FortRichardsonFortRichardson
For the latest tips on dsfgFor the latest tips on %KEYWORD%Tuesday, December 05, 2006
dfg
Oakville Wine Country
To the wine connoisseur, Oakville is synonymous with the
magnificence and the majesty of California Cabernet Sauvignon.
But for those of us who do not spend our waking hours tasting
wine and researching viticulture philosophies, Oakville is just
another region in the Napa Valley. To the untrained eye,
Oakville is a sleepy town on Highway 29, but it has become
California's epicenter for Cabernet production.
H. W. Crabb first broke ground in Oakville in the middle of the
nineteenth century. His To Kalon Vineyard marked the launching
point of a storied winemaking history in Oakville, involving
battles with Phylloxera and Prohibition; and its ultimate rise
to excellence.
Phylloxera (pronounced: Phil - ox - erra) is an aphid like
insect that lives its parasitic lifecycle on the rootstocks of
grape vines. This menace brought many vineyards to their knees,
resulting in the largest wholesale devastation of vineyards in
California's history. Crabb did not succumb to the perilous
aphid; instead, he pioneered the implementation of Phylloxera
resistant rootstocks. This saved To Kalon Vineyard, and laid the
foundations for all Napa Valley Vineyards that followed.
These Oakville Vineyards, whose rise to prominence began in the
1950's, utilized perfect Cabernet growing conditions to
revolutionize California Wine. Warm, sunny days are the primary
aspect of the Oakville microclimate that lends itself to
Cabernet production. To the south of Oakville are the Yountville
Mounts, which block much of the fog that creeps through the
valley from the San Pablo Bay. This allows the Cabernet grapes
to bask in the sun's glory, giving rise to fruit forward,
complex and balanced Cabs.
Some of the best Cabs in the world come from this historic
region. And the cr�me de la cr�me of Oakville is Robert
Mondavi's Opus One. Anyone who has tasted this opulent Bordeaux
blend can attest to its brilliance.
Even though Oakville enjoys an ideal climate, the soil of this
region lays the foundation for premium quality Bordeaux blends
and varietals. The home to the best vineyards and wineries in
Oakville is affectionately known as the Oakville Bench. This
name originated from the landscape of the area; located above
the valley floor, but at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Ever since the Sonoma Volcanics blanketed Napa County with ash
millions of years ago, nutrient rich sediment has been washing
down from the mountains, covering the Oakville Bench. This,
along with the sandy, rocky soil which naturally exists in
Oakville allows for elaborate, penetrating root systems and
healthy vines. These vines in turn produce grapes with unmatched
flavor and intensity.
It then is then in the vintner's hands to turn these quality
building blocks into opulent world class wines. Because of their
world wide recognition, Oakville wineries can attract some of
the best winemakers in the world. This distinguished list
includes Heidi Barrett; one of the best, if not the best female
vintner in the world. Her expertise is used by Paradigm Winery
to produce wines that have gained a reputation for excellence
among connoisseurs.
The definition of a Paradigm is an example that serves as a
pattern or model. This exemplifies the wines that Barrett and
Paradigm produce. Their Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon
embodies the true glory of Oakville. If you get your hands on a
bottle from this up and coming winery, make room in your cellar.
Some of the best wine collections in the world boast a Cabernet
Sauvignon from Screaming Eagle. Located in the hills above the
Oakville Bench, Screaming Eagle is the epitome of a cult winery.
In fact, their 1997 Cab scored a perfect 100 from Robert Parker
of Wine Enthusiast. Many wineries lay claim to perfection, but
Screaming Eagle walks the walk. If you want to enjoy a wine from
Screaming Eagle, get ready to empty the kid's college fund. I
have never seen any of their Cabs sold for less than one
thousand dollars, and some fetch a price upwards of five
thousand dollars per bottle; ouch.
Unfortunately, no one can taste Screaming Eagle wines without
purchasing them. They do not have a tasting room that is open to
the pubic. But many other Oakville Wineries do have tasting
tours, and you could spend your entire trip to the Napa Valley
in Oakville alone.
There are numerous small wineries in Oakville that have earned
distinction. One of these wineries is Dolce, whose slogan is
"Liquid Gold from Napa Valley." Their flagship wine ranked 20th
in Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 wines of 2003". Visiting their
beautiful winery is a pleasure that everyone should enjoy.
The true essence of Oakville Wine is found in the hearts of the
winemakers. The land produces the fruit, but the vintners turn
this into the wine that embodies the soul of the Napa Valley.
Oakville began as paint in a bottle, and has emerged as a true
masterpiece of Napa Valley viticulture. Oakville is truly a gem
of the Napa Valley and should be a destination for anyone who
enjoys wine.
About the author:
Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and has written several
articles about
href="http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com/oakvil
le.html">Oakville.
df
Your wine cellar needs to be at a constant temperature, say about 55 degrees, at all times. You cannot have your wine cellar fluctuating I its temperature if you want your wine to age properly. Too many fluctuations in heat and your wine is not going to taste right at all when you finally get to open it after taking it out of the wine cellar.
As far as getting a wine cellar you have a couple of different options. You can buy a wine cellar from various places. This is a good idea for those who have a lot of money, as is the option of building a wine cellar. Not everyone has this kind of money however and those people may want to look into concerting a space they already have in their home into a wine cellar.
For more information...
zinfeindel
re
Labels: dsf
Oakville Wine Country
To the wine connoisseur, Oakville is synonymous with the
magnificence and the majesty of California Cabernet Sauvignon.
But for those of us who do not spend our waking hours tasting
wine and researching viticulture philosophies, Oakville is just
another region in the Napa Valley. To the untrained eye,
Oakville is a sleepy town on Highway 29, but it has become
California's epicenter for Cabernet production.
H. W. Crabb first broke ground in Oakville in the middle of the
nineteenth century. His To Kalon Vineyard marked the launching
point of a storied winemaking history in Oakville, involving
battles with Phylloxera and Prohibition; and its ultimate rise
to excellence.
Phylloxera (pronounced: Phil - ox - erra) is an aphid like
insect that lives its parasitic lifecycle on the rootstocks of
grape vines. This menace brought many vineyards to their knees,
resulting in the largest wholesale devastation of vineyards in
California's history. Crabb did not succumb to the perilous
aphid; instead, he pioneered the implementation of Phylloxera
resistant rootstocks. This saved To Kalon Vineyard, and laid the
foundations for all Napa Valley Vineyards that followed.
These Oakville Vineyards, whose rise to prominence began in the
1950's, utilized perfect Cabernet growing conditions to
revolutionize California Wine. Warm, sunny days are the primary
aspect of the Oakville microclimate that lends itself to
Cabernet production. To the south of Oakville are the Yountville
Mounts, which block much of the fog that creeps through the
valley from the San Pablo Bay. This allows the Cabernet grapes
to bask in the sun's glory, giving rise to fruit forward,
complex and balanced Cabs.
Some of the best Cabs in the world come from this historic
region. And the cr�me de la cr�me of Oakville is Robert
Mondavi's Opus One. Anyone who has tasted this opulent Bordeaux
blend can attest to its brilliance.
Even though Oakville enjoys an ideal climate, the soil of this
region lays the foundation for premium quality Bordeaux blends
and varietals. The home to the best vineyards and wineries in
Oakville is affectionately known as the Oakville Bench. This
name originated from the landscape of the area; located above
the valley floor, but at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Ever since the Sonoma Volcanics blanketed Napa County with ash
millions of years ago, nutrient rich sediment has been washing
down from the mountains, covering the Oakville Bench. This,
along with the sandy, rocky soil which naturally exists in
Oakville allows for elaborate, penetrating root systems and
healthy vines. These vines in turn produce grapes with unmatched
flavor and intensity.
It then is then in the vintner's hands to turn these quality
building blocks into opulent world class wines. Because of their
world wide recognition, Oakville wineries can attract some of
the best winemakers in the world. This distinguished list
includes Heidi Barrett; one of the best, if not the best female
vintner in the world. Her expertise is used by Paradigm Winery
to produce wines that have gained a reputation for excellence
among connoisseurs.
The definition of a Paradigm is an example that serves as a
pattern or model. This exemplifies the wines that Barrett and
Paradigm produce. Their Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon
embodies the true glory of Oakville. If you get your hands on a
bottle from this up and coming winery, make room in your cellar.
Some of the best wine collections in the world boast a Cabernet
Sauvignon from Screaming Eagle. Located in the hills above the
Oakville Bench, Screaming Eagle is the epitome of a cult winery.
In fact, their 1997 Cab scored a perfect 100 from Robert Parker
of Wine Enthusiast. Many wineries lay claim to perfection, but
Screaming Eagle walks the walk. If you want to enjoy a wine from
Screaming Eagle, get ready to empty the kid's college fund. I
have never seen any of their Cabs sold for less than one
thousand dollars, and some fetch a price upwards of five
thousand dollars per bottle; ouch.
Unfortunately, no one can taste Screaming Eagle wines without
purchasing them. They do not have a tasting room that is open to
the pubic. But many other Oakville Wineries do have tasting
tours, and you could spend your entire trip to the Napa Valley
in Oakville alone.
There are numerous small wineries in Oakville that have earned
distinction. One of these wineries is Dolce, whose slogan is
"Liquid Gold from Napa Valley." Their flagship wine ranked 20th
in Wine Enthusiast's "Top 100 wines of 2003". Visiting their
beautiful winery is a pleasure that everyone should enjoy.
The true essence of Oakville Wine is found in the hearts of the
winemakers. The land produces the fruit, but the vintners turn
this into the wine that embodies the soul of the Napa Valley.
Oakville began as paint in a bottle, and has emerged as a true
masterpiece of Napa Valley viticulture. Oakville is truly a gem
of the Napa Valley and should be a destination for anyone who
enjoys wine.
About the author:
Benjamin Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and has written several
articles about
href="http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com/oakvil
le.html">Oakville.
df
Your wine cellar needs to be at a constant temperature, say about 55 degrees, at all times. You cannot have your wine cellar fluctuating I its temperature if you want your wine to age properly. Too many fluctuations in heat and your wine is not going to taste right at all when you finally get to open it after taking it out of the wine cellar.
As far as getting a wine cellar you have a couple of different options. You can buy a wine cellar from various places. This is a good idea for those who have a lot of money, as is the option of building a wine cellar. Not everyone has this kind of money however and those people may want to look into concerting a space they already have in their home into a wine cellar.
For more information...
zinfeindel
dsfg
Invalid Member Information
dfg
River's Edge Deer Antler Wine Rack
re
Labels: dsf
posted by AaronJoslyn # 6:09 PM 
Links
Archives
