Domaine Carneros' Eileen Crane Featured in Forbes Woman

Napa's Most Powerful Woman
Moira Forbes, 03.25.10, 04:30 PM EDT

Eileen Crane cultivates the vineyard--and empire--that defines California sparkling wines.

"In the world of first-class wine making, staying power is a must. Eileen Crane, who first started in the field in 1978, offers something more. She ascended to the top of the Domaine Carneros by Taittinger wine empire as its founding winemaker and president in 1987, where she has stood virtually alone as a woman in the male-dominated wine industry.

More than 30 years later Crane is still hard at work making her signature sparkling wines--the "classic, Audrey Hepburn of wines," as she likes to say, such as Brut and Blanc de Blancs..."

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Cuvaison 2007 Carneros Syrah, Napa Valley

90 points

"A heck-of-a bargain, the outstanding 2007 Syrah offers smoky, gamy, meaty, lard, and bacon fat notes intermixed with blackberry and currant fruit aromas. This spicy, dense, richly fruity, supple Syrah is ideal for drinking over the next 34 years." — Robert Parker

Cuvaison 2007 S Block Chardonnay Carneros, Napa Valley

89 points

"The 2007 Chardonnay S Block reveals similar citrus oil, white peach, and wet steel-like characteristics in its crisp, medium-bodied, fresh, lively personality. It should drink well for 1-2 years." — Robert Parker

2006 Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée - 91 Points

2006 Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée

91 points | $26 | California | Carneros

Festive and vibrant, but rich and complex, with bright aromas of fresh cherry and lemon that lead to luscious flavors of raspberry, yeasty pear and crisp mineral. Drink now. –TF

Wine and salsa go together at Ceja Vineyards

Matt Villano, Special to The Chronicle

At least, that's what I told myself on a recent Saturday evening at Ceja Vineyards' Wine Tasting Salon, Lounge and Art Gallery in downtown Napa.

No, I wasn't fantasizing about my dance moves while I sampled the joint's whites and reds. Instead, I envisioned TV judges critiquing me while I shook my booty in the tasting room - part of the winery's "Salsa Saturdays" dancing class taught by Ariel Ceja, the general manager and co-owner's son..."

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