We started the day out with a visit to the Krupp Brothers. Even if you haven’t heard of their winery or any of their wines, odds are fairly good that you have drank some of the grapes they have grown. They own a meager 680 acres on and around Pritchard Hill. They’ve had the good fortune to sell many of their grapes to some established wineries such as Caymus, Pahlmeyer, Paul Hobbs and Miner, as well as up and comers like Alpha Omega.
Although he was not slated to host our tour, Jan Krupp joined us on the excursion out into the vineyard. We joined a few visitors from Florida on a small terrace in the heart of Stagecoach. Tasting through the wines in the vineyard is always a treat. Their Synchrony 2006 was superb! A Cabernet Franc blend that showed such perfume and an ability to age. Shortly after tasting the wines, I geeked out with Jan to the point where we began pruning some of the vines: cutting off wings, etc.
After a scenic ride back to our cars, we made it down the mountain in time to change clothes and make a quick stop at Trespass Vineyards on the way to the CIA. Donnie hosted us for an impromptu tasting in the vineyard of his new releases. I must say, his line-up is better than it has ever been! The 2007 Cabernet Franc is perfect. His 2007 Rendezvous (a Cab Franc/Merlot blend) is clearly one of the best wines he has ever made. And the newcomer to the line-up: Intrigue (a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend) is delicious and affordable, particularly for a boutique wine out of Napa. I couldn’t help but pick up a case of each for Jar’s list.
After all of the wedding formalities, namely the “I Do’s”, the party began! The CIA prepared a wonderful dinner of Tuna Tartare Tower, paired t Chateau St. Jean’s Chardonnay and a Roulade of Beef with Mushrooms. Coincidentally, Trae had chosen Trespass’ Cabernet Franc 2006 for the meat course, and also the Lewis Cellar’s Reserve Cabernet 2007. What a juxtaposition of oak these two wines were! The Lewis was pure spice and wood layered over extracted ripe fruit, where the Trespass exuded varietal spice and florality with excellent balance. Both wonderful wines and fine with the beef.
The party was absurdly fun and there was much debauchery. I ended the night covered in candle wax and half undressed.
I love weddings!
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