We are delighted to share the reviews from Antonio Galloni in the December issue of the Wine Advocate.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the glass with dark plums, cherries, tobacco, flowers and mint. It shows lovely textural depth and sweetness through to the enveloping, layered finish. The 2008 was aged in 85% new oak barrels. Based on this tasting, a little less new oak might allow more varietal complexity and nuance to come through. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.  91 points.

The 2009 Cabernet Franc emerges from the glass with pure varietal warmth and expressive generosity. Mocha, espresso, exotic spices and dark red berries flow effortlessly to the long, rich finish. Today the tannins are a bit firm but with another year in bottle this will drink beautifully. In 2009 the percentage of Cabernet Franc is up to 97%. A small addition of 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot rounds out the blend. The 2009 was aged in 70% new oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.  92 points.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful wine. Floral notes are woven nicely throughout a core of explosive dark red fruit. Mint, spices and sweet tobacco wrap around the silky, floral-infused finish. The 2009 needs time to absorb its oak, but it appears to have enough density for that to happen. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.  94 points.

Join Pam Starr as she pours our newly released 2008 Crocker & Star Cabernet Sauvignon “Stone Place.”

Friday, October 14th, 5:00-7:00PM
$40 per person including light appetizers.
Call 707-963-1313 to reserve in advance. Tickets available at the door, first come, first served.

St. Helena Wine Center
123 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-963-1313

Join Pam Starr of Crocker & Starr and Chef Ken Frank of La Toque for a memorable wine and culinary cruise!  Spend 9 days aboard the Silver Wind from May 7 to 16, 2012, cruising Italy, Greece and Turkey.  For details and to reserve your suite, call 831-659-0151, or email escape@mmtravel.net.

Exclusive Collections Galleries and Fleming’s Prime     Steakhouse & Wine Bar are excited to invite you to join “Painter of Chefs,” Artist Christopher M. for a Sunday afternoon luncheon at Fleming’s La Jolla.  Joining Christopher M. as a special guest will be none other than the prestigious winemaker and owner of Crocker & Starr Winery, Pam Starr. Don’t miss the breathtaking 4-course menu created by Fleming’s Chef Christopher Gardner for this one-of-a-kind event.

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 at 1:00pm
$55 per guest, including wines & 4-course menu, excluding tax & gratuity
RSVP to (858) 535-0078

Summer is racing by and it’s almost time for Carnivus!  Please join us for our first annual Casali Carnivus Party.  It will be held on Sunday, September 4^th, from noon till 4:30pm.  You absolutely must come since it won’t be a party without you!

We will be releasing our 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as two new wines just for Casali – 2008 Malbec and 2001 Syrah.

Not to be missed – a rare vertical tasting of 12 vintages each of our Crocker & Starr Cabernet Franc and Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon.

 Tickets for the event are available as follows:

• Casali 2 Club – 1 complimentary ticket, additional tickets $30/pp
• Casali 6 Club – 2 complimentary tickets, additional tickets $30/pp
• Casali 12 Club and VIPs – 4 complimentary tickets, additional tickets $30/pp

Space is limited, so please don’t wait to make your reservation.  RSVP by calling 707-967-9111.

Tasting The Good Life

A wonderful new book about Napa Valley wine tourism has just been published.  Written by George Gmelch and Sharon Bohn Gmelch, Tasting The Good Life explores Napa Valley tourism - its history, future, and impact on the local population.  Told through the stories of visitors and those who provide the services they rely on, from masseurs to hot air balloonists, to chefs and winemakers, including Pam Starr, the book provides extraordinary insights on tourism in the Napa Valley.

Celebrating July 4th in style!

http://angelisland.org/2011/07/4th-of-july-at-camp-reynolds-2/

When: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 5:30–10 p.m. What: Festa Della Donna, Cel­e­brate Inter­na­tional Women’s Day with La Cocina Where: A16, 2355 Chest­nut (at Scott) Cost: A la carte pric­ing

For more info – visit http://www.lacocinasf.org/celebrate-international-womens-day-with-la-cocina/

Crocker & Starr is pleased to announce The Casali Club.  We invite you to become a member of our close circle of family and friends. As a member, our goal is to provide you with good fun, outstanding service, great value and excellent wines.

Join us at one of three membership levels: Casali 2, 6 or 12!

As a member of the Casali Club, you will receive two shipments each year. In the Fall, you will receive Two (2), Six (6), or Twelve (12) bottles of our new release Cabernet Sauvignon and in the Spring you will receive Two (2), Six (6), or Twelve (12) bottles each of both our Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Retain your membership for two shipments and receive all of the following benefits.

Casali Club Member Exclusives:
♦Complimentary Tastings at our Estate for up to Four People (by appointment)
♦Access to Casali Only Wines…. Malbec & Syrah!
♦Access to Large Format Bottles and Library Wines – Excellent cellar potential and very limited supply
♦Priority Invitations to Special Winery Events (it might be a pig roast or an elegant lunch…our surprise to members.)

We hope that you choose to become a member of the Casali Club and join in the fun and share our fine wines.

Here’s to Good Times and Great Wines!

Charlie Crocker, Pam Starr and the Crocker & Starr Team

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