I had the wonderful pleasure to sit down with my friend, Nicole Stotesbery Duncan, of Ladera Vineyards on Howell Mountain in Napa today on The Broadcast. Elegant and eloquent, Nicole grew up on a ranch in Montana and went to school in New York for child psychology, before moving to Napa to help lead the Ladera team in ensuring guests to her family winery have the very best experience possible, making her parents, Pat and Anne Stotesbery – owners of the historic property, proud.  In town just long enough for us to sit down for a few minutes on the show, and then run to give Gary a hug before she flew back to Napa, we got to talk a few of my favorite wines from the Ladera portfolio, notes below.

For a link to the segment click here.

2012 Ladera Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc –  Made from three clones of Sauvignon Blanc, including Sauvignon Musque and clone #1, creating a light, fresh and very crisp white with a balanced flavor profile from beginning to end. Filled with layers of honeydew, passion fruit, citrus, guava and a hint of herbal notes, this patio friendly wine will transfer easily to any spring time pairing you could make, like grilled fish or fresh spring salads. $30 available locally at Pogo’s.

2010 Ladera Stile Blocks – The newest wine to the Ladera portfolio really highlighting the terroir of the region with its volcanic, mineral rich soils enhancing the earthiness of this robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, both adding richness and helping to soften the big grape tannins of the fruit, while adding subtle woody tannins to the wine, making it a wine to enjoy now or one that can age for many years to come.  Black cherry, dark chocolate and dusty leather notes fill this delicious wine.  $50 available at Pogo’s.

2010 Ladera Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet from the Ladera estate sitting at between 1600 and 1800 feet elevation.  The hand picked fruit is aged for 21 months in completely new French oak before being bottled without filtration or fining, to ensure the full flavor of the fruit is kept intact and creating an intense, bold and concentrated wine, that is also elegant, lush and beautifully layered. $85, available via their website.