As a teenager, I visited the arcade religiously. Meeting up with other gamers or playing through the new and old was (and sometimes still is..) a regular pastime. During that time, Street Fighter was the big game. Lines of people, everyone with their own character that they were devoted to (8 choices were available) played or waited to play. This is one of the famous games of Kenzo Tsujimoto, the proprietor of game company Capcom and now, Kenzo Estate on Monticello Road, 15 minutes east of downtown Napa.
Arriving at the gate, and driving down the long, beautiful grounds (including a lake) was in itself a pleasure. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the friendly Tamamo, who brought us into the tasting lounge and p0ured some of their Sauvingon Blanc "asatsuyu" ($80 750ml, $40 375ml) while telling of the history of the winery and Kenzo in enjoyable detail. Originally from Japan, but living in San Francisco for 10 years (including work as a concierge), Tamamo made a lovely and gracious host to Lynn and myself. After an informative tour through the grounds and the cave, we were seated in a shaded patio seating outside, where 4 wines awaited us, all Bordeaux blends. The Rindo ($100)is a lush, appraochable blend showcasing red and dark fruits, dark earth, razzleberry, graphite and a hint of smoke that ,with it's mild tannins and acid, can be approached as a drinking wine or as a pairing with a good hearty tomato dish, pesto with marinated tofu, or even an artisan pizza.
Next up was the Murasaki ($250), a huge mouthfeel of violets, raspberry, dark cherry, blackberry, graphite, scorched earth, good tannic-acidic structure. Pair this with a hearty dish. I would opt at home for a lightly smoked eggplant and porcini mushroom with garlic, and maybe some tomatoes and smoked tempeh.
Next was the Ai ($250). Velvety, plush, and loaded with opulant cherry, sweet spices and great structure that a fabulous winemaker like Heidi Barrett brings out of a great piece of land managed by a viticulture legend such as David Abreu.
Finally, we were treated to Asuka, a wine of 97% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvingon, 1% of structure inducing Petit Verdot. Retaining that wonderful vegetal character of a Cab Franc, but with the lush and powerful hillside Napa fruit character, this would be wonderful with Spanish rice, with spice rubbed or bbq tempeh strips and a tomato broth, topped with sweet peppers, onions and lemon.
My hats off to another impressive series of wines from Napa stars, a stunning estate, great hospitality staff and a genius proprietor who has orchestrated a dream site for making wine and hosting. Remember, it is by appointment only, and everyone must be over 21 to visit. The three options are-$40 for a wonderful sit-down tasting; $60 for a tour and tasting; $80 for a tour, tasting and food pairing that included bites from Thomas Keller's Bouchon. Buy 6 or more bottles and the fees and shipping costs are waived!
Arriving at the gate, and driving down the long, beautiful grounds (including a lake) was in itself a pleasure. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the friendly Tamamo, who brought us into the tasting lounge and p0ured some of their Sauvingon Blanc "asatsuyu" ($80 750ml, $40 375ml) while telling of the history of the winery and Kenzo in enjoyable detail. Originally from Japan, but living in San Francisco for 10 years (including work as a concierge), Tamamo made a lovely and gracious host to Lynn and myself. After an informative tour through the grounds and the cave, we were seated in a shaded patio seating outside, where 4 wines awaited us, all Bordeaux blends. The Rindo ($100)is a lush, appraochable blend showcasing red and dark fruits, dark earth, razzleberry, graphite and a hint of smoke that ,with it's mild tannins and acid, can be approached as a drinking wine or as a pairing with a good hearty tomato dish, pesto with marinated tofu, or even an artisan pizza.
Next up was the Murasaki ($250), a huge mouthfeel of violets, raspberry, dark cherry, blackberry, graphite, scorched earth, good tannic-acidic structure. Pair this with a hearty dish. I would opt at home for a lightly smoked eggplant and porcini mushroom with garlic, and maybe some tomatoes and smoked tempeh.
Next was the Ai ($250). Velvety, plush, and loaded with opulant cherry, sweet spices and great structure that a fabulous winemaker like Heidi Barrett brings out of a great piece of land managed by a viticulture legend such as David Abreu.
Finally, we were treated to Asuka, a wine of 97% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvingon, 1% of structure inducing Petit Verdot. Retaining that wonderful vegetal character of a Cab Franc, but with the lush and powerful hillside Napa fruit character, this would be wonderful with Spanish rice, with spice rubbed or bbq tempeh strips and a tomato broth, topped with sweet peppers, onions and lemon.
My hats off to another impressive series of wines from Napa stars, a stunning estate, great hospitality staff and a genius proprietor who has orchestrated a dream site for making wine and hosting. Remember, it is by appointment only, and everyone must be over 21 to visit. The three options are-$40 for a wonderful sit-down tasting; $60 for a tour and tasting; $80 for a tour, tasting and food pairing that included bites from Thomas Keller's Bouchon. Buy 6 or more bottles and the fees and shipping costs are waived!
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