I’ve wanted to visit the Dominus Estate in Napa since it was built in 1997. So when I was in Napa in February as a speaker at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, I inquired about visiting and was glad that they offered me the chance. But it’s not open to the public. So here’s an edition of Dr. Vino inside ! MORE >>

Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba 2008 DOC Cherry pie, red berries, blackberries, tobacco, polished. Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 70% form Napa, 30% from Sonoma with a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet. MORE >>

So here's the story: In the 70s Dennis's father (the whole family consider themselves co-owners) visited the Napa Valley and mentioned his interest in owningg a vineyard to some family friends who had a ranch in Rutherford. When he returned home that afternoon, the phone rang and it was the family friends offering to sell their property. MORE >>

Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Maybe we should wait until we can spend a couple of months and visit them all. MORE >>

So Ross Schwartz told the assembled group at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in Napa last week. It loosely depicts the events of the Paris tasting of 1976 when a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon surprised the wine world by beating their French peers in a blind tasting. MORE >>