re: Waco Tiger - How was your Napa trip?

Flew from Lake Charles to Bush and then to San Francisco on Friday landing around noon. Picked up the rental (a new Expedition that I really enjoyed driving - researched later and the price tag on it is 75K) and headed to Sausalito to grab lunch. Ate at Scoma’s on the waterfront and enjoyed the meal. Explored the area for a bit and then decided to head to Napa. Didn’t have anything set for the first day but decided we would see if we could get in somewhere. Traveled with brother-in-law & his wife and they wanted to go to Kieu Hoang since they had ordered from them a couple months ago and enjoyed the wine. This used to be Michael Mondovi’s property until he sold it a few years ago. Very good tasting (think they ended up giving us 6 different pours and also a sparkling pour. Very impressed with their sparkling. We ended up splitting a case amongst our group.

Saturday started at Duckhorn. Tried Paraduxx last time so was looking forward to Duckhorn. They had a brut rose they started out with that none of us were very impressed with but the rest of the tasting was very nice. Had an enjoyable host which always seems to help. I think we ordered 2-3 bottles from there. For lunch we went to Auberge Bistro and while the menu seemed to be all over the place the food and the view were both excellent. We had time to kill so our driver made some calls and got us a tasting at Hall winery. Very pretty grounds but was very hot and no fans going. Indoor tastings were disallowed starting Thursday due to Covid and it got up to around 99 while we were at Hall. I was ok but the women weren’t feeling it. Very good wine and very good pours but the weather made the experience miserable. Went to Joseph Phelps after that and just not a very good experience. Seems like they may have cut back on staff due to Covid because our hostess was doubled up with 2 groups (not the only place this happened). Short pours, very hot, and our hostess didn’t really gel with us. We ended up cancelling Rombauer for later that afternoon just because it was so hot. Ended up ordering supper from Don Giovanni’s and eating back at the B&B on their back patio later that evening. Very good meal.

Sunday started at Frog’s Leap. Very pretty property and very good wine. We split an order of 13 bottles which actually delivered to Texas this morning since they can’t ship to LA. Ran into that last time with a few wineries so we knew what to expect. Went to Ad Hoc for lunch and the fried chicken was as good as advertised. We had time before our next tasting so passed by Silver Oak to see the set up since the high was supposed to be 100 that afternoon. Saw the set up and decided to cancel and the driver said he would make some calls. After that we headed to Cakebread and the visitors center building was new since we had went 2 years ago. They did a great job with the updates. This was another tasting where the host was split between 2 groups so that was a little disappointing. That quickly faded as we got into the tasting as Cakebread is one of our favorites. Evidently they can now ship to LA as they couldn’t last time. Think we split 6 bottle from here and the bought a bottle of Guajolote to have with supper that night. They had a 2016 on the menu but when we met our host out front he said they didn’t have any available in the back but he was able to snag a 2015 and it was ours for $40 cash. Didn’t ask any questions and handed over the money. Definitely the strangest interaction we had on the trip, lol. After that we went to Saddleback as the driver had scheduled it when he cancelled Silver Oak. Had a really good time and the wine was very good. We split a case there and called it a day. Went to Cole’s Chophouse that night and the meal was excellent. One of the best steaks I’ve had.

Monday we went to Amizetta to start things off. The high was about 20 less than the previous 2 days so that was pleasant. Between the winding roads and the drinks I had at supper, I was not feeling it. That changed once we finally got there. Excellent wine and a unbeatable view. We all enjoyed it and both pulled the trigger on joining the wine club as well as ordering a few bottles. Lunch at Oakville Grocery which was as good as usual and then to Truchard for our last tasting. Had a great host and actually met the owner as we drove up as they still live on the property. Very educational tour and very good wines. Think we split 6 bottles from there. Had supper reservations at Angelles but after we looked over the menu and didn’t really see anything that jumped out at anyone we decided to head to Allegria. Food was good but service was a little lacking.

Flew back yesterday. Went through all my pics to make sure I captured everything but I’m sure there is something I forgot.

One other thing I forgot to mention is we used “My Napa Valley Driver” this go around and were very pleased with them. Used another company previously that doesn’t seem to be in business any longer. Our driver (also the owner) was very good and I’d highly recommend them if anyone needs this kind of service while up there.

ETA nvm I'm an idiot