There are few wineries in all of Napa Valley that have built a historic reputation as esteemed as Rombauer Vineyards. The winery has consistently produced one of the best and most sought after Chardonnays for the last 25 years. Rombauer's reds, often left in the shadow of the Chardonnay, are incredibly well crafted and deliver real quality vintage after vintage.

Rombauer sales executive Clyde Gilbert returns to our Valley on May 15th for a very special Wine Academy event at Avalon Golf and Country Club Squaw Creek. The event features Rombauer's four new releases and includes some very special dinner pairings with each wine.

Last year's event drew well over 100 people and reservations are coming in steadily for the 2014 edition of this now annual event. There is even more hoopla this year, beucase Rombauer's 2012 Chardonnay recently received a 92 point rating from The Wine Spectator and it is expected to be on the Top 100 wines of the year list.

The event offers two options for guests. You can taste the four wines below for $25 or enjoy them with the Tapas dinner pairings for $50. All of the wines will be sold at retail prices during the event. Anyone interested in making a reservation should log on to www.myvalleyvino.com or call Avalon Member Services at (330) 539-5008.

1. 2012 Carneros Chardonnay

Bright, vibrant tropical fruit aromas flow from the glass. Underlying grapefruit and lime add depth and character to the aroma. Seamless, textured layers of cantaloupe, pineapple and vanilla flood the palate.

Wolf fish with lemon herb beurre blanc, pea risotto and pea tendrils

2. 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet

Deep purple color, nearly black at its core with a crimson hue. Tobacco, black currant, black olive and plum aromas radiate from the glass. Dark berry fruit unfold across the palate adding weight and dimension.

Moroccan braised beef short rib with cherry farro and micro greens

3.2010 Carneros Merlot

Vibrant and concentrated aromas of tobacco and cedar intertwine with plum and boysenberry. Medium to full bodied, the wine shows elegance and structure as it spreads across the palate, subtle tannins round out the texture.

Braised beef cheek pierogi with roasted beets, watercress and fresh horseradish

4. 2012 Rombauer Zinfandel

Ripe boysenberry, clove, black pepper and hints of raspberry aromas perfume from the glass. Plush and velvety flavors of dark berry fruits and vanilla flood the palate.

Fresh fig and blackberry shortcake with maple whipped cream