Give Thanks for Family, Friends and Wines from Napa Valley

Whether you’re having a traditional Thanksgiving feast with family members or a Friendsgiving gathering where the meal is an “anything goes” affair, I’m hoping that good conversation, delicious food and wonderful wines will be in abundance. Having sorted through a bounty of wines (all sent as samples) that offer a variety of price points and provide luscious complements to so many dishes, I’m offering you plenty of suggestions for consideration.

The choices reviewed below are produced at family-owned wineries in beautiful Napa Valley. Each wine expresses the unique terroir of the landscape and spirit of the people who are its stewards. Be sure to follow the links provided to each winery for in-depth information and more inspiration.

Raise your glass for a toast to the exceptional wines of Napa Valley and to our friends and family who make living in the United States so flavorful.

White Wines

Family owned and operated since 1983, Peju Winery is recognized and lauded in Napa Valley…. as is their Peju Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25), their most popular white wine. The winemaking team harvested Sauvignon Blanc grapes in three stages of flavor development by picking at different levels of ripeness. Aromas of juicy grapefruit, lemongrass, bright citrus, banana chips, crisp green apples and white pepper burst from the glass. Notes of snappy citrus, lime peel and lychee were lifted with mouthwatering acidity, all of which led to a refreshing finish.

Having visited Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery last year during which I had a lovely, kick-back birthday lunch with Stu, Charlie, Sam and a few other friends and members of the Smith family, it was a clear choice to include two of their wines, some of my favorites, on this year’s list. Smith-Madrone Estate Grown Chardonnay 2016 ($40) is a wine you’ll swirl and sip on a regular basis… not only during the holidays. Of 100% Chardonnay that was barrel fermented for 9 months in French oak, intense aromas of butter, toast, golden apple, lemon, white peaches, yellow flowers and herbs were clearly present. Balanced and structured with a creamy, round mouthfeel, its moderate acidity was on point and flavors of overripe, juicy peaches, peach flesh, and herbs reflected the distinctive terroir of well-drained, volcanic based soils.

Likewise, their latest release of another favorite wine, Smith-Madrone Riesling 2016 ($34) expressed everything I expect from this family who has been a foundation of Napa Valley viticulture and the St. Helena area for decades. Lively aromas of white peach flesh, white flowers, lemon zest, freshly-cut pineapple and lime were clean and sharp. On the palate, dry and creamy with vibrant acidity, flavors of white pepper, kiwi, lime and herbs paved the path to a luscious and lasting finish. For more about the winery, winemaking and family, please click here.

Red Wines

Through the years, the Peju family has made the commitment to fostering sustainable and environmental consciousness throughout their five estates. This exceptional wine, Peju Napa Valley Merlot 2016 ($48) of 95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Sirah, expresses much of their endeavors. Layered aromas of black cherries, pomegranate, cola, purple plums, lavender and cedar wafted from the glass of this Merlot after a few minutes of opening. The palate, with its moderate tannic structure and bright acidity, exuded notes of cherries, blackberries, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, toasted almonds and cedar. This wine is what Merlot lovers are waiting for.

Thomas Wargovich, who has Pennsylvania roots and a medical degree, purchased a 27-acre property in 2001 in Pope Valley. In 2010, he planted ten acres of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and a mix of white Rhone varietals. Curious about the name of the winery? He explained that his family includes doctors and scientists who occasionally converse in Latin. As an homage to this tradition, Wargovich chose the name Gratus, a Latin word meaning thankfulness or gratitude. Of course, then, one of his wines is included as a holiday suggestion for not only its palate profile but for all that it means. Gratus Malbec Napa Valley 2015 ($55) exuded aromas of chocolate, cherries, dark red fruit, smoke, ripe black plums, spice and crushed blueberries. On the rich, broad palate, I explored flavors of baking spice, blueberries and complex fruit framed with bright acidity and moderate tannins… all leading to a lasting, satisfying finish.

A classic wine for the table is Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($175), a brilliant blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot from a winery celebrating its 40^th vintage of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and a rich history of winemaking (click here for more). Aged for 22 months in French oak, the wine was bottled in August of 2017 and released in the Spring of this year. On the nose, I discovered mesmerizing notes of blueberries, blackberries, currants, dark plums, purple florals, dried cherries, vanilla, coffee beans, tobacco and baking spice. The luscious, complex palate revealed elements of dark red and purple fruit compote, cocoa, licorice, mint, black pepper and smoke framed with soft tannins and vibrant acidity. Ever so balanced with a lingering finish, this incredibly special, not-to-be-missed wine has much ageing potential.

Rosé Wines

A dry rosé of Sangiovese, Benessere Vineyards Rosato Napa Valley 2018 ($25) is produced at the family owned winery in St. Helena. Since its inception, the family has as their mission to craft “Italian inspired wines with roots in Napa Valley” and I’ve been a fan of their wines since I started writing years ago. It was a true gift to meet and have two in-depth conversations with owner John Benish, the second time a few days before he passed. This lovely wine burst with aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, lime, baked pie crust, grapefruit, pineapple, spice and herbs. On the flavorful palate boasting lip-smacking acidity, elements of strawberries, white peach, clementine oranges and juicy melon offered a fresh, snappy finish

What’s not to love about Sangiovese cultivated in Napa Valley? I tasted Silverado Vineyards Sangiovese Rosato 2018 ($25) from estate grown grapes produced and bottled at the Napa Valley Winery founded in 1981 by Ron and Dianne Miller. The couple own and farm six historic and sustainable vineyards in the Los Carneros, Yountville, Coombsville and Stags Leap District appellations. Aromatic and flavorful, I noted juicy strawberries, kiwi and lime notes on the nose of this delicious wine while on the tangy, mineral-driven palate, I enjoyed bright acidity and an abundance of luscious red fruit including pomegranate and the slightest hint of olives. The finish was a delight.

Sparkling Wine

Paula Kornell has honored the legacy of her father Hanns Kornell, who founded the family winery Kornell Champagne Cellars in 1958. She now continues the family tradition with the introduction of her inaugural vintage of Kornell Napa Valley Blanc de Noir Méthode Champenoise 2017 ($50). Hanns Kornell fueled the domestic interest in sparkling wine, at the time called Champagne by most American producers, and is a part of Napa Valley winemaking history. Growing up on her family’s Napa Valley vineyards, Paula learned winemaking from her father and appreciation for food and wine from her mother. Now, she’s focusing on “authenticity and tradition from grape to bottle” while serving as principal of Kornell Wine Company. Vintage Wine Estates, a family of independent wineries and producers throughout Napa, Sonoma and the Pacific Northwest, has partnered with Paula to bring the Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine to market. And the wine? Of mostly Pinot Noir grapes, I noted aromas and flavors of snappy lemon zest, bright red berries and freshly baked brioche embraced by a creamy texture and round mouthfeel. A beautiful aperitif when your guests arrive, pour this exceptional sparkling wine and pay homage to your family, too.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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