Odette: Sophisticated and Relaxing
There are 550 wineries within the Napa Valley that are listed on the Napa Valley Vintners’ website. At 88 of those wineries, you can taste simply by walking into the winery’s tasting room. Another 292 are open by appointment only. Imagine how long it would take to personally visit all of these wineries! Don’t worry though; I am working on it for you.
Sophisticated and relaxing are two words that describe the setting at Odette Estate Winery. As I was driving by, on a whim, I stopped into the winery. They are open only by appointment. So I pulled out my phone, called the winery and asked to make an appointment. I let them know I was standing outside, and they said come on in.
When I walked into the tasting room, I was awed by the sophistication and the beautiful views that were visible through the wall of windows, looking out into the vineyard. This is the kind of setting we all wish we could have and it’s part of the beauty of the Napa Valley. It was a place to relax, linger and relish in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The wine kept pace with the beautiful setting. My hostess, April, took me through the wide portfolio offered as part of the Plumpjack group, which includes Plumpjack, Cade, Odette, and Adaptation. The tasting started with a Cade Sauvignon Blanc that was bright, crisp and lively. I knew I had to take some home. We then moved to a Plumpjack Chardonnay that was a knock out, completely different from the characterization of Napa Chardonnay which is often buttery and oaky. This was lively with apple and pear notes – not aged in new oak at all. It was remarkably refreshing, yet soft and round from aging on the lees. I brought this one home as well. The journey next went through Petite Sirah from the second label called Adaptation. To finish off the tasting, I had the 2015 Cade Cabernet — a rich wine with deep fruit and great structure. And, yes, I brought one of these home, too. Although I didn’t taste it on this day, I recently drank the 2014 Odette Cabernet, and it was simply wonderful.
This was a luscious, warm, expressive tasting with enjoyable and very drinkable wines. I highly recommend a visit to Odette and the Anthology Tasting in the Patio Bar. This is where you will get the mountain views and a very relaxing, gorgeous expanse of Napa Valley vineyard views.
Enjoy!