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NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKARGER-MARTUCCI VINEYARDS – A Napa Valley Hidden Gemby Anna WayneWith an annual production of 5,000 cases, Arger-Martucci Vineyardsis one of the most intimate and unique tasting experiences in theNapa Valley. During your poolside tasting that offers views of thewestern Mayacamas Mountains and neighboring vineyards, you willhave the opportunity to enjoy your own picnic lunch, as well as thecompany of one of the tasting room’s knowledgeable staff members.The relaxing atmosphere and oasis-like environment allows you to doexactly what you want to do… take your mind off the real world andfocus on the wine you are drinking.Founded in 1998, the partnership of Arger-Martucci Vineyards ismore than a business venture between twoowners; it is a love and appreciation ofmaking great wine that is shared by twofamilies ~ one of Greek, the other of Italiandescent. Owned and managed by the Argersand Martuccis, the enterprise is a culminationof varied talents and expertise with onecommon goal: to produce limited amountsof premium handcrafted wine.The winery produces ten different varietals,most of which are harvested fromArger-Martucci’s estate vineyard located1,350 feet above the valley floor in the AtlasPeak region of Napa Valley. Two of theirflagship wines include a red proprietal blend, the Odyssey, and a whiteproprietal blend, the Iliad. Demonstrating the true art of winemaking,both blends exemplify the masterful skill and expert palate of Owner,Winemaker and practicing Cardiologist, Dr. Kosta Arger. TheOdyssey, their Estate Reserve and recent Double Gold/Best of Classwinner at the California State Fair Wine Competition, is a Bordeauxstyleblend that contains varying amounts (depending on the vintage)of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. Itis an incredibly complex and elegant wine, with layers of chocolate,black cherry and caramel. These delightful characteristics are derivedfrom both the volcanic soils on Atlas Peak and the Winemaker’s use ofFrench, American and Hungarian oak.The Iliad, which was just released August 1 and serves as a complementto the Odyssey, achieves a body, flavor and richness that provessuperior to any of its individual parts. The four aromatic varietals thatcompose the Iliad are Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer andMuscat of Alexandria. The bouquet is truly exotic with an immediateimpression of melon, pear and even coconut. The mouth-feel isincredibly rich with hints of tropical spice, which suggests Viognierfirst, then Gewurtztraminer, and finally, a hint of grapefruit from theSauvignon Blanc. There is a small amount (less than one-half of onepercent) of residual sugar, which enhances the richness on the palate.This wine serves as a wonderful aperitif and is an excellent complimentto spicy foods.Dr. Arger’s winemaking style has always maintained elements oftraditional techniques, and his Carneros Pinot Noir is a classicexample of how he has been able to bridge the gap between thereserved elegance of the old world andlush complexities of new world fruit.Boasting a rich nose of plum and chocolate-coveredblack cherries, this Pinot isperfectly balanced on the palate andreveals a classic crimson color true toBurgundy.The Cabernet Sauvignon is in a class ofits own and is a great example of whyNapa Valley is the best Cabernet Sauvignonproducing region in the UnitedStates, and perhaps the world. Aged inFrench, American and Hungarian oak, this classic Napa Cab containssmall amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which serve to addlayers of complexity to this cinnamon and tobacco scented wine.Their Gold Medal winning Syrah exhibits rich flavors of cherry andwhite pepper. Not an overwhelming mouthful, this wine manages tobe both jammy and reserved in the same sip. This is another superbexample of the slightly restrained style employed by Dr. Arger.Also produced at Arger-Martucci Vineyards are tiny amounts ofPetite Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Rosé and a dessert wine, the Dulcinea.The Petite Syrah is harvested from one hundred and forty-year-oldvines near Calistoga and has been affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” byAssistant Winemaker Vince Martucci due to its incredibly rich andintense flavors. Their Cabernet Franc maintains classic notes of earthand spice, truly characteristic of this Bordeaux varietal. The rosé,named Saigniée Sauvage (or “wild blood”) is a Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignonthat has been rumored to be one of the best in the Valley. Finally,the Dulcinea, a late harvest dessert wine, is composed of 100% botrytisedSauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It has been referred to by manyas “pure heaven” and “nectar of the Gods.”As an enthusiast of family owned, boutique wineries, I encourageeveryone to visit Arger-Martucci’s quaint tasting room and experiencethe impressive array of fine wines they have to offer. Located at 1455Inglewood Ave, just south of the town of St. Helena, the tasting roomis open to the public seven days a week from 10am until 5pm andprivate barrel tastings are available by appointment. For more information,please call them at (707) 963-4334 or visit their website atwww.arger-martucci.com.46 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com