[RichF90M5C]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

We went to a wine dinner last night with Plumpjack and Cade. Mrs actually sat next to Plumpjack winemaker Aaron Miller. It was an interesting conversation. Took home 2 signed bottles.

That looks like my kind of night out!

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by RichF90M5C

That looks like my kind of night out!

It was a good time!

[hubbahubba]

Paired this with XX spicy Kung Pao Chicken. The combo worked surprisingly well. The wine is fruity, but dry. Not too sweet at all. I am usually not a fan of Rose, but I would have this again. Sorry about the empty bottle…😂😂

[hubbahubba]

And that reminds me….. Wine club shipment arrived a few days ago.

[hubbahubba]

Staying with Stags’ Leap tonight. Picked this one up at the winery. Gotta love the black label.

[kscarrol]

Been a while since I’ve tried Stags’ Leap, how was it?

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Been a while since I’ve tried Stags’ Leap, how was it?

It was delightful. Actually the last few bottles we have opened have been Stags' Leap, (not to be confused with Stag's Leap). All of different varietal, and all very good.

[kscarrol]

Yes, usually go with Stag’s Leap but will have to try Stags’ again soon.

[hubbahubba]

Hey gang. We booked a trip for July to Napa/Sonoma. We will have 3-1/2 days of tasting. I want to spend one day in the Alexander Valley area and at least hit Jordan and maybe Alexander Valley Vineyards. Also on my list of possibilities are J. Rickards and Blue Rock. What else do you like from that area? Thanks!

[RickFLM4]

Just hauled a few bottles up to Asheville from FL for the summer:
2015 Sena
2019 Sena
2017 Silver Oak
2018 Real The Bard
2020 Lewis Cabernet (2 bottles)

Still have a bottle of 2016 Sena here and also ordered 2 bottles each of 2015 Robert Foley cab and 2019 Alpha Omega Napa cab, so that’s 11 bottles (10 after tonight).

We go out to eat a lot when here, and corkage is more than reasonable most places, so we tend to enjoy quite a few bottles here.

[hubbahubba]

RickFLM4 I've been spending the morning planning the trip, and scoping out wineries to visit. I was hoping to visit Realm, but this is on their website:

"We look forward to the day when members can visit us at our Estates on Wappo Hill and Pritchard Hill. Due to the unfortunate loss of our 2020 vintage and extremely limited wine availability, we remain closed to guests. We are planning a series of unique experiences scheduled to launch in late 2023. Please stay tuned for further updates!"

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

RickFLM4 I've been spending the morning planning the trip, and scoping out wineries to visit. I was hoping to visit Realm, but this is on their website:

"We look forward to the day when members can visit us at our Estates on Wappo Hill and Pritchard Hill. Due to the unfortunate loss of our 2020 vintage and extremely limited wine availability, we remain closed to guests. We are planning a series of unique experiences scheduled to launch in late 2023. Please stay tuned for further updates!"

That’s too bad. I knew they lost their 2020 vintage, which was really unfortunate. They opened up their library earlier this year to make up for the lost vintage, which was nice.

I would email them and tell them you are planning a trip in July and wanted to check if they might reopen by them. Never know - maybe they will put you at the top of the re-opening list.

Have a great trip - look forward to hearing about it and the wines.

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

That’s too bad. I knew they lost their 2020 vintage, which was really unfortunate. They opened up their library earlier this year to make up for the lost vintage, which was nice.

I would email them and tell them you are planning a trip in July and wanted to check if they might reopen by them. Never know - maybe they will put you at the top of the re-opening list.

Have a great trip - look forward to hearing about it and the wines.

Great idea. I will shoot them one today, thanks!

[hubbahubba]

No dice on Realm:

"Thank you for your interest in visiting and it’s great to hear that you have had a chance to taste some older Realm vintages. The loss of our 2020 vintage has postponed our reopening, yet we plan to host members again once we have released the remainder of our 2021 vintage this fall.

While we currently do not offer experiences at our estates, we hope you will enjoy Realm at one of our retail or restaurant partners. If you are interested in becoming a member, we welcome you to sign up on our website and we will keep you posted about opportunities to visit in the future."

I do have 11 tastings booked, though. Going to be a good time!

[MTrumbo3]

love Caymus, and Frank Family cab!

[MTrumbo3]

Love Caymus, and Frank Family Cab!

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

No dice on Realm:

"Thank you for your interest in visiting and it’s great to hear that you have had a chance to taste some older Realm vintages. The loss of our 2020 vintage has postponed our reopening, yet we plan to host members again once we have released the remainder of our 2021 vintage this fall.

While we currently do not offer experiences at our estates, we hope you will enjoy Realm at one of our retail or restaurant partners. If you are interested in becoming a member, we welcome you to sign up on our website and we will keep you posted about opportunities to visit in the future."

I do have 11 tastings booked, though. Going to be a good time!

Oh well. You’ll have a great trip nonetheless. Maybe you can hit Realm next trip.

[hubbahubba]

Last Wednesday my summer release from Stags' Leap arrived. I had requested and paid for ice packs, but none were sent with the wine. I opened the box to find 2 of 2 bottles dripping. Immediately on the phone to the winery, and my replacements arrived this Wednesday. We opened one last night, and it was very tasty.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

Last Wednesday my summer release from Stag’s Leap arrived. I had requested and paid for ice packs, but none were sent with the wine. I opened the box to find 2 of 2 bottles dripping. Immediately on the phone to the winery, and my replacements arrived this Wednesday. We opened one last night, and it was very tasty.

Hate to see a dummy ruin wine like someone did in their shipping dept. Glad they sent you prompt replacements though!

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Hate to see a dummy ruin wine like someone did in their shipping dept. Glad they sent you prompt replacements though!

Indeed. Thank you, and me too!

[RickFLM4]

It’s crazy expensive (at least to me), but placed an order today for my first-time allocation of Realm Cellar’s The Absurd. Aftermarket prices of other vintages tell me it’s a nice investment. Unless I drink it one day in the future.

[kscarrol]

Hmm, not familiar with Real Cellars. Did not take a picture at the dinner table but had a bottle of 2004 Mayacamas cabernet, beautiful wine!