Calistoga Wine Tastings at von Strasser, Failla, Zahtila, Vincent Arroyo and August Briggs

Despite the continuing down pour of rain, the past two days of wine tasting in Napa have been about quality, not quantity. My many thanks to Mark Skinner, general manager, at von Strasser Winery in the Diamond Mountain District near Calistoga for a splendid barrel tasting of their 2008 portfolio. These are outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines with their added specialty, Petit Verdot. Thanks for recommending the duck burger at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen for lunch. Yummmmmy!

This afternoon the entire team at Failla Wines rolled out their warm hospitality. Special thanks goes to Kathy and Jessica for a superb tasting. Many thanks to husband and wife owners, Ehren Jordan and Anne Marie Failla, and their charming daughter, Audrey, for the warm and gracious welcoming. These European (French) style Pinot Noirs and Syrahs beckon my heart.

Yesterday Laura Zahtila walked me through her excellent Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons. Her Oat Hill Zin rocks. Tastings at Vincent Arroyo (Petit Syrah at its best) and a solid portfolio at August Briggs brightened an uncustomary rainy day in Napa.

Good juice!