Saturday, July 16, 2011

Black Stallion

This article was originally published in the Benicia Herald on January 11, 2009.

The Black Stallion Winery, located along Napa's celebrated Silverado Trail, is located on what used to be an equestrian center. Like many of its neighbors, the grapes used to make the wine here come from soil fertilized by years of use as the stomping grounds of the animal kingdom.

Although fertilizer is not also the most palatable thought when relaxing with a nice bottle of vino, it could be the difference that gives the wine its delicious flavor. The wines that come from the gentle landscape of the winery named for a fertile, masculine horse are bold, flavorful and worthy of attention - in both the white and red varietals.

To start off, we were given a pour of the ‘05 Carneros Chardonnay, a wine that is faint on the nose, but sweet and creamy on the tongue. A delicate mix of butter blended with undertones of honeysuckle and pear made the wine beg to be paired with a dynamic plate of food. It’s the kind of wine to bring to a dinner party - one to be sipped as the meal is plated and served.

My favorite white, however, was the ‘07 Pinot Grigio. The fresh aroma was all pear, melon, jasmine and orange blossom. The flavor was crisp and sweet - causing me pause to dream of a warm summer afternoon in the backyard, tanning and catching up with a good friend. I bough a bottle for $22 in the hopes of making that dream a reality when the winter chill leaves Benicia.

The reds, more appropriate for the cool season, were also noteworthy. The ‘05 Oakville Merlot offered a deep blackberry bouquet with hints of baking spice, tobacco and toasted nuts on the palate. Balance all those flavors with the tannins that made me pucker, and you’ve got this bottle pegged.

Black Stallion Winery is located at 4089 Silverado Trail in Napa. They are also online at www.blackstallionwinery.com.

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