Whitehall Lane Blog

Follow us on Twitter!!

2009-06-23T22:18:48Z

The new way to drink wine- pour, twirl, sip, twitter!

Have a Great BBQ Recipe?

2009-06-10T16:14:37Z

Post your favorite BBQ recipe and summer entertaining tips featuring Whitehall Lane wines and we'll highlight the best entries to share with the whole Whitehall Lane family.

Submitted by Wine Club Member's Larry & Christine Fiori:
Christine's Whitehall Lane Wine Sangria Recipe

Ingredients: (Double these for a Party)
1/2 pint strawberries
1 small lime
1 small red delicious apple
1 small orange
1 750ml bottle Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc chilled
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup brandy
1 ea. 7oz. bottle club soda, chilled

Procedure:
-About 20 minutes before serving, hull and cut each strawberry in half. Thinly slice lime, apple and orange.
-In a large pitcher, stir in Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc, orange juice, sugar, lime juice and brandy until sugar dissolves. Stir in strawberry half's, lime, apple and orange slices.
-Refrigerate.
-Just before serving, stir the club soda, along with one tray of ice cubes, into the Sangria.
Enjoy!

Mark Your iCalendar

2009-06-05T18:00:10Z

BEST WINERY IN ST. HELENA!
The Best of the Bay's "BEST OF... TELEVISION SERIES" features nominees selected by the show producers through industry research and / or by nominations received on the Best of the Bay TV website.

Drum roll please.... Whitehall Lane Winery has been named the Best Winery in St. Helena for 2009! Woo hoo!!!!

So mark those iCalendar's, set your TiVo, and tune in to KRON to watch Tom Leonardini II, Katie Leonardini Melancon, and the rest of the Whitehall Lane family Saturday, June 20th at 6pm on KRON!!

A little behind the scenes sneak peak:

"Pick Up" Party Recap

2009-05-22T18:23:58Z

Summer is here in the Napa Valley. Ahhh.... There really is no better time to visit. With the picture perfect weather, the relaxed environment , and oh yes, the refreshing wines. Come on up, sip some wine and watch the grapes grow with us.

A few weeks ago our extended wine family did just that! We celebrated the completion of the new Club Room with the debut Wine Club "Pick Up" Party. What a great day that turned out to be! I must admit I was a little concerned about the crazy weather we had that weekend. Turns out that killer heat wave didn't stand a chance, there was no slowing down our party!!

And what's a "Pick Up" Party without some pick up lines? "Hey Red, nice legs!" didn't win our contest, but it's fit to print! The winner, Michael Goeringer, walked away with two magnums in tow. Finally a pick up line that actually worked!

Join the club, join the family, and we'll see you at the next one.

Save the Date: October 18th- Harvest themed Wine Club "Pick Up" Party!!

What's New?

2009-04-14T19:03:37Z

For those of you not yet receiving our newsletters, I wanted to share with you the latest and give you some insights as to what we have going on here at the winery. Here's a sneak peak from our State of the Winery address from owner, Tom Leonardini Sr. " We just celebrated our 16th anniversary and to make it even better, we finally completed our major expansion. By the end of the month, we will be enjoying our new Club Room overlooking the Estate Vineyard and the aging Cabernet Sauvignon in the new barrel room. The pristine, new professional kitchen is ready for pairing gourmet meals with our world-class wines. Inquiries for private events are most welcome. And if you are looking for an old favorite, we've added a wine library next to the new barrel room that contains some older vintages and big bottles that had been previously squirreled away, deep in our personal cellar. "

Download the full Spring 2009 Newsletter: Spring newsletter 2009.pdf

To receive our newsletter, join our mailing list today!

March Magnum Madness- THE FINALS!!

2009-04-07T00:22:41Z

Tonight's the NCAA Championship game and as you know we had our own brackets. For those of you who have been following, we have some updates:

*The two Merlots somehow knocked each other out of the "Elite Eight." Sorry we're sold out.

Based on customer feedback, we saw a formidable "Final Four" emerge and now, the final championship face-off and we're thinking overtime: 2004 Reserve vs. 2005 St. Helena

While supplies last, you can relive all the excitement of the magnum madness championship. You can even enjoy a "Final Six" set, complete with complimentary shipping.

2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: $145
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: $155
2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $85
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $75
2005 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon: $110
2005 St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon: $110
"Final Six" price: $680 with free ground shipping

Thanks to all who participated in Magnum Madness. We've got a feeling this contest will be back next year, by popular demand.

Dean's in The Public Eye

2009-03-24T18:24:22Z

Last week, bright and early in the morning (5am early!!) winemaker Dean Sylvester guest starred on WICN radio's The Public Eye. The Public Eye is a half hour talk show that addresses everything from controversy to culture. Dean's segment is part of a special behind the scenes look at wineries. A meet and greet of famous labels and the people behind them.

You did a great job Dean and you didn't even have the early morning raspy voice thing going on. Such a pro!! Don't take my word for it, listen for yourself!

Cellar Selection Cabernets!!

2009-03-17T16:58:20Z

In the upcoming May 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine our 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received excellent press. 94 Points and a Cellar Selection pick!! Here's a little sneak peak- "Made from 100% Cab, this wine pours inky black, and feels softly ripe in the mouth, with pie-filling blackberries, cherries, mocha, plums, tobacco and sweet dusty spices. Shows a tannic astrigency that strongly suggests cellaring, although it's flashy now." I just LOVE that flashy line.

They also gave the 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points and a terrific write up as well. Oh and did a mention it's another Cellar Selection choice! "... it's a very fine wine that shows real Napa pedigree. Balanced and harmonious, it features complex flavors of blackberries, cassis and cedar wood that turn sweet on the finish."

Yes, that's right both 2005 Cabernet's received great ratings and Cellar Selection picks!! We have an outstanding winemaking team and I'm proud to report this great recognition for them. If you drink any wine this year make it one of these!

Download rave review below and order your Cellar Selections today!
Whitehall WE 2005 Res & Cab 2.pdf

The Final Touches

2009-02-20T20:17:11Z

The Final Countdown

2009-02-05T17:41:47Z

As much needed rain begins to fall, a sigh of relief echoes through the Napa Valley-- humming past her sleeping vines and gold freckled fields of mustard.

At Whitehall Lane there is even more cause for glee. We are in the final stages of our new addition. Woo Whoo!! I'm fairly certain my co-workers match my enthusiasm here.

And in these closing stages, my smile grows. The shaking, rumbling, and yelling into the phone will soon be a distant memory. With the days of exploration and discovery yet upon us...

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2009-01-30T17:10:32Z

Super Bowl XLIII is here at last!! As the NFL great journey to Tampa Bay it seems only fitting to prepare for my favorite part of the game, the food!!! This year I'm pairing my favorite Superbowl snacks with Whitehall Lane wines, our 2005 Napa Valley Merlot and 2006 Carneros Chardonnay. Try them out on Sunday, they're sure to impress fellow wine lovers and football fans alike. Enjoy and Go Steelers!

Grilled Buffalo Wings
Wine: 2005 Napa Valley Merlot
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:
3 3/4 pounds of chicken wings
1 1/4 cups Louisiana-style hot sauce
1 can cola-flavored carbonated beverage
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon and 3/4 teaspoon soy sauce

Directions:
- Preheat a grill to medium heat.
- In a large pot, mix together the hot sauce, cola, cayenne pepper, black pepper and soy sauce. Add the wings to the sauce- frozen is okay. Place the pot to one side of the grill, so the sauce comes to a simmer.
- Use tongs to fish wings out of the sauce, and place them on the grill for 8 to 10 minutes. Then return to the sauce simmer. Repeat this process for about 50 minutes. The sauce will thicken.
- When the chicken is tender and pulls easily off of the bone. Dip one last time and serve.
- Have plenty of 2005 Merlot on hand. The 2006 Merlot is coming!!!

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Wine: 2006 Carneros Chardonnay
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:
54 large shrimp peeled and deveined
27 slices bacon
Barbeque seasoning, to taste

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Wrap shrimp with 1/2 slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Line a jelly roll pan with extra heavy duty foil, and place baking rack in pan. Place the shrimp on the rack, and sprinkle heavily with the barbeque seasoning, turn and sprinkle second side. Let the shrimp sit for 15 minutes.
- Cook the bacon for 10 to 15 minutes. The rack keeps the shrimp from sitting in the draining bacon fat. With a little luck, you won't tear the foil-- you can throw that away and only have to scrub the rack.
- Skewer shrimp for easy handling
- Chill plenty of 2006 Carneros Chardonnay. The 2007 is on its way!

For gourmet cooks, foodies and the curious visit http://www.starchefs.com/SuperBowl/menu.shtml for more Superbowl Party recipe ideas.

Our New Look

2009-01-28T18:26:30Z

A new winery addition wouldn't be complete without a little face lift, right? A type font face lift that is.

The Year of the Ox!

2009-01-26T17:25:26Z

The Chinese celebrated the Lunar New Year with fireworks and hopes that the Year of the Ox will be more bullish than 2008. Tonight I'm planning a celebration of my own, traditional Chinese cuisine paired with Whitehall Lane wines.
I'm going with a highly spiced Szechuan dish, probably a Szechuan chicken. In order to match up with this kind of heat I'm pairing it with our 2007 Sauvingon Blanc. One of my favorite wines-- vibrant, tangy, and the refreshing citrus flavors, hmmm.... I can't wait to see what kind of fireworks are created.

Other tips for matching Whitehall wines with Chinese cuisnine:
-One of our boutique bottling wines-- The 2005 Leonardini Cabernet Sauvignon. It's part of the Leonardini Family Selection and is a wonderful representation of the St. Helena appellation. It's full-bodied, fragrant, and spicy enough to stand up with Shanghai dishes. Such dishes as Lion's Head- large pork meatballs topped with cabbage to resemble a lions mane. Also, this wine is sealed with the vino-seal closure, always a conversation starter.
- Or a Burgundy works well with Peking cuisine, which often feature heavier meats such as duck or beef. Try our winery exclusive, 2006 Napa Valley, Pinot Noir. Also part of the Leonardini Family Selection of wines. Only a couple cases left!

What would Chinese food be without fortune cookies? Try Chocolate dipped Fortune Cookies with a sweet dessert wine such as our winery exclusive Belmuscato or Belforte. Chocolate and wine... no finer marriage.

Chocolate Fortune Cookie recipes:
Five Minute recipe
Confucious Crunch
Semi-Sweet Fortune Cookies

A Wine Lover's New Year Resolutions

2009-01-05T22:28:04Z

It's the beginning of a new year! Let's start the year with ten good resolutions that may just be some of the most fun and delicious things you do in 2009.

1. Experience different kinds of wine. There are more than 5,000 grape varieties!!!! Why drink the same ones, week after week?
I'm going to try myself a wine derived from the Gamay grape varietal, such as France's famed young red wine: Beaujolais Nouveau.
2. Begin a Wine Supper Club. Having friends over to cook and taste wine is a wonderful way to spend an evening.
3. Set aside a "wine discovery" budget. Each month, buy a new wine that you otherwise wouldn't have experienced.
4. Upgrade your corkscrew. A good corkscrew makes opening wine a snap.
5. Buy better wineglasses. Wine tastes so much more vivid from the right glass.
Just think if you save $20 a month, you can buy your set of Reidel wine glasses in a couple of months.
6. Create a permanent spot for wine in your refrigerator. No more putting a bottle of white in the freezer for 10 minutes because it's warm.
7. Buy wine by the case. You'll get a 10 to 15 percent discount, plus you'll always have wine on hand.
Whitehall Wine Cub Members receive a 15% discount on all current releases and merchandise. And a 10% discount on all Reserve wine.
8. Drink white wine with cheese. It's a stellar marriage.
My favorite is our Chardonnay and Gouda. But I'm stepping up for 2009: bring on the Chenin Blanc and goat cheese. (No Whitehall plug here).
9. Open a wine just for you. You're worth it! Immediately recork the unfinished bottle and store it in the fridge. It will last for several days.
10. Stop waiting forever to drink those "great" bottles. Delayed gratification may be just a little bit overrated.

What are some of your favorites? Any killer wine resolutions you made this year?

I'm dreaming of a Whitehall Christmas!

2008-12-23T18:53:05Z

What a year it's been! As we look forward to the pinnacle of the holiday season, and to 2009, it seems fitting to bring you my favorite wines of the year and look back on a few highlights of 2008.

As the New Girl to the wine industry and Whitehall Lane Winery, I entered my new world with wide eyes. Everything was new, exciting, and I must admit overwhelming. I didn't know anything about the wine making process. I didn't know anything about the wine business. I stumbled over basic pronunciation, and at times still do. Good thing for howjsay.com. A great website! It's an English pronouncing Dictionary with instant sound. And thank goddess for the many resources I have here. My one-on-one "From Grape to Bottle" lessons with Dean backboned my wine industry learning's. And thank you Ms. Watkins for passing on the golden bible, "Winemaking for Dummies." I figure I'll be in this dummy category at least for the next few years.

And as my empty wine bottles began to pile up, those vast differences everyone around me discussed suddenly became more and more apparent. Strange how you find yourself, in what seemed like the blink of an eye getting it. Or at least it seemed like that to me, probably not to everyone else. "Did we interview her?" Thanks Mama Berger for always helping me through. I genuinely appreciate the patience Mike. If all those "Excuse me, Mike" were annoying, well, I'm glad you're used to it because I can pretty much guarantee many more in the future. "Have confidence." You're encouraging words echoed through my head at my first solo wine event. Thanks Tom II. And what would my workday be without a joke from the sharp and clever Marko. Well "the anticipation for '09 is building."

And thank you to all of the Whitehall, dare I say it, team, for being ever so encouraging and patience with my question after question after question...

My Favorite's of 2008:
- 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (only a few cases left)
- 2006 Belforte ( our first port-style wine)
- 2001 Leonardini Cabernet Sauvignon ( I was lucky enough to enjoy this with our East Coast influence, Liz, her husband Michael, and Tom II during dinner one night. Amazing!)
- 2005 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon ( A bold wine, that I had to take my time with....)
- 2005 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon ( My first standout favorite of the year. )

What were favorites of the year?