So back east at the beach house my friends Jody, Maureen and I were deemed “3 pak.” When one of us would show up without the others we were “1 pak” and so on…

This weekend Maureen and her parents came out for a visit and the “2 pak” covered 3 wineries that I’ve been wanting to try.

First up Robert Biale home of the Black Chicken Society (code name for the early casks). Known for their zinfandels they did not disappoint.  My favorites their 2012 Varozza Vineyard (St. Helena) and the 2012 Monte Rosso Vineyard (Moon Mountain).  They also made a delicious Petite Sirah.  I had to be reminded that a Petite Sirah is a cross-polinate of a syrah grape and a peloursin (no I don’t know what that is either).

Biale2

2 pak in the vineyard

Biale Biale3

Next on to James Cole just up the Silverado Trail.  Another small producer found through referrals from friends and the book Back Lane Wineries of Napa.  They had some lovely cabs and a very nice Malbec but I was completely sold on their 2013 Jaden Merlot Icewine and had to take a bottle home.  Not from Napa you say?  Correct from Canada where James’ brother lives.  Can’t wait to have this one on a special occasion with a yummy chocolate dessert!

Umbral. At first glance it looks like a skull but it is a diver. Umbral means threshold which the Coles were at when they started the winery and found this piece in So Cal.

Umbral. At first glance it looks like a skull but it is a diver. Umbral means threshold which the Coles were at when they started the winery and found this piece in So Cal.

And one more for good measure!  We brought our box of chocolate truffles to Luna. Luna was the first in Napa to plant pinot grigio but I found theirs to be a bit too fruity for my taste.  They are also known for their Sangiovese but I preferred their 2011 Bordeaux-style blend.  Perfect with a few birthday chocolates!  The celebrations continue!

Luna

Cheers!

#43 at week #43!  Just 9 wineries to go by the end of December!