Napa Valley Wine Reviews and Ratings
As the W.C. Fields saying goes, “I cook with wine and sometimes I even add it to the food.” Saturday afternoon was one of those occasions when the wine remained in my glass while I prepared a baked ziti with turkey sausage. I pulled two very different bottles from our stash and enjoyed one as I “worked” and the second while we ate. Here’s the scoop on these Napa Valley wine reviews and ratings.
Blackbird Vineyards Arriviste 2011 Napa Valley Rosé (13.5% Alc.)
Though it was one of the coldest winter days we’ve experienced in Chicago this season, I was in the mood for a bright, light-bodie
d wine to kick off my afternoon. I found this bottle at a local shop recently and, as usual, couldn’t wait to give it a try. I’m familiar with Blackbird and have driven by their vineyards along the Oak Knoll Crossroad, but have not actually tasted with them at Maisonry in Yountville yet. My husband also tells me I’ve had one of their reds at some point, but it must have been long ago, pre-blog. This pick was meant to be. As we unscrewed its top, songs from the Beatles’ White Album randomly began popping up on our iTunes playlist.
The 2011 Arriviste is a Bordeaux-blend Rosé comprised of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc. The wine took on a beautiful salmon hue in the glass and was highly aromatic. I observed floral notes, along with blood orange and strawberry on the nose. While sipping, I couldn’t help but comment on just how crisp and balanced this wine was drinking. The strawberry permeated throughout and made its medium-long finish all the better. I saved some for the following day to pair with an Asian-inspired chicken dish, which worked well. I really enjoyed this mid-day pick-me-up and know it would be a great porch wine again this summer. Rating: 4.83
James Cole 2008 Malbec (14.5% Alc.)
This winery came recommended by one of our wine educators during a recent Napa trip – I wish I could remember who shared this tip because 
it has become one of the go-to’s we visit each time. What we like about James Cole is that they excel at the more common Napa Valley varietals, as well as the lesser-produced reds, including Malbec. The 2008 supported this sentiment by literally seducing us with its complexity. This is definitely one that could age beautifully in the cellar for some time, but is drinking very well right now.
The wine was a deep, inky purple in the glass and almost seemed too “big” to be contained within it. This is because its bouquet was so powerful with hints of cedar, tobacco, spice and eucalyptus. Interestingly, not much fruit surfaced on the nose. However, plum, subtle oak and vanilla helped to round out the palate. What was so lovely about the 2008 James Cole Malbec was the smooth, velvety mouthfeel and extended finish. At $75, it’s also a value against any wine at the same price point. The 2008 Malbec is sold online by the winery and direct from their tasting room. Rating: 4.83
(For different reasons than the Arriviste, we arrived at a similar score and patted ourselves on the back for lucking out with such an excellent day of wine.)
Visiting James Cole Winery
James Cole is a must-stop on your Napa Valley tasting itinerary. Their modest, modern, rustic stone winery, pictured above, could be easily missed along the 
Silverado Trail. However, it promises one of the best line ups you’ll taste. It’s actually very easy to find at the intersection of the Oak Knoll Crossroad and Silverado Trail and is a wonderful place to start on your venture into the Valley. During our first winter time visit, we were lucky to be able to pop in unannounced, but with their growing popularity (and Napa Valley appointment regulations), a call ahead is now a good idea.
Guests will have the option to add their Reserve wines on to the core tasting list for an extra fee. (Trust me, it’s worth it.) Aside from the Malbec, we’ve tasted their Chardonnay, Cabernets, Red Wine blend, Petit Verdot and Ice Wine.
Beyond the tasting room, you can check out their barrel room, which is usually channeling Rolling Stones tunes and either music videos or a vintage black and white film. If you’re fortunate to get beyond those doors (depending on how busy they are), you’ll see their fermentation tank room which also serves as a makeshift garage for the owner’s pristine classic Corvette and old school pinball machines.
We just love the relaxed, “life is good” vibe of this place, as if the wines weren’t compelling enough!
James Cole bottle and header images courtesy of the winery and Rulon Works.
A wise man that W.C.! Good time was had at our 2012 visit to James Cole.