Joseph & Curtis' First Napa Tour
he first ever Joseph & Curtis Napa tour was probably my personal best trip ever. Napa is such an amazing place with incredible restaurants and amazing wines. The trip was conceived with a small group in mind but ended up being 10 people. We left on the Saturday red eye at 6:10 am NYC time and arrived in Napa just in time for the Kathryn Hall release party! We met our chauffeur at the airport and after a 2-hour drive were treated to an amazing afternoon
at the vineyard, with plenty of food and some amazing wines. As always, the weather was a perfect 84 degrees and the scenery couldn't have been better. It was great to catch up with these clients whom have all become dear friends. We sat amongst the vines tasting the incredible 2012 Kathryn Hall, got caught up with the families and great restaurants and of course what everyone had been drinking over the last year or so.
After spending about four hours at KH we then hit Pulido-Walker, recommended by a friend at Zachy's, about 15 minutes from KH; and I have to say one of the most beautiful vineyards I have ever seen. The 115-acre estate commands views of much of the Napa Valley from a hilltop at the southern edge of the Mt. Veeder Appellation.
We spent the next 2 hours with Dan who is simply known as the "estate ambassador." After walking the grounds with Dan, you will not argue with that title. Amazing fig, olive, lime, lemon, and pretty much anything else that smells good and looks pretty surround this awesome landscape. Dan poured the 2012 Pulido Walker Cabernet Sauvignon, Melanson Vineyard. With 2012 being a healthy crop load with moderate summer temperatures with no rain, the fruit hung unperturbed until maturity, resulting in a fantastic wine which everyone on the J&C tour purchased. I can't imagine what this wine will taste like after several years in all of our cellars.
Once again the group enjoyed each other's company as we headed to the Silverado resort to check in, shower up and grab dinner at the Bistro Jeanty. It's imperative to plan out your trips especially if you have a larger party (anything over 8 in Napa), because seating is very limited. Everyone enjoyed dinner and I for one gave the restaurant 3 out of 5 stars. Check back for Part II for my 5-star pick and learn about Antika Vineyard, Araujo, and Pride. Part III will feature Opus One, Corison, and Continuum.