2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

2016 James Joseph Kathryn’s Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA

JAMES JOSEPH 2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER

In wine, greatness can come from a steadfast focus on your core strengths.  With James Joseph, we’ve scaled back production by 75% in 2016, producing just four barrels of the absolute best wine fathomable.  Born from a single vineyard located at 1,100 feet elevation on Mount Veeder, the 2016 is riveting, profound and deeply hedonistic. This Cabernet blend combines Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in a way that perfectly expresses Mount Veeder terroir with a vivid display of fine-grained tannins, focused berries, dried flowers, chocolate and stony minerality.  With rising costs to produce this truly top level Cuvee, the wine will only be available at $45/btl through October 1st. 
 
In the glass the 2016 draws you in with a dramatic, alluring perfume, laced in violets, mountainy berries, shaved chocolates and graphite.  The 2016 was authored by Grant Long Jr., winemaker at Witchery, Steps and Aonair and it was kept for 21 months in oak.  Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of James Joseph, know exactly what to expect… $100/btl quality at a price that’s an epic value… 
Orders are ready to ship After October 1st.
 
JAMES JOSEPH
KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10%
 
Tasting Notes: “Deeply rich aromas of black raspberries, Bing cherries, black currants, cocoa powder, pipe tobacco and a hint of sweet vanilla.  On the palate, layers of crushed blackberries, liquid mineral, sweet blue fruits, freshly ground coffee and oak spice all in perfect balance.  The tannins support a long, opulent finish.  Drink now or over the next 12 years.” 100 Cases Produced
2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend 2015 James Joseph Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

Click to Order

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.
JAMES JOSEPH
NAPA VALLEY RESERVE
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

Click to Order

Tasting Notes: “An enchanting bouquet of ripe bing cherry, black plum, raspberry liqueur, mocha, violets and hints of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate the wine is remarkably rich and densely concentrated.  Lavish layers of ripe blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and sweet black cherry are intertwined and compel you to another sip.  This wine can be enjoyed upon release or cellared for 10-15 years.”  150 Cases Produced
 
91% Cabernet Sauvignon | 6% Merlot | 3% Cabernet Franc

2014 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red

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BLIND TASTING

PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY

 
Have you ever wondered why New World Blends are so good? The reason is the unrestricted rules that allow winemakers to blend any varietals together, unlike what you might find in some areas of the Old World.  A perfect example is the unabashedly Californian 2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red.  It has a core of Old Vine Zinfandel, amplified by 19% Petite Sirah, which adds depth and succulent blue fruits and then it’s taken up yet another notch with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder, adding even more structure and backbone.  This wine is absolutely perfect with everything from BBQ to Burgers and everything in between, and it’s always a crowd-favorite.  If you haven’t experienced this truly California style Red Blend, here’s a great opportunity to do so, but don’t wait too long because there were only 6 barrels produced.
 
A virtual bungie-jump for your palate, with a free-falling burst of blackberry pie, interwoven with violets, crushed blueberries and black raspberries, the 2014 is firing on all cylinders right now.  A wine of deep power and focused intensity, the 2014 blend spent 20 months in oak and benefiting from over a year of development inside the bottle, it’s drinking absolutely beautifully now.  Hitting the palate with incredible fervency, giving way to a rush of irresistible fruit, displayed with terrific clarity.  strongly recommend you jump at the chance to secure a case.  You’ll thank me later.  
 
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackberries, white Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla jump from the glass. A dense core of perfectly balanced black cherry, crushed blueberries, blackberry preserves with a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being too heavy, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to make your mouth water and beg for the next sip.  Absolutely delicious and ready to drink right now, or you can hold until 2024.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Blind Tasting may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyard Zinfandel
 2015 Westwook Legend Proprietary Red
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
 
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel: “This proprietary red blend (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) is sourced [mostly from] the estate vineyard, situated between Mt. Hood and the Sonoma Mountains. The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.” 95 Points
 
2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red

2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA

CALCULATED RISK

PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER

2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red
I’ve always found a mystical element in Mount Veeder fruit that always draws me in.  It’s the largest AVA within Napa Valley but the rugged terrain limits production to just 1.3% of Napa Valley grapes.  Yielding small, powerful berries, the sandstone and shale soils set this Mountain apart from all others in Napa.  It’s also the coolest Mountain which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic.  One of the area’s hallmarks is the fine-grained tannins, along with brambly Mountain berries, stony minerality, and exceptional concentration.  The only thing keeping us from enjoying Mount Veeder wine every day is their scarcity and the often high-elevation price tag.  Of the ten 2014 Mount Veeder Cabernets that I found listed in the Wine Spectator, the average price was well over $100/btl. This Calculated Risk is sure to pay off…
 
A calculated blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon this remarkable representation of Mount Veeder hails from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality.  Exhibiting all of the characteristics of Mount Veeder fruit, from the stunning weight and concentration to the stony minerality, mystical bramble fruits and floral, this wine has it all.  The only risk will be waiting too long to secure your case…
 
CALCULATED RISK
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Coming from the exclusive Mt. Veeder appellation, where almost all work is done by hand due to the rugged and steep terrain, this elegant wine offers beautiful notes of black raspberry, currant and tobacco. Tannins are well integrated and beautifully balanced.”
 
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakKevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA

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.

Steps 2015 Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakKevin VogtMt VeederNapaProprietary RedUSA
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.

Hendry 2014 Zinfandel Block 20 Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMt VeederRedsZinfandel
HENDRY
2014 ZINFANDEL
BLOCK 28, NAPA VALLEY
 
We taste many different Zinfandels during our weekly tastings, and most of them have origins right in our own backyard… Dry Creek Valley, Russian River or Napa, but we’ve had some from as far away as Croatia.  Few Zinfandels strike me the way that Hendry’s 2014 Block 28 Zinfandel did.  Remarkably penetrating and perfectly balanced, giving way to waves of briary cherry and raspberry fruit, intermixed with holiday spices, cracked black pepper and violets.  The previous vintage was named one of the Year’s Best Zins by Wine & Spirits, and the vintage before that was honored as one of the top 100 wines of the year by the same publication.  I think the 2014 is even better, so don’t wait too long to secure a case.
 
Nestled at the base of Mount Veeder, the Hendry’s have been farming the same vineyard in Napa Valley since the 1930’s… The lessons learned after more than 75 harvests are almost palpable in this extraordinary Zinfandel.  Kept for 15 months in oak barrels, the 2014 is wonderfully long and vibrant, without being the least bit overripe, heavy or jammy. This awesome Zin would be a remarkable compliment to food or delightfully pleasing on it’s own.
 
HENDRY
2014 ZINFANDEL
BLOCK 28, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $36/btl Click to Order
+ 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)
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “As for the 2014 Zinfandel Block 28, this is a briary, berry-scented and flavored Zinfandel that spent 15 months in French oak. There is a touch of new oak in the background, the wine shows minerality and earthy, spicy strawberry and black cherry fruit.” 90 Points

 

Customers that would enjoy Hendry’s Block 28 Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
GAMBA
2015 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
 
Fashioned from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920, the ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2015 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.
CARLISLE
2015 ZINFANDEL
PAPERA RANCH
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “A killer effort… from a vineyard planted in 1934…  Moreover, he clearly gives the fruit plenty of attention so that it can strut its ripeness and full-bodied character, given the fact that he rarely uses more than 20-25% new French oak, and of course, the wines are bottled with no clarification by fining or filtering. This should drink well for up to a decade or more.”
92-94 Points