The Napa Trinity
As a violinist, I always try to find new ways to learn about my craft through correlating with other art forms. And for me, the liquid art has provided that inspiration. Thus, I relate music through wine and wine through music. Luckily, music has led me to Bordeaux, where I eventually became a life-time member of a wine society in the capital of the wine world (video).
My last trip to Bordeaux has taken me to some of France's most prestigious wine chateaux, including the five First Growths.
So this time, I decided to find out what some of the best wines US had to offer, visiting the three First Growths of Napa Valley.
Screaming Eagle - The Legend
When it comes to mystique of wine, no one personifies it more than Screaming Eagle. The elixir of quality, with a sense of elusiveness and exclusivity that is truly unmatched. No address listed, the property enclosed in a locked gate, and an eagle hovering over the vineyard are all part of this Da Vinci Code-like mystery. The vineyard is treated with utmost care: for soil fertilization, they use different farm animals to move around in a controlled setting.
For the tasting, Nick Gislason the wine-making Harry Potter, took me down to the magical cave where we tasted the Second Flight, Screaming Eagle, and SE Sauvignon Blanc (one of the rarest SB in the world). The small amount of barrels in the cellar reminded me of Petrus in Bordeaux, because there is such a minute production of its wines. By the way, the '92 Screaming Eagle (first vintage) is considered the most expensive bottle (Imperial 6-liter) ever sold at $500,000! This was a fantastic way to start my short excursion of bliss. The legend lives on!
Eisele Vineyard - The Best of Both Worlds
I started my second day visiting a winery that epitomizes tradition, nobility, and serenity. As soon as I entered the estate, it felt very peaceful with olive trees everywhere and farm-like ambiance with chickens clucking away in the pen. And the vines were treated like pampered children with organic and biodynamic certification. In 2009, Araujo Eisele Vineyard was categorized as Napa Valley First Growth by the Fine Wine Magazine. In 2013, it was acquired by French tycoon Francois-Henri Pinault, whose holding company owns Gucci, Christie's, and Chateau Latour - arguably the most monumental wine on the planet.
Because of my association with Bordeaux and also being a Francophile, I felt a certain bond with this pristine estate. When I met the Director Antoine Donnedieu, the first thing he offered me was an espresso. I felt very at home. And later on, I noticed there was a Korean flag along with the French and American flags, and that really made me feel at home! I had a great privilege to taste their Altagracia, Eisele Vineyard (100 pt '13 vintage), Sauvignon Blanc, and a blind tasting of a mystery wine ('94 EV Vieilles Vignes) - only made during '90s and 25 cases (btw I guessed '93 vintage). This magnificent estate posses the best of both old and new worlds - the elegance of Bordeaux and power of Napa!
Promontory - The Wine of the Future
After the euphoria at the Eisele Vineyard, I visited Promontory, one of the most anticipated new wines of Napa in recent time. Along with Harlan Estate and Bond, Promontory is Bill Harlan's latest and 'the most exciting project.' He is like the modern-day Robert Mondavi. Mr. Harlan once explained to me of Mondavi's influence during a private luncheon at the iconic Chateau Haut Brion.
As soon as you enter the estate, it exudes a sense of opulence. From Tesla and Porsche 911, lavish architecture with vista overlooking the hillside vineyard, to being greeted with Dom Perignon, feeling was like being in a wine Shangri-la! I had the privilege to taste three vintages of the Promontory, including the inaugural '09, monumental '12, and a barrel tasting of the '15 at the underground cave cellar. After tasting these über wines, I have no doubt it will become the First Growth of Napa in 21st century!
