2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

EnRoute 

2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things about Pinot Noir is it’s vast complexity and EnRoute’s Les Pommiers has incredible clonal diversity ranging from Pommard, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Dijon clones to list a few.  It’s created in a lush and enchanting style, fitting of the architecture at EnRoute’s sister winery Far Niente located in Napa Valley.  EnRoute is a story written from extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  The wines generous style and outgoing personality makes it a lot of fun to enjoy… I strongly recommend adding some to your collection. 
 
Their 2016 Les Pommiers Pinot Noir was scribed from the winery’s Northern Spy Vineyard in Green Valley, and their Amber Ridge Vineyard located in the Middle Reach (Northernmost) area of the Russian River Valley.  It’s the two vineyards that cast a wide variety of characters, each with qualities that compliment and support one another.  The final result is a ride that you won’t want to miss… 
 
EnRoute 
2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers possesses the luxurious perfume aromatics and rich textures that we love about Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherry and plum are complemented by notes of earth, sage and forest floor. Generous-yet-soft red-fruit flavors expand on the palate, with elegant tannins that are the definition of silky. A mouthwatering natural acidity glides across the finish, making this vintage irresistibly approachable upon release.“
 
Customers who enjoy EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
 
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Las Altura Pinot Noir
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
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.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.
BELLE GLOS
2016 PINOT NOIR 
LAS ALTURAS VYD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

AVEO 2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 ATLAS PEAK

 
There seems to be a direct correlation between Aerospace Engineers and many of the skills that it takes to become a world-class winemaker.  Just look at Brian Loring who wrote code for submarine missile launch and torpedo guidance systems and now produces a bevy of highly sought after Pinot Noirs.  Steve Jennings, winemaker at Aveo comes from a similar background as an Aerospace Engineer.  With aerospace engineering there’s extreme attention to detail and exact precision that’s needed.  When you take that same approach to winemaking the results speak for themselves.  Aveo‘s 2013 Atlas Peak Cabernet is riveting, deep and enchanting.  Even at the winery’s $75 retail price this wine will have you flying high with excitement…it kicks in the afterburners, and with the tiny production, don’t wait until it’s wheels up…
 
Given wings from one of Atlas Peak’s most revered vineyards… (If I could tell you which one, I’m certain you’d grab a case.)  Aveo co-ferments Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with Merlot and Petit Verdot to allow the flavors to vector into a singular, rounded wine.  The wine spends an impressive 26 months in oak, and coming from one of Napa Valley’s greatest vintages, this one deserves a spot in your hanger or cellar.
 
AVEO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A dense, deep garnet color perfectly frames the intensely  concentrated yet laser-like focused flavors of red currants, fresh blackberries, Rainier cherries, Asian spice box along with a touch of smoke.  The penetrating flavors combine beautifully with the sweet yet dusty tannins, liquid minerals, cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla spice. The concentrated and generous flavors make it a delight to drink now, but the firm tannin structure promises well over a decade of future enjoyment too…” 95 Points
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 85% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 5%
2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino

2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloItalyKevin VogtNobile di MontelpulcianoTuscanyUncategorized

FANTI

2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino
“The best Brunello is like an opera: powerful, dramatic, and sophisticated, with long-held notes and a plot-line of great weight and complexity...” Wine Enthusiast.  Fanti’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino defines this statement with an opening act that effortlessly engages you, followed by a perfectly choreographed and dynamically elegant performance that will have your palate (and wallet) begging for an encore.  The Fanti family has been producing wine for nearly 200 years and the quality of their wines were elevated to new levels in the 1970’s when a new owner took the reigns.  Filippo soon redesigned the plantings and added an innovation-meets-tradition winemaking technique that propelled the wine to the next level.  At under $50 their 2013 Brunello is a tough act to follow…
 
With attention to every detail in the vineyard and the winery, their style is one of elegance, vibrant fruit, and stunning persistence.  And the 2013 comes from one of the area’s best vintage, one that the Wine Enthusiast alerts readers that, “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage.”   I highly recommend securing a case of this classic 93 Point Brunello.
 
FANTI
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10%
 
From James Suckling: “Plenty of black cherry and berry character with hints of flowers. Medium to full body, soft and fresh tannins and a clean and delicious finish. Lovely now.” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Fanti Brunello di Montalcino may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2013 Giovanni Ross Barolo 2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimalli Brunello Di Montalcino
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl

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2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

DOUBLE DIAMOND 

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
From the producers of Schrader… 

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’ve paged through a Wine Spectator Magazine anytime over the last 10 years, you’ve likely read about Schrader, as it’s impossible to overlook their two dozen (and counting), perfect 100 point wines.  When talking about the upper echelon of wines produced in Napa Valley, they’re always at the top of the list.  Of course when your Cabernets are among the best in the world and you’re paying for some of the best blocks in the To-Kalon and other renowned Vineyards, it should come as no surprise that the wines fetch around $500/btl.  What many people don’t know is that Schrader produces a second wine under the Double Diamond label.  After a three-year hiatus, the wine is back by popular demand and on top of that, it’s bears Oakville origins.  At under $100/btl, this simply can’t be beat.
 
This gorgeous Oakville Cabernet was crafted by Thomas Brown, who’s absolutely at the top of his game and is one of the dominating forces in Cabernet Sauvignon…  He made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 Point score from the Wine Spectator, and he’s also the winemaker at Revana, Maybach, Gemstone and Outpost to name a few.  At under $100/btl this pedigreed Cab deserves a spot in your cellar, on your table and in your belly…
 
DOUBLE DIAMOND 
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Double Diamond, from the producers of Schrader, opens with layered, intriguing aromas of black currants, dark cherries, blackberry, cherry compote, toast and oak spice. The notes of herbs, pine cone and dried earth. In the mouth, the palate is rich and juicy, bursting with big, rich flavor.“
 
Customers who enjoy Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Oakville Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
GOLDSCHMIDT
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GAME RANCH VINEYARD
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $89.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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Napa Valley has an untold number of microclimates, which are small pockets of land where the climate differs substantially from the surrounding areas.  This is one of the leading factors why some of the best Napa Valley wine Estates are clustered closely together. Hence, Nick Goldschmidt’s Game Ranch Vineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle. 
PARADIGM
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigmis etched deeply on my list.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard… 
2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirSonomaUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD

Many of the most profound examples of Pinot Noir come from areas where there’s a gap between two land masses, creating a funnel that allows cool coastal air in.  This keeps the wine’s natural acidity higher and allows the grapes to achieve their highest overall potential.  One prime example of this geological masterpiece is the Petaluma Gap. Wineries like Kosta-Browne and DuMOL source fruit from this area, and vineyards like Gap’s Crown and Grand Vent have become notorious for producing world-class Pinot Noir grapes.  Fruit from these areas will typically go for a premium, so when you can find one at under forty, and from a great producer, go all in… We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality single-vineyard Pinots from DANIEL, but this is by far the best bottling yet.  I’m buying a case… 
 
This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem… Created in a remarkably deep and hedonistic style with a sturdy core of concentrated dark berries, exotic spices, liquid floral and maritime qualities.  With a total production four barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.  
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 33%
 
Tasting Notes: “It is extremely rare for a wine to absolutely transcend what is possible at a certain price point, but the the Daniel Grand Vent Pinot Noir 2015 has done just that.  Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop. I honestly cannot recall a more enticing Pinot Noir anywhere close to this price point.  This one is simply stunning!”  Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BUCHER

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River ChardonnayRIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER

 
When reading about Bucher’s Rio Oro Chardonnay it won’t take long to realize it’s an unparalleled value and one of the greatest that we’ve discovered in years.  When tallying the incredible pedigree, and weighing it against the $23 price tag, you’ll want to act quickly, because deals like this don’t come around often.  You may already recognize Bucher Vineyard from luminaries Williams Selyem, Siduri, and Frank Family that have all made wine from this remarkable site.  When learning that it was made by Adam Lee of Siduri, it should have your taste buds eager to try it… And if that’s not enough convincing, the 94 Point Rating from the Pinot File should seal deal. Make sure to join our email list to unlock special offers…
 
Located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, Bucher’s Estate Vineyard was originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  There are only 2 acres of Chardonnay planted, and for their Rio Oro Chardonnay they’ve also added a neighboring vineyard.  Each lot is fermented separately and later combined to create a truly individualistic and overwhelmingly satisfying expression of Russian River Chardonnay…
 
BUCHER
RIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From Pinot File: “Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lavish aromas of lemony custard, Golden Delicious apple, wildflower honey and brioche. Sleek, bright and crisp on the palate with sumptuous flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple with a compliment of oak infused blond caramel and honeyed nuts. Beautifully crafted, with sound acidity and noticeable finishing length.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bucher Rio Oro Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding Chardonnays…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir

2016 Martinelli ‘Bella Vigna’ Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MARTINELLI 

2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA

2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir
After earning a monstrous 96 Point score on their 2015, you might be wondering if this $45 Pinot could get any better… Take one sip of their 2016 and you’ll have a definitive answer.  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.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more… 
 
The Bella Vigna Pinot embodies all the hallmarks that made Martinelli one of Russian River’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, including Bryant Family & Martinelli, 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 
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Retails at: $45/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Deep and enchanting aromas of intense black-cherry, wild plum and holiday spices engage your senses. On the palate, lavish and vibrant flavors envelope your taste buds and unlock vivid flavors embedded in wild berries, black tea, spring flowers, rhubarb and forest floor.  The texture is velvety and with plenty of body, concentration and richness.  Drink this beauty now and over the next 10 years.” 
 
Customers that enjoy Martinelli’s Bella Vigna Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
MARTINELLI
2015 CHARDONNAY
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cornerstone ‘Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

CORNERSTONE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
When a wine has literally every component necessary to be a world-class expression of it’s varietal, it’s difficult to find just one high-point to talk about because there are so many attributes that make it special.  Cornerstone’s 2014 Calistoga Cabernet is that wine.  You could start by mentioning winemaker Kari Auringer who 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… to name a few.  Or you could talk about winemaker Charles Thomas who has more than 30 years winemaking experience crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, or his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  And then there’s the vineyard… 
 
Arising from a single vineyard perched high on Calistoga Palisades, not far from Araujo where the areas well-drained volcanic soils and unique microclimates project fruit of remarkable quality.  The 2014 checks in at 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with extraordinary extraction and deep, expressive flavors that unwind methodically and tell a story of the areas extraordinary terroir.  At $75/btl you’d be thrilled by the quality. At $49, you’ll want to make room in the cellar, and go deep…    
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $49/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Dark, rich and ripe. This wine offers classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, cassis, mocha and smoky toasted vanilla. Round, rich and creamy on entry, with explosive flavors of ripe fruit that only comes with a near-perfect growing season in the warmer part of the valley. As the wine opens up, the fruit flavors give way to a seductive core, classic cassis, licorice and a hint of leather. The tannins are sturdy but integrated. It is opulent and plush on release but it has the backbone and structure to age beautifully. This wine will reward those with the patience to give it a little more time.” 
2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo

2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo ‘Altenasso’ Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BaroloBaroloItalyKevin Vogt

CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO

2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo
In wine, how important is the vintage?  A great vintage usually means the grapes had the ideal conditions needed to develop flavors gradually, and to optimal maturity.  Things like heat spikes can prematurely advance the fruit, affecting the depth, structure, acid and balance. Rains near harvest can balloon grapes with un-needed water, diluting flavors.  Weather is unpredictable and when an area experiences optimum conditions, it always piques my interest for the wines that will come out of it.  Hence, the 2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo Altenasso Barolo. The 2013 vintage in Piedmont is one of the areas best, earning a vintage rating of 97 Points. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage Chart goes back to 1978 and there have only been 3 other 97 point vintages and none that have scored higher.  Not only are 2013 vintage Barolos hard to find due to increased demand, but they’re nearly impossible to find under forty bucks…
 
An absolute classic depiction of 2013 Barolo that offers up a flower-infused bouquet of dried rose petals, crushed violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of leather.  It’s unbelievably good for the price. And don’t just take my word for it…  This wine is poured by the glass at Michael Chiarello’s popular Bottega restaurant in Yountville.  Keep in mind that Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  
 
CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO
2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 50%
 
From The Wine Spectator: “This is spicy, with a touch of medicinal herbs shading the core of cherry, leather and tobacco. Tar and mineral elements chime in on the lengthy finish. Lean and sinewy. Best from 2021 through 2026. 800 cases made.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Cavalier Bartolomeo’s Altenasso Barolo may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco...”  93 Points
2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
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.