Welcome to fall in the wine country. The grape leaves are turning from green to red, yellow, and brown. The days are still warm with evenings growing chilly. Now is a great time to visit Sonoma and Napa valleys as the crowds are smaller and there are great new releases and closeout specials of many fine wines. It is also time to pick up great wines for the Holidays or just to beef up your wine collection.
This week’s featured winery is Envy Wines - located in Calistoga (North end of Napa Valley). Envy Wines is off the beaten path, a couple miles north of downtown Calistoga, on Tubbs Lane (West of Chateau Montelena). Envy Wines is owned by Mark Carter (Carter Hotels) and Nils Venge (Saddleback Winery). Mr. Venge was winemaker for Groth in the 80's when he received a 100 point score from Robert Parker at the Wine Aristocrat for their Chardonnay,
Envy is a great place to taste and enjoy the beauty of the north valley. The winery sits amid the vineyards with wonderful views of the mountains. It is also a really nice place to bring a picnic lunch and relax and be out of the traffic on 29. Richard Carter is the cellar master, and Phil handles hospitality - they are always outgoing and knowledgeable and take great care of their guests.
There are 3 labels available at Envy Wines:1) Envy Wines - The main label has an emphasis on Petit Sirah (3 types) and Cabernet.
2) Carter Wines - Mark Carters label offers high end Cabernets and blends.
3) Vine Haven - Nils Venge's label from his Oakville grapes.
My personal favorites tasted (the Carter wines are only available to taste by appointment) are:2007 Envy Petite Sirah Estate @$45 Bottle - This is a wonderfully full bodied wine that was my fave of the 3 Petite Sirahs. I would cellar for 3+ years then enjoy.
2007 Envy Cabernet Sauvignon @$55 Bottle - Young forward fruit and light tannins make this cab very approachable and it is always a favorite of tasters.
2005 Vine Haven Chardonnay @$22 Bottle - I am not a big Chardonnay drinker but this one knocked my socks off!! Beautiful fruit and acidity balance, at 22 bucks this ones a steal.
2006 Carter Hossfeld Red Blend @$75 Bottle - Luscious and Velvety, cant wait to try more!!
The big ending - Envy wines is a great stop whenever you’re in North Napa, Calistoga area. It is also a quick jaunt from Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. Envy is a young winery and I am looking forward to future vintages,
Lou 12/1/09
