When you have all the money in the world to build your dream winery this is totally how you do it! Kenzo was exquisite. The details, the architecture, the hospitality and most importantly the wine.

The Wine Juggernaut is preparing to travel back to Hangzhou, China to teach the history of wine and wine service later this month with Tim Hanni, MW. The 3 day course will contain a blind tasting of 2004 Ch. Lafite-Rothschild (Bordeaux), 2007 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa) and 2007 Alpha/Omega Proprietary Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa).

Sunset, many glasses of Elizabeth- Spencer wines and fantastic food from the kitchens of the Calistoga Ranch made this past Sunday memorable.
I have always been a fan of Elizabeth Spencer wines and having the perfect setting and a delicious dinner with Heidi made for a perfect summer evening in Napa Valley!

It's really so much nicer to be here when it's just friends, good food and great wines. The 95+ point tasting was a huge success.

The Wine Juggernaut attended this spectacular wine tasting at the Castello da Amorosa last Monday to taste some of the greatest wines of France, Italy & California.

Wine makers and wine lovers all tasted and between flights dined like Kings & Queens in the Great Hall.

The evening started with 1995 Krug Champagne & ended with 1967 Chateau d'Yquem. This was the WJ's second opportunity to drink '67 d'Yquem (the wine of the century according to Michael Broadbent) as I opened my only bottle previously in 1999 to announce the birth of our twins Nicky & Lara.

The tasting was blind so no preconceived opinions prevailed. Highlights were the 99 point 1985 Sassicaia (accompanied by Sassicaia's wine maker & new consultant for the CdA), the flight of three 1989's (Haut Brion, Chateau Margaux & Chateaux Lafite), the 1997 Gaja Darmagi and the WJ'S bottle of 1995 Lynch Bage.

Wine makers Kirk Venge (left) and Brooks Painter (right) enjoy the wine @ food.
Other wine highlights were the 1992 La Jota Howell Mountain, 1996 Penfolds Grange and the 1989 Lynch Bages.

The Blossom Hotel Group in Hangzhou were my kind hosts while training their service staff via live tele-conferences between 3 hotels for 4 days. 
4 hours of wine training their staff every day with my new friend (the best translator ever) Mr. Lamb, fielding many questions and teaching about Napa Valley and the great wines we produce.

The lights of Shanghai after Negroni's at the Deco Bar at the Langham. Dinner in the French Concession and a walk along the Spring misty river with the family.