Neal Family Vineyards, A Rising Star?
If you’re planning a trip to Napa, make sure one of your stops includes Neal Family Vineyards. But being that this winery is a small family owned operation, you’ll probably need to call or email to make an appointment. Chances are you’ll talk to the owner Mark, who’ll cordially invite you to visit at a time convenient to you. Once there, you are greeted by a beautiful building flanked with poppies and dogwood, which are both in bloom, and acres of vineyards. An outdoor terrace at the winery entrance greets you with detailed copper, wood, and stone work telling of times entertaining on the patio. Inside you find more copper work throughout, highlighted by a beautiful foot rail at the tasting bar, and a large vinelike Chandelier suspended a good 15′ up at the glass doors leading into the wine caves.
Gove, our tour guide and the Neal Family Vineyards winemaker, was nice enough to jump off the tractor and show us around the facility. His knowledge is abundant as we learned of the different Barrels the winery uses as a “Spice Rack” during the fermentation stage of their wine. He also explained the background of the Neal family, owning a Vineyard management company since the late 60’s, and just getting into mass production of wine. The philosophy is simple, never compromise. The quality of the wine will meet their standards every year, or it won’t be sold. Production is done in house, which gives Gove the control he needs to make a quality product. For many small wineries, crushing and bottling facilities are used, limiting the decisions in production. That was something they didn’t want.
Reviews
The wines are superb and two were served on the sunny afternoon we visited. First we had the 2003 Rutherford Zinfandel ($22)
An aromatic wine with huge berry, vanilla and oak hints on the nose. The wine explodes on the palate with a rich mouthfeel and texture accompanied by a light Strawberry flavor with chocolate and vanilla. The finish is extremely long and layered lasting over one minute. 98 Pts. -JAT
Next was the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($45), a blend of many vineyards scattered throughout the valley. This wine is elegant and drinkable, yet the tannin structure feels strong and would aid this wine in the bottle. Again, pronounced fruit of Berry, (Blackberry predominately), vanilla, chocolate and cassis warm the palate. A chewy aftertaste lets you know this wine is built for the cellar. 94pts -JAT
The Zinfandel has the label of being the best I have ever had, and I can’t wait to dive into another bottle. Bravo to the staff and owners, on a wonderful example of what a wine and winery should be.
