NAPA VALLEY, CA—The other day, I popped into the very popular Chimney Rock Winery just north of the town of Napa on the Silverado Trail. They specialize in 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District.

Though it was 4:45 p.m., Luke, my host, was very tolerant of my late arrival. Admittedly, coming in the door just  before closing is not cool but I was in the neighborhood and couldn’t resist a quick-stop. Folks had just filtered out of the tasting room. I wanted to report on just two wine selections: one from their Stags Leap Cabernet Vertical tasting menu (4 wines for $25) and one from their Prestige Flight tasting menu (4 wines for $30).

From the “Stags Leap Cabernet Vertical” tasting menu: The 2007 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon has a very aromatic nose and I found that it was certainly ready to drink. It was smooth, solid, and had earned a respectable 92 points from Wine Spectator. In my estimation, this would be a very good wine for the holidays. Meat eaters rejoice. This wine will go great with prime rib. 

From the “Prestige Flight” tasting menu: My second taste was the 2007 Tomahawk Vineyard Cabernet. Wow! This single-vineyard Stags Leap District Cabernet was indeed more complex than the first wine tasted. (Thank you, Luke!) It has a soft nose; gentle tannins, and a velvety-long, lingering finish. A perfect wine to have with duck, pork, or light pasta. Invite your friends and watch how quickly this bottle will disappear. I’d beg you not to have it with any food that would prove too spicy or overpowering. Let this wine be the focus of your meal. A superb choice. 93 points from Wine Spectator. (Twenty minutes later I was craving more… That’s a good sign, wouldn’t you say?)

The winery is just 3 miles south of Yountville. If you visit, you certainly won’t miss the Cape Dutch style winery facade (photo below). It’s easily seen from the road. The long driveway through their vineyards sets the stage for your visit and reminds you that this is the glorious Napa Valley. :)

This time of year is a great time to go wine tasting. As you can see — not crowded — which will allow you more time to relax and chat with nice hospitality staff members like Luke.