Winery Spotlight -- Tom Eddy

I recently had the good fortune to meet up again with Tom Eddy - Napa Valley winery owner and winemaker. At the risk of showing favoritism, I have to say that not only are his wines spectacular (no kidding, right?), but he is one of the nicest, most generous guys around.

During the course of a very nice steak dinner, I was able to taste the latest vintages of some of those spectacular wines and also got a little tutoring on vine pruning methods for a wine exam I was sitting for a few days later. (Passed! Thanks Tom!)

Eddy graduated from UC Davis with an enology degree in 1974, which puts him with a group of winemakers who are largely responsible for changing the face of California wine. Names like Bob Foley, Dan Morgan Lee, Steve Kistler, Dick Ward, David Graves, Margo Van Staaveren, and Tom Eddy - these are among the names that, somewhat like the filmmakers of the 1970s, forged new ground with techniques and visions that shaped the industry.

After graduating, Eddy spend a decade or so at a handful of California wineries before founding his eponymous winery in 1989. Today, Eddy continues to specialize in creating his own high-end Cabernets while also consulting for a broad number of other wineries from California to Texas and from Washington State to South America.

In the last few years, Eddy has branched out even further, with a partnership in New Zealand creating the TENZ Sauvignon Blanc, and one in Oregon creating the TEO Pinot Noir.

Learn more and shop for Tom Eddy wines at www.tomeddywines.com.

Tom Eddy 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough TENZ ($22). Fresh lime, grapefruit and litchi aromas and flavors are fresh and crisp and stay mouthwatering through the finish, picking up smooth fig mid-palate that adds balance and richness. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 07/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Tom Eddy 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Elodian ($40). Really pretty and entirely drinkable now (though it will also nice nicely), offering aromatic red cherry fruit laced with touches of sage, tobacco, baking spices and toast that fold into a smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Tom Eddy 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($90). Dense and rich, with intense blackberry aromas and flavors layered with warm spice, bittersweet chocolate and a touch of smoke. Loads of tannic structure supports a plummy, focused finish. Delicious now but will age well for 10+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Tom Eddy 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley VSR ($135). Eddy only produces this Reserve wine occasionally - in exceptional vintage years like 2002. This has everything that the 2002 Cabernet offers, but with even more concentration, body and tannins. Somehow, though, it still manages to have an appealingly refreshing aspect to it. Best after 2010, then drink for another 15+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area.