In this mini episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar have a “sipper, sipper” of some unique wines, from ancient vine Zinfandel to Bordeaux blends. The conversation also touches on the challenges of making wine approachable for everyone, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences. Make sure to listen until the end for a legal tip from Erik.

Chapters:

00:25 Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vine Zinfandel

03:25 Château de la Chapelle Bordeaux

07:51 Wine Pairings

Episode Mentions:

Cline Family Cellars, Château de la Chapelle, Revana Family Vineyard

Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar take listeners on a journey through their recent “world tour” of winery visits in Napa. They share their experiences at various wineries, including Burgess, Robert Craig, Hall Rutherford, Seven Apart, William Cole, Markham, Revana and Duckhorn. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of each winery, the wines they tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the tasting experiences. The episode also features special guest Phil Salazar, (The Ghost Raven) who adds his insights and experiences to the discussion.

Chapters:

00:00 The Napa Experience

02:30 Burgess Cellars

06:56 Robert Craig Winery

22:17 Hall Rutherford Winery

29:23 Seven Apart Winery

34:16 William Cole Vineyards

42:24 Markham Vineyards

48:57 Revana Family Vineyard

Episode Mentions:

Wineries: Burgess Cellars, Robert Craig Winery, Hall Rutherford Winery, Seven Apart Winery, William Cole Vineyards, Markham Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyard, Duckhorn Vineyards

Accommodations: Silverado Resort

Wines Tasted:

ROBERT CRAIG

• 2015 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2015 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2016 Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2018 Howell Mt Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2025 Howell Mountain Estate Merlot

• 2016 The Stick Red Wine Blend

HALL RUTHERFORD

• 2021 Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2019 Montagna Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Rainin Vineyard Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Beller Vineyard Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

SEVEN APART

• 2021 Basalt Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Shale Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Summit Cabernet Sauvignon

WILLIAM COLE

• 2022 Small Lot Stag’s Leap District Cab

• 2017 Predecessor

• 2015 Cuvee Claire Cab

MARKHAM

• 2017 Yountville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Meadowrock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

REVANA

• 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2021 Cold Springs Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

DUCKHORN

• 2013 Duck Blind Proprietary Red Blend

• 2021 Patzimaro Cabernet Sauvignon

Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar delve into the nuances of wine etiquette, exploring the balance between enjoyment and decorum while tasting wines. They discuss the importance of connecting with wine servers, the art of pacing during tastings, the significance of planning ahead for a successful wine tasting experience and their view that “spitters are quitters.”

Wines: Duckhorn Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet, Wallis Denali Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Wineries: Caymus-Suisun, Seavey Vineyard

Accommodations: Villa Capricho in Suisun Valley