Stopped at a newer winery today, Alpha Omega, (2004 is their second vintage) and I continue to be impressed. I've always liked their red blend (1/2 cab, and the rest Merlot and Cab Franc) sourced from primo vineyards throughout the Napa Valley, but the other wines are showing very well now, too.
2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay. I buy very little Chardonnay and generally prefer the steely/Chablis side of things. So why did I end up buying a bottle of this very rich white wine? Because there were so many crazy wonderful things going on-caramel, quince, fig, apple, a little butter/ Good acidty. Last summer, I tried this wine and it was "eh." Time in bottle has made this bottle blossom wonderfully.
2004 Napa Valley Proprietary Blend. Umami, the staff person suggested when mentioned how much I enjoyed the savory character of these wines! I love soy sauce and fish sauce and mushrooms and French wines, so I am a big fan of glutamates! Definitely savory, with a fine grained tannin structure that I enjoyed quite a bit. Good rich black currant and plum fruit, but this is not a fruit bomb.
2005 Cabernet Barrel Sample. Even prior to bottling, the umami character comes through, along with brighter acidity and some nice red plum and berry flavors. This will be nice, too, in a few months.