Humpty Grumpy

Gen X wife who can’t cook eggs, let alone anything else not out of a box without very specific directions, and don’t ask her to season anything. Apparently, a tbsp of salt is three grains. My mother tried but couldn’t cook either, so I learned from my grandmother when I could.

I’m trying to teach my kids to cook…there’s some interest/hope, but it’s still a process and usually just weekends. Getting home late from work really makes it hard during the week for them—just easier not to cook.

quote:

---

Looking for something around $100'ish per person for tasting, and again, epic views/scenery is the goal here for this one

---

There are great views all around the valley—our favorites are up at elevation, so here are a few recs.

These likely fit your price point:

Behrens
Amizetta
Aonair
Black Sears
Kamen
Cimarossa
Chappellet
Smith Madrone
Pride

If you’re considering upping the price point, these come into play also:

Barnett
Lokoya
Continuum
Checkerboard
Lerner Project
Colgin
Ovid
Diamond Mtn Vineyards (f/k/a Constant)
Progeny

Always happy to see other ChE grads drinking great wine!

Here are some ‘under the radar boutique’ recs, price points all over the place. Hope these fit your definition. If you want introductions, lemme know

Palisades Canyon - CS / PS / Chenin - beautiful site up in Calistoga
Arrow & Branch / Coronet - great stable of reds from across the valley, brand new facility in Oak Knoll overlooking the Mayacamas
Sown Estate (‘23 is first release)
Roy Piper Wines - one man operation, beautiful CS from Moulds, Bonny’s vineyards
Lerner Project - Russell Bevan winemaker, Armstrong Ranch Diamond Mtn CS is really outstanding, other wines are just as good
Pezzato - up and coming project sourcing grapes from St. Helena and Phelan Ranch
Nacra (unreleased) - new project up on Mt. Veeder
Behrens - gorgeous views up on the top of Spring Mtn and a lovely stable of wines, including Moulds and Cappella fruit
Rivers Marie - great set of cabs from premier dirt, Pinots and Chards
Lokoya - gorgeous views, great but expensive mountain wines
Cimarossa - Howell Mtn cabs with an Italian flair at great prices
Adversity - Russell Bevan’s new personal label, Melanson & Phelan Ranch wines are knockouts
Flint Knoll - great stable of wines, great people
Realm - great stable of reds from all over the valley, not sure this is still under the radar
Fait Main—Benoit Toquette’s (Realm partner / winemaking consultant) personal label. Awesome stable of reds from great dirt at quality prices
Progeny - upscale tasting room up on Mt Veeder, have the lunch and wine pairing, pricey but very worth it
Dunn - Howell Mtn OG CS

@Dodd What’s your preferred (and cap) on price point and preferred wines you buy now? As WacoTiger noted, it can get expensive quick. Armed with that info, I can offer some additional tailored recs on wineries. Happy to chat offline at humpty_grumpy@yahoo.com and move to phone/email.

I concur with—stay in Yountville, eat at Bistro Jeanty, have bubbles at Schramsburg, visit Mowe, fly in/out SMF

Lots of good suggestions above

Unpopular opinion—get a driver if you’re doing 3 or more tastings or if you want to ‘enjoy yourself’… Even more unpopular opinion, book your own tastings

@WacoTiger— in Napa/Sonoma last week, Mowe ‘23 SB is badass. You on CT or WB?

Kinloch Golf Club
Oakmont
Pikewood National
Bluejack National

Re Mowe—

We visited with Dustin & Rene this summer and tasted the 22s. They are aiming for something more elegant in the Cabernet and I think they hit the nail on the head. This is not a big cab, but it ain’t Beta or Chateau Montelena either. The estate fruit used to go Spottswoode for Lyndenhurst.

The Sauvignon Blanc is where the action is! IMHO—One of the best SBs for the price coming out of Napa these days. They don’t rack so the wine never undergoes malo. It works in spades. Very similar to Arrow & Branch’s Heritage SB, which puts it in good company. I think it will improve with 2-3 yrs.

Different winemakers for each wine.

Don’t be surprised if you start with the red and end with the white—it works.

Spoke with Dustin and folks who have visited since, the 22s showing even better now and the 23s that were poured were even better by a wide margin.

Dustin & Rene are two of the finest people you’ll share a glass with during your visit. Enjoy! :cheers:

quote:

---

I don’t focus on the meal before. More so the meal after. I had one earlier this year.

Absolutely engorged myself afterwards.

---

^^This

Hashbrown bowl with chicken and jalapeños from Waffle House is not advised.

Times are indeed tough. It was $1000 after Katrina

WTF? Did I hear that right?

I’ve played both. Mauna Lani was in better shape, well kept, with a nice mix of holes, but windy AF. Mauna Kea went up and down the mountain with mix of jungle and ocean. I felt it was somewhat tricked up and not as well maintained. More touristy at MK. Personally I prefer condition to design.

The FS course at Hualalai whips both the Maunas IMHO for conditioning.

As far Nanea, not played it, but heard great things. Try Thousand Greens, maybe you can hook up with a member willing to host you.