I found myself in Napa for a wedding and was fortunate to have extra time afterwards for a leisurely wine tasting.
Jason and I helped the newly weds gather the last of their wedding decorations and pack them into our cars. It was still late morning so we decided to join them at V. Sattui Winery. I had never visited a winery or experienced a wine tasting so without any expectations I went along, eager to know what the fuss was about.
The tasting room, picnic area, and public spaces at V. Sattui were very rustic and beautiful. Every thing was set up perfectly for a family picnic day.
Jason and I on our dessert wine selections at V. Sattui Winery
Inside the tasting room was very large with several bars around the space. They sold all types of delectable foods which would make a great picnic with a bottle of wine. Also available was various wine paraphernalia and accessories. Jason and I decided on a six wine tasting – this was $30 and we only got one glass of each selected wine. I list our selection to the best of my memory’s ability:
2014 Zinfandel, Amador Ridge, Amador County
Fruit-forward with subtle hints of raspberry and spice followed by an earthy complexity and alluring sweet oak.
2015 Chardonnay, Sonoma
Beautiful apple and pear fragrances accent mouthwatering flavors of citrus with notes of toasted caramel and vanilla.
2015 Dancing Egg Riesling, Anderson Valley
Bright and balanced with guava and mango aromas with notes of pear and orange.
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
Ripe aromas of plum, black olive, and dried herbs swirl in the inkly depths of this dark Cabernet. Black cherry and cassis flavors add to an already soft supple finish.
Madeira, California
From our century-old Solera. Brandy-fortified. Caramel, toffee and nutty undertones.
Angelica
Nectar from the Gods… a honey chaser with notes of toasted hazelnuts and vanilla.
I remember enjoying all of my selections – the Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Jason’s choice of Riesling was good, very bright and perfect for a warm spring day. We weren’t sold on the overly strong Cab – it was the most expensive bottle on their menu. Both Maderia and Angelica were delicious, but any more than a few ounces would be too much. I thought they were both a sickly sweet, but perhaps I’d feel differently if I had them paired with some food.
Overall I think I would like to go to Napa for a day and have a wine tasting at one or two wineries. More than two might push it. I’d definitely need to bring some of my own food because I couldn’t be sustained on cheese and bread and oil while having wine, plus all the food sold there was rich and expensive. Going with some friends or on a couple’s date would be an ideal sunny Saturday.
snowhiteice 