Nice New Napa Reds

Yes, it’s thirsty time again..! And that means it’s time to talk about wine.

A little grape juice…

Today I’m going to introduce you to a pair of red wines / wineries from the Napa valley. I’ll put these in the “new, up-and-coming” category. Wines that I feel are well worth a little effort to seek out and procure. You need to know about these…

Palazzo – defined as “a large splendid residence”…or how about a winery in Napa that makes an excellent red wine. Scott Palazzo, a fan of “Right Bank” Bordeaux style wines (merlot based blends) has crafted an elegant, medium to full-bodied wine for the 2005 release with 70% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are lots of wonderful aromas and flavors going on here in a silky and well-structured style. Cherries and black currants, chocolate and espresso, all wrapped in a package that drinks well now or should easily age for another 10 or so years. This is an excellent value, priced in the $40s, but only 1100 cases were made, so move fast..!

For my second introduction, let me direct you to Shirley and Charles Roy. Originally from the east coast, the Roy’s purchased golfer Johnny Miller’s Napa estate in 1999 to follow their passion for wine. Their 17-acre vineyard on the eastern side of the Napa Valley is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Merlot and a bit of Petit Verdot.

Under the Roy Estate label, winemaker Philippe Melka crafts a Bordeaux blend as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are excellent, rich wines showing gorgeous fruit balanced by an earthy character. We recommend leaving them in bottle for another couple of years to mature, after which they should drink terrifically until 2020 and beyond.

Palazzo and Roy Estate…both Connoisseur Corner Recommended new Napa reds..!