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<p>Napa Valley famously came to global prominence when its pours delivered outstanding results at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. Previously considered a winemaking backwater, this beautiful slice of California is now regarded as one of the world’s winemaking hotspots.</p>



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<p>Robert Biale’s family has been involved in the area since the 1900s and he is still intimately connected with the wines produced here. “Napa Valley is a big name yet a very small place: it is 30 miles by five miles and sits one hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge with 47,000 planted acres and only 4% of California grapes,” he says.</p>



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<p>The region benefits from cool nights and ocean breezes along with morning fog that combine to produce moderate temperatures. “Napa contains half of the world’s soil groups which allow multiple varieties to thrive,” adds Biale.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Zinfandel standouts</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82852" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/biale-black-chicken-and-cheese.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Bordeaux and Burgundy grapes are now most common, with Cabernet Sauvignon the king of the valley. This was not always the case, however. Prior to 1970, it was the heritage varieties of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that populated Napa, having been planted from the mid-19th century.</p>



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<p>Though Biale savours many Cabernets, like those from Spottswoode and Mayacamas, and Chardonnays such as Stony Hill and HdV, he much prefers the local Zinfandels because of their versatility for food pairing, their bright, fresh yet rich qualities, and their mouthwatering flavours.</p>



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<p>Describing the tastes and aromas of his own Zinfandels from Robert Biale Vineyards, he highlights the layered notes of blackberry preserves, raspberry, violet, cocoa, anise and cherry wood on the nose, with flavours of plum, black cherry, baking spices, dried herbs and pomegranate. “They offer rich fruit, delicate acidity and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sunny highs</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="790" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-1024x790.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82853" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-1024x790.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-363x280.jpg 363w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-768x593.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-1536x1186.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-2048x1581.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-200x154.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Old-Kraft-Vineyard-photo-by-Andrew-Lincoln-800x617.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Richard Bischoff, a Certified Sake Professional, is also enthusiastic about Napa Valley wines. “For fans of Bordeaux wines, Napa is a place where fruit can reach its full potential, largely due to the sunny weather,” he says. Certainly, its dry Mediterranean climate and large diurnal shift from daytime highs to night-time lows allow the grapes to ripen slowly and keep their acidity.</p>



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<p>Bischoff highlights the geographical dispersion of wines produced in the region, with the hotter northern Napa ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and the cooler Los Carneros area better for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.</p>



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<p>“If you like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, then the Carneros region in southern Napa is a wonderful place for Burgundian-style wines, due to its proximity to the ocean breezes from the northern end of San Francisco Bay,” he stresses. “Napa wines tend to express the best combination of weather and terroir.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Full fruit</h3>



<p>For Bischoff, it is the fuller flavours of Napa wines compared to other regions that is the main characteristic of their superior quality. “Cabernets, to me, tend to really show flavours of blackberries, cherries and other dark fruits,” he says.</p>



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<p>“The Sauvignon Blancs show aromas and flavours of tropical fruits, such as mango and pineapple, and are delicious on a hot summer day, while the Chardonnay can be full and rich, with aromas and flavours of lemon, butterscotch, toast and vanilla, especially if aged in French oak.”</p>



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<p>He likes the elegance of the Biale Zinfandel, especially its iconic Black Chicken label. Another preferred choice is Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, which he praises as “just amazing”. He also believes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Clos du Val are fantastic expressions of the region.</p>


California Cleaning: Napa Valley has a depth of fruit beyond its star Cabernet Sauvignons


<p>Cabernet is the variety that put California on the international wine map. It is also the single most widely planted wine grape in Napa Valley and, indeed, around the world. There are more than 450 wineries in Napa, a valley that is 30 miles (48km) long and five miles (8km) across at its widest point.</p>



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<p>But Cab is also a team player. It is the lead grape in nearly all Bordeaux-style blends from Napa. And as long as 75% of the grapes in the bottle are Cabernet Sauvignon the wine label may read Cabernet, although many Napa vintners prefer to label a Bordeaux blend as a ‘Meritage’ or a red blend. At last month’s Collective Napa Valley Together Again Weekend, an auction that raised US$3.8 million (HK$29.8 million) for local charities, I visited one of Napa’s noted wineries, Alpha Omega, for an al-fresco lunch hosted by owners Robin and Michelle Baggett.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alpha Omega appetite</h3>



<p>The scenic winery is located in the prime Rutherford sub-appellation of the larger Napa AVA (American Viticultural Area) and was founded by the Baggetts in 2006.</p>



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<p>Highlighting Alpha Omega’s barrel during fermentation program, winemaker Matt Brain during lunch uncorked the 2018 ERA Barrel Select Reserve, a limited production of 900 cases. We also savoured the 2012 AOX Barrel Select, another limited-production wine available through the winery’s allocation list. “These are barrels that speak to me,” notes Brain. Expressing remarkable texture and density, the AOX was a delicious pairing with the dessert of rich, dense chocolate block cake.Alpha Omega has made its mark with Cabernets that reflect Napa’s powerful, full-fruit style. Brain is bringing his own touch, though. “Definitely I want to continue the fantastic wines that put us on the map, but the difference is to subtly start to layer in my own personal beliefs, to bring in a little bit more balance, more complexity of the vineyard,” he says.</p>



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<p>To that extent, he brings what he calls multiple picks and intentionally assigned cooperage. “I’ve actually been going to vineyards and doing two picks [of grapes] – one smaller, just a little bit earlier in season, and blending it back for a little bit of herb, spices and terroir expression to the wine.” He works closely with individual coopers for custom-made French oak barrels to help enhance the wine’s flavour profile. “If you play in the playground of ripe Napa Cabs, you run the risk of losing individuality,” he opines.</p>



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<p>Brain is a big proponent of barrel fermentation in a warm room. “It speeds up the fermentation process and we get really good concentration,” he says.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="686" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alpha-Omega-Proprietary-Red-2018_Courtesy-Alpha-Omega_p.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76360" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alpha-Omega-Proprietary-Red-2018_Courtesy-Alpha-Omega_p.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alpha-Omega-Proprietary-Red-2018_Courtesy-Alpha-Omega_p-200x179.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alpha-Omega-Proprietary-Red-2018_Courtesy-Alpha-Omega_p-313x280.jpg 313w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Winemakers for a day</h3>



<p>Before lunch, Brain led a blending session in the winery for a small group, offering the barrel samples of 2022 Cabernets from four different vineyards: two wines with tension and complexity, and two that were hedonistic and rich. While a few of the novice winemakers gravitated towards the leaner wines, most went for the riper, richer rewards reaped from Tench vineyard on Atlas Peak. Brain also offered Malbec and Petit Verdot for blending “to see how blenders shaped the Cabernet”.</p>



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<p>As for the Omega Alpha 2022 Cabernet, which made the top 10 list of lots at the weekend’s barrel auction, Brain states: “It’s a great vintage – approachable and lighter in tannins.”</p>


Hailing The Cab: The big, bold style of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has gripped the wine world

<p>There are many reasons to visit Napa Valley. Beautiful landscapes, award-winning wines, famous distilleries, all contribute to making the valley a perfect tourist destination for both day trips from San Francisco and longer excursions for true-blue wine lovers. Well over three million visitors throng to Napa every year, making it one of California&#8217;s most popular destinations.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_45727" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45727" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45727" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-5-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45727" class="wp-caption-text">NOMAD Heritage Library at Stewart Cellars</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>No doubt eager to attract this influx of incoming visitors, hundreds of wineries jostle for attention here, making it a tad bewildering to choose one particular favourite. While such big-name distilleries as V. Sattui Winery, Darioush Winery and Castello di Amorosa draw the lion&#8217;s share of footfall every day, we chose to dive a bit deeper and focus on a lesser-known family-owned winery named Stewart Cellars.</p>
<p>A young brand, which came into being only in 2000s, it&#8217;s entirely family-run by founder Michael Stewart, his son James Stewart, daughter Caroline Stewart-Guthrie, and son-in-law Blair Guthrie. With the family overseeing all aspects of the business, it&#8217;s quality and quality alone that is at the focus of this charming little winery. To ensure only the best-quality cuvees make it to the bottles, Stewart Cellars works solely with all six heritage vineyards by famous grape-grower Andy Beckstoffer, who is known for driving Napa Valley into the world-class grape-growing region it is today.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_45728" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45728" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45728" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2-6-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45728" class="wp-caption-text">Stewart Cellar&#8217;s premium range – Nomad</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Though it&#8217;s a relatively younger winery, it is mainly its Cabernets that sets apart this particular maison. While their Slingshot range of Cabernet Sauvignons – younger, easier drink – would attract a wine novice, it&#8217;s Stewart Cellars&#8217; Nomad collection that has the potential to catapult them to the big leagues. Particularly impressive is the 2016 Stewart NOMAD Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane, which scored 97 points in acclaimed wine-critic Robert Parker&#8217;s rating. With flavours of vanilla, blackcurrant and coffee giving way to an oaky, long finish that lingers in the mouth with a velvety feel, it&#8217;s a truly layered full-bodied wine that is sure to be the highlight of any tasting.</p>
<p>Now, fortunately, you don&#8217;t really have to travel thousands of miles to lay your hand on this particular appellation or any others from Stewart Wines. Golden Gate Wine, a leading wine merchant in Hong Kong, brings to us the choicest of Napa Valley wines. For details, please visit their <u><a href="https://www.goldengatewine.com/">website</a></u>.</p>


Inside Stewart Cellars: A hidden gem in Napa Valley

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Blog Section

California Cleaning: Napa Valley has a depth of fruit beyond its star Cabernet Sauvignons

Hailing The Cab: The big, bold style of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has gripped the wine world

Inside Stewart Cellars: A hidden gem in Napa Valley