Napa Knockdown

(Wednesday, October 11, 2017) — Two of the finest wineries in the Napa are Heitz Cellars and Chateau Montelena. In October we will compare their Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the white category in the 1976 Judgement of Paris that so changed the wine world. Their Cab is every bit as good. Heitz Cellars has long sported a sterling reputation. All these wines received scores of 90 or higher.

In the early 1980’s Heitz secured a vineyard along the Silverado Trail in the Rutherford area, and this became the basis for the Trailside Vineyard wines introduced in 1989. These wines get extended aging in new barrels to add to the complexity of the wine. The Martha’s Vineyard, in the Oakville is near the Mayacamas foothills, and has been supply grapes to Heitz Cellars since 1963.

We will taste three vintages of the Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Recent tasting comments are in parenthesis: 1999 (fully mature), 2001 (drinking well, surprisingly young), 2005 (entering its best years). You may find that herbs, berries and forest floor predominate here. The fourth representative from Heitz is the Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 which seems to be drinking well. You should expect eucalyptus and mint.

These will be matched against the Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Montelena Estate 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005. Recent tasting notes indicate the 1999 is “surprisingly youthful” and the others have a long life ahead of them. In these wines you should look for plums and dark fruit. Casiss and jam are also often used as are coffee notes. Wine has been made on this site since the 1880’s although not continuously. Prohibition put a stop to production for a number of years.

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume.  Using public transit is strongly encouraged.

Date:  Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Time:  6:45 pm
Limit:  66 people
Members: $98*
Guests: $120*

*Price including HST

North York Memorial Community Hall
5110 Yonge St. (under library)
North York Centre Subway

GST/HST account: 844742619RT0001

Business Name: Winetasters Society of Toronto

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume.  Using public transit is strongly encouraged.

Cancellations accepted up to October 9, 2017 (Jennifer Curran 905-829-4675 evenings). No reservations by phone, please. No mail confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out.  First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members.

Register by mail.

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