2015 Selene 'Chesler' Cabernet Franc

2015 Selene ‘Chesler’ Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

SELENE

2015 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC

 
2015 Selene 'Chesler' Cabernet Franc
Mia Klein’s 2015 Chesler is so ridiculously good, that once you taste it, you might end up calling me back, wanting to pay more for it.  Sure!  Anyway, Chesler has been a staple in our Yountville store since we opened, and is easily one of the best wines on the shelf in the $50 range.  It’s a profound interpretation of New World Cabernet Franc and Merlot from ancient vines in the Frediani Vineyard.  The wine was composed by Mia Klein, who has a long history of making wines for Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, and Chappellet, as well as being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.  This perfectly choreographed dance between the dominant Cabernet Franc is softened by blending elegant, supple Merlot.  The 2015 Chesler engages your emotions with intense blueberry and vivid red raspberry notes pirouetting with white flowers, wild mint, chocolate and wild rose.
 
Sculpted from the historic Frediani Vineyard which was planted in 1905, Mia gives voice to the Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines from this vineyard, and the result has to be tasted to be believed.  A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot, the 2015 is full-bodied and opulent with great depth and delineation.  The Merlot adds an opulence to the Cab Franc, softening any hard edges that might have otherwise existed, and the end result is simply stunning.  Don’t let this one ski by…
 
SELENE
2015 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Mixed berry pie, complete with crisp, buttery crust, dark chocolate dipped fresh strawberry, and light caramel in the aromatics. The aromas come through with impact and intensity in the mouth, especially the fresh strawberry. The tannins are just a half step in the foreground of the other flavors, showing a bit of chewiness, acting as the mortar cementing the parts into the whole.”  85% Cabernet Franc | 15% Merlot
2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cornerstone ‘Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

CORNERSTONE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
When a wine has literally every component necessary to be a world-class expression of it’s varietal, it’s difficult to find just one high-point to talk about because there are so many attributes that make it special.  Cornerstone’s 2014 Calistoga Cabernet is that wine.  You could start by mentioning winemaker Kari Auringer who worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming and Corra… to name a few.  Or you could talk about winemaker Charles Thomas who has more than 30 years winemaking experience crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, or his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  And then there’s the vineyard… 
 
Arising from a single vineyard perched high on Calistoga Palisades, not far from Araujo where the areas well-drained volcanic soils and unique microclimates project fruit of remarkable quality.  The 2014 checks in at 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with extraordinary extraction and deep, expressive flavors that unwind methodically and tell a story of the areas extraordinary terroir.  At $75/btl you’d be thrilled by the quality. At $49, you’ll want to make room in the cellar, and go deep…    
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $49/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Dark, rich and ripe. This wine offers classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, cassis, mocha and smoky toasted vanilla. Round, rich and creamy on entry, with explosive flavors of ripe fruit that only comes with a near-perfect growing season in the warmer part of the valley. As the wine opens up, the fruit flavors give way to a seductive core, classic cassis, licorice and a hint of leather. The tannins are sturdy but integrated. It is opulent and plush on release but it has the backbone and structure to age beautifully. This wine will reward those with the patience to give it a little more time.” 
2014 Barlow Calistoga Napa Valley Merlot

2014 Barlow Calistoga Merlot

with No Comment $30-$40CalistogaKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

BARLOW

2014 MERLOT
CALISTOGA

2014 Barlow Calistoga Napa Valley Merlot
Many of California’s best Merlots come from the sleepy town of Calistoga, on the Northern-most end of Napa Valley.  The area is distinguished by volcanic soils and the largest diurnal temperature variation in Napa Valley.  Daytime highs and night time lows span up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and while the hot daytime temperatures allow the grapes to develop deep and compelling flavors, the cool nights help to maintain acidity and structure.  With all of the contributing factors working in unison, this area has proven that it can produce some of the best Merlot in California… Just look at last year’s #1 wine in the Wine Spectator.  Interestingly, Duckhorn’s iconic 3 Palms Vineyard is just a short distance from Barlow’s Estate Vineyard and I believe the micro-climate on the South-Eastern edge of Calistoga where both of these Merlots originate is perfectly suited to produce some of Napa’s best Merlot.
 
Barlow’s Estate Vineyard is farmed by father and son team and you can literally taste the care that goes into each bottle.  They produce just over 300 cases of their Merlot and at $35/btl the level of quality is literally shocking when you taste it.  The 2014 was housed for 22 months in oak and has blossomed for 2 years in the bottle.  You simply have to try this…  
 
BARLOW
2014 MERLOT
CALISTOGA
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The 2014 Barlow Merlot has a deep, concentrated violet-purple color with aromas of rich raspberry, ripe red cherry with an essence of sweet French vanilla. The palate is highly concentrated with deep and generous flavors of currants, blueberries and Bing cherries. The tannins are soft and luxurious and are a great counterpart to the sweet flavors of toasty oak.” 
308 Cases Produced 
 
Customers who enjoy Barlow’s Calistoga Merlot, may also enjoy these two terrific Merlots…

 

2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2014 Frostwatch Bennett Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
2015 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 

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The consensus in the wine industry points to Merlot being back and with serious vigor. The varietal took a hit in 2004 with the debut of the movie Sideways which besmirched Merlot causing US Merlot sales to crater. A study by Vineyard Financial Associates estimates that it cost Merlot farmers over 400M in lost revenue in the decade following the movie.  Of course none of that made Duckhorn blink, in fact they’ve been climbing to new heights, and recently went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list with their 2014 Three Palms Merlot.  
FROSTWATCH
2014 MERLOT
BENNETT VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Merlot is scented of red and black plums, dried Mediterranean herbs, vanilla and spice box. Full-bodied in the mouth, it has a relatively tannic backbone dominating the fruit and drying out the finish slightly, but there is a lot of expressive fruit to love and it should reward another 3-5 years in bottle.”  90+ Points
2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet Franc

2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancCalistogaKevin VogtNorth CoastUSA

OCTOPODA 

2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST

2015 Octopoda North Coast Cabernet FrancPulling you in like tentacles from the deep, Octopoda is the real deal in great Cabernet Franc. Some of the best Cabernet Francs produced in California are regarded for their profound elegance and aromatics.  The only problem is that finding a great one, and at a reasonable price is about as rare as spotting a mythical sea creature.  And, there’s a reason that Cabernet Franc grapes are in higher demand and cost more on average then Cabernet Sauvignon. When carefully selected and produced, they can rival some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons out there.  Case and point, this one is really special and sucks you in…
 
Inked from a single vineyard North of Calistoga, the 2015 Octopoda Cabernet Franc is oozes squid ink black fruits, volcanic minerals, camphor, and black cherries and graphite with flavors deeper than the Mariana Trench. Held captive for 14 months in oak barrels, this 2015 is absolutely stunning right now and should age gracefully for the next decade or more.  
 
OCTOPODA 
2015 CABERNET FRANC
NORTH COAST
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Complex, lush and well balanced. This offers great intensity of dark fruit, baking cocoa, fresh herbs and licorice. The fruit shows beautiful ripeness tempered with savory herb notes.”
 
Customers who enjoy Octopoda’s Cabernet Franc may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds… 
2014 Selene Chesler Cabernet Franc
 2015 James Joseph Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Franc
SELENE
2014 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
 

This profound interpretation of Cabernet Franc and Merlot was created by legendary winemaker Mia Klein, whose track record includes making wines for Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, and Chappellet, as well as being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.  This perfectly choreographed dance between the dominant Cabernet Franc is softened by blending elegant Merlot. 
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
2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

with No Comment $90-$100CalistogaKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

DUCKHORN

2015 THREE PALMS VINEYARD
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT

 2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
When we offered Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms Merlot last October we asked the question, where do you go after being the reference standard in your field for nearly four decades…  Predicting Duckhorn would elevate their game to an even higher level, after earning their highest score ever from the Wine Spectator, they went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  Over the last 40 years, Duckhorn has become an inspirational icon for mastering Bordeaux varietals, and particularly Merlot in Napa Valley.  I can think of no other wine brand that defines iconic for a single varietal than Duckhorn does for Merlot… 
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2015 conquers your senses with mineral laced blackberry, unsweetened chocolate-raspberry souffle, graphite, cassis and dried rose petals.  Arising from another monumental vintage in Napa Valley, the 2015 blossoms after developing for 18 months in oak barrels then 12 months in the bottle before release…  Marked by the wine‘s signature dense core and beautiful satin texture, the 2015 unwinds with intensely flavored black fruits, holiday spices, plum, cassis and vanilla.  I strongly recommend securing a case of this celebrated California Merlot.  
 
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Reflecting what can be achieved from a legendary vineyard in an exceptional growing season, this wine displays captivating aromas of fresh cranberry, blueberry, fig, cedar and cocoa nibs. On the dense, mouth-filling palate, sophisticated notes of wet slate minerality add poise and definition to flavors of plum, molasses, cherry and crushed rose petals. Silky tannins carry the wine to a beautifully structured finish with hints of moist earth, cranberry and bittersweet chocolate.”
Merlot 91% | Cabernet Sauvignon 7% | Petit Verdot 1.5% | Cabernet Franc .5%
 
Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, may also enjoy these two outstanding Merlots…
2013 Paloma Spring Mountain Merlot 2014 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
PALOMA
2013 MERLOT
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Your Price: $56.99/btl 
 
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “…Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
2010 Harris Estate Jakes Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

HARRIS ESTATE 2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON JAKE’S CREEK VINEYARD

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

HARRIS ESTATE

2010 Harris Estate Jakes Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JAKE’S CREEK VINEYARD

 
How can you top a 94 point Thomas Rivers Brown Cab? Simple, you let it rest for 5-6 years at the winery, just like this 2010 Harris Jake’s Creek Cabernet Sauvignon… Sourced from lower slopes of Diamond Mountain, this wine is indescribably profound and rocks you to the core with a spectacular display of intense wild berries, graphite, liquid violets and chocolaty expresso.  It’s everything you’d expect from a blockbuster TRB wine and is amplified by 5-6 years of bottle development so that it is perfectly ready to drink.  Brown made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 Point score from the Wine Spectator, and has had more than a dozen 100 Point wines in his career.  He’s also the winemaker at Schrader, Revana, Maybach, Gemstone and Outpost to name a few…
 
Need more?  The vineyard is managed by Josh Clark, one of wine country’s most sought after viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like Outpost, Hourglass, Kinsella and Pulido Walker to list a few…  A tantalizing interpretation of Diamond Mountain terroir that ignites a vivid display of blackberry preserves, dark spices and chocolate dipped raspberries.  With just a handful of cases of the 2010 available, I strongly recommend securing yours before it’s too late… You’ll be glad you did.
 
HARRIS ESTATE
2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JAKE’S CREEK VINEYARD
Retails at:  $140.00/btl
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl
YOU SAVE 14%
 
 

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Dark cherries, plums, menthol, licorice and flowers all come together in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Jake’s Creek Vineyard. There is plenty of intensity in the glass as this full-bodied, opulent wine shows off its considerable personality. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. Readers will have to be patient with the 2010 Jake’s Creek, but it is striking, even today. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.” 94 Points

 
Customers that enjoy the Harris Jake’s Creek Cabernet, may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
2104 Post Parade Stretch Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon
POST PARADE
2014 STRETCH DRIVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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Stretching the boundaries in just the third vintage, you’ll find this rising-star wine company and soon to be cult-classic producer in the winner’s circle after every race.  The Post Parade wines have gotten more profound with each vintage.  A pacesetter in the under seventy price bracket, Stretch Drive is the second wine produced at Post Parade, and oozes with provocative dark berries laced with crushed rock, cocoa and baking spices.
REVANA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 TERROIR SERIES
(Also made by Thomas Brown)
 
Your Price: $105/btl

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Revana solidified themselves as one of the top producers in Napa Valley in 2010 when they secured the #4 spot on the prestigious Wine Spectator top 100 List… amazingly, it was also the #1 Cabernet… From The Wine Spectator, “Pure, rich, dense and driven by extracted blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, currant, cedar and cigar box nuances. Most impressive for the direct and authoritative presence. Best from 2020 through 2038…” 95 Points

Kenefick Ranch 2012 Petite Sirah Calistoga Estate

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaPetite SirahUncategorizedUSA
KENEFICK RANCH
2012 PETITE SIRAH
CALISTOGA, ESTATE
 
California Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux Style Blends aren’t the only wines that are shining bright from the 2012 vintage…  Some of the best examples of Durif, AKA Petite Sirah can age gracefully for up to two decades.  Even the word Petite refers to the small berries that these vines produce, and in turn, the greater skin to juice ratio creates a wine with penetrating intensity, yet supple, velvety tannins.  Kenefick Ranch’s 8 barrel production of their 2012 Estate Petite Sirah has everything that I look for in a great California Petite Sirah.  The flavors are deep and penetrating and on the palate the wine is pure silk, presented in a plump, velvety overlay.  At $45/btl retail this wine will bring a smile to your face.
With warm days and cool nights, Calistoga offers the perfect climate for Petite Sirah to fully develop, and many of California’s best examples of this variety come from the Calistoga area.  This quintessential Calistoga Petite Sirah was expertly guided from grape to bottle by talented winemaker Kent Jarman, who’s also the winemaker at Coup de Foudre, and previously the assistant winemaker at Duckhorn.  Kept for 18 months in Meyrieux Barrels, this 2012 is brimming with blue fruits, spices and plum.
 
KENEFICK RANCH
2012 PETITE SIRAH
CALISTOGA, ESTATE
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
+ 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: “We treat this Petite Sirah in a gentle manner during fermentation to allow the heavy tannin profile to integrate properly. Aromatics of dark cherry, plum and spice are enveloped in a rich, fresh berry profile. Copious velvet tannins let this wine finish very long. Good to drink now and will cellar well for the next 10-15 years.”
 
Customers who enjoy the Kenefick Ranch Petite Sirah may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…

 

LEWIS CELLARS
ALEC’S BLEND
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2015 Alec’s Blend is a lot like the Honda XR500 that Alec takes to the trails of Lefthand Canyon in Boulder, CO – big, powerful, and lots of fun. Bursting with sappy black cherry, chocolaty oak spice and Madagascar vanilla, it’s a dense and delicious blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-driven and plush but framed in fine, polished tannins, this ride will make you smile...”
CARLISLE
2015 PETITE SIRAH
PALISADES VINEYARD
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Another monster in the making… This is no ordinary Petite Sirah, but then, few are. Nearly black as a moonless night, the wine’s aromatics soar from the glass, offering up floral notes intermixed with blackberry, incense, blueberry liqueur, graphite and licorice. Huge intensity of flavor, sweet but noticeable tannins, low acidity, but fabulous richness, and a broad, almost endless finish characterize this Petite Sirah that should age well for 30-50 or more years…” 91-94 Points