start distinguishing among wines. And besides, tasting is more fun!

[SUXBNME 1,639]

Local wine events is a great site for finding tastings.

Wine tasting

 

Puzzies

[Toro 3]

Local wine events is a great site for finding tastings. There are several listings every day for stuff in Chicago, and I'd have to imagine Houston will be the same. Also get to know some of the wine shops in your area--many in Chicago have free tastings every weekend, and that can help you start with some basics. I can't emphasize enough that you should get out there and taste, or go to a local class--don't read a book. Nothing in a book can really give you the experience that you need to be able to start distinguishing among wines. And besides, tasting is more fun!

 

That is what I am thinking.

 

I think we are going to open a bottle of 2005 Les Fontanelles Pinot Noir tonight that was a gift. It was a whopping ten bucks so everytime I open one of these, I am either pleasantly surprised or it's no big deal.

 

Here's the wine bar we just purchased.