Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/303828
s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d 29 used 500 to 800 years ago to build them with." For example, skilled artisans from Italy taught local labourers how to square some 8,000 tons of imported stone with hammer and chisel, each piece taking two hours. It's easy to picture myself somewhere in ancient Europe as I walk by these hand-hewn surfaces. Still, the Great Hall impresses me most, with its vivid, hand-painted frescoes, detailed coffered ceilings and 567-year-old fireplace. "The fireplace actually pre-dates Christopher Columbus," says Kunchick. "It's from the year 1447. Dario found it in Tuscany and brought it over." Sattui also imported artifacts to adorn the Torture Chamber. "This is a rack," explains Kunchick. "It's about 325 years old." He points at other objects around the room. "Swords for executions, flogging instruments, shackles. e Iron Maiden is about 400 years old. I believe Dario found it in a castle in Northern Germany." I shudder and happily move onto lighter subject matter when we step outside and look down at some of the castle's animal inhabit- ants in the garden below. "Did you guys meet our cats today?" asks Kunchick. "We have two: one is Lady Guinevere, and the big orange one is Sir Lancelot. ey're the pest control for the castle." We're also introduced to Giacomo, the goat, and a sheep by the name of Juliette. Gesturing beyond, Kunchick says: "Our cabernet vineyards are on the top of the knoll over here. Some of the most sought after, some of the most expensive grapes in the world are here in the Diamond Mountain dis- trict." He adds that only 12 hectares have been planted on the 69-hectare property, then leads us downstairs to one of 25 tasting rooms. Of course, I opt for the upgraded reserve tasting so I can try the crème de la crème of the cas- tle's award-winning Italian-style wines: the 2011 Bien Nacido Chardonnay, Best of Class winner at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; and the 2009 Il Passito, which won the 2012 American Fine Wine Competition in Boca Raton. Big, smooth and robust, they don't disappoint. I head back to the station via motorcoach along the Silverado Trail, which traces the eastern side of the valley, offering even more views of Napa's vineyards and wineries. Gaz- ing out the window, I take in every last bit of this journey – already hungry for my next adventure to this radiant and abundant place. winetrain.com, castellodiamorosa.com W (both pages) castello di amorosa p24-29_NapaValleyWine.indd 29 14-04-14 12:21 PM