Duckhorn 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Here's another great white for the summer. Slightly more expensive than the Flora Springs SB, this one sells for $27/bottle. Here's a fancy description from Duckhorn's website: "The tropical aromas are echoed on the palate and given added dimension by the addition of Semillon, which helps to showcase the juicy guava, passion fruit and pineapple upside-down cake flavors, alongside notes of fresh apple, vanilla and key lime pie."

That about sums it up. It's a slightly heavier Sauvignon Blanc than the 2009 Flora Springs but it's excellent.

Flora Springs 2009 Sauvignon Blanc - Soliloquy Vineyard

I've never been a raving fan of white wine but I do like an occasional Sauvignon Blanc or even a Pinot Grigio - especially in the summer! I attended the Flora Springs Cabernet release party this year and the event began with a glass of this terrific Sauvignon Blanc. It's light, crisp, fruity but not too sweet. Perfect for a hot day. At $20/bottle you should buy a case. Actually, in Texas our summers last forever so buy 2 cases.

Conn Creek 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet

Conn Creek is famous for their fabulous blend, Anthology, but their 2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet is wonderful and made my Hall of Fame. I favor wines made from mountain fruit. If I see Mt. Veeder or Howell Mountain on a label, chances are I will love the wine.

This wine is earthy and robust which is what you would expect from Howell Mountain grapes. Though the 2006 I tried earlier this year was wonderful, it will be out of this world in a few more years.

Retails for $45/bottle.

Love Zins? Try Elyse

If you love Zin, you have to try Elyse. I was blown away by their wine on our trip this year. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had a Zinfindel that was as good as their 2007 Howell Mountain Zin (made my Hall of Fame list) but their 2007 Korte Ranch Zin came in a close 2nd. I ended up buying both. At $37/bottle I should have bought more.

We bought a magnum of their 2006 Cabernet and drank it on the Auberge du Soleil patio during dinner. It was very good but nothing compared to the Elyse Zins.

2011 New Discovery: Pina

We try to find up and coming or boutique wineries each year in Napa and this year we hit the jackpot with Pina. One of the guys at Cakebread suggested we stop by Pina and try their Cabs. They were terrific. The 2007 Howell Mountain - Buckeye Vineyard Cabernet made my Hall of Fame list ($85/bottle).

You're not likely to find Pina on a menu because they produce such small quantities but you will not be disappointed if you order a bottle direct from the winery.

ZD Cabernets

I fell in love with ZD years ago. It was my favorite Cabernet until I discovered Cakebread. If you love Cabs and have not tasted ZD, you are missing out. The bottles run $50-$60 but the reserves are often priced well over $150. The 2001 Reserve Cabernet scored a 92 in Wine Spectator. If you find a ZD Cab on a wine list, you won't be disappointed if you order it.

Bennett Lane 2006 Maximus

We discovered Bennett Lane on our 2010 Napa trip. Their blend, Maximus, was creating a buzz so we stopped by their Cabernet release party. It was definitely worth the time! The blend on the 2006 Maximus is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah, and 5% Malbec. At $35/bottle, it's a steal. A terrific everyday wine that would pair well with most foods.