The Latest Picks From Lodi & Napa

Hello wine friends, in this issue of élite Magazine I want to share some classic wine finds from Napa and new finds from Lodi. Most of you know what Napa Valley is known for, fabulous wines from Cabernet Sauvignon to Zinfandel. But what about Lodi? Only 90 minutes from Napa, and known for Old Vine Zinfandel, I thought I’d like to see what else they have.

Lodi

The first on my list to try was a winery recommended to me by more than one wine loving pal: Acquiesce Winery. We were awestruck by all of the gorgeous white wines, and one Rosé, during our “Elevated Tasting Experience” there. Many are award winners from respected competitions: 2020 Ingenue, 2021 Grenache Rose, 2020 Bourboulenc, 2020 Clairette Blanche, 2021 Picpoul Blanc, 2021 Viognier, 2020 and 2021 Grenache Blanc. Don’t miss these Chateauneuf du Pape inspired Rhônes by winemaker Susan Tipton. And at press time the food and wine tasting experience we had was only $20 per person.
I also had a fun time invading the wine club party at Jeremy Wine Company and found some tasty Zinfandels at McCay Cellars. I finished up at D’Art where the old vine wines did pair beautifully with the art – both crafted by the winemaker.

Napa Valley

I hadn’t visited Cakebread Cellars in a long while, in fact the last two times I wrote about their wines were after a dinner with Bruce Cakebread and then at a tasting with both brothers, Bruce and Dennis, when I arranged a meeting at Wine 661 with owner Tanya Green. My new picks are the 2020 Napa Valley Chardonnay, the 2019 Carneros Reserve Chardonnay, 2019 Annahala Ranch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2018 Napa Valley Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon that was my favorite.

Hall Wines, another winery I had visited in the past at both their Highway 29 and Silverado locations. This time I enjoyed both their 2020 Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and the new 2019 Hall Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon.
I had written about Myriad Cellars once before, via an interview with Leah Smith where I learned all about her husband Mike Smith and how many 100 point wines he has created. I simply couldn’t wait to get my hands – and taste buds – around some of Smith’s wines. My picks included 2021 Myriad McGah Semillon, 2018 Patine Cellars Sunchase Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2020 Myriad Cellars Halcon Vineyard Syrah, 2018 Scarlett Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Becklyn Cellars Reserve – Moulds Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and 2018 Scarlett Petit Verdot.
A new one for me was Romeo, where we sampled some very old reds in a beautiful courtyard, and I loved their 2012 Eugenia Cabernet Sauvignon the most. Next up was Stag’s Leap Cellars, another winery I had visited before and was anxious to try again. My new picks include the 2018 FAY Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 CASK 23 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2017 Heart of Fay Cabernet Sauvignon.
One winery I hadn’t tried in awhile, Honig Vineyard and Winery, tickled my fancy with their 2015 Campbell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Scott’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Vyborney Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and for those that like something sweet try their 2019 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc and “Dulce” Port style fortified wine.
Last on my Napa list this time is Ladera Vineyards. I really appreciated everything we sampled: 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Pillow Road Chardonnay, 2019 Pillow Road Pinot Noir, 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 Howell Mountain “S” Cabernet Sauvignon.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

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