This month, we're exploring the diverse flavors of Napa Valley, from innovative cocktails to world-class wines. Join us as we spark up the night at Chispa, Napa's groundbreaking tequila bar that's redefining local nightlife. Then, we'll journey to the rugged terroir of Promontory Estate, where the Harlan family is crafting some of the region's most sought-after wines. Finally, we'll savor the perfection of Promontory's 2016 vintage, a 100-point masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking.
Bar Spotlight -Chispa
Raise a glass to Chispa, Napa's groundbreaking tequila bar that's shaking up the valley's wine-centric scene! This vibrant newcomer, which opened its doors in 2023, has quickly become the talk of the town, recently earning a coveted spot on Esquire magazine's list of the best bars in America.
Co-owners Aubrey Bailey and Taylor Kindred, the dynamic duo behind Napa's beloved Cadet wine bar, have brought their passion for agave spirits to life with Chispa. Located in a renovated fitness center across from the city's police department, Chispa (Spanish for "spark" or "tipsy") offers a refreshing change of pace in the heart of wine country.
Step inside, and you're immediately transported to a modern beachfront cantina. The horseshoe-shaped bar, adorned with large sheets of meshed copper metal hanging from the ceiling, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. With an impressive selection of around 80 tequilas and 40 mezcals, Chispa is a paradise for agave enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
At the helm of Chispa's creative libations is bar director Marco Garcia, whose clever cocktail list has earned praise from Esquire. While you'll find classic margaritas and Palomas, it's the innovative concoctions that truly shine. Don't miss the deep-purple Side Eye martini, a tantalizing blend of tequila blanco, lime, hibiscus, and bitter pomegranate liqueur. For a nod to the owners' sommelier roots, try the Scenic Sling, featuring Cocchi Rosa Italian red wine, tequila blanco, fresh lemon, and seasonal strawberries from Napa's Silverado Trail.
But Chispa isn't just about the drinks. Chef Mac De Chavez, formerly of St. Helena's Charter Oak restaurant, brings his Filipino heritage to the table with modern bar bites and seafood-centric dishes. Pair your cocktails with fresh ceviche or oysters, or spice things up with Kung Pao octopus and crispy, pork-stuffed lumpia drizzled in hot chile sauce.
Chispa's success reflects a new generation of hospitality in Wine Country, one that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and laid-back fun. As Bailey puts it, "We decided that this was our home and we are the next generation of leaders in our industry, and that if we want to see cool and interesting things happen, it's up to us."
Whether you're a local winemaker unwinding after a long day or a visitor looking to explore beyond the grape, Chispa offers a welcoming space for all. Open late seven days a week, it's the perfect spot to experience Napa's evolving nightlife scene.
So next time you're in Napa, swap your wine glass for a tequila cocktail and experience the spark that is Chispa. It's more than just a bar – it's a testament to the changing face of Wine Country hospitality.
Chispa is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.chispabar.com/.
Winery Spotlight - Promontory
A Territory Apart
Promontory is not just a winery; it's a world unto itself. Nestled in a secluded canyon, this 500-acre estate boasts a unique convergence of volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic soils, creating an exotic winegrowing environment unlike any other in Napa Valley. The dramatic landscape, with its steep slopes and panoramic exposures, provides a canvas for nature to paint its masterpiece in the form of extraordinary wines.
As you wind your way up to Promontory, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. The road ascends through a narrow ravine, past moss-covered trees and ferns, before revealing a sun-drenched meadow that offers the first glimpse of this remarkable territory.
A Philosophy of Listening
Under the stewardship of Will Harlan, Promontory approaches winemaking as an art form, with nature as the artist and the winemakers as translators. This philosophy of deep observation and understanding of the land results in wines that truly embody the essence of their origin.
The Estate Wine
Promontory's flagship wine is a pure expression of this extraordinary terroir. Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it captures the power, mystery, and allure of the land. The wine is known for its remarkable depth, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.
A Tasting Experience Like No Other
Visits to Promontory are by appointment only, offering an intimate and exclusive experience. Guests are treated to a tour of the state-of-the-art winery, designed to complement the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The tasting culminates in a sampling of Promontory's wines, each sip revealing a new facet of this remarkable estate.
For those seeking the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking, Promontory offers a transcendent experience. It's more than just a winery; it's a journey into the heart of what makes Napa Valley truly special.
To schedule a visit or learn more about Promontory's exceptional wines, visit their website at http://www.promontory.wine.
Wine Spotlight - 2016 Promontory
In the realm of fine wines, there are bottles that transcend mere libation to become liquid art. The 2016 Promontory is undoubtedly one such masterpiece, earning perfect 100-point scores from four of the world's most respected wine critics. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from Napa Valley's Oakville region is more than a wine; it's a testament to the extraordinary potential of its unique terroir and the visionary winemaking of the Harlan family.
A Symphony of Perfection
The 2016 Promontory captivates from the first encounter. Its deep garnet-purple hue hints at the intensity that awaits. The nose is a complex tapestry of aromas, weaving together notes of ripe black fruits, exotic spices, and earthy undertones. Jeb Dunnuck describes "incredible purity of fruit" with "powerful notes of crème de cassis, gravelly earth, cedar pencil, and chocolate," while James Suckling marvels at its "dried mushrooms, blackberries, currants and cedar."
On the palate, this full-bodied wine reveals its true majesty. Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent notes its ability to intertwine "opulence and minerality with wonderful vibrancy and gravitas." The tannins are described as "ultra long" by Suckling and "exquisitely ripe" by the Wine Advocate, promising a wine built for decades of evolution.
A Glimpse into Promontory's Unique Terroir
The 2016 Promontory is a window into its exceptional 840-acre estate. The wine's complexity reflects the property's diverse soils and microclimates, with fruit harvested from numerous plots across varying elevations and exposures. Up to 70 different passes through the vineyard ensure each grape is picked at its peak, resulting in 30 or more distinct component wines that are artfully blended after a year of aging.
Innovative Winemaking
Unlike many of its Napa Valley peers, Promontory ages its wines in large casks of Austrian oak, imparting subtle nuances that complement rather than overpower the fruit. This attention to detail, combined with several years of aging, results in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity.
A Wine for the Ages
The 2016 Promontory is not just a wine to drink; it's a wine to experience and collect. As Lisa Perrotti-Brown suggests, it's "Now starting to shut down as it heads into a slumber," indicating that patience will be richly rewarded. This is a wine to lay down for at least another 4-5 years, with the potential to evolve beautifully over three decades or more.
For those fortunate enough to secure a bottle, the 2016 Promontory offers more than just a taste of one of Napa's most prestigious wines. It provides a liquid history lesson, capturing the essence of an extraordinary vintage from a truly unique terroir. It stands as a benchmark not just for Promontory or Napa Valley, but for the heights that New World wines can achieve.
Cheers to Chispa, Promontory Estate, and the 2016 Promontory – three shining examples of the diversity, innovation, and enduring excellence of Napa Valley's food and wine scene! From cutting-edge cocktails to timeless Cabernets, these establishments showcase the vibrant spectrum of experiences that make Napa a world-class destination for culinary and wine enthusiasts alike.
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