Bear's Napa Wine Review (Long)

On to the wine (sorry if TLDR)....

Just a tiny preface, I'm not going to rate the wine based on price or value. This is merely a review of wine tastings and tours from last week in Napa Valley only. We did not go to Sonoma this time. I know a lot of people on here are more fond of Sonoma, and this is in no way an attempt to say Napa is better. With that said:

Frog's Leap- Pretty simple tasting outside on a wrap around porch. Tasting facility resembles an old Victorian home, really pretty garden and grounds. I am a fan of their wine, so I am a bit partial. They have two really great cabs, including the "Rutherford", which is their big dog cab at $80. Both cabs have notes of sausage and bell pepper, very big flavor. Their merlot is, well decent for Merlot.

Silver Oak- Really nice tasting rooms and visitors center, huge gift shop. Although Silver Oak doesn't produce a large amount, they are pretty widely known, so it has a large producer feel. They makes two wines, which are Cabs, lightly blended. Silver Oak uses American Oak, so it has a pretty distinct vanilla taste. High quality, just not my flavor profile. Good tour, you learn a lot.

Raymond- This is one of my favorite groups. Odd facility complete with outdoor artwork, sheep lamb and chicken farm, and a dog park. There are three tasting rooms, but multiple rooms with a lot of history and education about wine. Go to the Crystal Cellar, very strange but this is where they pour their top wines. Big heavy cab maker. They actually make 5 100% cabs that are just fantastic. Their Generations Cab is the top $ wine, but the St. Helena Cab is my fav. Must taste IMO.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars- This is the cab maker from the movie BottleShock, really neat tour through their cave cellar. High quality cabernets that age extremely well. We actually age some of their wines for the long term future. Another great tour. Must see IMO.

Robert Mondavi (Exclusive Cellar)- So this is a tremendous facility, you could spend a long time here. Mondavi makes some really good wines that we never see here in Louisiana. It really opens your eyes about this brand. This is a special tasting down in the cellar, where a somm teaches you about different vintages, and actually... how to properly taste wine. Well worth the time to do this tour (about 60-90 min).

Frank Family- I know this is a FDB favorite. What can you say? Great wines, pretty grounds. Just a real solid tasting. The staff does a great job talking to you about the wine and making you feel very comfortable. I recommend doing a reserve tasting, you get to taste a lot of wine that youll never see here in LA.

Miner Family- Awesome view looking over the valley. The wine is good, but to me, this was my least favorite tasting on the trip. The only wine that caught my attention was "The Oracle", which is their top $ cab. ($90). Nothing else stood out IMO.

Rombauer- If you don't like Chardonnay or Zinfandel, don't try this one. Their cabs are simply not that great. However, IMO they have the best Chardonnay and Zin out there considering price ($30ish). Their Zins don't have the obscene tartness that most carry. Really good food wines.

Domaine Chandon- So this one is for the ladies. I don't enjoy sparkling wine, so its kind of meh to me. With that said, its a good tour for the wife, you learn a good bit about the making of Champagne. Gorgeous grounds and a Michelin star restaurant on site (Etoile').

Opus One- This one was a little rushed. I had to catch my flight, and I hate that because this is a wine you need to give time. Super High quality producer. They make one wine, which is a cab that runs about $270/bottle. I shared a tasting just to see what it was all about. Its a great wine, I cant see myself buying much of it, but its a great experience. They have an awesome terrace that overlooks the valley. Very fancy tasting facility. This one is for the true wine people.

Folie e deux- Widely known as the maker of "Menage e Trois", they actually make some pretty solid wines under their Napa Cellars label. I like this place, you can do a quick flight tasting, or you can buy a bottle and have a picnic lunch on their grounds. Everyone will like this one.

Alpha Omega- Great tasting grounds. Big fountain pools and shady tables. High quality producer mainly known for its Chard. The Chard is awesome for those that love heavy oak buttery Chardonnays.

Hope you folks enjoy my thoughts. This is a great trip. If you love wine and food, its pretty much a must do IMO.