Allen Balik

Napa

Columnist at Napa Valley Register

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Articles

The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: The captivating appeal of old vines

2 weeks ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

We often hear the expression "old vine" and see it printed primarily on Zinfandel labels. But has anyone officially defined what that means? Not really. In the U.S., there is no legal definition for old vine on the label as there is for many other statements of quality and heritage. Estate Bottled vs.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Is 'dry' a good thing when speaking about wine?

1 month ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

While enjoying a glass of Cabernet a few weeks ago with an old friend who is unfamiliar with wine jargon, I was caught off-guard when he asked, "How in the world can a liquid as delicious as this be described as dry?"A good question, because when speaking of wine the term "dry" can be interpreted in many different ways and pose several semantic challenges. It is one of the most used descriptors in the wine world, but all too often it’s done in the wrong context.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Stretching beyond our comfort zone

1 month ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Often when talking about wine with friends who appreciate its pleasures, but are not really interested in the backstory or breadth of the subject, I hear comments about "comfort" levels relating to specific favored varieties or brands. Sadly though, it’s seldom I hear much about their desire to venture into something new. And that's really a shame. It takes just a bit of courage and exploration to discover many rewards that will grace the dinner table and add interest to a special occasion.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: 2022 Bordeaux – A vintage perspective

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

The wines of Bordeaux are widely accepted as being among the world's finest, most popular and in some cases also the most expensive. Late last month I again attended the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting in San Francisco where about 80 of Bordeaux's finest châteaux, representing all of the appellation's most prestigious growing areas, poured their treasured wines from the superb 2022 vintage to the trade and press.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Are all wines meant to age gracefully?

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

When thinking of wine in its youthful stages two questions come to mind. First is this wine intended for enjoyment in its early years? Or, am I looking for the necessary components, balance and structure indicating its ability to mature with grace and offer a more multifaceted personality as it evolves over time? Not all wines are meant to age.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Tasting wine is an individual experience

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Any wine tasting experience is individual and ours alone just as it is with food. Therefore, the impressions one may encounter may be quite different from another even while enjoying the glass or dish together from the same bottle or chef. This is no different than what we may encounter as our individual experience when discussing a famous painting, the enjoyment of a stage play or when chatting about a recently published novel. Tasting wine can be easy and enjoyable.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Andy Beckstoffer: To Kalon and beyond

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

When wine lovers hear the Beckstoffer name, they most likely associate it with Napa’s iconic Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard in Oakville. And rightly so. However, since 1970 Andy Beckstoffer has pioneered vineyards across the Napa Valley (1,000 acres) as well as Lake (1,800 acres) and Mendocino (1,200 acres) counties. I became familiar with the Beckstoffer designation many years ago as I launched my vinous journey and began to identify vineyard sources of various wines that caught my attention.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Crystal Springs – Napa Valley’s newest AVA

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Augusta, Missouri became the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) declared by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms now known as Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau or TTB) in 1980. This was followed in 1981 by Napa Valley as the second. Now, Napa’s newest and 17th “nested” AVA (aka sub-appellation) was declared this month as Crystal Springs of Napa Valley (CSNV) which follows Coombsville as its 16th declared in 2011.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: It’s all about complexity

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Whether in conversation or when reading a tasting note on a specific wine, the discussion is often limited to its aromatics (nose) and flavor (a significant part of the palate experience). More often than not, I find little or no reference to the underlying foundation of the wine’s personality that ultimately leads to its uniqueness and character. Flavor is of course an important aspect.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Wine and music shine at Cliff Lede Vineyards

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

In speaking with second generation General Manager Jason Lede, it is clear that while wine is the family’s focus, music plays an important supporting role. On a recent visit to the winery, Jason clearly pointed out, “Both music and wine are art forms. Each, in their own way, presents subjective expressions from classic to modern.