2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel

2017 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel

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

GAMBA 

2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH

2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel
Over the years, We’ve offered some of the best brands out there, but few have developed the kind of love affair that Gamba has. It’s their undeviating style of matching fruit intensity with old vine depth and balance, and then delivering it all with immaculate detail that’s made them so beloved. Each release is a joy to behold…
 
Gamba birthed the Starr Road Ranch Zin from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920. The ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years, and they yield just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit. 
 
The 2017 is hugely appealing, with intense raspberry, sweet plum, briery cherry, and cracked black pepper. This vintage is rocking right now and will continue to provide copious amounts of enjoyment over the next decade.
 
GAMBA 
2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at: $52
 
 
 
 “…. the 2017 Zinfandel Starr Road Ranch Old Vine is similarly colored and offers a sweet plum, blueberries, sandalwood, and spice-driven bouquet. This carries to a medium-bodied, elegant, silky Zinfandel that has loads of character, as well as length. Aged 16 months in 40% new American oak, it’s going to keep nicely for upwards of a decade.” 91 Points
2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNorth CoastPinot NoirRussian River ValleyUncategorizedUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
We’ve introduced some unbelievable values this year, however, there’s still just one that I can honestly say is the best wine I’ve ever tasted in this price range. Every time I taste it, I ‘m perplexed that a wine we can offer at this price can taste like it costs more than double the price.  The 2015 combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards and Williams-Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites as being spectacular.  The 2015 makes a gorgeous, elegant entrance onto your palate with stunning balance, detail, intensity, and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I’m exited about in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  It truly drinks like a killer $40+ Pinot, and wines of this quality don’t come around often.
 
This Pinot has been lingering on my mind since I first tasted it, and in equal detail are the mineral-laced raspberries, red cherries, black tea, wild rose and touches of violets that are etched in my memory.  The 2015 was elevated for 11 months in Francois Freres, Ermitage and Rousseau barrels, and has blossomed over the last 3 years in the bottle. If you love Pinot Noir, and better yet, even if you don’t… try a case of this, and I think you’ll become and instant fan.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “My favorite Pinot Noir brand that I’ve discovered in the last few years, the Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir always over-delivers.  The elegant nose is seamless with bright cherries, mixed berries, flowers and spice.  Then comes the wonderfully balanced, nuanced palate which begins with red cherries, crushed raspberries and plum skin, then balanced by dried rose petal, subtle spices and a touch of oak.  The mouth quenching finish brings lingering flavors, lasting for over a minute, then leaving your palate begging for another sip.” 95 Points
2017 Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel

2017 Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

MARTINELLI 2017 Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel

2017 ZINFANDEL
GIUSEPPE & LUISA

 
The only thing stretching deeper than the root systems of the ancient Zinfandel vines of Jackass Hill, are Martinelli’s roots in the Russian River Valley, which go back to the 1880’s.  Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli planted their iconic Jackass Hill Vineyard in 1899 on a 60 degree slope, which remains the steepest non-terraced hillside vineyard in Sonoma County.  In 1994 Lee Martinelli grafted budwood from the centurion vines of Jackass Hill and planted them on a rocky knoll above the winery which became the Giuseppe & Luisa Vineyard.  This wine is the liquid definition of a huge California-style Zinfandel with unending depth, penetrating wild raspberry compote, boysenberry jam and mouthwatering acidity.  Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate proclaims, “This is just what Zinfandel should be…” and at about 1/2 the price of Jackass Vineyard Zin, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
Martinelli was one of the early leaders back in the early 1990’s producing cult level Zinfandels that were nearly impossible to acquire. Their 2017 was brought to life by winemakers Courtney Wagoner and Erin Green. Erin worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, including at Bryant Family & Martinelli and also was director of winemaking at Pahlmeyer.  If you love huge, California style Zinfandel, this one shouldn’t be missed.
 
MARTINELLI
2017 ZINFANDEL
GIUSEPPE & LUISA
 
Your Price: $58/btl  
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Zinfandel Giuseppe and Luisa has a wonderful nose of yellow peach preserves, apricot, boysenberry jam, cinnamon stick and warm black fruits-there are loads of fruity and spicy layers here. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied with intense tricolored fruits, firm, grainy tannins and very juicy acidity, finishing long and peachy. This is just what Zinfandel should be!” 96 Points
2016 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

2016 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

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

LA FOLLETTE 2016 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

2016 CHARDONNAY
LORENZO VINEYARD

 
There are several key qualities that I look for in absolutely top-quality Chardonnay.  First I look at color intensity, and evaluate it for a golden hue that’s both striking and pure.  Next, is aroma, and I want to smell both complexity and precision detail. On the palate, the most important thing that I seek is balance.  A great Chardonnay can be rich, and opulent, but it needs to be finely threaded with enough acidity to be refreshing, and to not fall flat.  I found all of the above in a glass of 2016 La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay, and it turns out I wasn’t alone… With 94-95 Point scores from Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck, this micro-produced Chardonnay is screaming for your attention.  At under $40, it’s truly one of the best examples California Chardonnays that I’ve tasted in years.
 
La Follette is all about showcasing terroir, and their goal is to create a wine that is transparent to the individual site from which it was hewn.  The Lorenzo Vineyard lies in the middle of Sonoma’s Iconic Russian River Valley AVA and the vineyard gets plenty of cooling fog in the mornings and evenings which help the grapes maintain acidity throughout their lifecycle.  The 10 acre vineyard is planted to Old Wente Clone, which is a classic Chardonnay clone preferred for producing wines with intense aromatics, and rich textures.  With just 128 cases produced, I wouldn’t wait to secure yours.
 
LA FOLLETTE
2016 CHARDONNAY
LORENZO VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl  
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“A step up, the 2016 Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard comes from a vineyard in the Russian River and spent ten months in 20% new French oak. It has riveting notes of caramelized lemons, white flowers, salty minerality, and toasted bread. Clean, pure, medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity and a great finish, it has a racy, vibrant style that’s backed up by terrific intensity and depth. It’s a beauty.“  95 Points
“The 2016 Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard has gregarious scents of honeycomb, pink grapefruit, green mango and nectarines with touches of croissant and apple blossom. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with great tension and tightly wound mineral and tropical layers, finishing with great length and depth. 128 cases produced.” 94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy La Follette Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay  may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2017 Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay
 2017 Montagu Durell Vineyard Chardonnay
VINE CLIFF
2017 CHARDONNAY
LOS CARNEROS 
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “.. opens up with inviting citrus notes of Meyer lemon and mandarin orange, followed by floral notes of honey suckle, and jasmine. A second breath of wine takes you to a place of minerals, with hints of flint and wet stones. The gentle kiss of oak seems to seep through the fruit ever so slowly. The beauty of this vintage is reflected by the perfect balance between fruit, oak, and acid. The palate exhibits a depth of fruit flavors ranging from golden delicious apple, tangelo, and nectarine. On the finish the wine ends with a medley of honey, citrus, and floral notes.”
MONTAGU
2017 CHARDONNAY
DURELL VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “This Chardonnay hails exclusively from the DurellVineyard in Sonoma Coast. The Chardonnay is bright, powerful, and driven by a flinty minerality balanced with tropical fruit notes of white peach, honeyed apricots, and lemon curd with hints of mint and citrus. This wine was fermented in French barrels and spent one year in barrel leading to wonderfully balanced oak integration while sur lee aging developed rich complexity.”
2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

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

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD

 
It’s rare for us to taste a wine and immediately lock-down every bottle available before our wine glasses are emptied… We’ve done that more times with DANIEL Pinots than with any other brand.  When you can count the number of barrels produced on two fingers and you add to it a style that’s as commanding as it is compelling, and as balanced as it is deep and enchanting, we simply can’t let these go. Wines this great, never stay under-the-radar for very long and the DANIEL brand has been getting a lot of attention.  The Wine Enthusiast wrote, “This is a tiny production wine well worth seeking” and I most certainly agree… Just don’t wait too long to secure yours, because with just 50 cases produced and 33% off, this one will go fast.
 
Daniel Winery has a talent for finding unique sites that are capable of producing profound fruit with compelling flavors and firm structure.  This one was brought to life from the organically farmed Laguna Vineyard and created from heritage Pinot Noir clones, Calera, Eden and Martini.  With a deep core and satin texture, this Pinot opens up with intense plum, and vivid red and black fruits laced with wild flowers, tea leaves hints of baking spices.   With a total production of 2 barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast, “This is a tiny production wine well worth seeking, savory in forest floor, black tea, sage and mushroom, with a soft, round mid-palate that presents as equal parts silky and velvety. Exotic and earthy, it has integrated barrel presence and tamed tannins, with a succulent finish of baking spice.” 93 Points  
 
Customers that enjoy Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Matias Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
MATIAS
2015 PINOT NOIR
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 

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From Wine Enthusiast, “Rose petals, cranberry and dust show on the nose of this bottling, which grows more intense on the nose as it sits open, offering riper fruit. Dried sagebrush and baked earth flavors show on the sip as the red fruit and floral components arise with grace.” 93 Points
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast, “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve...”  96 Points, Cellar Selection
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 
YOU SAVE 11%
 
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.

2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel

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

GAMBA

2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES

 
Throughout my career I’ve offered some truly memorable wines that have developed amazing followings, but only a handful have inspired the kind of love affair that Gamba has.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.” Absolutely bursting at the seams with magnificent levels of jammy black raspberries and briary red fruits, Gus Gamba’s new 2016 Family Ranches could be the poster child for Gus Gamba’s Zinfandel.  They’re always charming and hedonistic, with stunning opulence and full of extracted detail.  At this price, their 2016 Family Ranches should not be missed.
 
Designed from a unique correlation of estate and neighboring vineyards, as well as merging young and old vines, the Family Ranches bottling creates a lush, fruit-forward Zin that’s laced with compelling depth and precision.  Many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world, and if you love elaborately flavored, delicious Zinfandel decadence, you’ll want to grab a case of Gamba’s Family Ranches while you still can.
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 Family Ranches Zinfandel is 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.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Family Ranches Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel
 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Alexander Valley Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “... offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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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, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

When a winery’s Pinot Noir ranks as the best value wine that I’ve ever experienced, my expectations are set really high for their Chardonnay as well.  I’m happy to tell you that Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Russian River Chardonnay exceeded every expectation… Stunning on every level, and just like their Pinot, the mouthfeel and textures are absolutely sublime, which is a a hallmark of their brand.  The compelling textures are achieved in part from fermenting in both stainless steel tank and French oak Barrels.  At the winery’s $35/btl retail price this wine will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9,  but if you join our Insider’s Club email list (it’s free) you’ll unlock special offers.
 
The 2014 Russian River Valley combines two unique Chardonnay clones, Old Wente and Starr Ridge.  The grapes were forged from steep hillside vineyard and the flavors are clear and precise and wash over your palate with energy and momentum.  Kept for 15 months in barrel, the 2014 is simply gorgeous right now… the only downside is there were less than 400 cases made.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $35/btl
 
 

Tasting Notes: “Yellow straw color in the glass, this beauty has classic aromas of lemon curd, ripe apple, spring flowers and toast. Elegant and bright on the palate with succulent flavors of mixed citrus and apple with a supple opulence. It is beautifully constructed, impeccably balanced and finishes long and smooth with all of the elements integrated in a seamless, beautiful wine.”

 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 

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The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Pinot combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  
2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir

2016 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir(s)

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

WALTER HANSEL

2016 PINOT NOIR(S)
CUVEE ALYCE | NORTH SLOPE

 
Showcasing the best of Russian River Valley, Walter Hansel produces profound wines with sense of place, harmonious balance and elaborate texture. When they come up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.
 
Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none… Their 2016 Cuvee Alyce and North Slope Pinots have already earned monster scores from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, and when your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments. Walter Hansel took that as a challenge and their 2016’s stand tall as some of their best Pinot Noirs in the last decade.  Don’t miss this opportunity to secure yours… There’s simply never enough of these brilliant Pinots to satisfy demand.

 

2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir 2016 Walter Hansel North Slope Pinot Noir
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, pomegranate and cranberry notes with touches of red roses, lavender and dried Provence herbs plus a waft of black soil. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, it is simply packed with taut fruit and finishes on a lingering mineral note…” 95 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $42/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Pinot Noir The North Slope is medium ruby-purple in color and scented of crushed red plums, mulberries and black cherries with touches of baking spices, violets and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, it offers bags of rich berry flavors in the mouth with a sexy, plush texture and scintillating freshness, finishing long...” 94 Points