Wine Dine and Play: Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California Napa Valley has a Tuscan castle







La Castellana, A Super Tuscan In Cab Country
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Wine Style: New World
Average Price: $$$
Overall Rating: 94 points
Article Written in September 2013
Article Updated: April 2019
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for 
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:








Castle Owner:
Dario Sattui


Raise the drawbridge; bring in the goats, cows, and some of the peasant workers, the enemy is attacking. Thank god, I am not a writer of medieval fantasy, because an opening line of a book like that would have me in the unemployment line instead of the bestsellers list. When you visit the wine country in California, the last thing that you think about seeing is a castle. Now if I was in France heading to Bordeaux or in Italy going to Chianti, then yes, I would stop by and visit a castle or two. While I was in Napa, I ran across an article in a local magazine that advertised a winery with a castle, so I made some time to visit, and discovered some great wine, Italian style in heart of Napa, Cabernet country, and a fun tour of a reconstructed medieval castle on a block of land called Castello di Amorosa. This review and ratings will cover three of Castello di Amorosa wines; The Don Thomas, and Il Barone Cabernet’s, and the La Castellana Super Tuscan Blend.

Twenty-five years ago, Dario Sattui purchased the property where Castello di Amorosa now stands. It sits on one hundred-seventy acre of forest and hills with a stream, a lake, and of course the castle that he built. At first, he did not intend to start another winery as he already owned V.Sattui. In early 1994, he replanted thirty acres of vineyard on the property with Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Merlot, and began drawing plans for the winery building. The initial intent was to build an 8,500 square-foot building without cellars. Gradually it morphed into 121,000 square feet with 107 rooms, four separate levels underground, and four levels above and went through all of his money.

Walking up to the castle at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California
Castello di Amorosa / The Castle

It was my last day in Napa, and like I said earlier, I spotted the advertisement for Castello di Amorosa in a magazine and stopped by the vineyard after visiting the “Old Faithful” Geyser, one of three in the world with that name, the most famous being at Yellowstone Park in Wyoming. The property to Castello di Amorosa was beautiful, tucked away right off of Highway 29, passing through the entrance, then up a slight hill leading towards a forest. The road on both sides was covered with grape vines, some trimmed, and others being allowed to grow out and sag down to the ground. Next to the edge of the forest was the castle itself. Built in the 1990s, it was a recreation of an Italian Medieval castle with a mote, chapel, catacombs, courtyard, and guard towers. It started as a tourist trap since all I wanted to do was taste some wine, but since the tasting room was in the catacombs, you had to buy tickets for the castle to get there. So like it or not, I bought the ticket and since I paid for it, I walked the castle before doing the taste. Considering I had been to several castles in England, France, and Germany, this one did not really impress. But most Americans don’t leave their home country, so having a castle brought to them saves money from them traveling to Europe. In the end, it was a fun experience.

The catacomb wine cellar was massive, with a large square bar in the center where people gathered around for the wine tastings. Around the rest of the room were tables selling odds and ends from souvenirs of the castle to items from all of Napa and Sonoma in general. The room was extremely crowded, mainly filled with foreigners from China and other nations in the Far East. This was the first winery I went to while in Napa where I saw more tourists then I did wine enthusiasts. Once I got to the bar and had enough room to not squeeze in between people, I began the tasting. The bartender, an Italian man presented me with a tasting card and asked if I could score the wines being tasted. The Flight that I had paid for which came with the castle tour was the basic flight and consisted of the more common wines from the vineyards such as their Kings pinot noir, Zingaro, and Il Brigante. Next to use was a couple who were trying the signature flight which came with the tastings of their reserve wines, so I went ahead and did that tasting, hoping that those wines would be better than the ones I just had. Don’t get me wrong, they were okay, but nothing that screamed at me to say buy, or join the wine club. With the signature tasting, I had their Cabernet Don Thomas, La Castellana, and the best of the group, the IL Barone.

A tasting of the IL Barone wine at the Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga, California
Castello di Amorosa / IL Barone Cabernet

It was like night and day. Most of the tourist that came to the castle received the basic flight of wines that came with the entrance fee to the castle. They would taste the wines, buy a bottle or two, maybe join the basic wine club, and be on their way. After trying these reserves, I could see that these wines matched some of the better vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, and were on point with several Piemonte wines. I purchased a case of these finer wines and joined the club to receive these wines called the Friends of the Baron IL Ducale club. Now that I have seen the winery, I don’t feel a need to return, and since I am a member of their wine club, I can get their better selections shipped to me. Now if I’m back in Napa in the future, and they are having a little party on the property where wine club members are invited, then yes I’ll attend.

The regular flights of wines, which included the pinot noir and Zingaro, were very basic wines to my palette and didn’t strike me as anything to write home about. My comparison to these wines would be the same as drinking a Kendall Jackson product. But the reserve wines took me back to strong full-bodied Italian wines. The La Castellana reminded me of the super Tuscan Sassicaia, and the Il Barone reminded me of strong Sonoma Cab like Kamen. I will enjoy drinking these reserve wines for years to come. 


Wine and Grape:
Nose (Bouquet):
Palate Experience:
La Castellana 2008 Super Tuscan
Winemaker Notes:  
A purple-tinged wine with concentrated black fruit aromas - blackberry, black raspberry, and black cherry, with a creamy, rich, toasty oak bouquet.
 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 14% Sangiovese

Winemaker Notes:
The flavors are dense, with plum, sweet cherries, black currants, earth, and spice in the mouth. Medium to full-bodied, the texture is velvety, with silky tannins that are very supple on the palate. The rich structure and flavor of the wine is complemented by a lively acidity for excellent food pairing, and worthy of cellaring for up to 8-10 years.
Il Barone 2007 Cabernet
Winemaker Notes:  
Boasts an opaque purple color as well as a beautifully sweet nose of blackberries, black currants, camphor, subtle toasty oak, and espresso roast.
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot


Winemaker Notes:
Rich and full-bodied with sweet tannin, a hint of smoked meats, deep fruit, and an impeccable balance, purity, and texture. The palate is rich and well structured, with just enough acidity to keep the lingering finish fresh and clean.

Cases Produced:                                          
Per Year:
                                                                                               
Il Barone 2007
1294
La Castellana 2008
1634
Don Thomas Cab
481
                                                                           


Final notes, review basics, and observations:



*** NOTE TO THE READER ***

Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about.
To see more details of this rating list, read this article:

I refer to myself as an oenophile though, oenophilia is defined as “a disciplined devotion to wine, accompanying strict traditions of consumption and appreciation.” In a general sense, oenophilia also refers to the enjoyment of wine, often by a layman — which I am, and not qualified as a professional. I just enjoy drinking it, so my rating is based on enjoyment and the overall experience, not the science of an expert, and thus subjective, not objective. See the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ on how I arrived at the rating percentage below:


Overall Star Rating For WINERY NAME:
89/100: 
An Above Average Experience
Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
94/100
Wines Produced
Red: Merit age, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Super Tuscan, Merlot
White: Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, White Blend, Rose
Dessert: Moscat, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Semillon 
Other: Assorted Grapeseed oils and vinegar, Muscat Grape Juice

Grape Blends
Red: 
Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese (Super Tuscan)
Barrel Types and Aging
French oak, for 20-21 months


Wine regulatory’s for the tastings in this article:


“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” - David Auerbach

United States: 
California:

Sub-Napa AVA’s:


Other Calistoga AVA wines, wineries (Château’s), or food articles on Wine Dine and Play:

Chateau Montelena The famed Bottle Shock “Judgement of Paris” winner in Calistoga, California
Greystone Restaurant Italian CIA School restaurant in Calistoga, California (Now Gatehouse Restaurant)
Twomey Wine Tasting Napa and Sonoma wines owned by Silver Oak, Calistoga, Napa California


See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary



A Few New World Favorites:
New World wines are those wines produced outside the traditional wine-growing areas of Europe and the Middle East, in particular from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, United States (California, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington State + others), and Uruguay.

Archery Summit Winery Côte d’Or in the Willamette in Dayton, Willamette Valley, Oregon 
Eagles Nest Exceptional Shiraz and eagle sanctuary in Constantia, South Africa
Emmolo Wine Tasting A merlot comparable to no other in Rutherford, California
Erath Vineyards Pioneers in Oregon Pinot in Dundee, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Hoopes Winery Tasting Cult cabernet winemaker with Liparita and Hoopes labels in Oakville, California
Meerlust Winery This Rubicon blend tasting and heritage since 1756, in Stellenbosch, South Africa 
Napa Wine Company A wine tasting Bar representing cult Napa classics in Oakville, California 
Pillitteri Winery Noted ice-wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Red Mare Wine Tasting Handcrafted and micro sourced appellations  in Napa, California
Sula Vineyards An Indian Sauvignon blanc tasting from Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Switzer Family Wines A Cult Cabernet producer and famed football coach in Oakville, California
Volker Eisele Wine Tasting An elegant family estate in the Chiles Valley district of St Helena,
Yering Station Victoria’s first vineyard from 1838 in Yarra Glen, Yarra Valley, Australia


Some Old World Favorites:
Old World wine refers primarily to wine made in Europe but can also include other regions of the Mediterranean basin with long histories of winemaking such as North Africa and the Near East. These countries include Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Boas Quintas Wine One winemaker, various regions and wines, in Giesta Dão, Mortágua, Portugal
Bordeaux - A Sip and Taste Wine tours and restaurants in Bordeaux, France
Café Cocó A chocolate and Champagne bar by the Rothschild family at the Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam
Cape Chamonix WineryA beautiful Troika blend and others, in Franschhoek, South Africa
Cave Dubai A French-style wine bar at the Conrad Hotel, Downtown Dubai, UAE
Château Mont-Redon A Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer in the Côtes du Rhône, France
Château Prieuré-Lichine Quatrieme cru tasting in Margaux AOC, Bordeaux, France
Château Toinet Fombrauge In Saint-Christophe-de-Bardes, Bordeaux, France
Domaine Hubart Brouchard Wines Sancerre wines in the Loire Valley, France
Domaine William Fevre A Grand Cru producer in the Burgundy-Chablis region, France
Jordan River Wines The Haddad Family Vineyards, and a 2000 year history of wine, Amman, Jordan
Pierre LaForest Les Montespierres Tasting in a cave, Cote d'Or, Vougeot, Burgundy, France
The Bourgogne Tasting A tasting of the Vougeot AOC, caves, and the Hospices de Beaune tour



See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country







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Bottle Prices 
(excluding taxes)
$£€¥ -                Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 -          51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 -          Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 -          Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 -          Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major wine countries and connoisseur’s** 
        
Cost of wine tasting (p/p):

Signature Flight:
$20.00
Premier flight:
$35.00
Vineyard Tasting
$60.00

Currency rates in the top wine producing & wine purchasing countries:
Price Chart :
La Castellana (750 ml)

United States Dollar (USD)
$$$
Australian Dollar (AUS)
$$$
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
££
Canadian Dollar (CAN)
$$$
Chinese Yuan (CNY)  
¥¥¥¥¥
European Union (EUR)
€€
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
$$$
South African Rand (ZAR) 
RRRRR
Il Barone (750 ml)

United States Dollar (USD)
$$$
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
£££
European Union (EUR)
€€€
Don Thomas Cabernet (750 ml)

United States Dollar (USD)
$$
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
££
European Union (EUR)
€€
Zingaro (750 ml)

United States Dollar (USD)
$
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
£
European Union (EUR)
Kings Pinot Noir (750 ml)

United States Dollar (USD)
$$
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
££
European Union (EUR)
€€



Wine Clubs At Castello di Amorosa                
As an "Amici del Barone" - Friend of the Baron - Wine Club Member, we invite you to share our hand-crafted Italian style wines with your friends and family to toast a special occasion or just enjoy for sipping after a fine day of jousting! We have several wine clubs from which you may choose; each one a different offering to suit your taste.
Il Ducale
•              Offers our Red Wines
•              Ships 3 Bottles 4 times per year
•              March, June, October, December
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $110 — $145 per Shipment
La Marchesa
•              Offers White, Rose, and Sweet Wines
•              Ships 3 Bottles 4 times per year
•              March, June, October, December
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $80 — $110 per Shipment
Il Conte
•              Offers Red Wines and Chardonnay
•              Ships 3 Bottles Six Times per Year
•              January, March, May, June, September, November
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $110 — $145 per Shipment
La Contessa
•              Offers All Wines made at the Castle
•              Ships 2 Bottles Monthly
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $60 — $90 per Shipment
La Duchessa
•              Offers Red and White wines
•              3 bottles shipped 4 times per year
•              February, May, September, November
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $80 — $110 per shipment
La Dolce Vita
•              Offers sweet wines
•              Ships 3 Bottles 4 Times per Year
•              February, May, September, December
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              $80 — $110 per Shipment
La Riserva
•              Offers all reserve wines and large format bottles
•              Ships 1-3 Bottles 4 times per year
•              February, May, September, November
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits
•              Shipments will range between $200 and $300 per shipment
Grape Juice Club
•              3+ cases annually as a single purchase or one case shipped 3 times per year.
•              Enjoys the Amici del Barone benefits





Castello di Amorosa:

4045 St Helena Hwy
Calistoga, CA 94515





Tasting Room Information:

Website:
Tasting room:
+01(707) 967-6272
Website contact:
Tasting Room hours:
Pacific Standard Time (GMT, Zulu, or UTC-8:00)
Monday - Sunday

9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Social Media 
And 
Accolades for Castello di Amorosa:


Castello di Amorosa Facebook Link                








****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.


A few to tease you with…
Rooftop Artisan Fusion Bistro
St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
A walk into the Piemonte with a contemporary twist
DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Contemporary Cape Malay Cuisine
Cape Town, South Africa





Other Castello di Amorosa Pictures:

A view of the mountains in Napa California
Castello di Amorosa / Napa Valley

The entrance to Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa / The entrance

The castle entrance of Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga, California
Castello di Amorosa / The Castle entrance

The castle courtyard at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga, California
Castello di Amorosa / The Castle courtyard




“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” 
- David Auerbach




Who is John Galt?

TTFN





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