RED:

 Syrah
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The Syrah, from a vineyard right beside Silver Oak (Napa’s version of “terroir”) is an incredible wine. It’s rich, ripe, classic Napa stuff – but less exaggerated and more composed than virtually every California syrah of its quality, and certainly price.
It’s in an extra-heavy, very fancy bottle, but it’s the wine inside that is truly impressive. Very dark, rich, even and fine – with none of the jamminess or syrupy qualities I find in most “fancy” California syrahs.

“Bella Oaks” Cabernet Sauvignon
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This is from one of the finest vineyards (100% estate grown) in the famed Rutherford Bench (behind Mondavi, and by such stars as Staglin and Opus One).  It’s an organically-certified single vineyard nestled below the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains and cultivated by one of the most respected families of winegrowers (third generation) in the Valley. It’s a big cabernet (almost 15% alcohol), and aged a full 25 months in oak (60% French, 40% American). But this is neither heavy-handed (as so many Rutherford cabs seem to be) nor noticeably oaky.

The 2001 Cabernet is vermilion and dark purple like ripe Santa Rosa plums. Bright flavors of cherry and other black and red stone fruit gush from this opulent wine!  The rich character that exudes from this wine finishes with a pleasing supple smoothness and polished tannins.  While easily enjoyed now, the wine will continue to develop complexity and depth, much like the acclaimed 1997.

WHITE:

“Napa Valley” Chardonnay
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Located in the heart of the Napa Valley in Oakville, California on 20 acres, DelBondio’s Chardonnay vineyard enjoys overcast mornings and warm afternoons, which helps to bring out the wonderful fragrant flavors of this Chardonnay wine. The vineyard is planted on a 6X12 quadrilateral trellis and is cropped annually to yield between 4-5 tons of fruit per acre through organic farming practices. The grapes are hand picked in the cool of the morning, sorted, and carefully pressed to insure the best quality product. The fermentation process lasts an average of twelve days, and then the wine is aged oak barrels consisting of 100% French oak.