2019 Cherry Pie Pinot Noir San Pablo Bay Block

2019 Cherry Pie Pinot Noir San Pablo Bay Block

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

CHERRY PIE

SAN PABLO BAY BLOCK
PINOT NOIR 2019

2019 Cherry Pie Pinot Noir San Pablo Bay Block
Jayson Woodbridge’s name is synonymous with quality, so when he approached the historic Stanly Ranch in Carneros with his sights set on producing premium Pinot Noir, he received access to some of the property’s finest blocks. Jayson is the proud founder of Hundred Acre Winery and has been awarded a remarkable twenty-two perfect 100-Point scores from Wine Advocate over the last two decades.
 
Jayson desired to add Pinot Noir to his repertoire, inspired by the juicy cherry pies his grandmother baked while he was growing up. He combined that with the simple, everyday American life artist T.R. Colletta whose art graces the label to complete his vision. Cherry Pie Pinot Noir is packed with decadent, perfectly ripe, concentrated fruit, balanced by fresh acidity, and is an absolute delight to swirl and taste.
 
CHERRY PIE
SAN PABLO BAY BLOCK
PINOT NOIR 2019
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“Robust in body and pleasurable to sip, this French oak-aged Pinot Noir is distinctive, with smoky cedar, sage, black cherry, and black pepper. Round and earthy, with unexpected muscle.”
93 Points
2019 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

2019 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

DUCKHORN 

2019 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

2019 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley
The Duckhorn name is synonymous with Merlot due to Dan Duckhorn’s passion for the classic Bordeaux varietal, which he initially planted in the Napa Valley in 1978. His love for Merlot started after a trip to Bordeaux, France, and he vowed to grow it just as beautifully in Napa Valley, improving its reputation in the New World.
 
Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of some of the winery’s most iconic vineyards, including the Napa side of Carneros fruit chosen for its proximity to the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, which play a vital role in contributing brightness to this wine. The 2019 vintage began with abundant rainfall, followed by a long, warm summer with foggy mornings and the absence of significant heat spikes helping to preserve freshness, vibrance, depth of color, and overall structure. This vintage ranks among their best yet for their beloved Napa Valley Merlot. Our tasting panel members were all commenting on how it was the best Duckhorn Napa Merlot in recent memory, and possibly ever.
 
DUCKHORN 
2019 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“From its tantalizing aromas of ripe cherry and black plum to its fine-grained tannins and lively complexity, this is a lovely expression of Napa Valley Merlot. On the palate, the flavors are rich and fleshy, with luxurious layers of black currant, red licorice, fig compote, blueberry and crushed rose petal flowing to a long, elegant finish.”
2017 Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir Carneros

2017 Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir Carneros

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUncategorizedUSA

BALDACCI

ELIZABETH PINOT NOIR
2017 CARNEROS

2017 Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir Carneros
Marked with concentrated fruit, intriguing textures, and a palpable sense of place, Baldacci’s Carneros Pinot Noir authoritatively expresses many of the region’s best attributes. The wine arose from Baldacci’s Estate Vineyard in Carneros, farmed by Josh Clark, one of wine country’s most sought after viticulturists whose clients include icons like Outpost, Hourglass, and Kinsella, to list a few. At this price, it truly shouldn’t be missed.
 
Michael Baldacci works closely with Ricardo Herrera to craft balanced wines with a sense of place and tangible value. Ricardo gained invaluable experience over the years at icons Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Dominus, and Screaming Eagle.
 
The Baldacci team is steadfast in producing wines that tell a story of their origins and vintage. They achieve this through highly skilled vineyard management, top-level winemaking, and timely choices made during each step along the way. The results speak for themselves, and at this price, a single case may not be enough.
 
BALDACCI
ELIZABETH PINOT NOIR
2017 CARNEROS
Retails at: $50
 
 
 
“Our motto is no whimpy Pinot Noir! I approach this varietal as a lighter, yet sturdy red wine from our portfolio. We work towards a balanced fruit load, per vine, in the vineyard. We use our clones to create nuance and texture in the final wine… We strive for a fruit forward expression that is more dark rather than red berry. We de-stem everything and cold soak for no more than 3 days to achieve a color and tannin profile that is more structured. Everything is fermented in open top, small volume tanks with daily punch downs until dry. We use 40% new French oak to marry our fruit with the spice from the wood.”
2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50CalistogaCarnerosKevin VogtMerlotNapaOak KnollUSAYountville

DUCKHORN 

2018 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley
Inspired by Bordeaux and a foundational focus of Duckhorn Winery since 1978, Merlot’s mesmeric identity and profound elegance were recognized by Dan Duckhorn as underappreciated in North America, and he set out to fix it. Having unwavering consistency and exemplary varietal character, Duckhorn dominates California Merlot. The 2018 release is a consummate example of the winery’s cumulative growth over the past four decades, and at $45, this deserves a spot on the table. 
 
Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Merlot reflects the diversity of Napa Valley terroir, enriched by Estate Vineyards and other top sites in Carneros, Oak Knoll, Calistoga, and Yountville. A quarter of the blend is harvested from the winery’s Three Palms, Rector Creek, Stout, Monitor Ledge, Patzimaro, and Cork Tree Vineyards, balanced with other renowned sites like Stagecoach, Hyde, and Hudson. 
 
A hallmark of Duckhorn’s Napa Merlot is the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon for added depth, structure, and signature black cherry, plum, and spice characteristics. Quality was propelled even further by the 2018 vintage, and after resting for 15 months in barrel, this wine is ready to delight.
 
DUCKHORN 
2018 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavors of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.”
2017 Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2017 Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonCarnerosKevin VogtNapaOak KnollSaint HelenaUSA

TYROS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Encapsulating the breadth of Napa Valley terroir, Tyros Cabernet Sauvignon orchestrates from vineyards spanning the length of Napa Valley, created to be a mindful expression of its varietal, region, and vintage. The makers of Tyros, Silenus winery’s vineyard was a walnut orchard, converted to Cabernet vines in 1968; the family sold fruit for years to Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, and Inglenook, often being a component in their reserve wines. With triple 90-point reviews and priced at $30, you can’t go wrong with a case.  
 
The winemaking team crafted Tyros around a tapestry of meticulously chosen vineyards, including; Silenus Oak Knoll Estate and surrounding sites, St Helena, Pope Valley, and Carneros. 23% Merlot contributes suppleness, a softer texture, and cherry fruit, balancing the Cabernet’s tannins. 
 
They then aged Tyros for 22 months in 50% new French oak and 10% new American oak Barrels, perfectly balancing the fruit’s lushness and natural tannins. The resulting wine is gracefully balanced, long, and expressive, and at $30, it’s impressive at this price level. 
 
TYROS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This is an enjoyable and approachable Cabernet that is blended with 23% Merlot. Black cherry, cassis and mocha highlight a soft, supple palate. It has a hint of dried herb on the finish.”
90 Points “Editors’ Choice”
 
“Quite bold and ripe, this teeters a bit, with a prune note amid the cherry, raspberry and plum confiture flavors. Features pretty spice accents, a relatively silky feel and a lingering mesquite element for added range. For fans of the style.”
90 Points
 
“Earthy, black and blue fruit aromas over a very lovely, juicy palate showing cassis, currants, cocoa and coffee.”
90 Points
2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red

2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red

with No Comment $60-$70CarnerosCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

ARIETTA 

2018 QUARTET 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red
Arietta’s specialty is harmoniously balanced Bordeaux-style blends created from top vineyards in Napa Valley. They gain inspiration for their wine from music and believe that great wines should sing with balance, vibrancy, and depth. They’re able to achieve this with the proper instruments (super-premium grapes) and the help of gifted composer/winemaker Andy Erickson. Andy made Screaming Eagle from 2005 through 2010, and he also makes Mayacamas, which in the last two consecutive vintages ranked #2 and #4 on Wine Spectator Top 100. At 95 points and under $100, don’t miss Arietta’s 2018 Quartet.   
 
Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage in the 2018 Quartet, followed by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Verdot. They finely tuned this wine for 20 months in oak, and it makes a grand entrance from one of Napa Valley’s most exceptional vintages. 
 
The winery sources fruit from Meteor and Two Belles Farms in Coombsville, and in Carneros, they call on Lee Hudson’s renowned vineyard. If you’re looking for a stunningly complex and deeply hedonistic blend to add to your cellar, this one is singing.
 
ARIETTA 
2018 QUARTET 
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $75
 
Your Price: $69.99
 
 
“This blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot into a cohesive whole of complex structure and grace. Cedar, pencil shavings, iron and crushed rock provide a savory foundation complemented by lush richness in the form of dense blueberry, dark chocolate and nutmeg…”
95 Points
2018 Baldacci Sorelle Chardonnay Carneros

2018 Baldacci Sorelle Chardonnay Carneros

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

BALDACCI

SORELLE CHARDONNAY
2018 CARNEROS

2018 Baldacci Sorelle Chardonnay Carneros
Revered for lively acidity and concentrated fruit, Carneros Chardonnays benefit from their proximity to the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay. Cool air funnels through the Coastal Mountain ranges allowing the grapes a long growing season, with temperatures cool enough to maintain acidity and structure. Baldacci’s Sorelle Chardonnay perfectly reflects this phenomenon, as echoed by Jeb Dunnuck, who writes that it’s “nicely textured and has good acidity followed by a clean finish, all making for a delicious Chardonnay.” 
 
Michael Baldacci works closely with Josh Clark to farm his Carneros Vineyard to its utmost potential. Josh is a leading viticulturist whose A-list clients include Outpost, Hourglass, and Kinsella Estate, to name a few. 
 
Sorelle is barrel-aged and crafted in a full-bodied, concentrated style by Michael Baldacci and Ricardo Herrera. Ricardo gained experience at icons Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Dominus, and Screaming Eagle. The resulting wine performs at an exceptionally high-level that’s uncommon at this price.
 
BALDACCI
SORELLE CHARDONNAY
2018 CARNEROS
Retails at: $40
 
 
 
“A full-bodied, toasty white with aromas and flavors of apricot, ripe pear, smoke and apple pie. Crisp acidity and a toasty, flinty finish. Drink or hold.”
91 Points
 
“…the 2018 Chardonnay Sorelle offers an attractive, richer style that carries lots of buttered melon, white peach, and pineapple fruit notes as well as some background toastiness. It’s nicely textured and has good acidity followed by a clean finish, all making for a delicious Chardonnay to drink over the coming couple of years.”
90 Points
2017 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Pinor Noir Napa Valley

2017 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Pinor Noir Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BELLE GLOS

EULENLOCH VINEYARD
2017 PINOT NOIR
NAPA VALLEY

2017 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Pinor Noir Napa Valley
Belle Glos Pinot Noirs have an extravagantly rich style that transcends varietal/category to the degree that even some Cabernet-drinkers enjoy them. Winemaker Joe Wagner crafts them with unprecedented lavish fruit and sweet oak levels, and he works to distill the essence of each vineyard and deliver it generously. His Eulenloch Pinot Noir from Napa Valley’s Carneros region is opulent, complex, and nuanced. At around $40, it’s a lot of Pinot for the price. 
 
Joe was involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking invaluable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards with his father, Charlie. Joe created Belle Glos to showcase Pinot Noirs produced from noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, and lucky for us, he recently added Eulenloch Vineyard in Napa Valley. 
 
Eulenloch Vineyard benefits from cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean via San Pablo Bay, which helps the grapes maintain acidity and structure. Joe utilizes frequent punch downs to extract color and tannins at the winery, and he controls temperature to maximize flavor.
 
BELLE GLOS
EULENLOCH VINEYARD
2017 PINOT NOIR
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Deep ruby red with aromas of ripe cherry, blueberry, and juicy blackberry layered with hints of cocoa and forest floor. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of baker’s chocolate, blackberry, and sweet pipe tobacco. This wine is well rounded with supple, refined tannins and a mouthwatering, long finish.”
2017 B. Kosuge Pinot Noir The Shop, Carneros

2017 B. Kosuge Pinot Noir The Shop, Carneros

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

B. KOSUGE 

2017 PINOT NOIR
THE SHOP, CARNEROS 

2017 B. Kosuge Pinot Noir The Shop, Carneros
Byron Kosuge is a highly-skilled winemaker who’s spent decades immersed in Carneros Pinot Noir, but it’s his curious nature that sets him apart from the rest. He continually experiments with farming and fermentation techniques to create a more distinctive, fresher Pinot Noir. He describes his style as a “new tradition” of winemaking, inspired by old-world methods but recombining them in ways that seem to suit New World conditions. The results are brilliant, and at $30, his 2017 Carneros Pinot Noir is also a glaring value.
 
Byron spent the first 15 years of his winemaker career at Saintsbury Winery in Carneros, where he meticulosity studied the region and surrounding vineyards. His vast skill set has attracted several other high-quality Pinot producers like MIURA and Small Vines as the consulting winemaker. 
 
In the vineyard, and the cellar, Byron is incredibly hands-on; walking the vineyards, working the vines, sorting grapes. He ferments his Carneros Pinot in a combination of neutral oak vessels of various sizes and concrete, resulting in a clean, fresh style of Pinot Noir that’s remarkably balanced.
 
B. KOSUGE 
2017 PINOT NOIR
THE SHOP, CARNEROS
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2017 Shop was, as usual, aged in a combination of neutral oak vessels of various sizes and concrete. In response to the somewhat riper flavors in the fruit, I included a fairly healthy portion of whole clusters in the fermentations, slightly more than usual, to help balance out the ripe fruit flavors. But no drastic changes. In its youth the wine was deeply colored, very plush and a bit brooding during its time in barrel and cask. Now, it still tends towards the darker fruit end of the spectrum. One other benefit of mature vines—despite the heat of the vintage, the alcohol checks in at surprisingly modest 13.3%”
2019 Barnett Vineyards Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard

2019 Barnett Vineyards Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

BARNETT VINEYARDS

2019 CHARDONNAY
SANGIACOMO VINEYARD 

2019 Barnett Vineyards Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard
Barnett produces supremely balanced wines that are varietally appropriate and locationally transparent. They achieve this through selecting the right location and taking a hands-on, attentive approach to winemaking. Winemaker David Tate regularly samples juice from each barrel during fermentation, stopping malolactic fermentation on a barrel-by-barrel basis to preserve balance. Their 2019 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay is sensational and perfectly reflects the winery’s commitment to producing world-class wine.
 
The winery has produced Chardonnay from Sangiacomo for 28 vintages; thus, they can access some of the best blocks. Their 2019 combines El Novillero, Vella, and Catarina blocks. Each block is fermented separately in small batches before aging Sur Lie for ten months in French oak. 
 
Winemaker David Tate has crafted Barnett since 2007, and he previously spent five years at Ridge, where he helped make their iconic Monte Bello Cabernet. His years at Ridge laid the groundwork for his commitment to quality and understanding what it takes to produce world-class wine with a sense of place.
 
BARNETT VINEYARDS
2019 CHARDONNAY
SANGIACOMO VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $37.99
 
 
“The 2019 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard opens with a gorgeous nose of spice cake, candied ginger, lemon butter and marzipan over a core of apricots, Bosc pears and apple pie. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with intense citrus and apple flavors plus loads of spicy accents with a racy backbone and satiny texture, finishing long with beautiful savoriness.”
93+ Points