2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

CABAUD 2014 Cabaud Benedictions Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
In the California wine world, the name Beckstoffer rings synonymous with quality, and the best Beckstoffer sites are the six Heritage Vineyards: To-Kalon; Missouri Hopper; Dr. Crane; George III; Las Piedras; and Bourn. Each historic site is capable of producing world-class fruit, generating many of the highest rated, most sought after wines in Napa Valley.  Cabaud’s 2014 Benedictions is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville. Centered just North of the town of Yountville on the Southern end of Oakville, you might recognize this name from single-vineyard Cabernets produced by Alpha Omega, Purlieu, B. Cellars among others, but what you probably won’t see is finding a wine from this vineyard at under $100/btl… The average is more likely North of $175 per bottle and Cabaud is simply one of the best.
 
Finding new wines made by top producers that are somewhat unheard of, pays off big at times… Cabaud’s winemaker is Luc Morlet, whom many of you many know from his work at Peter Michael or from his own label Morlet which is raking in 100 point scores…  I would estimate Morlet’s Cabs to range from $165 to around $300/btl and at $150 Cabaud is a fantastic wine… I cannot put into words how incredible this wine is. Wines of this caliber, at this price never last long… I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
CABAUD
2014 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully deep ruby color immediately captures your imagination of what is about to unfold… A quick swirl and sniff reveals a nose of red currants, black plum skin, wet stone, hints of English rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. Then at first sip, layers of lush red plums, dried blueberries, wild mountain blackberries combine with hints of green tea and tobacco leaf. The supple, seamless elegance and lively freshness of the red and black fruits combine with the fine-grained tannins and a beautifully balanced center core, telegraphing more than a decade of cellar life. The finish is long and powerful, yet refined and focused as well. This one will be a delight to drink for many, many years.”  96 Points
2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

ALEXANA2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY

 
It’s not easy making a killer 94 Point Pinot that’s not only a great value, but one that is also complex, balanced and jam-packed with character.  Alexana’s Terroir Series Pinot was created from a diverse clonal selection, and encompasses fruit from five of Willamette Valley’s top AVA’s which lend volume to the wines complexity.  At the winery, the fruit is triple-hand-sorted allowing only the best berries through.  The wine was crafted by Bryan Weil who previously worked at Domaine Serene. On the palate the wine is exceedingly sensual and satiny-smooth, and at under forty per bottle, this Pinot has everything I look for in top-quality Oregon Pinot.  But with the recent 94 Point score, I wouldn’t wait to secure yours.
 
As the sister winery to Revana in St. Helena, Alexana is quickly building it’s own stellar reputation of excellence… In 2013 their Dundee Hills Pinot earned the #17 spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see their 2016 Terroir Series make the list this year too. It glides seamlessly across your palate leaving impressions of Morello cherries, pressed boysenberries, violets and dark chocolates. This absolutely brilliant interpretation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is simply one of my favorite Pinots that I’ve tasted this year, in this wonderfully realistic price range.
 
ALEXANA
2016 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From The Wine Spectator:“Precise and harmonious, offering layered raspberry and cherry flavors laced with smoky anise and spice notes, building richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025.” 94 Points, Highly Recommended
 
 
Customers who enjoy Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
 
2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir
ELOUAN 
RESERVE PINOT NOIR
KLAMATH’S KETTLE
2016 OREGON
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “One of a pair of reserves from Joe Wagner’s new Oregon project, this full-bodied wine carries a liquorous, bourbon-like scent. Its rich and soft berry and cherry flavors show a streak of licorice and a light touch of toast. Big, round and almost voluptuous, it’s ready to drink now and into the early 2020s.“90 Points
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “The  2013 Pinot Noir FRV Fort Ross  Vineyard sports a ruby color as well as an open knit, ready-to-go bouquet of dried cherries, tobacco, menthol, and dried herbs. It’s pretty, medium-bodied, rounded, and supple, with an evolved style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 90 Points
2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

CHARLES HEINTZ 2014 Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
SEARBY VINEYARD

 
In a conversation about Russian River Valley’s most renowned vineyards, the name Charles Henitz never goes without mention.  Many recognize Heintz Vineyard from luminaries like Williams Selyem, DuMOL and Pierson Meyer that have all purchased their revered grapes.  Charles Heintz also produces a small amount of wine under their own label and under the guidance of Hugh Chappelle, former winemaker at Flowers and Lynmar to name a few… Their 2014 Chardonnay sourced from the Searby Vineyard bears striking balance, precision, detail, and exceptionally delicious complexity.  This wine makes absolutely no excuses at it’s $48 retail price… At $39.99, it’s one of the greatest Chardonnays that I’ve tasted in a long time.
 
Brought to life from the Searby Vineyard which you might recognize from Kosta Browne, Nickel & Nickel and Duckhorn Migration who have all made Chardonnays from this remarkable hillside vineyard.  This Chardonnay screams cool-climate, impeccably well-made Russian River Valley Chardonnay with penetrating flavors of lemon meringue, Bosc pear, tropical fruits and butterscotch. It’s perfectly balanced and leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.
 
CHARLES HEINTZ
2014 CHARDONNAY
SEARBY VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Winery notes: “Intense stone fruit and tropical fruit aroma are prominent; followed by subtle ripe apple, orange blossom, white flower stoniness.  The aromatics continue on the palate with complex notes of pastry and candied citrus.  Acidity is brisk and racy, with a refreshing juiciness.  A good match with boldly flavored international cuisines, this wine will show best from late 2018 through 2023.“
 
Customers who enjoy Charles Heintz Searby Vineyard Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines…
2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 Charles Heintz Swan Selection Pinot Noir
BLACK CORDON
2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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(use code bc40)
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, decadent and inviting, the 2014  Black Cordon Laguna Road Chardonnay is bursting with Meyer Lemond, almond shavings, tangerine and honeyed apple.  Wildflowers, nutmeg and orange rind add to it’s deep complexity.  On the palate the wine is sensual and balanced with terrific weight and structure”  93 Cases Produced 
CHARLES HEINTZ
2015 PINOT NOIR
SWAN SELECTION
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Shows deep, dark and inviting appearance and the concentration of the vintage.  Abundant fresh red fruit aromatics including bing cherry, blackberry, black raspberry and ripe Santa Rosa plum.  Subtle notes of Asian spice, cardamom, coriander and subtle clove show underneath the fruit-driven nose.  The texture is expansive and young with youthful tannins.  Consistently our longest-lived Pinot Noir, we expect the 2015 vintage to age beautifully through 2023-2025 with ideal storage conditions.”
20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underAustraliaCabernet SauvignonLanghorne CreekMcLaren ValeUncategorized

SHOTTESBROOKE 20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA

 
Some of the most complex, hedonistic and individualist Cabernet Sauvignon for your dollar, can be found down under.  The grape, which is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc has a long history in Australia dating back to the mid 1800’s.  Luminaries Penfolds, Leeuwin and Cape Mentelle have helped to canonize Australian grown Cabernet as a serious contender on the world stage.  Shottesbrooke’s 2016 reminded me how great these can be at our tasting, with classic and profound notes of eucalyptus, blue plums, juniper berry and baking spices.  As the wine opened in my glass it became increasingly complex with layers of dark berries, sandalwood, black licorice. It wasn’t a big surprise to learn this beauty earned 95 Points from Australia’s leading wine critic and author James Halliday.
 
Created from the Langhorne Creek AVA located inside the Fleurieu zone, which is also home to the McLaren Vale region.  The area is well-known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and Shottesbrooke’s 2016 perfectly expresses the area’s rich terroir.  The 2016 is deeply aromatic, wildly complex and very approachable and at $19.99 offers extraordinary value.
 
SHOTTESBROOKE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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From James Halliday: “While not particularly deep, the hue is youthful, and the fragrant eucalypt nuances that accompany the fresh cassis of the palate are regional (and shared with Coonawarra). The finely spun tannins are a feature of a medium-bodied cabernet made to be drunk whenever the idea pleases you. Screwcap. 14.5% alc. To 2030″  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon
 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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Famiglia Bianchi is our number one selling International brand of all time, by far… So much so, that it may never be surpassed. When you taste them, each wine in the brand offers a palpable sense of value that’s absolutely unmistakable, and we were recently reminded of that in a glass of their new 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine offers luscious dark fruits, followed by a cavalcade of dark spices, black chocolates, slate and minerals that unwind methodically across your palate.  Their 2012 Malbec won the Grand Trophee, for the “World’s Best Red Wine” at the prestigious 2014 Vinalies Internationales Wine Competition in Paris, France, where it outperformed 3,500 wines from 41 countries. 
VISTA
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista  Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.” 94 – 96 Points
2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

MAURITSON 2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
When asked why I love Zinfandel so much, the answer is simple…  Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives in California and nobody produces better Zin than California, period.  One of the best illustrations of classic California Zinfandel is Mauritson’s Dry Creek Valley.  With perfectly balanced, expressive, inviting fruit, the 2016 escapes from the glass with floral infused raspberry, black cherry, baking spices and incense.  With substantial vineyard holdings in Sonoma’s iconic Rockpile AVA, the Mauritson’s were influential in helping Rockpile become an AVA in 2002.  The family has been farming for more than 140 years, and at around forty bucks, their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel completes with the best of the best… At $29.99/btl, it’s a steal…
 
A blend of Block 5, Rockpile Ridge, Madrone Spring and Cemetery vineyards, the 2016 perfectly expresses Dry Creek Valley terroir, emphasized by the gravelly nuance, firm tannins and a rich mouthfeel.  Peeling back layers of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum reveals wild flowers, truffle, and cracked pepper.  Our veteran tasting panel unanimously agreed that this wine drinks well beyond it’s modest price. Don’t wait too long to secure yours.
 
MAURITSON
2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $39.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Perfumed aromas of black boysenberry cobbler with graham cracker crust waft from the glass. Hints of anise, fresh fig, and earthiness beautifully complement the fruit profile. The entry is full but inviting, exhibiting flavors of mocha, wet gravel, and black cherry. The mouthfeel is seamless from start to finish, indicative of perfectly integrated tannin and acid. Please enjoy this wine for the next 7-10 years.”
 
Customers that enjoy Mauritson Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Winery Notes: “... a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”  94 Points
2015 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2015 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Howell MountainKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BLIND TASTING 2015 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red

PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 
One of the fastest growing categories in our shop is New World style red blends that are built around a core of high-quality Zinfandel.  This type of blend is always a crowd-favorite because they’re brimming with lush fruits, attractive spice, deep, succulent flavors and when everything is in perfect balance, they’re completely irresistible.  A perfect example is the 2015 Blind Tasting which is unabashedly Californian.  It has a core of Howell Mountain Zinfandel, amplified with ancient vine Petite Sirah, then ratcheted up even more with Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain.  Fans of The Prisoner Red and Venge’s Scout’s Honor should not miss this wine and if you haven’t experienced a 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.
 
The 2015 vintage lights up your palate with penetrating red and black fruits that come interwoven with wild rose, Mountain blueberries, hints of cinnamon and crushed granite.  A deeply powerful wine with focused intensity that’s perfectly balanced by finely grained tannins.  I strongly recommend you jump at the chance to secure a case.  You’ll thank me later…
 
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Alluring aromas of ripe blackberries, red plums, sweet floral notes and a touch of vanilla spice seduce your nose. A compact core of perfectly balanced cherry preserves, muddled blueberries, wild blackberries and a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being inky, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to simply make you smile. Drink right now, or you can hold until 2025.”  94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Blind Tasting Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific Blends…
2016 Venge Scout's Honor Proprietary Red
 2017 The Prisoner Proprietary Red
VENGE
2016 SCOUT’S HONOR
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $37.99/btl 

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THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY RED 
2017 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl
 
Electric, jubilant, infectiously charming, the new 2017  Prisoner unshackles a posse of vibrant and elaborate flavors that are both intense and broadening, and become even more complex with aeration. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2017  permeates with unsweetened cherry cobbler, wild strawberries, chocolate dipped blueberries and liquid floral.  
2015 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

ROBERT CRAIG 2015 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 AFFINITY 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
Since its debut in the early 1990’s, Robert Craig’s Affinity gained the attention of many of the world’s top wine critics, sommeliers and collectors.  In the September 2001 Issue of Decanter titled “Cult Cabernets the Next Generation” Affinity was predicted to potentially emerge as one of Napa Valley’s next cult Cabernets.  More than two decades since its inception, the new 2015 is stunningly compelling and crafted in a deep, supple style that glides across your palate with attractive blueberry and penetrating blackberry, interwoven with creme de cassis, graphite, dried violets and milk chocolate.  At under $100/btl this is an easy “go-to” for a top-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
Carved from the La Londe Vineyard nestled in the Mt. George Foothills of Coombsville, the 30 year old vines bear fruit of remarkable qualities.  Ascending from 18 months in French oak and more than a year in the bottle, this wine caresses your palate in supple tannins and inherent purity, perfectly complimented by its muscular extraction and regal authority.  I strongly recommend a case of this iconic Napa Valley wine for your cellar.
 
ROBERT CRAIG
2015 AFFINITY 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “Very pretty stones, oyster shell, blueberries and underbrush character. The palate is very composed with lots of bright, tangy fruit, grainy tannins and a minerally yet at the same time fruit-driven finish. A unique wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Drink in 2020 even if delicious now.“ 94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Robert Craig’s Affinity Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabernets…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
 2014 Silverado GEO Cabernet Sauvignon
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
SILVERADO
2014 GEO 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Vibrant aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants follow through to a full body, a tight and dense center palate and a long and silky finish. So beautiful. Polished and refined…” 95 Points
2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

MARTINELLI  2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Some of the best wines have a style of their own that’s so recognizable that they literally carve out their own category, and in turn change the entire industry for the better.  Martinelli’s larger-than-life style of producing weighty, plump and full bodied wines has become a hallmark of their brand and over the years they’ve amassed a large following, along with a string of stellar reviews for them.  Their 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an absolute classic and has earned a monster 95 Point score from Wine Enthusiast.  At under $40, the level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass, as the bouquet grabs you and doesn’t let go.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more…
 
Composed of fruit from Blue Slide Ridge, Three Sister’s and a touch of Bondi Ranch, their 2014 Sonoma Coast bottling embodies Martinelli’s signature style, which has made them one of the Russian River Valley’s most beloved producers.  With the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green, whom worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, the winery has remained a paragon of the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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From Wine Enthusiast: “This wine is memorable and impressive-a ripe exploration of earthy goodness that’s rich and velvety smooth. Spicy red fruit seduces amidst a well-developed core of complex orange peel and cardamom highlights, the oak well-integrated and supportive.” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Martinelli’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016  Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
MARTINELLI
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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The 2016 combines fruit from several of the winery’s top sites including Bondi, Lolita and Zio Tony Ranches, with the largest share being from Bondi.  They produce single vineyard Pinots  from each of these incredible vineyards which sell for around $70/btl.  At $45 the Bella Vigna offers a stunning value..  The level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass as the bouquet grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA 

2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK

How do you get an incredible Atlas Peak Cabernet Blend for $23? Quite honestly, you don’t, unless something very unusual  occurs… Originally intended to be single vineyard Cabernets, a winemaking  miscommunication led to a portion of two separate high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the wrong tanks.  The result is two absolutely stunning blends that became the Vista wines… and both batches were originally slated to sell for $95/btl, had the original concept gone smoothly.  We knew when we previously offered Vista Rutherford Blend, we would make some die-hard fans… and we were right. We bought everything that they made and in a relatively short time, we sold-out of all 728 cases of the Rutherford… Our single biggest seller of all time.
 
Luckily, but almost miraculously so, there is this Atlas Peak version of Vista, and it is even better than the Rutherford… Atlas Peak is an area long celebrated for its concentrated flavors and rocky terroir, and this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Atlas Peak Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductively deep black berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and crushed rock.  If you like the idea of a top quality Napa Cabernet blend at an incredible value, I highly recommend loading up on this one before it also sells out all too soon… 
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.”  94 – 96 Points
2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou ‘Cotes du Rhone’ Cuvee Unique VV

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone ValleyUncategorized

CLOS Du CAILLOU

2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV
When searching for the greatest value in wine, it pays to look at any winery that’s capable of producing 100 Point scores.  Le Clos du Caillou is a paragon producer of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and they make hundred-pointers look easy.  Their Old Vine Cotes-du-Rhone is a stunning value and comes from a parcel that’s completely walled by renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.  It’s predominantly old-vine Grenache, accentuated with Syrah and Carignon and the 2016 leaps from the glass with a palate energizing perfume of sweet raspberries, dried cherry, lavender and a touch of spices… At under thirty per bottle, it’s one of the highest quality, complex gems out there…
 
It’s created from vines averaging over 45 years old, which are grown in quartz river stones, clay and sand. If you love classic Cotes du Rhone wines, or would like to experience a wonderful expression from this renowned region, this is one of the best, at a fantastic price.  The 2016 is bright, loaded with minerals and offers vivid red fruits, toasted spices, and wild rose.  Robert Parker’s review below is on their lower tier Cotes du Rhone, not the VV (old vines) which is even better… Trust me on this one… You’ll be glad you did.
 
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 
Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)…  “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.” 90 Points 
 
Customers that enjoy Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone VV may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2014 Lavau Gigondas
 2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.” 90 Points
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.“ 90 Points