2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRoséUSA

POP 300

2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa ValleyFor wine lovers, being in-the-know can sometimes result in finding a wine that so overperforms that you’ll feel like you stole something when you try it. POP 300’s Rosé hands you all of that on a silver platter, and here’s why… Many wine lovers would argue that To Kalon in Oakville is the most celebrated vineyard in California. A little known secret is that there’s a tiny block of Pinot Noir in the center of this magical vineyard, and it’s called Wilsey-To Kalon. There, location combined with being connected yields some incredible fruit, and POP 300 Rosé has my vote for being in the Lucky Land Club.

Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, but very few people would consider that Pinot Noir even exits in the region. This genuinely unique Rosé of Pinot Noir is made by Luke Russ, whose day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessy Winery.
 
Luke made the 2019 vintage in a brightly focused style, with vivid red cherry, mineral-infused raspberry, pink grapefruit, and spring flowers. This beauty is one of the most scarce Rosés that we watch for each year, and there’s never enough to match demand.
 
POP 300
2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY
 
 
 
“This release of the 2019 vintage of POP 300’s Rosé just happens to coincide with the ripening of many different fruits from our orchard, and it reminds me of quite a few of them. The nose begins with white peach, yellow plum, ripe raspberries and white flowers. The palate is deep and supple with flavors including ripe peach, Asian pear, honeydew melon along with a saline/mineral quality. The rich mouthfeel is beautifully balanced with bright acidity. This is an absolutely wonderful warm weather wine.” 91 Points
2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

BERINGER

2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private ReserveAs much as I love tasting and discovering new, and as-of-yet undiscovered wine producers, there’s nothing like the feeling of historic significance, pride and antiquity that I get from tasting a wine that helped pave the way for Napa to become one of the greatest wine regions of the world. Beringer’s flagship Private Reserve Cabernet hasn’t skipped a beat either, and their 2015 ranked as the #24 Wine-Of-The-Year on James Sucklings Top 100 in 2018 with an outstanding 99 Point score. Here’s a chance to own it, and at a fantastic price… 

Beringer is one of Napa Valley’s most historically significant wineries. Period. After all, they’re California’s oldest continually operating winery, and they’re the only winery in history to have both a red and white wine honored as the #1 wine on the Wine Spectator Top 100. 
 
The 2015 Private Reserve was built on a core of 62% fruit from Bancroft and Steinhauer Ranches atop Howell Mountain, which provided enormous structure and richness. Made even better with fruit from the iron-rich Home and Chabot Vineyards in St. Helena and topped with fruit from Spring Mountain and Mount Veeder to round out the stunningly complex blend…
 
BERINGER
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $170
 
Your Price: $135
 
 
“The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure and beauty.”  99 Points, Top 100 Wines of 2018
 
 
“…This full-bodied, ripe, voluptuous beauty shows the vintage to a T, offering a blast of sweet blackcurrants, licorice, ground herbs, and graphite aromas and flavors. Blockbuster styled, with full body and an expansive, sexy texture, it has the depth and density to continue drinking brilliantly for 20+ years.” 97 Points
 
“… the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of plum preserves, baked blackberries and cassis with hints of menthol, sandalwood and chocolate box. Full-bodied with soft, seductive tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous, ripe, opulent fruit, it has a decadent spiciness and great length.” 95+ Points
2018 Morgan G-17 Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands

2018 Morgan G-17 Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMontereySanta Lucia HighlandsSyrahUSA

MORGAN 

2018 G-17 SYRAH
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

2018 Morgan G-17 Syrah Santa Lucia HighlandsMorgan is one Santa Lucia Highlands’ top producers, and they’ve been around for nearly 40 vintages crafting varietally sound, high-scoring wines that offer stupendous value. Winemaker Dan Lee was San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker-of-the-Year in 2003, and his wines continually delight. His new 2018 G-17 Syrah has already earned dual 94 point scores, and at $24, the level of value is nearly untouchable.  

The G-17 Syrah masterfully intertwines fruit from Paraiso, Double L, Tondré, Griva, and Ventana Vineyards into a picture-perfect rendition of cool-climate California Syrah with supple bacon-infused dark fruits, black pepper, and polished tannins. 
 
The 2018 vintage beautifully projects the 94% Syrah and is brightened with 3% Grenache along with 3% Tempranillo. On the palate, the wine offers the perfect amount of lush dark fruits and intriguing smoked meats and spices. At $24, one case won’t be enough. 
 
MORGAN 
2018 G-17 SYRAH

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

 
Your Price: $24
 
 
Lively aromas of black raspberry jam on French toast, dark hibiscus, tar and lavender show on the cool-climate nose of this bottling, which includes 3% each of Grenache and Tempranillo. The palate is vibrant with flavors of pepper, lavender and lilac, set against the richer black-raspberry and black-plum backdrop.” 94 Points
 
 
“Deep, lush garnet color with rich fruit nose; silky, lush and juicy with blackberry fruit and toasty oak; spice and good balance; if every Syrah was made with such finesse and style, it would be the most popular varietal.” 94 Points
2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

LIMERICK LANE

2018 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

 
When a winery employs the right combination of talent and drive, the sky is the limit… Limerick Lane is owned by fourth-generation winemaker Jake Bilbro who grew up at his father’s Marietta Cellars, where he spent 16 years running the winery with his dad. The wines are made by Chris Pittenger, who gained first-hand experience working at iconic wineries Biale, Torbreck, Marcassin, and Williams-Selyem. The delicious result is in each bottle of this impressive 95 Point Russian River Zinfandel.
 
Limerick Lane’s Russian River Zinfandel at the core is a field blend, which includes ancient Zinfandel vines interplanted with other rare varieties like Pelousin and Negrette. The fruit is co-fermented and offers unparalleled power, depth, and stunning definition.  
 
The 2018 was built around a base of Estate fruit and includes grapes from Sodini, which Bedrock and Carlisle fans might recognize. The vintage also perfectly balances fruit from Webber, Katz-Ponzo & Banfield Vineyards. The result is a brilliant wine that Zinfandel fans will be rejoicing over for years to come.
 
LIMERICK LANE
2018 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“The 2018 Zinfandel Russian River Estate shows the quality of the vintage beautifully. Classic black and blue fruits, violets, peppery herbs, and spiced orange zest notes all emerge from the glass, and this puppy hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges, a seamless texture, and just everything in the right places. Flawlessly balanced and already a joy to drink, it’s going to keep for 10-12 years in cold cellars.” 95 Points
2018 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast

2018 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

RAEN

2018 PINOT NOIR 
ROYAL ST. ROBERT CUVEE
SONOMA COAST

2018 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast

After tasting Carlo & Dante Mondavi’s new Pinot, it became abundantly clear that their family’s intense passion for the wine industry and talent for identifying vineyards capable of producing world-class wine passed to them. After all, they grew up at their grandfather’s OPUS ONE Winery, and honed their skills further at their father’s cult brand Continuum, before going out on their own. The 96 Point 2018 Raen Pinot Noir is the result of the culmination of their upbringing, cultivated by their father and grandfather. 
 
Raen’s 2018 Royal St Robert Cuvee combines fruit from Freestone, Occidental, Bodega, and Fort Ross Seaview Sea Field Vineyards. It is a barrel selection that they handpicked from their finest barrels, to create a textbook cool-climate Pinot with brilliant definition, balance and fruit. 
 
At the winery, they utilized 100% whole cluster fermentation for added structure and depth, and on the palate, the wine is detailed, focused, and loaded with intense red fruits, minerals, and floral-infused herbs. At $60, you should try it.
 
RAEN
2018 PINOT NOIR 
ROYAL ST. ROBERT CUVEE
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $65
 
Your Price: $59.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Intense aromas of dried strawberry with stone and mineral undertones. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins and beautiful length and depth. This needs three or four years to come together”  96 Points
2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySauvignon Blanc

DOMAINE NICOLAS GAUDRY

2019 POUILLY-FUME
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
(100% SAUVIGNON BLANC)

2019 Domaine Nicolas Gaudry Pouilly-Fume Loire Valley, France

The pinnacle of Sauvignon Blanc production comes from the iconic Loire Valley in France, and inside the Loire, the regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are foremost. Both Sancerre Blanc and Pouilly-Fumé are composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but on the palate, Pouilly-Fumé can be more lush than Sancerre, and one hallmark is a subtle smoky, gunflint note, which is less common in Sancerre. One of the best examples of classic Pouilly-Fume is from Nicholas Gaudry, whose 2019 is ridiculously good. 
 
The Gaudry family has been making wine in Pouilly-sur-Loire for generations, and the wines offer a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. They vinify each plot separately and ferment them in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. 
 
The wine team made the 2019 vintage in a bright, clean, energetic style that’s both dynamic and perfectly balanced. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend securing a case of brilliant Pouilly-Fumé. 
 
DOMAINE NICOLAS GAUDRY
2019 POUILLY-FUME
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
(100% SAUVIGNON BLANC)
 
Your Price: $29.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Pale yellow robe. The bouquet fresh, with notes of white flowers and citrus fruit. The mouth dynamic, with crisp acidity and stone fruit. A pleasant finish.”
2017 Borne Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

2017 Borne Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAnderson ValleyKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

BORNE

2017 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

2017 Borne Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

One of the most distinct and appealing regions for Pinot Noir cultivation anywhere in the world is the Anderson Valley appellation located less than 100 miles North of San Francisco. Perfectly positioned near the Pacific Ocean and with a wide diurnal temperature variation, the AVA is classified as a Region 1 growing area, which designates the coldest climate in which grapes may be commercially grown with success. Anderson Valley Pinots are known for their incredible floral-infused flavors and aromas, lively fruit, and subtle earthy characteristics. Here’s a great example, and at our price, a case may not be enough. 
 
Birthed from a single site strategically located in a prime zone of Anderson Valley, referred to as the Deep End. The area lies on the Northwestern end of the AVA, where the valley narrows and is lower in elevation, allowing the cool, maritime fog to pour in and heavily influence the grapes. 
 
The wine team made Borne’s 2017 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir in a bright and spirited style that delivers plenty of floral-infused red fruits, and baking spices, accompanied by a soft, velvet-like texture, and satisfying finish. 
 
BORNE
2017 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at: $28
 
Your Price: $22
Click to Order
 
 
 
“Dark red/purple in color, the nose is fragrant with black cherry, backing spices and orange blossom. The palate is well textured and polished with good acidity. Flavors of toasted cocoa, ripe fig and marionberry linger on a long finish.”
2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPP RANCH

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

 

Some of the most memorable Chardonnays offer a brilliant play between tension and elegance. Rapp Ranch’s 2017 Napa Chardonnay is a stunning example and arose from two different sites that work beautifully together, and harmoniously accentuate the best qualities from one another. This liquid gold was also made by Rudy Zuidema, whom you might recognize as the winemaker for Mastery.

 
The 2017 vintage intertwines fruit from the Truchard Vineyard, which lies just up the hill from Lee Hudson’s Vineyard, as well as the Poseidon Vineyard, which sits directly on the Napa Valley Marina. The Truchard block sits between Far Niente and Nickel and Nickle’s rows and contributes the incredibly opulent and expressive fruit. 
 
The Poseidon Vineyard is planted in clay soils and contributes an electric acidity that lifts the richer fruit from Truchard. It’s the power and muscle behind the pure and delicious Truchard fruit. This beauty is simply one of my favorite Napa Chardonnays that I’ve tasted this year. With 232 cases made, don’t wait to stake your claim. 
 
RAPP RANCH
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at: $40
 
Your Price: $36
Click to Order
 
 
 
“The Rapp Ranch Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of grace and elegance from the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley. Golden straw in color, the aromas of Asian pear, oats and French vanilla ice cream remind you of an inviting warm cobbler. The rich and round mouthfeel coats your palate with flavors of candied citrus, macadamia nuts, and cinnamon. A beautiful balance of weight and acid, this wine is sure to disappear quickly!”
2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

V12

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

After a fast-paced racing career, growing premium grapes seems to go hand-and-hand. Just look at what Randy Lewis and Mario Andretti have accomplished. Indy-car Champion Jimmy Vassar owns V12, and he brings to his wine the same focus and determination needed to be a successful race car driver. And wait until you see where his vineyard is… 
 
The V12 Estate Vineyard is on Soda Canyon Road, Southeast of Stags Leap Winery, and above Odette and Joseph Phelps La Rocas Vineyards. The vineyard itself was blanketed with several feet of solid surface rock and had to be blasted with dynamite before top viticulturist Davie Piňa could plant it. 
 
Chad Alexander makes the wine, and he’s well-versed in hillside Cabernet, spending years as the head winemaker at Hess Collection and Robert Craig wineries. The 2014 444 Cabernet is a concentrated and solidly-built wine, with an incredible core of fruit that’s decorated with rocky minerals, cassis, and crushed violets… 
 
V12
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
2018 Mica Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Mica Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleOakvilleSt HelenaSt. HelenaUSAYountville

MICA 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2018 NAPA VALLEY 

2018 Mica Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

 
When we can access it, Buccella is a pillar on our reserve list in the shop, and MICA is the second wine from Buccella. However, in 2018 the quality of fruit was so stupendous that referring to MICA as a second wine, doesn’t seem to fit… The 2018 vintage shows more like a first wine from a top Estate, with deep, penetrating fruit, sharply defined details, and stunning balance. At around 1/2 the price of Buccella, this wine mimics a much pricier wine.   
 
Buccella and Mica are made by Landon Donley, who gained experience interning for Australian powerhouse Mollydooker before joining Spottswoode Estate as the assistant winemaker. At Spottswoode, he learned to craft wines worthy of 100 Point scores, and everything he absorbed there is transparent in a glass of 2018 Mica. 
 
The 2018 Mica stitches together fruit from Oakville, Yountville, St Helena, and Coombsville in a way that embellishes the best qualities from each iconic AVA, without losing sight of balance. The wine checks in at 90% Cabernet, balanced with Merlot and Malbec, and with just over 500 cases produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours…
 
MICA 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2018 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $120
 
Your Price: $115
Click to Order
 
 
 
 
“The 2018 Mica Cabernet Sauvignon from Buccella is a masterpiece. It begins with a deep nose of blueberry cobbler, English rose petals, sweet vanilla and iron. The palate explodes with a mixed basket of fresh red, black and blue berries, beautifully balanced by toasty oak. The finish is long, concentrated, penetrating and makes your mouth water, leaving it begging for the next sip. Drink now to 2032.” 95 Points