Merry Christmas, friends! I hope Santa visited you last night and left you lots of presents and noms. Toasting the holiday season with this approachable Napa Merlot by an excellent producer. Cherries, honey-baked ham, sweet bacon, espresso, juicy plums, and violets on the nose. Redder on the palate with red cherries, plums, and sweet and savory notes. Merry, merry!
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Is it okay to open a bottle of wine that’s been signed by the winemaker? And a legendary one at that? I hope so because leftovers demanded something good so I opened this 2012 Petite Verdot from Grgich Hills, signed by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich himself. This wine drank like a current vintage, so fresh and juicy and vibrant. Makes me wonder why I don’t drink more Petite Verdot .... ——————————————————- #grgichhills #grgich #petitverdot #2012vintage #redwine #redwinelover #petiteverdotlover #winetime #winetasting #winecountry #winetime #wineoclock #wineo #winegeek #winegeeks https://www.instagram.com/p/B5f--DOHFx0/?igshid=1k4wqqo0e082d
We launched a new Instagram account recently, @redwinewithbreakfast, the photo page for our blog, highlighting a different red wine every morning. We think it is the perfect way to start the day. And, yes, we may get into white wines once in a while as well. It will also feature some of the wines we discuss on our podcast, “Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing,” on reVolver Podcasts.
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2009 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Merlot 750 mL
Merlot WIne | 2009 Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley Merlot 750 mL
For the third year in a row, Napa Valley received only two-thirds of its average rainfall in 2009, which reduced crop levels somewhat. Spring was essentially frost-free, and a relatively cool summer with no drastic heat surges brought smooth, even grape development. Just before harvest a few days of heat ensured perfect ripeness and allowed a leisurely harvest.
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One of the nation’s only active historic passenger trains, this antique beauty runs on 25 miles of track through the heart of Napa Valley and offers a variety of dining experiences while onboard. We enjoyed the three-course Gourmet Express lunch with wine pairings put together by executive chef Kelly Macdonald and it was superb.
We hopped out at the Grgich Hills Estate for a private tasting, hosted by the knowledgeable Mike Adair. Founder and Napa winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, who became famous after he crafted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the historic 1976 Paris Tasting (besting the top white European Burgundies—a shock!), was inducted into the Vintner Hall of Fame in 2008 and can sometimes be seen around the property, despite his advanced age—he turned 90 this year. (Case in point: wine does make you young—or at least, I’d like to think so.) His wines are exquisite.
Hop on the train again, have dessert (and more wine) during your return trip, then spend an hour strolling around Napa. There’s not a lot of time before you need to hop on the shuttle for home, so I’d suggest heading to the (walking distance) Oxbow Public Market, a sort-of indoor farmers market, and have a seat at the Hog Island Oyster Co. counter. Wine, oysters—what more could you need? Then, pop in at the Fatted Calf for a few samples of their terrific charcuterie.
One more thing: the Wine Train has a "Love Lock" bridge that you will pass by as you board the train. Buy a lock, engrave it (or write on it, whatever you prefer), lock it to the bridge, then throw away the key. I found myself overly sentimental when my husband chose to do this for our anniversary. Lovers all—it's totally worth doing.Â
The winemakers at the impossibly named Grgich Hills Estate are some of Napa’s finest. It's owner – Mike Grgich of Chateau Montelana and the Judgment of Paris fame – is a stalwart of Napa Cabernet, and this ’06 was my favorite of a six-set sampler of its peers. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, & 1% Cabernet Franc.
IMO this had soft tannins and nice valley floor fruit.  This wine got a bad rap because R. Parker said it was grippy and disjointed. WinoWordle says it’s oaky and tannic with blackberry notes.