Palmaz Vineyards, this place is very new to Napa Valley but already making giant leap.  Beautiful estate with an impressive cave winery.  The entire production takes place inside a massive cave, 4-story high winery eliminates the use of mechanical pump entirely.  Gravity transports wine from one place to another preserving its integrity.  Two outstanding wines were featured as part of a trio tasted with their pairings of hor d’oeuvres. 

Palmaz Vineyards Amalia Chardonnay 2012

Attractive golden color in the glass and even more enjoyable on the nose, very aromatic, nice notes of lime, apple, pear and tropical fruit, medium-plus body and creamy texture.  Refreshing acidity forms backbone to this classy Chardonnay, complex yet elegant and well balanced.  Beautiful  long finish of toast and citrus fruit continues to please the palate.  Not the typical Napa Valley over the top Chardonnay for all good reasons, it is a great expression of Burgundy-style Chardonnay.  It has the body and tastes of Meursault rather than Chablis. (18.5/20 points)

Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009

The nose is quite typical of  Napa Valley Cabernet, dark fruits blend with oak and dark raisin or dried prunes, on the palate where it defined its elegance and seduction.  Ripen aromatic berries shined at first, followed by a hint of cedar barks and chocolate, sweet oak then completed a wonderful sip of wine.  This wine wasn’t too over the top, it wasn’t jam-packed with oak or fruits, it was just right.  With it, one bite of Dutch Sheep’s Milk Gouda was icing on the cake.  Drink now until 2021; 18/20 points.