Agli-what????   Aglianico, pronounced “Ah-lee-on-ee-koh”, is as unique as it sounds.   Grown most recognizably in Southern Italy, only a handful of growers in California grow this black grape.   The grape itself thrives in a bed of volcanic and rocky soil, seeking hot temperatures to spur its growth.  Taking this into consideration, there are certainly areas in […]

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 […]

Cabernet Sauvignon, a small and thick-skinned grape, packs quite a punch in Napa Valley wines.   As discussed earlier this week, depending on the fruit’s origin, the components found in the wine can vary greatly allowing Napa Valley to produce a collection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines boasting unique characteristics.   Some areas produce grapes with cherry flavors, […]