2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

The Grade

Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2018

2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

The Grade’s 2018 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes power and grace, with legendary winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown’s masterful touch evident in every sip. Crowned as my top wine of 2024, this Cabernet marries concentrated, expressive fruit with an impeccable structure, delivering a wine that captivates and enchants. 

With a legacy that includes authoring dozens of 100-point wines—among them Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2022—Thomas Rivers Brown brings unparalleled expertise to The Grade. This wine offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the height of Napa Valley winemaking, all without the steep price tag often associated with such pedegree.

Sourced from the 32-acre Winfield Vineyard, nestled along the historic Old Toll Road north of Calistoga, this Cabernet benefits from the ideal terroir. The 2018 vintage is a pinnacle expression of Winfield Vineyard’s potential. A flagship blend drawn from three exceptional blocks, this Cabernet offers profound depth and vibrant fruit. It’s a testament to the extraordinary quality and exceptional value that Napa Valley has to offer. 

The Grade

Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2018
Retails at: $120

Your Price: $49.99

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“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard is an absolutely gorgeous wine that conveys a striking interplay of richness, power and nuance. Silky and restrained for this site, the Winfield offers up a compelling melange of red fruit, iron, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and dried herbs, all in a mid-weight style that is incredibly appealing. The Winfield is a selection taken from Blocks 1, 4 and 5.”

94 Points

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

The Vineyard House

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Surrounded by the prestigious names of Harlan Estate, Promontory, and Futo Vineyards, The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon quietly carves out its place among Napa’s elite. The 2016 vintage captures everything I love about world-class Cabernet Sauvignon—layers of vibrant fruit, a remarkable balance of power and finesse, elegance, and expansive flavors, making a clear choice for my list of the top 5 wines of 2024.

Imbued with the artistry of the renowned Philippe Melka and his director of winemaking, Maayan Koschitzky, The Vineyard House’s lineage is a testament to their impeccable craft. Philippe’s mastery has graced esteemed estates like Château Petrus and Haut-Brion and renowned California vineyards such as Caldwell, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Dalla Valle, Bryant Family, Mastery, and dozens more, instilling confidence in every sip.

While its circle of surrounding wineries command prices ranging to $1700 per bottle, The Vineyard House exudes To-Kalon-esque pedigree at a fraction of the cost. For those seeking the essence of a $500+ Napa wine without the exorbitant price tag, The Vineyard House offers an irresistible solution.

The Vineyard House
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016
Retails at: $275

Your Price: $199.99

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“The Vineyard House 2016 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is penetrative and intense on the nose with aromas of bay leaves, sage, blueberry, black currant, game, and crushed rock. The palate has complex flavors of black tea, blackberry, black plum, cinnamon, and dried oregano. The fine-grained tannins and flavor intensity are in perfect harmony together and glide into a decadent, long finish.”

96 Points, #2 WCC’s Top 5 Wines of 2024

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Ernest

Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Ernest Vineyards is where Burgundian elegance meets windswept Sonoma Coast fruit. Their Pinot Noirs, imbued with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and a touch of coastal complexity, are truly captivating. The 2022 Ernest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a prime example, earning a well-deserved spot among the year’s top five wines. Its seamless harmony, pure varietal expression, and refreshing quality far exceed its approachable price point, making it a standout for the year.

Nestled in the serene Freestone Valley, the Ernest Estate benefits from the ocean-kissed climate of the Sonoma Coast, where Pacific breezes and fog-laden mornings extend the growing season. Since joining Ernest Vineyards in 2018, winemaker Joseph Ryan has championed a philosophy of minimal intervention and meticulous craftsmanship, allowing each vintage to express its unique character with finesse and authenticity.

The 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a tribute to this commitment. This wine exudes energy and precision with a masterful blend of estate fruit and select parcels from renowned vineyards. Its vivid fruit profile, underpinned by vibrant acidity and coastal minerality, captures the pristine essence of the Sonoma Coast. At $38, it’s a truly exceptional offering.

Ernest
Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

Your Price: $38

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“This is a wonderful wine from Grand Vent, Cleary Ranch, the Michael Valentine vineyard from the Freestone Valley, and a Laguna vineyard that supplies the Swann clone. Red and black fruits are concentrated with stem inclusion, giving the wine a tremendous savoury backbone. The palate is redolent of cloves, red berries, and early-season black plums.”

95 Points

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

FACETS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The second label from the esteemed Yountville producer Gemstone, Facets, embodies exceptional quality at a more approachable price point. Crafted under Julian Fayard’s expertise, his philosophy emphasizes the importance of expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site and grape variety. His notable work and expertise from his past began with his education at the University of Bordeaux, where he studied Viticulture and Enology, leading to his work at wineries including Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa.

Facets fruit is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in Yountville, Calistoga, and cooler sites in the southern part of the Valley, ensuring a precise balance of fruit, body, and spice. 

Gemstone aged the 2021 vintage for 20 months in French oak, and in its youth, the wine’s depth, intensity, and structure hint at a long and beautiful journey for this delightful Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

FACETS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

Your Price: $65

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“The Facets 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet opens with floral and spicy notes, including anise, bergamot, violets, plush black fruits, and backing spices. On the palate, the wine has flavors of black plums, black currants, toast, and coffee ice cream. The tannins are powdery and coat the mouth as the flavors coalesce with bright acidity into a long, soft finish.”

96 Points

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

Luli

Pinot Noir 2022
Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

At under $30, Luli’s Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir honors the idea that exceptional quality need not come with an exorbitant price tag. A collaboration between Master Sommelier Sara Floyd and the renowned Pisoni family, this wine is a harmonious blend of expertise and tradition.

Sara’s deep understanding of food and wine pairs seamlessly with Mark and Jeff Pisoni’s profound connection to the Santa Lucia Highlands. Together, they’ve crafted a wine that pays homage to the region’s coastal influence and its growing acclaim as a world-class Pinot Noir destination.

The 2022 Luli Pinot Noir is a celebration of the Highlands’ unique terroir. Sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards with low yields, the wine’s complexity is derived from a careful selection of Pinot Noir clones. Each cluster is hand-sorted and fermented with native yeasts in small lots, preserving the fruit’s natural character. By choosing to forego fining and filtering, the wine maintains its vibrant purity, resulting in a fresh, expressive, and undeniably handcrafted beverage.

This vintage is more than just a product of the land; it’s a tribute to a shared passion for crafting wines that exceed expectations.

Luli
Pinot Noir 2022
Santa Lucia Highlands

Your Price: $29.99

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“Dark pomegranate, raspberry and hibiscus aromas meet with tea leaf and dark sage on the dynamic nose of this appellation cuvée. The palate is lively with thyme, oregano and bay leaf flavors, set against a black raspberry core and atop a lingering texture.”

93 Points

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Lombardi

Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Lombardi’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay leaves a lasting impression—a glimpse of the exceptional 2021 vintage and the expert farmers who tended the vines. The Lombardi family has been a proud steward of Sonoma County’s winemaking heritage since settling in the region in 1947. With a deep respect for the land and a passion for crafting exceptional wines, Lombardi specializes in small-lot wines that capture the essence of the Sonoma Coast. 

The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a shining example of Lombardi’s meticulous approach to winemaking. Sourced from Benovia’s celebrated Martaella Vineyard—renowned for its connection to icons like Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell—this Chardonnay carries the legacy of one of Sonoma’s most coveted sites. 

Barrel-fermented, the wine seamlessly integrates flavors, with the oak serving as a delicate frame rather than a defining feature. The 2021 vintage offers a striking balance of power and finesse, showcasing depth and concentration from an exceptional growing season. Bright acidity and coastal freshness dance harmoniously with its rich texture, delivering a vibrant and compelling Chardonnay.

Lombardi
Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $52

Your Price: $38

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“A bright straw/yellow hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is ripe with aromas of candied apple, lemon candies, and a savory saline. It boasts fantastic brightness on the palate, and it’s ripe and juicy but never feels over-ripe. Its really enjoyable and is going to show its best over the next 6-8 years.”

93 Points

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

with No Comment $70-$80CalistogaHowell MountainKevin VogtOakvilleProprietary RedSpring MountainUSA

Sherwin

Cellar Scraps #17
Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Family’s Cellar Scraps reimagines the red blend, transforming it into an artful exploration of Napa Valley’s most revered terroirs. From its striking presentation to its captivating story, this wine invites curiosity and rewards exploration.

The Sherwin family’s journey began with their iconic 1996 Spring Mountain Cabernet, setting a standard of small-lot excellence for decades. Their 30-acre estate, perched above the fog line on Spring Mountain, is a winemaker’s dream—a tapestry of vineyards cultivating grapes of unparalleled character.

Cellar Scraps #17 celebrates ingenuity and craftsmanship, blending passion with tradition. This 17th iteration draws fruit from esteemed AVAs, including St. Helena, Calistoga, Howell Mountain, and Oakville, creating a dynamic multi-vintage blend from the exceptional 2018 and 2019 harvests.

Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, enriched by Petit Sirah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this wine showcases the Sherwin family’s talent for elevating each varietal. Each release is a unique experience, shaped by the finest barrels and the whims of the vintage—a delightful reminder that winemaking is as much an art as a science.

Sherwin

Cellar Scraps #17

Napa Valley Red

Retails at: $85

Your Price: $79.99

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“The Sherwin Family Cellar Scraps #17 is a testament to the winery’s commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality. This opulent blend unfolds with a captivating nose of ripe cassis and boysenberry, complemented by delicate floral notes and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine delivers a deep, velvety texture, showcasing a core of rich, dark fruit flavors. Blackberries and black currants dominate, interwoven with subtle nuances of vanilla. The finish is long and opulent, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and complexity. This is a wine that rewards patient cellaring, but it is also drinking beautifully now.”

94+ Points

2021 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

2021 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaRutherfordSaint HelenaUSA

Heir Apparent

Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve 2021
Napa Valley

2021 Heir Apparent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

Winemaker Dwight Bonwell describes Heir Apparent’s 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as a wine of captivating elegance, a testament to its unique character. Crafted with precision, Dwight showcases his exceptional blending prowess, sourcing from premier vineyards in Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga. The result is a multi-faceted wine that beautifully captures the distinctive personality of Napa Valley, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts.

Crafted from the winery’s most expressive barrels, the 2021 vintage, inspired by Bordeaux’s left bank, showcases 80% Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot to enhance the mid-palate and maintain balance. 

Aged for 22 months in Oak, the 2021 vintage already flaunts concentrated red and black fruits, intricate complexity, and impeccable balance. Priced at $125, it has garnered impressive scores and glowing reviews. At $45, its greatness awaits your verdict.

Heir Apparent
Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve 2021
Napa Valley
Retails at: $125

Your Price: $45

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“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve rolls out with ready-to-go notes of creme de cassis, baked plums, and Morello cherries plus wafts of dried Provence herbs and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is rich and plush, with bags of black fruit preserves and seamless freshness, finishing with a peppery lift.”

92 Points

2021 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

La Sirena

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2021 La Sirena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon encapsulates the mastery, dedication, and heart that only small, family-driven winemaking can achieve. Crafted by legendary winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, this wine carries a story of tradition, artistry, and ambition. Heidi’s journey started in her early years alongside her father, Dick Peterson, where she first fell in love with winemaking. After studying Fermentation Science at UC Davis, she quickly rose to fame in the 1980s with stints at prestigious names like Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle, where her talent earned multiple perfect 100-point scores.

La Sirena began in 1994 with an unexpected twist when Heidi, while creating a Sangiovese for a client, was left with a beautiful wine the client could no longer take. She recognized its quality and bought the wine, launching La Sirena within a month.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a remarkable product of a low-yield, intensely concentrated vintage sourced from Heidi’s meticulously farmed Calistoga vineyards and vinified with the same finesse she brought to Screaming Eagle. With a lush, velvety profile, this Cabernet is purposefully crafted to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, embodying a rich heritage of Napa winemaking artistry.

La Sirena
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $185

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“The La Sirena 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with elegant aromas of violets, ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with subtle undertones of dark chocolate, vanilla, and earthy notes. On the palate, the wine has soft tannins and balanced acidity, with pronounced flavors of dark fruits, including black currant and cherry, baking spices, cocoa, and cigar box. A hint of toast adds to the complexity with spice notes and a long lingering finish.”

96 Points

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Eco Terreno

Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

Eco Terreno’s 2020 Cuvée Tierra is a testament to sustainable winemaking, a harmonious blend of quality, value, and environmental consciousness. Rooted in the rich terroir of Alexander Valley, this wine embodies the essence of biodynamic farming, where the vineyard’s health and ecosystem take precedence.

Founded by renowned winemaker Mark Lyon, formerly of Sebastiani Vineyards, Eco Terreno brings decades of expertise to crafting exceptional wines. The 2020 Cuvée Tierra, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, showcases the estate’s commitment to producing wines of depth and character.

Crafted from estate-grown fruit, the 2020 Cuvée Tierra captures the rustic elegance and earthy undertones of its Alexander Valley origin. Each taste reveals layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and the hallmark dustiness of the valley’s terroir, offering an experience that’s rarely found in this value range.

Eco Terreno
Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

Your Price: $27

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“The Eco Terreno 2020 Cuvée Tierra opens with a complex and inviting bouquet of rose petals, dried thyme, black raspberry, plum, a hint of pie crust, hot chocolate, and a subtle earthy undertone. On the palate, there are flavors of black cherry, hot chocolate, and espresso beans, adding a comforting dimension with savory undertones. The wine has soft, velvety tannins and supple fruits, leading to a long and satisfying finish of harmonious fruit, spice, and earth unique to Alexander Valley.”

94 Points