Drink the Bottles

  In St. Helena, California sits an unassuming property that is sans the flashiness, bells, whistles and modern architecture of many of its larger and more popular neighbors.  But that doesn't mean that what is inside is any less special.  Prager Winery & Port Works has been in the Napa Valley for an astounding forty-five years, quietly making very special fortified wines of differing varietals.  This family owned and operated establishment is now run by the second generation of family and they are eager to greet you and show you their pride and joy - port wines! The 2019 Aria White Port Wine is made of Napa Valley Chardonnay and it shows off honey gold colors in the glass.  Sweet on the nose with aromas of cooked pear, orange candy and baked apple crisp.  While most folks probably taste Port wines chilled, we opted to drink this at room temperature (about 67° F) from our favorite mini Beglian beer tasting glass.  The non-chilled tasting option al...

  When you find a port wine that you really enjoy, it's kind of like finding that diamond in the rough.  Port wines can be hit or miss if they aren't the primary wine produced by the winery.  The 2016 Krupp Brothers Black Bart Syrah Port is a fine example of Napa Valley port wine made with exceptional fruit, resulting in loveliness in the glass.  This wine consists of 86% Syrah and 14% Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyards fruit.  2016 was a great year for Napa Valley powerful reds and that success definitely bled over to this wine.  Inky purple in the glass with cherry cola, dried flowers and sweet candied pecans on the nose.  Flavors of chocolate covered cherry, blackberry pie filling and sweet wood unite for a dense and rich tasting experience that warms the heart.  We tasted this in a whiskey glass and for the smaller pour, it was spot on.  We may or may not (ok, we did) also have this later on with a Reese's peanut butter cup.  That wa...