One favorite was Paraduxx, a part of the Duckhorn Wine Company. After check in, you go outside and relax in the peaceful back yard area and get comfy in cushioned patio furniture under two huge shaded trees. These tastings, offered in contemporary settings, feature tableside service, silver trays, modern stemless Riedel 'O' glassware, and perfectly paired cheese complements -- an ideal way to experience Paraduxx's rich, food-friendly blend. In 1994, Paraduxx sourced four tons of Zinfandel from the 100-year-old vines of Napa's Korte Vineyard. This Zinfandel was blended with Duckhorn Vineyards' own Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah to create the first Paraduxx vintage. Since then, Paraduxx has grown to include grapes from the Rector Creek Vineyard in Yountville, which benefits from well-drained rocky alluvial soils and Napa's temperate climate. The winemaking team has been so pleased with the fruit from Rector Creek that Paraduxx has used this Zinfandel as the basis for the development of its proprietary red.
2008 Rose`: Aged in 100% stainless steel. It is a blend of Zinfandel, merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc. This wine has inviting aromatics and a food-friendly structure highlighted by a smooth, rich entry, delicious fruit and bright acidity. Very nice for a hot day!
2004 Paraduxx: Aged 18 months in oak, 65% American, 35% French, 70% new, 30% second vintage. This vintage is 65% Zinfandel, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot. It has a medium bodied texture with velvety integrated tannins and a long finish. It has complex flavors of wild boysenberry, strawberry, currants and nuances of toasted oak.
2005 Paraduxx: Was aged in oak for 18 months. This vintage is a blend of 60% Zinfandel, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This wine is medium bodied with a chewy texture, approachable tannins, lengthy finish. ripe flavors of raspberry, red cherry, and boysenberry, are balanced by complex notes of dark chocolate, espresso bean, and black licorice.
2006 Paraduxx: Aged 18 months in oak (50% American, 50% French, 50% new, and 50% second vintage. It is a blend of 64% Zin, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon,7% Merlot 2% Cab Franc. It has a dense color with a red cherry hue, aromas of plum, chocolate, and cherry pie accentuated by hints of violet, clove, cinnamon spice and vanilla bean and flavors of Bing Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, mocha, and molasses.
And my favortie was the 2006!
If you are out and about on the "less traveled" Silverado Trail, do treat yourself to a tasting at this winery. It is a great experience.
I will post more of my favorites along with a posting about the wine conference next time!
