Parallel is the only Napa winery with an association between Park City Utah and Napa Valley! Perhaps someone likes to ski in this partnership as Parallel refers to the lines first left after an initial run down ski slopes. The label is creatively designed and reflects these "ski lines". The winery is owned by 4 couples all who have an interest in wine. They met in Park City and have developed long term friendships that carried over into this mutual business. The owners have donated over 1 million to various charities and organizations in the Park City area. Their first vintage was released in 2003.
They specialize in a single vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon each year although upcoming plans call for a Chardonnay. Much of the fruit for their wine comes from their spectacular 62 acre vineyard which is located above Lake Hennessey. In addition, they have contracts with other growers in the valley. This is in the same general mountain area as other well-known Napa wineries including Colgin and Chappellet. The climate is in part dictated by the moderating influences of the lake below allowing very even growing conditions and moderated temperatures. Only 7 acres are planted in very well drained soils which when combined with their particular Cabernet clone produces very small grapes with rich concentrated flavors. No wonder this particular hillside area of the Napa Valley is so highly coveted by wineries.
However even prime hillside vineyard properties have their quirks. One section of the vineyard is named the Turkey block as one year, one night before harvest a flock of wild turkeys descended and devastated most of this block. This is certainly not the first time we've heard of this happening in the Napa Valley! Philippe Melka has been the winemaker since day one (named winemaker of the year in 2005 by Food & Wine Magazines) and so has Jim Barbour in capacity as their very highly respected vineyard manager. All their wine is made at Fantesca Winery on Spring Mountain above the town of St. Helena.
We tried the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon which is blended with 8% Merlot & 1% Petite Verdot. This wine is dark ruby in color with a rich complex nose that includes floral and black current characteristics. The elegant mouth feel is soft and full bodied with black cherry, chocolate and a cigar box type smokiness that completes the finish. Unlike all other Melka produced wines that are priced towards the upper end of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon pricing, Parallel's wines are very reasonably priced, often described as 'mid range'. Due to the overwhelming response they received to earlier vintages (based on price to quality ratio) they have now established a mailing list. Lastly, their 2006 lot earned the 9th highest bid at Premier Napa Valley, a trade only fundraiser held annually in February. Not bad for a winery that did not exist several years ago!
Visit: www.parallelwines.com
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Open to Public: Private
Appointments: No, You can taste at the Vintner's Collective in town of Napa
Regular Tours: No
Hours: N/A
Phone: 363-8600
Address: St. Helena
 Winery Website
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