Do the wines of Napa share the characteristic of so many of the world's greatest wines, namely the ability to improve over the decades? And if they do, is this equally true for contemporary releases as it is for historical bottlings?
Over the course of two days last week, in the company of Anthony Dias Blue, Karen MacNeil, and Sotheby's wine specialist Nicholas Jackson, I had the good fortune and great pleasure to guide 35 interested wine lovers through a truly historic tasting of wines from California's Napa Valley. The premise was as simple...
Napa Valley in retrospect
Tuesday 20 November 2012
See also Alder's tasting notes.
Become a member to continue reading
Celebrating 25 years of the world’s most trusted wine community
In honour of our anniversary, enjoy 25% off all annual and gift memberships for a limited time.
Use code HOLIDAY25 to join our community of wine experts and enthusiasts. Valid through 1 January.
Member
$135
/year
Ideal for wine enthusiasts
- Access 286,654 wine reviews & 15,832 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
Inner Circle
$249
/year
Ideal for collectors
- Access 286,654 wine reviews & 15,832 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
Professional
$299
/year
For individual wine professionals
- Access 286,654 wine reviews & 15,832 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
- Commercial use of up to 25 wine reviews & scores for marketing
Business
$399
/year
For companies in the wine trade
- Access 286,654 wine reviews & 15,832 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
- Commercial use of up to 250 wine reviews & scores for marketing
More Alder on America
Alder on America
This new AVA delivers on cool-climate wines – and excellent value for money. Above, the Derbyshire Vineyard, the Pacific Ocean...
Alder on America
A little corner of Germany and Austria in Lodi (photo of Mokelumne Glen Vineyard by Randy Caparoso).
Psychologists analysing paratroopers...
Alder on America
US wine labelling rules look set to follow those in the EU – at some point. Alder examines the complicated...
Alder on America
The US wine industry eyes up the prospect of a recession (although at least they have a nice strong currency)...
More from JancisRobinson.com
Tasting articles
Classic, affordable bordeaux made for pleasure and selected for an independent, reliable and regularly updated classification. For all that we’ve...
Tasting articles
This month’s Singapore selection features a majority from Western Australia, including a handsome mini-vertical of Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon.
As...
Tasting articles
A Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting in London gave us a first look at these finished wines. How...
Inside information
Brunello farmers never knew what nature would throw at them next in 2025. Yet somehow they managed, even claiming that...
Book reviews
Six sleek guides for wine lovers wanting on-the-ground advice on what and where to drink and eat.
The Smart Traveller’s...
Nick on restaurants
What is it about Saturday lunch? A tale of one enjoyed at Mayfair’s latest opening. Very fancy!
It has been...
Inside information
The final episode of a seven-part podcast series giving the definitive story of Jancis’s life and career so far. For...
Free for all
Some wine really does get better with age, and not all of it is expensive. A slightly shorter version of...