2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

STEPS RESERVE

BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red
Created in a style that mirrors many ultra high-end Napa Valley Cabernet based wines, with 24 months in oak, premium vineyard sources and an intense, deeply compelling style that lets you know you’re tasting something special. The only thing not mirrored is the high price tag… Upon entry the 2015 Reserve Blend penetrates your taste buds with dreamlike intensity and all of the scrumptiously thrilling qualities and unforgettable flavors and aromas that make Steps Reserve so wondrous.  Only available at $45 per bottle through March 31st, 2018, we wanted to give you one final shot to secure a case or two of this remarkable wine before the price increases…
Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
 
STEPS RESERVE 
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10% (through March 31, 2018)
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, opulent aromas emerge laced with fresh black raspberries, chocolate covered cherries, espresso roast and a touch of sweet vanilla oak.  Penetrating, velvety flavors of crushed blackberries, black plum, minerals, kirsch and hints of roasted coffee expand across your palate as layer upon layer of complexity unfolds.  The supple yet slightly dusty tannins beautifully frame the plush fruit as it elegantly caresses your palate through the long pleasurable finish…”  Delicious now, this wine will cellar for at least 12 years.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 68% | Cabernet Franc 21% | Malbec 11%

 

Customers who enjoy the Steps Barrel Select may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds… 
2015 James Joseph Reserve Cabernet Franc 2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend
JAMES JOSEPH
2015 CABERNET FRANC
RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
With a total production of only 4 barrels, this rarely bottled varietal from James Joseph grabs you right from the start.  Showing surreal-like tension between Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain terroirs, the 2015 is locked and loaded with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers, and black cherries, laced with volcanic minerals, graphite and crushed rock
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
2014 Hollywood & Vine 2480 Napa Valley Chardonnay

2014 Hollywood & Vine 2480 Napa Valley Chardonnay

HOLLYWOOD & VINE

“2480” CHARDONNAY
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2014 Hollywood & Vine 2480 Napa Valley Chardonnay
If you asked an expert how to make it in Hollywood, they would likely tell you that you have to stand out above the crowd and have some compelling qualities about you that are unique to you.  The same holds true for wine, and Hollywood & Vine’s 2480 Chardonnay is unique.  For starters it’s sourced from a high-elevation vineyard in Napa Valley’s coveted Atlas Peak AVA.  Even more unique is the wine is crafted entirely from the Harold Weimer Chardonnay clone, which is known for producing exotic and wildly individualistic flavors.  This Chardonnay delights your taste buds with detailed reflections of underripe pineapple, jasmine, orange zest and delicate tropical notes.  
And like a great actor, a great wine also need a talented coach to highlight the best qualities and pull all of the right pieces together… This Chardonnay was authored by Celia Welch, (Scarecrow, D.R. Stephens, Barbour, Dalla Valle…)  And just in case you may not be familiar with Celia’s artistry, just know that she made 5 cases of 2012 Scarecrow that sold for a record $260,000 at the Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction… If you’re looking for a Chardonnay that stands out above the rest, this one’s for you… 
 
HOLLYWOOD & VINE
“2480” CHARDONNAY
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $39.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The cool-climate origins of this crisp, fruit-driven Chardonnay are evidenced in the aromas that add notes of wet granite and a touch of sweet lemongrass to the jasmine, green apple and bright orange zest notes. This ripe, aromatic Chardonnay was fermented in a combination of new and once-used French oak barrels plus a few barrels of steel, and kept sur-lie with biweekly battonage, so the floral notes are supported by a few deep base notes of toasty vanilla and fresh lees. On the palate, the wine shows integrated, complex flavors of green apple, apricot, a touch of mineral character and a bright, crisp finish which highlights the citrus notes.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hollywood & Vine’s 2480 Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2014 SilverPoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset


Eponymous 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

EPONYMOUS 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
What can you get from just a single word? Single word descriptors can mean quite a bit, particularly when describing wine. Bob Pepi’s 2014 Eponymous Cabernet Sauvignon offers a virtual wine dictionary of descriptors, with layers of flavors that lure you into craving more and more. With an eccentric perfume laced with black tea, eucalyptus, roasted coffee beans, sage and cocoa powder dusted blackberries, the 2014 is rich and scrumptious, and unsurprisingly, this wine has a following of it’s own.  At the normal $60/btl retail price, this wine would have you and you beaming with joy.
 
Calling on fruit from Mount Veeder and the Benchlands below Atlas Peak, this perfectly orchestrated composition of two distinctly different sites oozes complexity and defined flavors.  Aged in French oak barrels for 20 months, the 2014 opens up to an abundance of dark berries laced with holiday spices, dried mint, pipe tobacco and clove.  If you like things a little bit different and enjoy deep, complex and individualistic reds that have plenty of character… this one is for you.
 
EPONYMOUS 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl

 
Winery Notes: “Eponymous 2014 exudes lovely, complex notes as soon as the cork is pulled. Held to the light, this elegant wine shimmers with a stunning deep purple-inky color that announces the intensity of the grapes. The complexity of aromas jump out of the glass with rich blackberries, spice, vanilla and hints of toasted rosemary that carry over to the palate. This palate has classic Napa structure and grip with more than ample tannins, although nicely balanced by fruit, a rich earthiness and spice. It is rich, full and round from the initial taste, continuing as it fills the mouth, leading to a long, lingering, polished finish. ”

Grassi 2014 Shiner Series Cabernet Sauvignon

GRASSI
2014 SHINER SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
We run across many second wines, but they don’t always come in second place…  Particularly when they’re created from Estate fruit and crafted by a brilliant winemaker.  Factoring in that Super Seconds often come at a lower price, it’s something to pay closer attention to. Grassi’s 6 barrel production of their 2014 Shiner Series Cabernet is incredibly fabulous and lucky for consumers, it also comes in at around $30/btl below their Estate Cabernet… It’s brought to life by Robbie Meyer, whose experience includes 5 vintages at the iconic Peter Michael Winery, as well as time at Lewis Cellars, Jericho Canyon, Del Dotto, and Meyer is currently the winemaker for Pierson Meyer…
 
Emanating from Grassi’s Estate Vineyard located on Soda Canyon Road, positioned about a mile South of the Stag’s Leap District and rests just below Atlas Peak, Grassi excelled in 2014… The clonal selection includes 337, which is commonly used in cult Cabernets and is known for producing bold yet luscious wines with some spice, dark berry flavors, and supple tannins.   Aged for 20 months in oak, this wine has everything I look for in a high-end Napa valley Cabernet, except the high price.
 
FYI, a “Shiner” is an unlabeled bottle straight from the winery prior to labeling, generally with a paper sticker and hand-written info on it.  This wine is an hommage to actual “Shiners.”
 
GRASSI
2014 SHINER SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl Click to Order
YOU SAVE 10%
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
Winery Notes: “This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a delicious and approachable cuvee from our estate vineyard… shows beautiful fruit expressions of ripe black cherry and wild blackberry. There is appropriate structure to the wine, but you will find it to have soft tannins and a very even mouthfeel that can be enjoyed as a daily wine pairing.” 150 Cases Produced
 
 
Customers who enjoy Grassi’s Shiner Series Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these stunning Cabernets…
EHLERS ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ST. HELENA
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
 
In grape growing, much as in real estate, location-location-location is absolutely essential.   And when your neighbors include Chuck McMinn’s renowned “Aida” Vineyard, Turley and Revana, wine lovers should pay keen attention.  Founded in 1886, EhlersEstate, located just North of St. Helena, quietly produces some of the most classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon out there.
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast, “Juicy, spicy and red-fruit dominated, this wine is broad-shouldered and moderately balanced, with a powerful hit of tannin on the finish. Sweet tobacco and vanilla flavors crescendo on the finish.”
 
 
 
90 Points

Steps 2015 Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Taking giant steps forward in terms of quality, but stepping back production by nearly two thirds, this is the most limited Steps Reserve wine in years.  In 2015 mother nature dealt small yields of extremely high quality fruit, and winemaker Grant Long Jr. combined only the best barrels to produce a single Steps blend this year and once sold out… It’s gone for good. Upon entry the 2015 Reserve Blend penetrates your taste buds with dreamlike intensity and all of the scrumptiously thrilling qualities and unforgettable flavors and aromas that make Steps Reserve so wondrous.  Only available at $45/btl through March 31st, I recommend securing your case as soon as possible.
Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl Click to Order
YOU SAVE 10% (through March 31st)
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
Tasting Notes: “Rich, opulent aromas emerge laced with fresh black raspberries, chocolate covered cherries, espresso roast and a touch of sweet vanilla oak.  Penetrating, velvety flavors of crushed blackberries, black plum, minerals, kirsch and hints of roasted coffee expand across your palate as layer upon layer of complexity unfolds.  The supple yet slightly dusty tannins beautifully frame the plush fruit as it elegantly caresses your palate through the long pleasurable finish…”  Delicious now, this wine will cellar for at least 12 years.
Cabernet Sauvignon 68% | Cabernet Franc 21% | Malbec 11%
Customers who enjoy the Steps Barrel Select may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
JAMES JOSEPH
2015 CABERNET FRANC
RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $49.99/btl
With a total production of only 4 barrels, this rarely bottled varietal from James Josephgrabs you right from the start.  Showing surreal-like tension between Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain terroirs, the 2015 is locked and loaded with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers, and black cherries, laced with volcanic minerals, graphite and crushed rock
STEPS
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $49.99/btl
The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.