Taste With Our Winemaker + Samantha Sommelier!
We went vintage for this tasting hosting by Millennial Wine Competition
The Millennial Wine Competition is a fresh take on wine tasting competitions, and we are excited to see the results come through when the judges sip and score some of the hottest new wine and spirits brands on August 26th this year.
We had the chance to treat one of the competition judges Samantha Capadli, AKA Samantha Sommelier in a live Instagram tasting with our winemaker, Patrick Durbin. We dug a little into our cellar to bring out a couple of really great bottles. You know, for quality control purposes! And also because we love seeing our wine “grow up” and sharing it with new friends!
2015 Robert’s Road Chardonnay – Sonoma Coast
Coming from the Robert’s Road Vineyard grown by the Sangiacomo Family, this special lot of Chardonnay has routinely been a “crowd-pleaser” scoring us high-fives from friends, and awards from judges.
Grown the the northernmost vineyard at the base of Sonoma Mountain and at the North End of the Petaluma Gap, this fruit gets incredible influence from the ocean, resulting in bright acidity and perfectly balanced Sonoma-style fruit. It’s what we refer to as a Burgundy style wine from Sonoma Coast.
Patrick’s Perfect Pairings:
- September Oysters
- Seared Muscles
- Grilled Chicken w/ herb butter
Samantha’s Perfect Pairing:
- Oysters (or any type of shellfish)
- Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Roasted Turkey
- Cheeseboard before dinner
2014 Broken Rock Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley
The 2014 is what we can confidently refer to as “the vintage of the decade” due to its perfectly balanced tannins and plush fruit when it comes to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
We’ve sourced this Cabernet Sauvignon from the Broken Rock Vineyard in Napa Valley, located just off the Silverado Trail at the foot of Atlas Peak. This west-facing vineyard plot soaks up all that lush afternoon Napa sunshine while still benefitting from it’s slope location, lending to the perfect balance of “mountain fruit” structure with rich Valley floor fruit.
Patrick and Samantha unanimously agree that this wine (and frankly, all red wines) are best served with a little chill, shooting for 55-65 degrees, which is essential right out of wine fridge temperatures.
Patrick’s Perfect Pairing:
- Moroccan Lamb (grilled) to play with the baking spices coming through
- “Slab & A Cab” AKA any grilled red meat
Samantha’s Perfect Pairing:
- Netflix (but be careful with it or the alcohol will catch up to you!)
- Anything on the grill
This wine is showing lovely with lush velvety tannins without too much grit, and just a little touch of baking spice and oak leaving you balanced.
Top takeaway from Patrick & Sam? Leaves your Chardonnay a little less chilled & chill your red just enough.
Click here to watch the tasting over on the Millennial Wine Competition Instagram page!
Want to know the final scores from the competition in August? Make sure you’re signed up on our mailing list where we’ll release scores and new wine releases to The Flock! Simply fill out the contact form below and we’ll add you to the list.
The Perfect Day In Napa Valley
No matter the season, a visit to Napa Valley is always ready-made for a fun adventure. Outside of just wine-tasting (which we fully support) here’s how we spend the other parts of our day enjoying all that our home in Wine Country has to offer.
Take A Sunrise Hike
Starting the day with a little bit of exercise will build your strength for the real work of the rest of the day (eating and drinking) so muster your eyes open for a early morning hike to get the blood flowing. Grab a coffee and head out to a local go-to trail at Skyline Park and watch the sunrise over the hills.
Start With Breakfast
Ok so maybe you won’t be heading to the French Laundry (or maybe you are, in which case, still go here) but you won’t want to miss out on visiting the iconic Thomas Keller locale, Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. Centered in the quant downtown Yountville, grab as many croissants and pastries as you can. You’ll want to try them all. But get there early, because the line is often out -the-door once the other wine country visitors rouse themselves for a day of tasting by 10AM.
Snap a picture by the Welcome To Napa Valley sign
Yes, it is ok to bring out the touristy side of yourself here. As you’re driving up Highway 29 the iconic Welcome To Napa Valley sign is posted on the left side of the road, just after you pass the town of Yountville. Pull on over and snap a selfie to make everyone back home jealous of your perfect day in Napa Valley.
Try Your New Favorite Bottle Among The Vines
Breakfast was important, but don’t let anyone fool you. Snacks are the most important meal of the day in wine country. And while Napa is seemingly filled with places to eat….the minute you start heading out on CA29, there is definitively no snacks and we can’t have that.
If you’re making the rounds tasting at wineries, stock up on treats at the legendary local Oakville Grocery for sandwiches, waters and plenty of delicious artisan snacks. We are also digging the new Gary’s Wine and Marketplace in Napa that boasts an impressive cheese selection!
Finding a place to picnic can be challenging, as often Napa Valley land use restrictions prevent wineries from allowing picnicking on the grounds. But a select few places in Napa will allow it, including the grounds at V. Sattui and a list of a few others will let you bring baskets to your heart’s desire
Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Iconic Vineyards
What we love about Napa is the equal parts glamour and humble grounds, as you’ll see some of the most iconic wineries as you pass by along the side of the road doing what they do best: serving guest and growing vines. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive by the scenery and you might recognize your favorite vineyards.
We love the G3 Vineyard in the Rutherford region of Napa, where we source Poseidon Cabernet Sauvignon from. Our Broken Rock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon also yields from Napa on the eastern side of the Valley near Soda Canyon and Atlas Peak. The fruit from these regions are plush, deliciously ripe and juicy, and walk a delightful balance of ready-to-drink or perfect-to-age. If you’re driving by, be sure to tag us on Instagram, we love seeing our vines in “the wild!" on your day in Napa Valley!
Dinner in Downtown
There are certainly no shortages of great places to dine in Napa. If you’re finding yourself ready to indulge in a super special night, make reservations at The Charter Oak or Farmstead and Long Meadow Ranch for a truly Napa Valley fine dining experience.
Going from something more casual? Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & BBQ in downtown Napa is available seating is first-come-first serve (get the beer can chicken) or Gott’s Roadside for a great burger and fries.
If you’re feeling completely stuffed from a full day of eating and drinking (hey, it happens) make dinner some light appetizers on the rooftop of the Andaz Downtown with views of downtown Napa from below. You can also head to a local’s favorite spot, La Taberna for tapas and maybe catch a peek at a famous local winemaker enjoying a break.
Whether you’re in Napa for a couple days or a week, this recipe is the perfect rinse and repeat for as many days as you need to feel fully indulged in Wine Country Lifestyle and your ideal day in Napa Valley.