Napa Insider Hotel Recommendation

Posted by thewineinsiders in Wine Country Travel on Apr 28th, 2009 | 0 comments

Napa finally has a new spa resort to rival long time favorites Auberge Du Soleil and Meadowood properties! The name is Bardessono and the best news is it’s conveniently located in my personal favorite area of Napa Valley, the town of Yountville. Bardessono features spacious rooms and a spectacular pool / sun deck area with sweeping vistas of nearby vineyards and both mountain ranges surrounding Napa Valley. The expertly trained staff is affable and accommodating without the snob effect sometimes prevalent at top resorts these days. I won’t soon forget the delectable brunch on the terrace outside our suite as we soaked up the morning sunrise shining on the renowned Cabernet vineyards. In addition to a sleek, modern feel Bardessono was built incorporating advanced environmentally conscious materials and technologies to achieve what they claim is the “greenest luxury hotel in America.” Whether you share eco-priorities with recent guest Robert Redford (or not) i highly recommend this scintillating new destination in the heart of Napa! Visit www.Bardessono.com for details.

Palmaz Vineyards: A Stunning Portfolio.

Posted by thewineinsiders in Wine Country Travel, Wine Reviews on Jan 19th, 2009 | 0 comments

It shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone to hear that in the south of the Napa Valley there is an extravagant estate tucked into a hillside producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Palmaz Vineyards dares to redefine what you might expect from that description.
Dr. Julio Palmaz certainly seems to be an extraordinary man, but one need not plumb his biography for insight into his character or dedication. The winery he and his family have built is a testament not only to quality, gravity-flow winemaking (to a nearly insane degree), but also to family and tradition. At every turn, the winery shows itself to be an elaborate refuge for the Palmaz family to enjoy for generations to come.
Perhaps the most impressive thing of all, though, is that the wine produced at Palmaz is nuanced, powerful, and unforgettable. During our visit this past weekend, we found each bottling to be of a remarkably high standard. In particular, their estate Cabernet (we tasted a three-vintage vertical) showed finesse on the palate while its structure indicated that it would bring further rewards upon cellaring.
Because of the quality of the wines, as well as the unique nature of the property and its location, we highly recommend you consider Palmaz Vineyards when planning your next trip to the Napa Valley.

BUY: Palmaz Vineyards Estate Cabernet 2005.