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 >>

Part of this "snobbery" or "high expectation" comes as a result of time spent in Napa (and surrounding California wine country) where they do it. I went to a wine bar last night and there were a few things that disturbed me about this place.  The first, which I don't want to get too deeply into is how they handled a "taste".  Great right?  MORE >>

tried both the 2008 Meritage and Cabernet Sauvignon and found both well balanced with good concentration of fruit and well integrated flavors. Tags: Napa Valley Wine reviews cabernet sauviginon chardonnay cowgirl creamery meritage robert mondavi private selection Jammy and rich are good descripters here. MORE >>

had met Nicki last year at the Master of Wine conference in Napa, as the winery invited us to tour the vineyards and meet Nicki and tsste the wines. look forward to seeing her again in Napa soon. Napa Valley News american sommelier society cask 23 nicki pruss Stags LeapThe icing on the cake was the 1997 S.L.V. MORE >>

Here are some of my quick tasting notes: Lot 108 Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007 $14 Apple, pineapple, lemon rind and pear aromas with lemon verbena and grapefruit on a creamy fresh finish. Lot 159 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008: new release $14 Musky aromas, citrus, creamy oak. To me they were all great value wines. MORE >>