A New Year And Napa Valley Wines

31.12.2023 - 09:31 / forbes.com

In the U.S. state of California, the northern valley named Napa includes a wine scene under constant transformation. Establishments change ownership, new talent arrives and well known names depart. During 2023, for example, Rombauer Vineyards sold their brand (as well as many of their facilities and more than a square mile of vineyards—located not only in Napa Valley but at other northern California regions) to E&J Gallo’s Luxury Wine Group; Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, who crafted the iconic Chardonnay that brought fame to Chateau Montelena in the 1970’s, passed away; the Napa Valley Wine Train celebrated its 30th anniversary, while the Napa Valley Wine Trolley (a replica of a tram car from San Francisco) reopened at Castello di Amorosa after years of Covid-19 related closure. Also in 2023, the county approved the first ever proposed ‘micro-winery’ (Goel Estate Vineyards) with criteria that include that it not produce more than 5,000 gallons of wine per year and that the owners grow 75% of grapes used for fermentation onsite.

Change is constant in the wine world. However, increasing expenses within Napa Valley will concern visitors. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the valley’s winery tasting fees increased a steep 35% during 2023, while the average price per bottle of wine in the valley topped $100.

If you decide to visit Napa Valley in 2024— then plan in advance. It’s a beautiful location with much to see and do, but poor planning can lead to a costly and disorienting experience. Some tips are below.

What wines to try? That depends on your personal preference and budget. Choose accordingly, though it is generally wise to keep an open mind and to experiment.

During a recent visit to friends who live in Rutherford in Napa Valley I sampled various wines, some of which are described below. These were tasted at the residence of friends (not involved in the trade) or at restaurants or wineries. Note that they were not necessarily selected with prudent economy in mind, but were sampled because they all share signature balance, brightness, elegance and verve that Napa’s more reputed wines are renowned for. They are a very small representation of the many high quality wines available in the valley.

Stony Hill. Chardonnay. Napa Valley – Spring Mountain District. 2015. 94 points.

Bright and brilliant aromas of white fruit, flint, macadamia nuts, grapefruit and mandarins. Soft tannins, sizzling acidity, mid palate of tropical fruits highlighting nectarines and limes.

Corison. St. Helena Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon. 2018. 95 points.

Bouquet includes a sudden burst of bright fruit–think of the movie The Wizard of Oz suddenly changing from black and white to color. Bright aromas of raspberries, black