Great Napa Reds

Napa baby Napa. I spent most of my time in Sonoma when I came west for business trips and have only made it up a couple of times since I moved here. It's all too easy to forget that its a short 1.5 hour drive from San Francisco.

Latest recommendations at reasonable prices for what they deliver:

Duckhorn's 2004 Merlot....preferred over the Estate. There isn't much of a difference in price but the former has a mucnh smoother finish.

Del Dotto Caves 2004 Cave Blend. A great everyday wine. Their 2000 Napa Valley Cab is amazing value as well although I wish they'd nuke the label.

Speaking of labels, Rutherford Grove has old world labels now which they're shortly phasing out (no, no, no). It's worth getting a half case of their 2002 Cabernet if you make it up there or can find it online.

Caymus is always good but you need an appointment and they are very strict about this unlike many of the others. They also have 'an' attitude. They could learn a lot about customer service, a quick smile and making you feel good for making the effort. Napa, particularly at $20-25 tasting sessions, is largely about the experience and vineyards need to remember that.