Saturday, November 24, 2007

Palmaz Winery Officially Open to the Public

Palmaz Vineyards winery has officially opened to the public. You have to call and make an appointment but it will be worth it. Family members will apparently personally conduct the tours and tastings. Vino Girl and Winemonkey had the pleasure of visiting a few times under the guidance of engaging daughter Florencia. The hospitality, the winery -- and of course the wines -- will not disappoint.

SUMMARY
Started in 1997 by reknowned cardiologist (and inventor of the vascular stent) Julio Palmaz and his wife and entrepeneur Amalia, much of the day to day operations are left in the hands of their able-bodied daughter Florencia.

WINERY
The Palmazes have constructed the most outrageous winery in the valley (and that is saying something.) A five story structure built into the existing mountain, the gravity fed winery is an engineering and visual masterpiece and a must stop for any true wine lover. In addition, all of the stone work around the winery has been hand cut by stone masons; an ongoing project now in its fifth year and also a sight to behold.

LOCATION
The vineyards and winery are located in the up and coming Coombsville or proposed Tulocay AVA area along Mount George in the southern part of Napa Valley.

WINEMAKING Originally consulted on by famed winemaker Randy Dunn (2000-2001), the project then moved into the hands of renowned consultant Mia Klien (2002-2005) who has now primarily turned over the reins to winemakers Tina Mitchell and Florencia Palmaz (2005 on).

CONTACT INFORMATION
Palmaz Vineyards 4029 Hagen Road Napa, CA 94558 707 226-5587 http://www.palmazvineyards.com

Wines Reviewed:

Vintage

Winery

Wine Name

Country

Region

Current Grade

Peak Grade

Price

2001

Palmaz Vineyards

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

A

A

$100

2001

Palmaz Vineyards

Gaston Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

A

A

$100

2002

Palmaz Vineyards

Cedar Knoll Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

B+

B+

$25

2002

Palmaz Vineyards

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

A

A+

$100

2002

Palmaz Vineyards

Gaston Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

B+

A

$120

2004

Palmaz Vineyards

Cedar Knoll Vineyard

US

California

B+

B+

$25

2005

Palmaz Vineyards

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

US

California

NR

B+

$100

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