Napa Stars: Provenance Vineyards

Another “don’t miss” winery is Provenance. If you haven’t been here yet, I suggest you add it to your must visit list.2002 Mt. Veeder MerlotWhoa!!! Here is as decadent a Merlot as you can imagine! Deeply hued, with dense, concentrated blackberry and boysenberry flavors laced with cinnamon and dark chocolate, nicely topped off with oak nuances from start to finish. A full throttle yet polished merlot with firm tannins – WOW!2000 Oakville Cabernet SauvignonFrom the To-Kalon Vineyard, this Cab opens with a hint of violets and rich berry pie spices filling nose, leading to juicy berry and ripe dark plums, exotic spices and licorice. The tantalizing flavors meld together seamlessly, and the sweet fruit allows for drinking now, yet firm tannins suggest it will benefit from cellaring as well.Limited Release 2002 SyrahSmokey bacon and meaty aromas promise a blockbuster wine, which it surely delivers on the palate. Dark blackberries and vanilla blend harmoniously, and a dash of orange peel adds drama. This is a big, chewy incredibly well structured wine. Hats off to Tom Rinaldi, winemaker extraordinaire!