A taste of Napa

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." –Dolly Parton

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Robert Mondavi is one of the best and most famous vintners in the world. His estate in Napa Valley, California employs both age-old methods and technologically advanced equipment.

It was thus a wine lover’s pleasure to sample Robert Mondavi’s masterpieces which comprised the main feature of the Tower Wine Society’s third monthly wine tasting. Dozens of Tower Club members gathered at the country’s premier by-invitation-only business and social club’s Baron’s Bar to sample wines from the best vineyards in the Lodi AVA (American Viticultural Area), Mendocino and Napa regions, and to partake of roast beef, Parma ham, and kitsch. Tower Club general manager Rupert Haarhoff and membership director Cyndy Tan-Jarabata, socialized animatedly with the guests.

Anthony’s Wines and Spirits, one of the country’s prime wine suppliers, presented select Mondavi wines at the intimate gathering.

"Mondavi’s winery is like a Disneyland," says Tita Trillo of Anthony’s. "Its wines can compare to the best of the world."

The Mondavi family uses French oak barrels and state-of-the-art stainless steel in their winery. They follow the standards set by Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The Mondavis also believe in the art of wine appreciation so they hold art shows in the winery as well as summer jazz festivals.

The Tower Wine Society was privileged to imbibe the Mondavis’ fabulous wines–Napa Fume Blanc; Napa Pinot Noir; Coastal Chardonnay; and Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the barrel-aged Woodbridge variety, there was Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot; White Zinfandel, a light, fun wine one can have with fish or Japanese food; and Chardonnay, an everyday wine aged a bit for more body.

A special feature of the wine tasting was the silent auction of Mondavi wines (the 1995 Coastal Cabernet Reserve, the 1995 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, and the 1993 Napa Chardonnay Reserve). The wines came from Tita’s private cellar and were auctioned for the benefit of the Kamay ni Jesus Foundation.

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, golfer and theater magnate Bobby Yang.

Advanced birthday greetings to columnist Joe Guevarra, Aug. 27; Singapore Airlines dapper manager for marketing communications and services Rita Dy, Aug. 28; designer Oscar Attendido and businessman Ramon Cojuangco, Aug. 29; Rosita Fernandez, Dr. Lucresia Kasilag, Aug. 30; Ramona Ty, Ramon "Eki" Cardenas, Philip Cruz and Tito Lagdameo, Aug. 31.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)