Agreed.

They also recently raised the price on the tasting with Bouchon lunch pairing. It was $60 not more than 2-3 months ago. My friends and I considered it at $60 but $80 is an easy pass for us.

They just released the 2009s.

The 100% Cab (Ai) is $250 (!!).

The Cab/Merlot blend (Murasaki) is $250.

The Cab/Merlot/Cab Franc/Petite Verdot/Malbec (Rindo) blend is $100.

Their Sauvignon Blanc (Asatsuyu) was released earlier this year and I don't remember what it cost. All prices above are for 750mL, but it appears they do have half bottles too.

JustaFungi,

If transportation and time aren't issues, I second goldangl95's recommendation for the Spring Mountain District.

The standout there is Pride Mountain Vineyards. They make some of the best wines in the valley, have a beautiful property with breathtaking views, and have friendly, professional staff. I highly recommend the tour & tasting at the first time slot of the day. If you let them know ahead of time, you can also bring a picnic lunch and eat it on the property.

Other great Spring Mountain wineries are Spring Mountain Vineyard, Sherwin Family, Paloma, Keenan, Terra Valentine, Cain. Here is a Web site on the Spring Mountain District: http://www.springmountaindistrict.org...

If you don't have time to go up to Spring Mountain, some of the wineries in Yountville are doing some special things -- Gemstone, Kapcsandy, Keever.

Of the Napa wineries you mentioned, I'd personally strike Cakebread and Artesa. Frog's Leap has a fun tour. Round Pond's tasting is a tad expensive, but I believe they do pair it with food.

You said your group tends to prefer Pinot and Zin. I'd focus on those two varietals in Sonoma and Healdsburg rather than in Napa.