Casa Nuestra – 72
Saturday, May 7th, 2005
Casa Nuestra has so much going for it and the real surprise and shame was that I had never heard of it. Located on the Silverado Trail, sitting between the two stalwarts of Duckhorn and Rombauer. Entirely unassuming and set-back off the main road, driving down the unpaved dirt towards the cluster of small, wooden yellow buildings is actually a passage through a time machine — back to the 1960s.
The first indication that you are not in the 21st century, is the large, psychedelic peace sign hanging above the entrance. Of course, there is also the charming surprise of the unpretentiousness of the surroundings; goats, picnic tables, and very old, majestic trees.
Inside is a simple room with a fireplace, bedecked with posters. However, the posters are a dead giveaway again; Martin Luther King, concert posters, and more memorabilia from the psychedelic Age of Aquarius. The pouring staff, as well, seem to be a slight transplant from a more carefree age; engaging, happy, and extremely generous in their time and energy. In their jocularity, they easily relate the unpretentious, down-home philosophy of the owners: They are out to make good wine, not to pave the driveway and build a palatial mansion. And I have no doubt there would have been an opportunity to do so as they clearly own prime, valuable real estate which could have been mortgaged to build an edifice more in line with the neighborhood reputation.
The winery itself produces a limited amount of wine – 1,800 cases maximum. Surprisingly, here is yet another winery which has dispensed with the distribution system, meaning it can only be obtained through the winery itself. Not yet having advised anyone to join a wine club, a single offering through Casa Nuestra almost had me a member; a club-only blend entitled Tinto Classico.
Lastly, for visitors coming to the Napa Valley, a major plus for Casa Nuestra’s picnic tables and your dining neighbors, two Nubian goats Nava and Cross who will happily share your offerings. I had no food during the day of my visit, but both goats still romped over to have their picture taken!
2004 Dry Chenin Blanc, Green Valley – Very clear, pale greenish tint in color with pronounced honeydew melon and fresh green apple aromas. Intensely refreshing and exhilarating with crisp acidity that enhances but not overpowers. $15.00
2004 Off Dry Riesling, St. Helena Estate – What great fun – tangerine and intoxicatingly exotic fruits in the nose do not overwhelm with sweetness at only .8% residual sugar. Stunningly balanced demonstrates crispness and a clean pineapple mid-palate that has a long, intense finish. $19.00
2003 Tinto Classico, Old Vines, Oakville Estate – I felt very fortunate to taste this wine-club members’-only wine; a field-blend of an old-clone Zinfandel, Cabernet Pfeffer, Alicante Bouschet, Carignane, Petite Sirah,
Mouvedre, Refosco, Napa Gamay, and Pinot Noir. This was a stunningly complex wine which teased with both hints of tobacco and heightened with raspberry. The entry was jammy with plum and hints of cocoa. I found both spice and and dark cherry on the finish which was long and exciting. NFS
2002 Cabernet Franc, St. Helena Estate – Dark ruby with purple tones, aromas of dark fruit and hints of dried floral qualities of lavender and violet. The mouth entry was dark and fruity, showing both plum and dark berry but the finish was a bit dry. $32.00
2002 Meritage, St. Helena Estate – A classic blend of 54% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Still a bit young with over oak and fruit just barely hiding hints of greenish which will undoubtedly bow out with age. Even, balanced entry blossomed in the mid-palate and the bright, tannic finish supported my initial thoughts of youth. $45.00
Casa Nuestra ~ 3451 Silverado Trail ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-5783