Ultimate California Wine Blog

Parry Cellars have branded themselves the smallest single vineyard in the Napa Valley. I’m not sure of the actual size of this Cabernet vineyard, located on the Silverado Trail, just north of St. Helena, but the three tons of grapes they harvested only produced 190 cases of much sought-after wine.

There is another aspect of Parry wine that is rather special; their winemaker is Andy Schweiger who owns and operates Schweiger Vineyards. Now three vintages into their lineage, one can only hope that there will be growth in the future as the stage is set for yet another exceptional Cabernet producer. No tasting room or facilities available for visiting, but a click through on their website shows a reasonably priced, accessible cab worth investigating.

2001 Parry Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – Some initial green bell pepper which blows off to show lush, dark blackberry and cassis. A sweet entry displays balance and evolves into a chewier tobacco mid-palate. An easy dark cherry finish completes the overall velvety quality of the wine. $46.00

Parry Cellars ~ 3424 Silverado Trail North ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-967-8160

Continuing in the theme of learning about small production wineries who are members of the St. Helena Viticultural Socity, it is with great pleasure that I met the proprietors of Anomaly Vineyards. I have to admit to cheating a bit on their pictures as the ones I took of them personally were too blurry and, sadly, their facilities are not open to the public. But this is a wine worth looking for and I was especially charmed to meet Linda, who is also a women wine blogger.

I did not determine WHY they have named their winery Anomoly and intend on further investigation. At this time, this a wine that is only available through some of the finer restaurants (like French Laundry) and to those on the Anomaly mailing list. At a mere 500 cases produced, this is a wine that doesn’t last very long.

2002 Anomaly Cabernet Sauvignon – Herb and green bell pepper notes up front in the nose with a bright cherry entry that teases with its petulance. Depth in its longevity, showing cedar and cinnamon on the finish. No price as none are available for sale.

Anomaly Vineyards ~ P.O. Box 741 ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-967-8448

Salvestrin Winery is yet another I discovered at the St. Helena Viticultural Society’s Ultimate Open House. The Salvestrins are part of the long lineage of Napa pioneers who began farming in the 1930s. Up until 1994, the Salvestrins farmed and sold their grapes to the likes of Freemark Abbey, Rombauer, and others.

When I met Rich and Shannon Salvestrin, I learned that although their family has been growing grapes for over seventy years, it was in 1994 that they broke ground to construct their own winery and began producing wine with their very own grapes. With 26 acres owned and farmed, they are not producing huge amounts of wine, but what is being made shows great promise in a future I will enjoy following.

2001 Salvestrin Winery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Clean, bright aromas of cherry and cedar. The dry mid-palate shows heightened tannins that blossom with integrated mineral tones and a green bell pepper finish. $45.00

2003 Salvestrin Estate Sangiovese – Only 100 cases were produced. Intense, classic cherry opening with heady cherry bouquet. Clean, tight acids tantalize and tease. Pity to have found out it was already sold out.

Salvestrin Winery ~ 397 Main Street ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-5105

Bisou means "kiss" in French. It is also home to the only wine produced by James Johnson Vineyards, a Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional quality which was introduced to me at the St. Helena Open House promoting the St. Helena Viticultural Society. The open house was a lovely afternoon, held the day after the Napa Valley Auction. The whole event proved great insight for me in learning about small producers like the Johnsons.

James himself was there, pouring his three vintages. He delights in talking about his three children, Paige, Ryan, and Ashely. He has three acres of Cabernet grapes and has named an acre each after his children. Those three acres, located in St. Helena, along with 5 1/2 acres in Lodi comprise their entire business; producing a total of 400 cases of each of the lovely wines I tasted:

2000 Bisou Home Cabernet Sauvignon – (Their first offering!) Purple tones with a fabulous integration in oak and fruit. Elegant at 14.2% alcohol. Opulent dark nose of fruit with an elegant entry including cassis and vanilla. $55.00

2001 Bisou Home Cabernet Sauvignon – Intense aromas of black plum and juicy berry. Smooth and complex with a balanced entry showing cedar, cherry, and a velvety, bright finish. $60.00

2002 Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon – From an as-yet, unreleased sample, this wine showed dark, jammy liqueur in a concentrated form. Still presenting rich fruit and heightened vanilla and oak, time will tame this fruit bomb. I am looking forward to it!

James Johnson Vineyards ~ 1030 Main Street #216 ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-967-0656

When you enter the door at Louis.M.Martini, you are greeted warmly with an immediate offering of a glass of white wine, sometimes a Semillon and sometimes a Folle Blanche. The elegance is evident by the choice of decorating colors; black and red. This is a corporate-owned winery, having been purchased by Gallo several years ago and the entire establishment getting a face lift.

One of the older wineries in the Napa Valley, it is gratifying to know that even now as part of a larger, corporate entity, there are still members of the Martini family involved in the operation of the business. Started by Louis M. Martini in the 1930’s, Michael Martini, his grandson, is the winemaker and helps brand the family’s love into the establishment.

2002 Semillon – Crisp and lively with a clean note of melon in the balanced mouthfeel. A mineral finish that is bright and engaging. $18.00

2000 Barbera, Sun Lake Vineyard – Slightly cloudy in its garnet color. A warm, musky nose shows dark cherries and licorice. The acidic entry continues the cherry qualities with touches of aromatic wood. Smooth and engaging, a thin finish does not diminish. $24.00

2001 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon – With 3% Merlot. Meaty, earthy tones dominate the aromas with a classically vegetal offering on the back of the nose. Warm up front in its initial taste, dried floral and twigs show in the back. $60.00

2000 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon – With 5% Petit Verdot. Complex aromas of cassis and dark herbs that dance with dark berry tones. The cassis appears again in the mouth and explodes with opulent, spicy endings. $65.00

1998 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon – Spicy berry predominates the aromas, but gives way to a hint of green bell pepper. Flavors interchange between black berries and tobacco with a hint of dried herbs on the finish. $75.00

2000 Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Gnarly Old Vine Zinfandel – From vines that are reputed to be upwards of 120+ years old. Sweet spices present at first and shows a petulance of earthy spice and a lush, warm finish. $35.00

Louis.M.Martini ~ 254 St. Helena Highway ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-968-3361