THE MCBEE WINE BLOG DIARY

My mother, Camille McBee, partnered with Bobby G. Smith, Winemaker, in North Texas for over 30 years. Together they worked to develop a National and International name for Texas Wines. In 2009 she passed away too young, but she left behind a Texas Wine Industry that was better because of her dedication and she left a family with a deep rooted love and appreciation for wine and entertaining. This blog serves as a diary of my adventures in wine and as a lasting toast to my mother. -Cheers!

This blog is NOT intended to be the authority on tasting notes, or a professional guide for wine experts; it's simply a place for me to share some of my opinions and findings about wine with my friends and other wine lovers.

I truly hope you will use this blog to help you the next time you are thinking about what to buy at the wine store or deciding what to order at a local restaurant or when you travel to the wine country. ENJOY!

Monday, April 1, 2013

How to Plan the perfect Trip to Napa (Day 3: Morning Tastings)

1800s barn conversion at Nickel & Nickel

Day 3: First Tasting of the day was at Nickel & Nickel in Oakville.    This was my birthday day, so only seemed fitting to stop at one of my all time Napa favorites.  The bus dropped us off and we were escorted into a remodeled 1800s era barn that currently serves as their corporate offices and wine laboratory and tour area.   We were then led onto the grounds where they were still crushing grapes for the season.    Everyone was able to see the process first hand and get a real sense of how busy things can get during the harvest.



Following the crush tour, were were led through their caves and were able to see many vintages as they rested in barrels.    Nothing beats the smell of a wine cave with rows and rows of wine barrels.   Hundreds of wine barrels are stacked, each containing a certain vintage.    Generally you will find French oak barrels that have been burned (or toasted) to the winemakers specifications before they are filled with the red wine.   Most the barrels will hold wine for 12 - 20 months depending on how much of the oak taste the winemaker wants to seep into the wine.







Our tasting took place in the basement of the farmhouse which is located on the front half of the property.    Two long tables were set for 30; the setting was amazing.   Nickel & Nickel really knows how to entertain a big group.






Michelle...  save some for us


The tasting was elegant and educational but they certainly allowed us to have a good time.  

It is never a good idea to drink too much in Napa and turn the tasting into a party...    But our group knows how to have to good fun and the staff at Nickel & Nickel loved playing right along with us.    










Brandon Moore and Cody Lummus had a good time sampling the Red Wine.  We sampled 4 red wines and a Chardonnay.  



Our host explained how the the different soil types in the Napa region can influence the grapes.  He referenced a table in the room that held soil samples from all over Napa.  Kara Hannon and Ashly Cothern enjoyed the Chardonnay and the company.   Even Mike Cothern seemed to be getting into it by this point!






Ken Monk and Scott McNeil both joined the Nickel & Nickel / Far Niente wine club.     This is not the cheapest wine club in the valley, but you will be hard pressed to find a better wine club.    The wine is always amazing and everyone involved with this organization is a complete pleasure to deal with.   I always love introducing friends to this winery.

For your reference, appointments are always required when visiting Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente.



After Nickel and Nickel we were off to our next tasting...