WTN: Cal Cabs, Big House Red.

Napa Valley Grille. I've mentioned a couple of times how nice the tasting flights at the Napa Valley Grill have been. I must add a little caution, though; the quality of wine storage is currently very poor. The first glass of Lohr in the cab flight ($12.25 for three three-ounce pours) -- was bitter, acidic, "not worth drinking" according to Janet. We learned that the bottles are simply left corked in the fridges, and may be days old. [1*.] The second glass as noted was delicious. I matched my flight with a medley of roasted vegetables:

2003 J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles California. The second glass was quite wonderful – very good aroma and taste with a long, long finish. With more time, we might well have skipped the flight and shared a bottle. 4*.

2002 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County California. Wonderful aroma with fruit and spice and hints of chocolate; restrained fruit and spice tastes, long, mild tannins, good balance, relatively short finish. 2*+.

2002 B.V. Signet Series Cabernet Sauvignon Napa County California. Lovely aroma, excellent taste of fruit and spice, excellent balance with firm interesting tannings, long finish. Almost as good as the Lohr. 4*.

Janet had a glass of Bonney Doon Big House red with Ahi Tuna – one of her favorite pairings. A very tough comparison with the relatively elegant cabs, but a very pretty wine with food – we both find it matches many dishes surprisingly well – it may be that the single note aroma, taste and finish set off a relatively simple dish (the sort of food we usually prefer) explain our preference. That single note is distinctive with good to very good fruit, very good spice, mellow tannins, long finish. 3*.

Regards, Bob

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Note: These notes were written on September 6; I'm taking a month long sabbitical from drinking wine, and typing and posting notes from the past.

B.

Bob,
The Lovely NJ also is a big fan of Big House Red. It's great on those nights when you want a bottle of red but nothing too contemplative. I simply turn to her and say: "How about a Big House"? NJ likes it more than I do, but I always manage to down my share.
I seem to recall that Randall sold the brand earlier this year to some big ass conglomarate, so we'll see what lies ahead.
PS for Hoke: It's screw capped

Yes, he sold the Big House and IIRC the Critique of Pure Riesling to, I think, Constellation.

Big House Red is one of the best values I know of. Like you, I hope they maintain the style and price.

Bob R, last night at Rics Grill staff do, I opened a `99 Rodney Strong Symmetry. Still hanging in despite some reviews on one other place, advanced u bettcha but great wine!

Napa Valley Grille. I've mentioned a couple of times how nice the tasting flights at the Napa Valley Grill have been. ... Janet had a glass of Bonney Doon Big House red with Ahi Tuna – one of her favorite pairings.

Bob, would this be the Napa Valley Grille in Paramus? I remember going there with my second ex when it first opened to recapture some of the atmosphere of our then frequent visits to Napa. Apparently it didn't work. As to the Big House Red and other Big Houses, I believe Mr. Grahm sold that label and the associated vineyards a while back. I haven't tried it since, but it used to be a go-to pizza and pasta red for me.

The same, Gary. Janet liked the wine -- a bit rustic but fit the food very well. Regards, Bob