Bacchus Does Sonapanoma
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DAY THREE:
... continues at
Chateau Montelena

We drove north on the Silverado Trail. For those of you not familiar with Napa geography – please do yourself a favor, and drive the length of this road from Napa to Calistoga. You will not only pass a number of fine wineries, but also enjoy some wonderful views of the valley. It’s a welcome alternative to the clutter and traffic on route 29.

We arrived at Chateau Montelena just before noon. The grounds here are just beautiful – including a lake that boasts two islands, each with a gazebo, and assorted resident ducks, geese, and two magnificent black swans. Due to the influence of Aris Francisco (who, unfortunately, could not join us), one of the islands was reserved for our use, and a special – (and I mean SPECIAL) tasting was arranged.

Greg Ralston, Director of Sales and Marketing

Greg and Patti (Special Events Coordinator) greeted us in front of the tasting room, and proceeded to pour us the 1979 Chardonnay from magnum! This was not a taste, folks, this was a pour. When the first mag was empty, a second was opened without hesitation. This was a special wine, and a special treat.

We then got a brief tour through the barrel room, and met the assistant winemaker (Bo was out of town).

He talked and tasted us through the 96 and 97 vintages, and shared some insights into the winemaking process, and answered some pointed questions.

Gerard Zanzonico, Assistant Winemaker

We then adjourned to our island (I like the sound of that!), and were met by more smiling Montelena staff, and an incredible array of wines. These folks opened magnums of the 86 and 87 Cab, and two 750s each of the 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95. We added to that a bottle of 85 that one of our members had brought, which made a spectacular vertical of 11 vintages to taste through. It was incredible.

Florida Jim Cowan (photo courtesy of Greg Ellis)

This was as idyllic a setting as you could imagine – like something out of a Merchant–Ivory film. We simply could not leave. Russell called Flora Springs to let them know we were "unavoidably detained", and we proceeded to break out the wines reserved for our later stop. We lounged and relaxed, basking in the fine weather and the incredible hospitality and generosity of our hosts.

Our Lisa – the smile says it all

There is no way to put a price on this experience. Sure, you could calculate what the vertical might cost at auction, but the 79
Chard in magnum is virtually unobtainable, and the grace and spirit of the staff here coupled with the company, the grounds and the weather, made this an absolutely unforgettable event.

Our profoundest thanks to Greg and Patti, and all the folks at Chateau Montelena, who helped to create a most extraordinary afternoon for us.

We reluctantly (very reluctantly) boarded our bus and headed back to Santa Rosa for a shower, and a quick change of clothes. Then, it was back to Napa for our visit with Mr. Togni.