Don's Gillette's Weekly Wine Blog
Weekly musings from our store's resident wine guru
Don has over thirty years experience in the wine industry. For the last eighteen years his attention has been focused on the growing local industry. Don has a large following of customers who search out his opinions (never in short supply!) on new releases and on what's currently most distinctive on our shelves. Others seek his insights on wineries and trends that are still under the radar. Check back here each week for Don's latest thoughts on various wine-related topics. Read Don's full bio...
Email Don directly with your wine-related questions.
Another Anniversary! (By NVWE store manager, Denise Johnson)
Before last week I had never written a blog, and now that Im started I can't stop! Don agreed to pass over the keyboard for this week's blog, since I have stumbled onto a theme. It is Anniversaries.
As you may have learned from last weeks promotional email (sent July 24th) Whitehall Lane Winery is celebrating an anniversary, too! The release of the 2004 vintage marks the Silver Anniversary of this esteemed property as 2004 is their 25th Vintage! It is commemorated by the release of the stunning 2004 Whitehall Lane Silver Anniversary Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Our staff has looked forward to the release of this wine for some time, as we have watched it evolve prettily since Don Gillette attended the original barrel blending, a traditional winery party of sorts. I cant say enough good things about this silky, delicious fruit bomb. Click here for Don Gillette's tasting notes on this beauty.
Don't forget . . . this wine is part of our Shop Summer Ship September promotion that allows Half Price Shipping!
Whitehall Lane Winery had a few other owners before being purchased by the Leonardini Family in 1993. In the ensuing years, the winery has increased their vineyard holdings from the originally purchased (fully replanted) 20 acres, to approximately 110 acres of prime valley-floor vineyards in the districts of Rutherford, St. Helena and Oak Knoll. These vineyard purchases have enabled Whitehall Lane to produce wines from some of the finest valley-floor fruit grown in the Napa Valley. They have full control over the growth, selection and harvesting of their grapes. These advantages, combined with the keen winemaking skill of the talented Dean Sylvester, have resulted in continually increasing quality and flavor, as evidenced by the fine 2004 Silver Anniversary Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Owner Tom Leonardini reports great things ahead with vintages 2005 and 2006, in barrel and bottle now!