Madrigal Vineyards - Calistoga Appellation Napa

Hi!! IT"S ME!! I"M BACK!!!

Yes , spring has sprung in all its glory here in the wine country and I have returned from my winter hiatus to regale you with more tales of the grape, new and exciting releases, and great places to visit. Speaking of great wineries to visit, Hows about Madrigal Vineyards in lovely Calistoga.

The Madrigal Family goes back 3 generations farming the Napa Valley. Their first vintage was 1995 when they produced the wine at Napa Wine Company - or as we know it - Cult Wine Central. The Madrigals opened their winery and tasting room in Calistoga in 2007. The tasting room is manned by Ozzie & Mike and is located on the family vineyard right off highway 29 north of St Helena and is open daily from 10 to 4. The winemaker is Bruce Regalea and after 2 full menu tastings 2 months apart, I have come to the conclusion that Bruce knows what he's doing. Tasting fees are $15 for Cordon Tasting (5 wines) and $25 for the Crown tasting (5 Reserve Wines).

And now to the wines -

2009 Sauvignon Blanc Estate - $25 btl, 220 cases - Crisp sauv blanc with good fruit nose, melon and guava hints, solid body.

2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay - $35 btl, 100 cases - Great food Chard, crisp with great balance and smooth finish.

2007 Napa Valley Zinfandel - $21 btl, 500 cases - a classic polished Zin, lively fruit and great finish.

2006 Napa Valley Merlot - $24 btl, 300 cases - Great nose and full mouth flavors - a bargain at $24.

2006 Cabernet Franc - $50 btl, 100 cases - Solid Cab Franc - this was Stacys favorite and she continues to constantly rave about it.

2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $30 btl, 250 cases - Full bodied Cab with Structure - I 'd hold 2 yrs minimum.

2006 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon - $50 btl, 100 cases - Nicely balanced fruit and oak, drink now to 2015.

There are also some excellent blends, petite sirahs, and pinots available at Madrigal. I HIGHLY recommend a stop at Madrigal whenever in the north end of Napa Valley, better yet give us a call and we will take you to all the best Boutique Wineries in Napa. Reservations at Stacy's Wine Stop call 707-322-3837.

Lou