2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  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. 
Gamba always crafts stunningly rich, wonderfully articulate Zinfandel that stems from ancient vines planted in 1900 and yields just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit.  Unsurprisingly, many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world.  With another steep decline in production, I strongly recommend securing a case, before it’s too late. 
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winemaker notes: “The 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel has elegant, violet, dried herb and inviting cherry aromas. The mouthfeel is savory and full, complete with subtle notes of sweet red cherry, tobacco, brown butter, and a delicious streak of baked dark fruits, making for a complex wine that’s enjoyable from start to finish. Ripe raspberry, cherry, and a delicious spicy undercurrent work together seamlessly to provide complexity and bold waves of persistent flavor.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Old Vine Estate Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2015 Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel

 
 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….”   90-93 Points
TONTI
2014 RESERVE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 
2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

ALMA de CATTLEYA

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY 

Immeasurable talent… gifted… Midas touch… These would all be fitting descriptors of winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave.  Her artistry has allowed her to climb the ranks and become winemaker at Pahlmeyer… She’s also made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France.  Bibiana applies her vast skill-set and remarkable abilities and crafts wines that exceed all expectations… This Sauvignon Blanc Leaps feverishly from the glass with a spectacular aromatic display of exotic mangos, lime leaves, caramelized grapefruit and honeyed pear and is absolutely stunning. Her new Alma de Cattleya label is rapidly increasing in popularity with each cork pulled, setting the bar for what can be achieved at this realistic price level. 
 
Arising from methodically selected vineyards centered primarily in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, this beautiful interpretation of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc was authored using the same exacting standards as the Cattleya single vineyard wines, which retail for around $70/btl.  Fermented on it’s lees for six months, the 2017 graces your palate with energy and absolute focus.  If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, clean and energized Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for Spring and Summer… Time to stock up.
 
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $19.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This Sauvignon Blanc is a true expression of the influence of the Pacific Ocean breezes in Sonoma County’s grape growing region. Zesty and bright, the exceptional intensity of lemon zest, grapefruit, verbena, lemongrass and citrus blossoms aromatics are an impressive aperture to a gorgeous mouthfeel with centered acidity and a luscious finish. Enjoy now until 2022.”
 
Customers who enjoy Alma de Cattleya’s Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…

  

2017 Picayune Napa County Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Farella Coombsville Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY & 
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $20.99/btl 
 
Taking things to the next level with their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit.  Picayune is a stand-out in affordable, premium quality Sauvignon Blanc, and originates from declassified barrels from top Sauvignon Blanc producers around Napa and Sonoma Counties, and retails for just a fraction of the price.
FARELLA
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $23.99/btl 
 
In a world where clarity is hard to find, I will say with absolute clarity that you’d be hard pressed to find a better Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc at anywhere near this price.  Tom Farella’s 2016 Estate La Luce Sauvignon Blanc has mesmerizing nuances of almost Loire Valley-like honeydew melon, tangerine and honeyed grapefruit that flow from the glass in an exquisite perfume. 
2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

RED MARE

2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County
With everything you would want in a world-class California Chardonnay, Red Mare’s 2014 emerges from the famed Dutton Ranch Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Fruit from Dutton Ranch has gone to top producers like Kistler, Patz & Hall, & DuMOL…  This one was expertly guided from grape to bottle by Anne Vawter, who’s experience includes assistant winemaker at Paradigm Winery in Oakville for four years, under the leadership of legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett. 
 
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.  
 
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “True to the vintage with intense aromatic notes of ripe pear, rose petals, tropical flowers and warm honeycomb. This wine is a complex interplay of rich and warm contrasting with bright and fresh showing vanilla wafer, white cake, nougat along with lemon peel and asian pear. In the mouth, a long, slow, malolactic fermentation, lees stirring and barrel aging in small french oak barrels brings a rich and complex mouthfeel balanced with classic Russian River Valley acids to carry through to a warm, creamy finish.”
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir

2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir

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

MONTAGU

2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD

 
 
 
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir
Nothing beats drinking a stunningly beautiful Pinot Noir from one of California’s most Iconic Vineyards. Montagu’s 8 barrel production of their Baciaglupi Vineyard Pinot erupts from the glass with an exotic perfume of crushed blackberries, dried violets, Asian plum and baking spices.  This world-class vineyard made history at the 1976 Paris tasting when Château Montelena triumphed over all of the French wines in its category.  40 percent of the fruit was sourced from Bacigalupi.
Created in a deep and saturating style, the 2014 is beautifully textured, and loaded with class.  Utilizing three revered Pinot clones, 777, 667 and Pommard, and each complimenting the strengths of the others… the wine is then finished in high quality French oak barrels.  If you love big, California style Pinots like Marcassin, Belle Glos and Kosta Browne, one taste will bring you home. 
 
MONTAGU
2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This is a forward styled Pinot Noir that offers an ripe nose of cherry cola, bright pomegranate, mandarin orange peel, spice box and earthy truffle. On the palate it has a lush, rich, supple mouthfeel with wild berries, black plum, sage leaf and sweet vanilla.  Cellar through 2022.“ 92 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

Cru 9 2014 Pinot Noir Marion Russian River

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaPinot NoirRussian River ValleyUSA
CRU 9

2014 PINOT NOIR
MARION, RUSSIAN RIVER
 
Indescribably gorgeous and certainly one of our top new discoveries yet… In addition, if I could tell you the vineyard source for this remarkable Pinot, you would likely grab a case (or two) immediately.  However, with a non-disclosure agreement in place, the fruit source needs to be kept secret… but one taste (and the ensuing grin) will tell you everything you need to know.  Immediately on entry, the high-level of focus and definition lets you know you’re getting into something special.  The core is densely concentrated and layered with classic Russian River Valley nuances and then there that finish… the finish seals the deal, and lasts nearly a full minute.  Our adoration of this wine was so intense that we bought all of it… Therefore, we’re thrilled to pour it by the glass in Yountville, for as long as we can keep it on the shelf.  Come by for a glass…
With a complete production of just 9 barrels, the 2014 perfectly marries iconic Pinot clones Pommard, 667 and Calera, creating a complex, fragrant and beautifully balanced Masterpiece.  This is precisely what I look for in absolute top-level Russian River Valley Pinot, with intense red and black berries, beautifully integrated wild rose, holiday spices and cola.
 
CRU 9
2014 PINOT NOIR
MARION, RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
Tasting Notes: “This is a prodigious Pinot Noir that offers an awesome nose of wild Spring flowers, cherry cola, fresh crushed raspberries, tart red plum and sweet vanilla spice.  It is concentrated, structured, amazingly balanced and follows through on the palate with black bing cherries, wild berries and dried orange peel intermixed in an elegant, seamlessly graceful style that is absolutely stunning to drink now, but will cellar through 2024.” 
95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Customers that enjoy Cru 9’s Russian River Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
BRULIAM
2014 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “Hearty sagebrush, rust and dust meet with dried Montgomery cherry and tart pomegranate aromas on the nose of this bottling from a Healdsburg-based producer. It’s luscious on the palate with ripe plum fruit and tons of baking spice, from cinnamon to clove cream, nutmeg and vanilla.” 93 Points
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Sensory Notes: This Daniel Pinot Noir is brilliant ruby red in color. The bouquet opens with Huckleberry coulis and black cherry, followed by charcuterie and cedar. This pinot boasts incredibly concentrated red and dark fruit that lingers with a silky texture on the palate. A wine capable of long term aging, every sip offers new nuance.”

Tonti 2014 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaOld Vine ZinfandelRussian River ValleyUSA
TONTI

2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s 2014 Russian River Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s.  Remarkably hedonistic, the 2014 saturates your palate with a full gamut of red, blue and black fruits, exotic spices, mixed chocolates and round, plush tannins.  With Gus Gamba as their consulting winemaker, Tonti is producing an extremely high-level Zinfandel, and at retail of $49.00/btl it’s well worth the price of admission….
 
Earning a Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, as well as 94 Points from tastings. com, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Housed for 18 months in American oak barrels and from a vintage that’s becoming increasingly recognized for it’s superior quality, grab a case while you can. 
 
TONTI
2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
+ Ground Shipping Included on ANY Full or Mixed 15-Pack
(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
 
Winery Notes: “...Deep purple color. Rustic, fruity aromas of wild raspberry Danish, iron rich soil, menthol, and touch of pepper with a slightly chewy, fruity sweet medium body and an intriguing, medium-long sun dried raspberries, sun dried tomatoes, sweet basil, and milk chocolate bar and terracotta finish with firm chewy tannins and light oak. A spot on zinfandel, rich and juicy with good tannins and structure. Organically Dry Farmed”
 
Customers that enjoy Tonti’s Reserve Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….” 90-93 Points
GAMBA
2015 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
Fashioned 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.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2015 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.

Walter Hansel 2015 Estate Pinot Noir & 2014 Cahill Lane Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirRussian River ValleyUSA
WALTER HANSEL
2015 ESTATE PINOT NOIR

2014 CAHILL LANE CHARDONNAY
Like sitting front-and-center at the grand opera, and instead of string, woodwind and percussions vibrating throughout, penetrating flavors permeate your palate, hitting every note along the way with perfect clarity.  Consistently rated in the mid 90’s, and with each performance like a sold-out show, and yet the ticket price has remained almost unchanged over the past decade… Walter Hansel voices the best of the Russian River Valley, and Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”
Originating from famous clones, strategically planted to specific areas of Walter Hansel’s Estate Vineyard, the new releases are hitting the high notes that you wouldn’t think possible at this price level…

 

WALTER HANSEL
2014 CHARDONNAY
CAHILL LANE
Your Price: $34.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “The 2014 Chardonnay Cahill Lane emerges 100% from the Old Wente clone. This is in heavy clay and fertile Goldridge soils and cropped in by at least 30% to improve concentration. This wine, which is less intense than his other Chardonnays, offers notes of lime and other citrus, with crisp acidity…” 
92 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ESTATE VINEYARD
Your Price: $37.99/btl
From Vinous, “The 2015 Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyard boasts off the charts intensity, richness and texture. Soaring aromatics and a core of dark red and bluish fruit are front and center. Racy and voluptuous to the core, the Estate captures all the intensity of this vintage. This is a dazzling Pinot from Stephen Hansel, not to mention one of the best values readers will find.”
94 Points