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This past week, I took my annual trek to the Napa Valley to see how the 07 crop is doing. As you probably know, I travel to the valley several times a year, not only to see old friends and make new ones, but also to talk with vintners about the season and to see what the vines may yield in our future. This certainly looks like a good year so far, but may be an early harvest year. The year has been warm (we certainly know by our drought season here in Reno) and who knows what may come. Certainly a high amount of heat surge could shut down the vines, but it does look as if we will have an early harvest (in case you are planning to go).
Met with the Frias Family and tasted their truly wonderful wines. They are located on Spring Mountain and we hope to host them for a dinner at the beginning of 2009. Look for some of their wines to be added to our extensive list. Also, new finds at Baldacci, located on the Silverado Trail in the Stag's Leap District. Don't miss this great boutique winery, and especially a wonderful Syrah that you can only get in the tasting room. Stopping in to see old friends at Darioush, BV, Raymond, Caymus, Larkmead, Pride, Merryvale and Swanson, I can say that the 2004 vintage that is in current release is stellar! I look forward to the rest of the 04 release later this year. Also, nice to see our good friend Ray Coursen, from Elyse Winery. He epitomizes the true spirit of a passionate winemaker!
The summer in Napa is a time I look forward to each year. I always visit Sunshine Market in Napa and revel over the stunning produce and wonderful meat and seafood selections (bumped into Anne Stotesbery picking out items for husband Pat, so he can keep making those amazing Ladera wines). Cooking for good friends at the beautiful Raymond house is something that I look forward to each year. Also, if you have not partaken of the fabulous foods at REDD, located in Yountville, you must do so. What a talented chef and great wine list from their outstanding sommelier.
Finally, no visit to Napa Valley during the summer is complete without that stop for lunch at Taylor's Refresher! Where else can you have a dynamite burger and a glass of Shafer Cab for lunch! Saw the Harvey's, Scott and Jana, enjoying lunch there and can't wait for their wine dinner a year from now at the Orchid. They are starting a new Napa Valley Zin, under the Jana label. . . can't wait to taste it!
Our expansion is moving along at a very fast pace. We will be opening our newest restaurant, Biscotti's, in November, along with two new bars, our new all suite tower (December) as well as out new convention center. The Peppermill continues to grow and thrive because of you, our valued guests. We are sure that you are going to be both astonished and proud of what you are going to see here shortly. The rest of our expansion, including our other new restaurants, bar, spa and nightclub, will open in late spring of 2008. The White Orchid will also be going through a complete makeover here the next few months. We hope that by the Christmas season, you will see this dramatic new change in our facility.
Can't believe the year is half gone; too much to do and too little time. Any, please take the time to enjoy your summer. Stop by and join us for our great wine dinners at the Orchid, or just any evening when you want to pair great food with great wines. Stay cool, have a chilled glass of Rosata or Sauvignon Blanc and remember to enjoy all that life has to offer!
Donald R. Hamilton
Executive Director of Food and Beverage
Peppermill Hotel Casino Reno
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