If you are wondering, no, you didn't miss October's article. I apologize, but I was a little busy with Hurricane Ike and it's aftermath to make my deadline, so no article was posted.

However, I will try and make it up to you. As many of you know, I just love this time of year. Most of the grapes have been harvested and the wineries are finishing up with the crush, which is the process of separating the juice from the fruit and usually takes place before fermentation. I say usually, because there is a wine made by fermenting whole clusters of grapes. Once the winemaker is satisfied with the fermentation, the grapes are pressed to separate the fermented juice. Just in case you're curious, the process is called carbonic maceration. It is a technique used to produce the Beaujolais wines from the region of France by the same name. Check out my September 2007 article for more information on Beaujolais (a very nice holiday wine).

If you haven't been in Napa or Sonoma Valleys in October or November, you should make plans to go. There's nothing like waking up at the Christian Brothers' Mont La Salle Retreat and Conference Center on top of Mount Veeder overlooking the vineyards leased to the Hess Collection Winery next door. Mont La Salle has operated as a spiritual retreat and educational center since 1932 and now serves as the administrative headquarters for the San Francisco District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (aka De La Salle Brothers and the Christian Brothers).

In my opinion, it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on earth, with breathtaking vistas of the hills and vineyards. Even though they still celebrate Mass in the Mont La Salle Chapel, you don't have to be Catholic to take advantage of their facilities. The rooms and conference center is open to the public and like I said, it is right next to Hess. In fact, you can take a stroll through the vineyards and walk to Hess, which I recommend.

Now, back to the wine. One of my all-time favorites is the Hess Collection 19 Block Cuvée. It is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 9% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% petit Verdot. It takes its name from the vineyard blocks high up on Mount Veeder and is an outstanding value at around $36.00 a bottle retail. It is a bold wine with a firm finish and is exceptional with beef and lamb. I also enjoy it with ham and turkey, so you might like to give it a try this holiday season. Like most Cabs, it can benefit from a little bottle aging. So, pick up several bottles and lay a couple up for five to seven years. You won't be disappointed. If you can't find it at your local wine retailer, you can order it direct from the winery (see above link).

Happy Thanksgiving and until next month, Cheers!