Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/97133
Romantic History, Assured Future REATA IS A STUNNING OLD WEST WINERY IN SOUTHERN NAPA VALLEY by Suzie Rodriguez / photos by Nikki Ritcher ���O ne of my favorite expressions is that I���d rather be lucky than good,��� says Bryan Gordon, co-founder of Napa Valley���s Reata Winery. ���We���ve had great luck, but we���ve tried to be good as well.��� They not only tried���they succeeded. Founded just two years ago, the winery entered four of its irst wines in competitions this year: the Reata 2010 Carneros Chardonnay and 2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and, from the lower-priced second label, Whiplash, the 2009 Redemption (a blend of Syrah, Barbera and Zinfandel) and 2010 Carneros Chardonnay. Between them, these initial releases have thus far lassoed a total of 71 awards: two Platinum/ Double Gold, seven Gold, 38 Silver and 19 Bronze medals. The property o���ers far-reaching views that include rolling, vineyard-covered hills and nearby San Pablo Bay. 108 / the tasting panel / december 2012