The Local's Napa

Last weekend, I had the privilege of going to Napa Valley to visit a friend's parents.

Long-time residents and full-time oenophiles, they arranged private wine tastings, tours and lunches with winemakers. We harvested and crushed grapes, experienced a river tour and hiked through the Vaca Mountains behind their home.

Our gracious hosts also shared multiple bottles of wine from their vast collection. Here's a snapshot of many of the wines we enjoyed.

Havens Albarino 2008

Clark Claudon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Havens Merlot Reserve 2007

Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine

2007 Viognier | Pride Mountain Vineyards

Ridge Vineyards Zinfadel 2006 Old School 2006 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel

2006 T-Vine Cellars Napa Valley Zinfandel
HDV Syrah 2007

HDV Chardonnay Estate 2007

1999 Antinori Tignanello Toscana

1999 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco Conca by Renato Ratti

2006 Jaffe Estate Metamorphosis Cabernet Sauvignon

Due Sorelle Vin Santo
Cosentino Pinot Grigio 2008

Tom Eddy Elodian Sauvignon Blanc (2006)

Tom Eddy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Tom Eddy Pinot Noir Elodian 2006

Tom Eddy Pinot N

oir Elodian 2004

2008 HDV De La Guerra Chardonnay
Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Allen Vineyard

DuMol Pinot Noir Russian River Valley -- 2004

Jaffe Estate Transformation (2005)

2006 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain

Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Cave Collection 2003

Far Niente Cave Selection Chardonnay 2006

Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2007

Far Niente Cave Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Far Niente Dolce Late Harvest 2005

hope & grace Chardonnay 2006

hope & grace Pinot Noir 2006

hope & grace Malbec 2005

The Little Lab That Could

I lost my best friend on Friday, Oct. 2, just three days after her sixth birthday.

After eight months of fighting, Crimson - our brave, energetic labrador retriever - lost her battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

In spite of everything - the time, energy, money, prayers, hope, dietary and lifestyle changes, research, procedures and "state-of-the-art-treatment methods" - the fibrosarcoma recurred and thrived quickly - boring its painful, spindly tentacles throughout her mouth and jaw.

Crimson was an amazing companion, a beautiful soul; trusting, protective, intelligent. Sweet, loyal, yet refreshingly independent. Athletic. Adventurous. Intuitive. Patient. Confident.

My husband and I loved her immensely every day she was with us and are devastated by the loss. Our hearts are heavy as we face each new day without her.

Rest in peace, my sweet girl. ♥