I have to admit that I had a lot of trepidation going into this event – a picnic and barrel auction riddle with rich wine snobs. I’m sure  you know the kind; those that go around swirling their glass around while they talk about their recent trip to some tropical private island or big-game hunting trip in Africa. Fortunately, I did not run into anyone one like that – I did bring a pair of running shoes, however, incase I had.

The pristine grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Auction of Washington wines is a huge fund-raiser for the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The cause of this event is undeniably noble and I’m sure everyone involved would agree that’s it’s a very good cause.

Last night’s picnic and barrel auction had a cover-charge of $150 per person (again, it’s for charity) which covered their food and all the wine tasting the wanted to do. It was a great way to spend an evening with other wine-lovers and help out a great cause to boot.  Two of the best wines I tried were an upcoming Cab/Syrah blend from Sleight of Hand Cellars and Rick Small’s Cab.

A part of the event is the silent barrel auction where participating wineries auction off a barrels-worth of wine in case quantities – the winners are announced at the end of the evening.

Rick and Darcey Small – winemaker/owner’s of Woodward Canyon

John Hurley – former host of Evening Magazine TV Show

Trey Busch from Sleight of Hand Cellars

Nobody told me that Bono was going to be at this event!

Napa Cellars is on a mission to bring people Napa Valley fruit and experience to people who don’t want the typical high-prices associated to them. While the winery has changed hands a few times it is now owned by the Trinchero Family – yes, the same owners of Sutter Home.

These four wines are all under $25 and as mentioned, are really aimed squarely at folks who insist on Napa fruit at more reasonable prices.

2009 Chardonnay – W.E.P. Rating: 85%

Technical Data:

Date: Sept. 4th – October 2nd, 2008

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Oak: 7 months 100% French Oak (34% new)

T.A. at Harvest: .59g/100ml

pH at Harvest: 3.60

Alcohol: 14.45%

T.A.: .59g/100ml

pH: 3.60

Oak: 100% French Oak, 1/3 New

Cases: 24,500

Release Date: June 2009

Price: $24

Nose: Pineapple, chalk, tree-moss, bannana, grapefruit and sea shells.

Taste: Crisp pineapple and green apple tidbits hit my tongue with force. It has a nice, dry mid-palate transistion w/o that heavy-oaked “California chardonnay profile”. I do get a slight smidgen of vanilla on the finish but the fruit doesn’t at all take a back seat to it and the acidity in this wine really helps hold it all together.

2008 Merlot – W.E.P. Rating: 90%

Technical Data:

Harvest Date: Sept. 7th-20th 2007

Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

T.A. at Harvest: .58g/100ml

Alcohol: 14.50%

T.A.: .58g/100ml

pH: 3.60

Aging: 20 months in oak – mostly French oak with 36% new

Cases: 14,000

Release Date: November 2009

Price: $22

Nose: Black cherries, black peppercorns, plums, currant and hoison sauce.

Taste: Very pronounced plum-suace action on the initial pass-thru along with some chunks of leather, saddle soap, blackberries and currants. Good mid-palate transition into notes of chocolate, vanilla casis and a splash of medicine cabinet. The finish is pretty good – the alcohol does creep up a touch but isn’t too bad. Overall, a good merlot for the money.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - W.E.P. Rating: 90%

Technical Data:

Harvest Date: Sept. 18th – October 29th 2007

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

T.A. at Harvest: .57g/100ml

Alcohol: 13.80%

T.A.: .57g/100ml

pH: 3.67

Aging: 18 months in oak – mostly French oak with 55% new

Cases: 19,500

Release Date: November 2009

Price: $26

Nose: Cherries, wet shoe laces, rose petals, cinnamon, star wars action figure, raspberries and leather.

Taste: Definitely get some nice cherry notes along with cascading waves of cola, shoe-polish, carmel, raspberries and plum skin. The firm tannins really scream out the youth of this wine – it’d do well to lay down another year or two, however, the finish is quite good for a “Napa cab” in this price range. With that said, there are certainly better cabs from other regions for the same price. I can totally see this wine doing well for those who insist on a Napa Cab but want to stay in a certain budget.

2008 Zinfandel - W.E.P. Rating: 70%

Technical Data:

Harvest Date: Sept. 4th-13th 2007

Varietal: 88% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah

T.A. at Harvest: .56g/100ml

Alcohol: 15.30%

T.A.: .56g/100ml

pH: 3.65

Aging: 31% French oak (75% new), 69% American oak (25% new)

Cases: 10,000

Release Date: November 2009

Price: $22

Nose: Blackberries, pepper, blueberries, cherries, vanilla and chocolate.

Taste: Good combination of black fruits, black pepper and spice. There’s an obvious amount of oak in this wine but it’s not over-oaked like so many cheaper zins are from California. It’s finish brings out notes of dark chocolate, hickory, blackberries and spice. I can see how this will totally appeal to most zin-drinkers but it’s not quite as pure as I prefer with the oakiness of it.

On the web: www.napacellars.com