2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Anderson ValleyChardonnayKevin VogtMendocino RidgeUSA

DOMAINE ANDERSON

ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley
Domaine Anderson lies where Redwood forests meet the Mendocino Coast, creating a unique pocket of land with warm days significantly cooled by nightly coastal fog. Searching for prime Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroir in California, this ideal climatic combination led Jean-Claude Rouzaud of the Roederer family to the area in 1981, embarking on a journey to produce supremely balanced, Burgundy-influenced wines from California’s Northern Coast.
 
Jean-Claude’s son, Frederic, continues the pursuit of high-quality wine production at Domaine Anderson’s 50 acres of vineyards meandering through the Anderson Valley with distinct microclimates tucked within the valley floor, gentle knolls, and steep hillsides. The 2018 Estate Chardonnay grapes were handpicked, fermented in small French barriques, and aged ten months in a small proportion of new oak to allow the wine’s vibrant fruit character to shine, uncannily reminiscent of a lovely White Burgundy.
 
DOMAINE ANDERSON
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“Nutty, toasty, buttery aromas meld beautifully with rich pear, cream and butterscotch flavors in this well-rounded, concentrated and layered wine. Its richness and complexity are enhanced by an underlying lively acidity for excellent balance.”
92 Points
2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoMendocino RidgePetite SirahUSA

PORTALUPI 

2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard
Portalupi Winery specializes in site-specific wines made from exotic varieties. Winemaker Tim Portalupi has 40 years of experience, and he uses his skillset to give unorthodox varietals a voice that transcends the status quo. He made his 94 Point Petite Sirah from the L Venturi Vineyard in a deeply enchanting style that’s rich in supple fruits, intriguing complexity, with soft, velvety tannins. At this price, it’s an otherworldly value that’ll further the following of this remarkable grape and bring attention to this incredible vineyard. 
 
Tim sourced his Petite Sirah from the organically farmed L Venturi Vineyard in Mendocino, which he chose for its unique climate that creates a balance between acidity and tannins. The half-century-old vines are dry-farmed in well-drained Pinole gravelly loam soils and produce fruit with an intense sense of place. 
 
Tim ages his Petite Sirah in American oak barrels, which he believes better settles the inherent acidity of the Petite Sirah grape. The 2018 vintage underwent a complete 100% Malolactic fermentation which results in rich, supple fruit and layers of complexity.
 
PORTALUPI 
2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This full-bodied wine is serious, powerful and age-worthy. The warm layer of fine-grained tannins that cloaks the enticing woodsmoke, game and blackberry flavors now will melt with time and bring out even more complexity. Best from 2025.”
94 Points

2015 Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah

with No Comment $30 and underMendocinoMendocino RidgeSyrahUncategorized

CORNERSTONE

2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

 
Some of the greatest values in red wines can be found in American Syrah.  It’s one of the classic varietals of the world, and was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines from Cote Rotie and Hermitage.  Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah and it’s because of this, that you can occasionally find a ridiculous deal on a fantastic wine.  There’s no better example than Cornerstone’s 2015 single vineyard Syrah which is a stunning bottle of wine at it’s $85 retail price… Make sure to join our Insider’s Club mailing list (it’s free) to unlock special offers and see one of the best values that I’ve come across in my career.
 
This remarkable expression of California Syrah was authored by talented winemaking duo Kari Auringer and Charles Thomas. Kari 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. Charles has more than 30 years winemaking experience including crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, and his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  This beauty also defeated EVERY wine in the Syrah & Shiraz over $41/btl category at the SF Chronicle Competition, and was named “Best of Class.” You may want to grab all you can…
 
CORNERSTONE
2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD
Retails at:  $85/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “French by heritage, California in spirit. These head trained Syrah grapes were lovingly grown high on a steep hillside at 1,800 feet, overlooking the little town of Hopland in Mendocino. Small berries on petite clusters struggle on this dry farmed ranch, which gives this wine a dark and concentrated color. The aromas are a complex combination of ripe black berries, boysenberry and earthy sage. You’ll also likely find typical Syrah notes of smoked bacon, tar and black pepper. Lush and fleshy on the palate, this wine is ripe from long sun-drenched days. More new world in style than old world, but there is plenty of backbone that Syrah is known for. The finish lingers with a melody of mocha, licorice and a hint of allspice wrapped up in silky integrated tannins.“
Best In Class | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 
 
Customers who enjoy Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Valdez Sonoma Coast Zinfandel
 2013 Anarchist Wine Co Conspiracy Theory Proprietary Red
VALDEZ
2014 ZINFANDEL
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $30/btl
 

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “Aromas and flavors of juicy blackberries and currants are expressed in the 2014ValdezZinfandel. This wine has fresh acidity and light tannins that are in harmonious balance while hints of licorice and spice linger on the finish. Fruit for this wine is sourced from 3 different Sonoma County AVAs: Dry creek, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley.”
ANARCHIST WINE CO.
CONSPIRACY THEORY
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $36/btl
 

Click to Order

 
Tasting Notes, “This unique blend begins with a compact nose of Bing cherry, wet slate, cotton candy and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it begins with focused black plum, penetrating wild red and black berries and Ibarra Chocolate. The finish is mouth-filling without being cloying, with just the right amount of dusty tannin, cocoa powder and a touch of baking spices.”
2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel

2016 Carlisle Dupratt & Montafi Vineyard Zinfandels

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtMendocino RidgeNorth CoastRussian River ValleyUSAZinfandel

CARLISLE

2016 ZINFANDEL(S)
DUPRATT & MONTAFI

2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel
Mavens at crafting ancient-vine Zinfandels, Carlisle perennially proves the greatness that can be achieved from heritage vines.  In reference to a bevy of world-class wines, Referencing Carlisle, Robert Parker states “Brilliant winemaking, a highly committed proprietor, and extraordinarily fair prices make Carlisle a no-brainer for wine consumers looking for fun.” High-scores and rare retail opportunities make them nearly impossible to obtain.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to experience wine from this iconic winery, here’s a great opportunity to do so…
Both Montafi Ranch and DuPratt Vineyard perfectly delineate the magnificent complexity and depth that can only be achieved through heritage vines.  One small swirl of the glass unleashes an intoxicating bouquet of remarkably intense, detailed fruits laced with abundant complexity.  Crafted in a deep, penetrating style that’s incredibly hedonistic and remarkably balanced, I highly recommend trying both… 

Click to Order Mixed 15 Pack

2016 Carlisle Mendocino Ridge Dupratt Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Russian River Valley Zinfandel
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
DUPRATT VINEYARD
Your Price: $47.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and underbrush gain strength with air. Quite juicy and succulent, flavors of red fruits and subtle vanilla notes are lifted by zesty minerality. The tannins are gentle but acidity (always the mark of this terroir) provides for ample structure. Surprisingly refined and elegant in this vintage. Drink from 2019 though 2028.”
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
MONTAFI RANCH
Your Price: $47.99/btl

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Noticeably darker than the 2015… an utterly compelling nose of red cherry and raspberry highlighted by notes of sage and underbrush. On the palate, the nobility of this great site shines through. Totally seamless. Perfect finish. Hard to ask for anything more from a wine, regardless of variety…. it should age quite well. Drink from release through 2027.”