The Hilltop Before Ojai

On September 24, 2010, Bill and I had the privilege of making a trip to The Hilltop Winery before our major conference in Ojai.

We were treated very well by our hosts and the following bottles were tasted before dinner at Casa Nostra.

• 1981 Pahlmeyer, Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
• 1995 Havens Bourriquot, Napa Valley Red Table Wine
• 1997 Araujo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley
• 2003 Pahlmeyer, Red Wine, Napa Valley

For a slideshow of the evening click HERE.

2nd Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On July 17, 2008, we celebrated our 2nd Annual West Institute Appreciation Dinner at The Hilltop Winery with a blind white chardonnay tasting and a pick your own red to go!

In addition to the pick your wine option, we did a special vertical tasting of Caymus wines which included:

• 1983 Caymus “Estate Bottleld”
• 1985 Caymus “Cuvee”
• 1985 Caymus “Estate Bottled”
• 1988 Caymus “Napa”
• 1990 Caymus “Napa”

And, a special addition: 1989 Caymus “Special Section.”

The wines were incredible. By the looks of one of the pictures in the slideshow, you can see we picked at least a couple of Silver Oak's and had to try the Frazier again, this time at the magnum level.

Gary was our chairman this year and we had a couple of special guests, Marianne from the West Board and our special friend Rich representing the DC crowd.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the dinner we had after the wine reception at one of our favorite restaurants, in Santa Monica, called Sam's By the Beach.

All had a great time and I hope you enjoy the pictures!

For a slideshow of the evening click HERE.