Laura Michael Wines in Calistoga, Napa Valley – A Long Overdue Visit
Photo from Laura Michael website
While I have consistently written about Laura Michael Wines over the years, texted with Laura, held phone conversations, etc., it had to be a good six or seven years since my last visit. The goal of this visit was to refresh some photos for future stories and taste the latest vintages. Recently wrote a story on their 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon and a quick post on the blog of their 2009 high end Bentley Cabernet Sauvignon: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2026/05/30/2016-laura-michael-rutherford-cabernet-sauvignon/.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Was greeted by Michael and Laura with Laura having to run a quick errand. Michael provided a tasting of four wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The first tasting was simply remarkable being a 2025 Chardonnay from Oak Knoll vineyards. It was not like any Chardonnay I have tasted from Napa with the strong presence of pineapple and no oak. The retail price of $40/bottle seems below market price for this well-crafted wine. What a great way to start the tasting.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was one of Michael’s favorites, being Michael Muse Rosé of Zinfandel. The 2024 Rosé of Zinfandel. Coming in a bit high at 13.4% alcohol, it was refreshing and provided a great amount of fruit on the nose. I might even consider buying a bottle even though I am generally not a Rosé imbiber.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Michael opened one of his “go to anytime wines” a 2019 “A Quiet Moment” being a red blend. This is a blend primarily made with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of dark fruit, plum and black cherry. The Touriga Nacional provided a caressing punch at the finish.
When Laura came back to the winery from her errand, we began catching up and she offered to taste anything in the cellar.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I chose to go with one of my favorite wines she has made over the years, her Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2019 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon was like many stories I have done on this wine on previous vintages.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
That concluded with a great catch-up time with both Laura and Michael that was long overdue. It is always great to refresh old friendships, especially sharing some tasty wines.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly