It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon along the Silverado Trail in Napa as members made their way to the patio area overlooking the valley at Signorello Winery. Signorello produces some of Napa Valley’s most sought after wines and their estate winery building and surroundings are one of the Valley’s most scenic spots.

Ray Signorello Sr. purchased the 100 acre estate in the mid 1970’s and originally grew grapes for other wine producers. 1985 was a huge harvest and Signorello produced wine under his label for the first time with the excess crop. In 1986, Cabernet production was increased and Pinot Noir was also added.

Ray Signorello Jr. is now the proprietor and winemaker for the estate. His wine making technique is Burgundian; striving for lush fruit to produce rich Chardonnays like those of Domaine Coche-Dury and Domaine Leflaive. The wines focus on elegance, balance and depth thus producing Pinot Noirs like those of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Domaine Leroy.

Our tasting began with 2009 Estate Seta, a Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend and 2008 Vielles Vignes Estate Chardonnay served with Lemon Panna Cota with Smoked Salmon and Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Carpaccio Bruschetta prepared by winery Executive Chef Michael McMillan.

Next we tasted the 2008 Luvisi Vineyard Zinfandel and the 2008 Estate Syrah served with Moroccan Spiced Lamb Skewers and Duck Sliders.

We concluded our tasting with the 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Signorello’s most prestigious wine, the 2007 Padrone Cabernet served with Chimmichurri Marinated Snake River Farms Kobe Beef Tri Tip Brochettes and Blackberry Garnache Chocolate Truffles.

This was an amazing wine and food pairing that was enjoyed by all.