Heading back to Napa Sonoma for the first time since 2012. Before our last trip and since then I’ve purged all mailing list. My cellar is now only 6% from the CA/WA & Oregon. In a word, I’m mostly a, dyed in the wool, Europhile. Except, I have been enjoying some late 80s early to mid 90s Mondavi, Dunn, Heitz, Arrowwood, Laurel Glen and other old school producers from a mostly bygone era that I picked up at retail. Also buy some random newer release btls from; Smith Madrone, Mt Eden, HDV, Hanzell, Arnoux Roberts and Littorai.
So, is there anyone left from the 50s/60s that is old school classically styled today yet and a fun interesting visit? Thinking of going to; Dunn & Togni along with Smith Madrone. Not really interested in the guys who recently landed in the valley selling high octane $150+ cabs. Used to buy some Dominus and Spottswoode till the pricing went crazy.
Any suggestions for either valley? We’re staying on the west side of the range separating Sonoma from Napa above Glen Ellen.
based on your preferences, Corison (Napa) might be up your alley. if you like cool-climate Syrah i’d point you towards MacLaren (Sonoma Square). of course, feel free to swing by Enkidu (shameless shilling) as well. happy to take care of a WB’er.
I haven’t tried, so I don’t know how open they are, but I’d be interested in Mayacamas. In fact, if you get in let me know and I’ll come up and join you!
Maybe we should go visit Lagier Meredith together, you’d enjoy meeting them.
Not sure that they qualify as under the radar, but I stopped by Joseph Swan in May and it’s a great stop. Very low-key, very old-school. Someone who made or helped make the wine is probably pouring for you. I thought it was a great stop.
Within your parameters you might also check out Porter Creek, which gets the “restrained” label (for whatever that’s worth) but is very good (as I recall) and also low-key. Unti is a favorite stop in Dry Creek Valley. No longer pouring in the barrel room but still very small and with unique, very well-made wines with an Italian bent.
Joseph Swan, Porter-Bass and Unti is a fun and interesting Sonoma jaunt of good wines that would make me very happy. Pretty scenery between the stops, obviously.
I don’t know what visiting their site is like, but based on the wines you like – similar to me as well – consider if Andersons Conn Valley is worth popping into.
Can’t remember what the name of it, but that Portugese restaurant in the Sonoma Square area is worth making a rezzy at.
I’ve never been there, and they don’t fit your calendar definition of old school (founded 1975) but otherwise Tulocay wines sound like what you are looking for. And pricing, by Napa standards, is reasonable.
Frog’s Leap is always a nice stop. They set you up on their huge covered porch that overlook the vineyards with some snacks, water and about 5-6 wines…
White Rock was also making some really nice, restrained wines the last time I was out in the Valley around 2007. In a tasting they always come across as someone from Napa that’s in love with Bordeaux. I’m not sure what they’re selling for now, but I think the Claret was about $65 the last time I was there.
I had the good fortune to have lunch with Bill Jenkins and Kathy Dennett, owners of Wing Canyon on Mount Veeder, 10 years ago and I really loved their chardonnays and cabs. The unpaved road to their home and winery is 4WD only, so you better have one or be prepared to walk a couple hundred yards down the road.
Mount Veeder is another world from Napa Valley – mostly wooded, high up, away from the tourist zoo. And Wing Canyon is really a small operation. I remember they were making their own deliveries to restaurants in SF.
Another vote for Stony Hill but they produce more white than red wines if that matters to you.
Heitz is still making relatively old school
Napa cab and they usually are pouring a library vintage of something at any given time. I would also recommend Failla if you are interested in Pinot and Syrah. Lower abv, higher acidity and pure fruit. And Ehren Jordan too.
Calluna is not old school, having started about a decade ago but is making wine in the balanced style of the others you listed. Its a beautiful setting and its not too far from where you are staying. Tastings by appointment only and I think David only does three per day.
