TNs: Ballentine (Napa) and Wild Goose (Okanagan).

Popped into DeVines on my way to the Grill last night and finished off the dregs left from the afternoon tasting session!

Ballentine, Napa Valley.

Not too familiar with this winery but enjoyed the `06 Chenin Blanc. Old Vines from the Pocai vineyard with a nose of peach and floral tones. Was singing at close to room temp. The palate showed typical floral, zesty, apple and peach. I am still a big CB nut, this had great depth, off dry on finish with nice citrus tones.
Was not too sure about a nameless Zin! Deep color, lots of black fruit. Pepper, cranberry, spice, cherry but was not convinced this was my style.

Wild Goose, Okanagan.

Used to see the Pinot Gris around these parts but not lately. The Gewurztraminer has garnered some press lately. Crisp, elegant, floral, spice. Has the typical rose petals and lychee. Ginger, spice, mineral, peach flavors. Its all there with a hint of sweetness, nice!

Ballentine, Napa Valley.
Not too familiar with this winery but enjoyed the `06 Chenin Blanc. Old Vines from the Pocai vineyard with a nose of peach and floral tones. Was singing at close to room temp. The palate showed typical floral, zesty, apple and peach. I am still a big CB nut, this had great depth, off dry on finish with nice citrus tones.
Was not too sure about a nameless Zin! Deep color, lots of black fruit. Pepper, cranberry, spice, cherry but was not convinced this was my style.

I drop in on this place every so often when I manage to get that far north in the valley. I've always enjoyed a warm welcome there. During crush they let us stick our noses in places where we ordinarily couldn't have stuck them.

Their wines and prices are what you would expect from that end of the Napa Valley, but I do enjoy them all the same. Pocai is one of their better vineyards. Still, it's just one of those things where the ambiance makes the wine taste better. The tasting room is really just functional ... no big bamboozles, shiny cars or oversized posters of the Godfather. (And, Bob, I'm not too fond of Napa Zinfandel ... me not either.) But if you do run across their Cab Franc, give it a sniff and a slurp.