I was well and truly in my comfort zone last week, tasting a range of reds and whites from the Napa Valley, California's sun-kissed belt of wonderful vineyards.
There were no disappointments, in fact truth be told, I've never once had a poor wine from the Napa, and believe me, I've tried plenty. The stand-out wines were the Cabernets and the Chardonnays but that's probably my heart speaking as I love both grapes.
There are some half decent value wines to be had as well, although pound for pound, the Napa is one of the most expensive plots of land on which grapes are grown, so don't look here for the old three for a tenner wines.
You can easily lose your shirt, especially if you visit the valley itself. Wines above $150 are common place but they are also quite delicious. Other wines to watch out for in the Napa are their deliciously refreshing Sauvignon Blancs, their Merlots with layer upon layer of juicy fruits and of course the Zinfandels which are about as good as the grape gets anywhere in the world.
Bread & Butter reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Black fruits, mocha and lashings of vanilla make for a luxuriant wine. Simply stunning
Majestic £31.99 per bottle or £27.99 mix six
Ca Momi Chardonnay
One of the best Chardonnays I've tasted for years and a relative bargain for the Napa. Hints of apple and lemon with hints of vanilla on the finish.
hedleywright.co.uk £21.99
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