My feeble attempt at a scoring system:
**** Ambrosia
*** Excellent. Recommend without reservation
** Good! Buy again
* Definitely drinkable. Value pricing comes into play
+ Tolerable. I couldn't in good conscience recommend it
- Inferior vinegar but I tasted it
About a while ago, I was at a July 4th BBQ, when the topic of where in Napa to take out of town visitors. Sterling and Grgich were both suggested, and putting my 2 cents in, I commented that they were popular choices but perhaps not the best wine. I like Sterling for the view of the valley, and Grgich isn't the same since Mike stopped making the wine. MC, to whom I'd been introduced with the by-line of "Oh you both tag index your Zagat's", asked what I'd recommend-Cakebread is a fun choice (but you have to make a reservation). "You must come to some tastings with me." MC explained that there are many trade tastings in SF which she attended, that were a great opportunity to learn more about wine.
And thus the year of decadence started. I'm happy to be a member of the FOM (Friend of M) group, and by extension (FOL). All fun people with a tremendous capacity for wine, and a hearty joie de' vivre.
I'll try and write up all my tasting notes. But as time passes, and memories fade with the effects of alcohol I'm not sure how many I'll get through.
Highlights have been
Diamond Creek (they have their own lake)
Family Wine Makers (just in time for our Birthday)
Bordeaux Grand Cru
North Berkeley Importers@Jardinere
It's been an education and a party.