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NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKBLACK STALLIONW I N E R Yby Charles NeaveIt may no longer be the newest winery inthe Napa Valley – even though it just openeda couple of years ago – but it remains one ofthe most attractive and has always been one ofthe most welcoming, not to say unique. Builton the grounds of an old equestrian centerwith a race track, horse stables and barns, it isnot surprising that visitors are met by adramatic 1,200 pound sculpture of a 10-footbronze horse – by artist David Spellerberg –framed by a pair of mature palm trees.The other recurring theme you will find is,not surprisingly, wine and wine barrels. Theyform a dramatic design and architecturalelements, and in the handsome tasting room,when you look through the glass walls of theprivate dining and tasting room, your view isinward, of the barrel cellar itself.From the day the doors were opened, thewinery has been committed to creating ultrapremiumwines that reflect the complexityand elegance of the Oak Knoll District, BlackStallion wines are only available at the wineryor through their wine club or website whichensures that every bottle comes directly fromtheir own cellar. As a mark of this exclusivity,Black Stallion Winery’s production remains atfewer than four thousand cases.Enviably positioned as one of the NapaValley’s most dynamic wineries, they proudlyand consistently craft wines that are meant toreflect the unique characteristics of thefamous Napa Valley terrain, climate and soilas well as the multitude of unique microclimates.This is combined with the masterfulwinemaking of Black Stallion winemakerElaine St. Clair.Some of the wines they make include,among the whites, Pinot Grigio (a wonderfullyrefreshing summer wine), SauvignonBlanc and Chardonnay. Among the reds youcan choose between a Merlot, the rich, plumySyrah and a well-structured but not overpoweringCabernet Sauvignon. To finish themeal, Black Stallion also crafts a sweet Muscatthat seems to be perfumed with almondblossom and honeysuckle scents. The wineryalso produces a Napa Valley Rosé, anotherexcellent choice now that warmer weather ishere. It is perhaps one of the ultimate picnicand pool-side wines.All of these wines are on the tasting menu,served at the four-sided bar by an everfriendlystaff that is well versed in knowledgeof both the winery and winemaking, as wellas local knowledge that can prove invaluableto visitors. If you wish, you can also order awine and cheese pairing to make the experienceeven richer. Outdoors is a shaded area towalk, sit and wander, and look out towardsthe back of the property where vines stretchclear to the tree line, on land where horsesonce exercised and raced. Its past and presentall rolled into one, from thoroughbreds to finewine, both have one thing in common enviablepedigrees.The tasting room at Black Stallion Wineryis open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. They are located at 4089 SilveradoTrail just a few miles north of the Napa Citylimits. For more information, call (707) 253-1400 or look for them on the internet atwww.blackstallionwinery.com.40 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com