Summer months generally are not my ideal time to be cracking into Cabernet Sauvignons.   As most know, Cabernet Sauvignons can be big, bold and ever-tannic red wines.   The tannins typically dehydrate me which is the last thing that I seek during hot sultry summer evenings.    Depending on the American Viticultural Area (“AVA”), Cabernet Sauvignon grapes […]

Each week this month Napa Valley seemingly receives a tease of warmer spring weather to only fall short and experience another swath of cool rainy days.   While this pattern seemingly places a taunting hold on warmer weather, it continues to provide ideal temperatures to comfortably enjoy red wine. Claret (pronounced Klar-it) is generally a red […]

Having now focused on the western side of Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon wines, how does the eastern side of the valley compare? Again, the answer is based on the specific geographical vineyard location.   It is not enough to merely be located on the eastern side of the valley.    Is the vineyard on a foothill, […]

Autumn continues to settle into Napa Valley, bringing brisk northern winds, cooler temperatures and a continued yearning to explore warming hearty red wines.    To continue the Location Series with Cabernet Sauvignon, this week there is no area better to feature than Rutherford Bench.   Rutherford Bench, which sits on the western central floor of Napa Valley, […]

Diamond Mountain, located on the western northern end of Napa Valley on the Mayacamas Range, is one of the taller peaks bordering Napa Valley and is home to famed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.   Diamond Mountain is a highly regarded American Viticultural Area (“AVA”) and is recognized for producing deep, expressive fruit that can hypnotize your palate […]