After a toast, he sipped the wine, and with his typical bright smile, turned to me and said, “This is delicious.” I was flattered. “Why do you make Carignan,” he then asked? An answer was hard to come by, so I changed the subject.

This sturdy, well-concentrated Merlot-based blend offers tempting black and blue fruits, velvety tannins and an almost sweet fruitiness that leads to a lingering finish. Notes of cocoa, vanilla and chocolate cherries give plenty to appreciate. Best through 2030. 92 POINTS

‘Vivid, rich aromas of roasted peanuts, butterscotch and toasted oak lead to ultraripe golden apple and marzipan flavors in this full-bodied, lush and soft wine. Its indulgent richness coats the taste buds and clings to the sides of the mouth for a lingering finish. 93 POINTS’ – Jim Gordon

One of the highlights of this past week was having dinner with Bob Travers, the man who hired me for my first Napa Valley job, Assistant Winemaker at Mayacamas Winery.