Napa

**Cabernet Franc: The Forgotten Star of the Red Wine Universe**

**Cabernet Franc: The Forgotten Star of the Red Wine Universe**

Consider this your morning briefing: Cabernet Franc is often overshadowed by its more famous siblings, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s time to give it the spotlight. This week’s tasting challenge? A single-varietal Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley—a region better known for its blockbuster Cabernet Sauvignons. What happens when you pair a grape’s “papa” with the same terroir that birthed its more celebrated offspring? Let’s find out. The wine in question? A bold, medium-ruby pour with aromas of strawberry, cherry, tobacco, and roasted pepper. On the palate, it’s all about structure: tannins that demand decanting, flavors of raspberry and green…
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Taste Napa Valley: A Masterclass in Wine Wisdom

Taste Napa Valley: A Masterclass in Wine Wisdom

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: Napa Valley isn’t just a wine region—it’s a masterclass in terroir, history, and flavor. For decades, its vineyards have shaped global wine culture, blending Mediterranean warmth with California’s rugged charm. But how do you truly understand this magic? By tasting it. Learn By Drinking: Napa Valley isn’t just a course—it’s a passport to the region’s soul. Instead of reading about Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll sip it, dissect its structure, and unlock its story. This isn’t about memorizing labels; it’s about learning to read wine like a book. The course pairs expert guidance with hands-on exploration.…
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The Architecture of Wine: Designing the Perfect Winery

The Architecture of Wine: Designing the Perfect Winery

This isn’t just about grapes—it’s about engineering the perfect wine experience. Napa Valley’s wineries are masterclasses in balancing function and flair, but behind the polished facades lies a complex dance of logistics, sustainability, and vision. At Trinchero Napa Valley, a six-year, multimillion-dollar project, the challenge was clear: create a space where artistry meets practicality. The result? A sprawling estate where sprawling fountains meet state-of-the-art cellars, and where every detail—from drainage to door size—plays a role in the final pour. Designing a winery isn’t about aesthetics alone. For winemakers like Mollie Haycock, the layout is critical. “If we can’t move through…
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Jackson Family Wines’ Washington Gambit: A Strategic Shift in Cabernet

Jackson Family Wines’ Washington Gambit: A Strategic Shift in Cabernet

Here’s what you need to know: Jackson Family Wines didn’t just stumble into Washington. For three decades, the Napa-based label has built its reputation on calculated moves—starting with Oregon’s Pinot Noir boom, then pivoting to Cabernet Sauvignon. When climate change and wildfires forced a rethink, the family’s answer wasn’t panic but precision. Their 2022 acquisition of Skysill Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley wasn’t a gamble; it was a masterstroke. The decision wasn’t born of hype. “We didn’t make any wine in 2020,” explains Chris Carpenter, JFW’s Napa Cabernet lead. “That’s when we started seriously considering alternatives.” The Blue Mountains’ cooling…
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Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

You've probably stumbled upon two wines with identical scores but vastly different price tags. It's baffling, right? But fear not! Let's unravel this wine-tasting mystery together. At Wine Spectator, all wines undergo blind tastings where the producer and price are concealed. Wines are grouped according to their grape varieties, vintages, and appellations. For instance, 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets and 2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are tasted separately. This setup ensures that the wines are judged based on their quality irrespective of the producer or price tag. 1. Wine tastings are blind, meaning the producer and price aren't disclosed during the evaluation…
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