Amulet Estate is a 20 acre property tucked into the hills of northern Napa Valley in what historically was known as Dego Valley (now Italian Valley). The property has been owned by multiple individuals over the years including Robert and Paula Brooks (who we met with years ago). During their ownership, the property and wines were known as Dancing Hares. We … [Read more...]

RAZI Winery, not to be confused with Kazi Cellars in Sonoma County, was owned by former architect Fred Razi (died 2025); he used to work with developer Bob Heisler in designing homes in Modesto, CA). Fred was born in Tehran in 1937; he first came to the U.S to study architecture at the University of Illinois. He and his wife Kathryn moved to London, then … [Read more...]

Salexis Wines is run by long time Napa Valley vintner John Gibson and his wife Ann. At the time of this review John was entering his 30th harvest in the valley. With no background in wine, John has certainly made his mark on Napa Valley wine industry. After graduating from UC Davis, he moved directly to Napa Valley. Initially he worked as winemaker under … [Read more...]

Quivet Cellars focuses on extremely small production Cabernet Sauvignon (with a tiny production of Syrah) using the finest artisan techniques, hands on wine making, premium vineyard sources and limited production often highly allocated French oak barrels. Quivet Cellars is a partnership between four partners who all share a passion for fine wine. The name … [Read more...]

Myriad Cellars was founded by winemaker Mike Smith with his first vintage released in 2005; today the brand is operated by both Mike and his wife Leah. The name "myriad" has its origins in Greece and one of its translations means "innumerable" which can directly equate to wine making based on the "innumerable" aspects it takes to create a great bottle of … [Read more...]

Forman Vineyard was started by long time and well respected Napa Valley vintner Ric Forman in 1983; his first vintage was a 1983 Cabernet Sauvignon which when released was priced at $29.99. Ric grew up in Oakland and later studied at UC Davis in the late 1960s and was part of the era at Davis that produced top local winemakers including Justin Meyer at … [Read more...]

Elan Vineyards, not to be confused with Elan Vineyard in Balnarring, Victoria Australia is run by the husband wife team of Patrick and Linda Elliot-Smith. In French, élan refers to someone doing something in an energetic and confident manner - someone who is enthusiast and or having a vigorous spirit. And or someone with style. Patrick is one of the … [Read more...]