Baldacci Family Vineyars is one of the few vineyards anywhere whose pinots and syrahs are just as good if not better than their cabs. Although they are pulling grapes from all over the state, the quality and variety of wine they present in their tasting room is astonishing. Not the norm, especially in Napa Valley, especially in Stag’s Leap district. If you’re good at making cabs you’re not usually good at making much of anything else (except maybe an accompanying white).
Getting to the point, my three favorites are:
1. 2006 “Mathilde” Pinot Noir (Russian River) – Subtle fruit aromas and raspberry flavors up front with enough tannins and spice to finish.
2. 2005 “Allwin” Syrah – Toasty notes combine with vanilla bean and subtle fruit flavors to make this one of my favorites!
3. 2005 “IV Sons” Cabernet Sauvignon – Just what you would come to expect from a Stag’s Leap Cab: Bold with aromas of cherries and figs. Perfect with any italian dinner.
Grab these three wines for your tasting and sit outside to enjoy the NorCal sun. In the overtly prim Napa atmosphere, you have to take advantage of the few wineries that still embrace a more laid-back, old-country style. And, if you are lucky enough to visit their caves, try the barrell tasting. Not too long ago I tasted the “Elizabeth” there, and it was nothing less than phenominal (although, that may have been swayed slightly by the fact that I was amazed at the experience).
