For those not resolved to forego imbibing in the New Year, may I recommend a few cabs? In particular The Leap from Stag’s Leap—a solid representation of Napa Valley with black cherry and chewy tannins—and three from Cliff Lede in Yountville: High Fidelity, Diamond Sky and Crossfade.
The latter is a co-ferment of cab sauv and cab franc, redolent of spice and boysenberry pie. Winemaker Chris Tynan has a knack for creating wines you can sink into like a velvet couch. https://cliffledevineyards.com/wines
Closer to home in Saratoga, Marty Mathis produces Kathryn Kennedy cabernets that are the perfect accompaniment to prime rib, roast rack of lamb, elk tenderloin, buffalo sirloin or mushroom lasagna. Go with the three-bottle set of 2006, 2011 and 2014 vintages of Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernets for $400. A case of 2014 is being offered for $1,500, normally $1,800. The 2017 is utterly stunning right now.
Giving a membership to Marty’s Handshake Wine Club would make any true cab lover swoon. The current shipment contains two bottles of 2021 and two bottles of 2008 Estate Cabernet for $600. https://kathrynkennedywinery.com/hand-shake-club
Those who don’t get enough sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve can indulge in the elegant yet explosive Perpetual Reserve from Rhys in Los Gatos, as well as the 2019 Rhys California Brut Rosé. Persistent and tingly, as well as fun and just fruity enough, it offers that fine-bubbled experience that says “Cheers!”
One of the best food and wine pairing experiences I’ve had this year was at the Poetry Inn, a stunning property in Napa’s Stag’s Leap District, perched high above Yountville. Recently acquired from Cliff Lede by JuanPablo Torres Padilla, CEO of PA Capital Management—who also owns Sullivan Wine Estate as well as Loco Tequila—the property was designed by architect Howard Backen. Its five spacious suites—each with fireplaces, marble-clad bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, double vanities and west-facing private terraces that offer breathtaking views of the Napa Valley—are the pinnacle of privacy.
We enjoyed a masterfully prepared wine-paired meal, curated by Chef Jerry Leineke. The next morning started off with blueberry muffins from Model Bakery. My eggs Benedict with Meyer lemon Hollandaise was the best ever, and although I did share with my husband, I did steal most of his excellent breakfast potatoes. Truly worth it.
All stays booked now through March 31 will include Sullivan Rutherford Estate’s “A Conversation on Merlot” tasting, a $200 per guest value. Explore the history of merlot from the estate with a vertical lineup of the flagship J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Merlot, accompanied by artisan cheese. https://www.poetryinn.com
Tickets to Pebble Beach Food & Wine would be ideal gifts for the wine lover in your life, especially yourself. The event offers walk-around tastings, seminars, seated lunches and dinners, plus the iconic grand tasting. Check out all the events at https://www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/events
