2020 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2020 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

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

LIMERICK LANE

2020 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2020 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley
Jake Bilbro of Limerick Lane Winery is the third steward of the historic property since the Del Fava family planted the estate vineyard in 1910. The Del Favas saw the potential of the land early on, even before modern science that is commonly used today in the New World to determine the best soils, plots, and which rootstock and clones will thrive to the fullest.
 
Limerick Lane’s Russian River Zinfandel is a field blend including ancient Zinfandel vines co-planted with Peloursin, Negrette, and Syrah. The winery is proud of its “hands-off, eyes on” approach that continues to lead to uniquely rich and powerful wines with brightness and elegance that earned the 2018 and 2019 vintages scores in the mid-90s. The newly released 2020 vintage is just as glorious, offering substantial value at forty bucks.
 
LIMERICK LANE
2020 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“The 2020 Limerick Lane Zinfandel begins with fresh aromas of cranberry, raspberry, boysenberry jam, and spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, pepperwood, cedar, mushrooms. The sweet baking spices linger into a long and pleasant finish that enhances the fresh acidity and bright fruit character. This wine is charming on its own but is a lovely complement to a variety of dishes.”
93 Points
2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

CASTALIA

2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard
Castalia’s 2018 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir earned the #2 spot on my top 5 list this year, not for just one, but all reasons; the wine masterfully combines focused, fresh, powerful fruit with intricate detail, length, and balance. This supreme example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir accentuates the region’s vibrant cherry essence in a rich, sultry style, delineating Rochioli Vineyard’s most remarkable qualities.
 
Rochioli Vineyard produces unforgettably distinct, powerful fruit that’s both riveting and enchanting. Few people know the vineyard as intimately as Terry Bering, Cellar Master of J. Rochioli Vineyards, since 1990. Terry started Castalia Wines in 1992, producing a tiny bit of Pinot Noir from grapes he purchased from a hillside block of Rochioli Vineyard, known for small yields of intensely concentrated fruit. 
 
CASTALIA
2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 explodes from the glass with a powerful nose of sweet red cherries, deep black plums, strawberry preserves, exotic cola bean, herbs de Provence, white pepper, and dried rose petals. It’s one of those wines that grabs you from the first whiff and won’t let you go. A gorgeous palate follows with concentrated wild berries, bright red currants, rich cherries, kitchen spices, black tea, and hints of Kalamata olives. It is a very complex, dynamic wine that is exceptionally concentrated, delightfully long, and a thrill to enjoy.” 
96 Points, #2 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2021
2019 Rochiolo Pinot Noir Estate Russian River

2019 Rochiolo Pinot Noir Estate Russian River

with No Comment $80-$90Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

ROCHIOLI 

2019 PINOT NOIR
ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER

2019 Rochiolo Pinot Noir Estate Russian River
The Rochioli’s understood the potential of their land from very early on, deciding to put their family’s name on their product, selling their first estate-bottled Pinot Noir in 1985. The wine was immediately honored as the Best Pinot Noir in America by Wine Spectator and is one of the few wineries in California to have consistently scored above 90 points since that first vintage.
 
Tom believes that if America were to adopt a Grand Cru system similar to Burgundy’s, his vineyard would fall into the same prestigious status because of the several different soil types and varying elevation levels. He ferments each block separately, capturing every aspect of what defines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in an expression that is pure Rochioli. 
 
ROCHIOLI 
2019 PINOT NOIR
ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER
 
Your Price: $89.99
 
 
“This is a blend of several single-vineyard designates, predominantly Little Hill (53%) and Big Hill (15%), with additions from West Block, East Block and Sweetwater as well. Dark plum and raspberry accent a lively and expansive palate framed by rounded tannins and easy oak accents. Enjoy from 2029–2034.”
96 Points, Top 100 Cellar Selection
 
“Delicate and refined, this is filled with concentrated raspberry tart flavors that are laced together by plenty of cedary and underbrush accents. The fresh, juicy finish shows touches of ripe minerality and hints of white pepper. Drink now through 2027.”
94 Points
2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard

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

STYLER

2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD

2018 Styler Pinot Noir Saucci Vineyard
Styler focuses exclusively on cool-climate Pinot Noir with an emphasis on sustainability and site expression. Driven by a love for Pinot Noir and the desire to accurately reflect the grape’s origins by utilizing a hands-off winemaking approach, Styler partnered with UC Davis alumni Scott Rich to bring their dreams to fruition. Scott’s experience includes making wine at Morga Winery in Bel Air, Etude in Napa Valley, and Corpora in Chile.
 
This Pinot Noir arose from the Goldridge soils of Suacci Vineyard, where naturally low yields of tiny grape clusters powerfully reflect their origin with remarkable clarity and sophisticated balance. The 2018 vintage was aged 20 months in barrel, offering focused, concentrated fruit with savory intensity and elegant balance that creates a delightfully joyous experience from the first sip to the last.
 
STYLER
2018 PINOT NOIR
SUACCI VINEYARD
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The 2018 Styler Suacci Pinot Noir has a wonderfully unique combination of elements on the nose, including dried mushrooms, ripe red berries, spice cake, with light hints of glove leather, and orange blossoms. The palate is bright and concentrated with sweet strawberries, concentrated tart cherries, elegant florals, and baking spices. It finishes long and balanced, with the sweet fruit dancing perfectly in sync with the bright freshness.”
93 Points
2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

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

CASTALIA

2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD

2018 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard
Rochioli Vineyard produces unforgettably distinct, powerful fruit that’s both riveting and enchanting. Few people know the vineyard as intimately as Terry Bering, Cellar Master of J. Rochioli Vineyards since 1990. Terry started Castalia Wines in 1992, producing a tiny bit of Pinot Noir from grapes he purchased from a hillside block of Rochioli Vineyard, known for small yields of intensely concentrated fruit. 
 
This supreme example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir accentuates the region’s vibrant cherry essence in a rich, sultry style, delineating the site’s most distinct qualities with impressive depth, keen focus, great length, and powerful concentration. 
 
CASTALIA
2018 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 explodes from the glass with a powerful nose of sweet red cherries, deep black plums, strawberry preserves, exotic cola bean, herbs de Provence, white pepper, and dried rose petals. It’s one of those wines that grabs you from the first whiff and won’t let you go. A gorgeous palate follows with concentrated wild berries, bright red currants, rich cherries, kitchen spices, black tea, and hints of Kalamata olives. It is a very complex, dynamic wine that is exceptionally concentrated, delightfully long, and a thrill to enjoy.” 
96 Points
2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JACLYNN RENEE

2018 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Jaclynn Renee Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
One of California’s most prized Vineyards, Bacigalupi consistently produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of outstanding and memorable quality. The Vineyard played a crucial role at the 1976 Judgement of Paris when Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, sourced from Bacigalupi, took 1st place, permanently binding California to the premium-quality world wine map. 
 
Winemaker Jackie Van Sant Downes of Jacklynn Rennee Winery is a hardworking, native Texan who moved to Sonoma in 2007 to pursue her passion for making balanced wines that shine with pure fruit. In this wine, she highlights a complementary balance between Pinot Noir clones Pommard and Wente, enchanting your taste buds with ripe red cherries, forest floor, and vanilla spice.
 
JACLYNN RENEE
2018 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 
Retails at: $54
 
 
 
“The 2018 Jaclynn Renée Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir has elegant aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, vanilla spice, dried herbs, and forest floor. The wine’s bright acidity accents the fruit flavors on the palate, giving life and energy, while the sweet spice and savory mushroom flavors perfectly round out the balance. The wine finishes with a zesty intensity that can enhance a meal or be enjoyed on its own.”
93 Points
2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2018 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Created to showcase the talents of hand-picked local growers and made in a lush, inviting style, hitting a sweet spot where complexity meets opulence, Black Pinot Pinot Noir is a constant in the value Pinot Noir section of our shop. After a culmination of outstanding efforts, it’s built a reputation of excellence and value, with its relentless quality and hard-to-resist style.
 
Combining fruit from Petaluma Gap, Russian River, and Sonoma Coast AVAs, Roger Roessler hand-selected each site for its unique contribution, resulting in a concentrated Pinot that hits a sweet spot with complexity, nuance, and lushness.
 
BLACK PINE
2018 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“The Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with elegance and delicacy. It begins with red cherry, pomegranate, black currants, Mission figs, juniper berries, light florals, and a hint of spice. It is refreshing on the palate and is very easy-drinking, finishing with liquid minerals, an elegant focus, and satiny tannins. It is a delightful wine, particularly at its low price point.”
92 Points
2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRoséRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER 

2020 Joseph Jewell Rose Of Pinot Noir Slusser Vineyard Russian River
Representing a singular expression of the people, place, and vintage, Joseph Jewell wines bring people together with easy approachability, conversation-driving quality, and powerful varietal character. They source from expressive, cool-climate vineyards that provide the ingredients necessary to create wines that stand out for their pristine balance and thoughtful sophistication. Their 2020 Rosé was a bright star at our tasting with piercing aromatics, mineral-intensity, and contagious energy, and at $24, it’s a superb value. 
 
Farmed by the same family for over 100 years, Slusser Vineyard is in the middle reach of the Russian River Valley, where Mark West Creek’s flooding resulted in intense minerality in the wines. 
 
Calling on 100% Pinot Noir, winemaker Adrian Jewell crafted this Rosé in a brightly focused style, highlighting the vineyard’s keen minerality and freshness of fruit that will leave your taste buds craving more.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SLUSSER VINEYARD
2020 RUSSIAN RIVER
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“Fruity and layered in waves of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon, this light, crisp wine delivers vibrant flavor and texture. Dried herb and a hint of lemongrass add complementary nuance and deliciousness.” 
91 Points
2019 Gamba MCM Estate Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2019 Gamba MCM Estate Zinfandel Russian River Valley

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

GAMBA

MCM ESTATE ZINFANDEL 
2019 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2019 Gamba MCM Estate Zinfandel Russian River Valley
Embodying the same passion for agriculture and tradition that’s been in their family for six generations, beginning in Northern Italy, Gamba Family expresses it all through the lens of their ancient 100-year-old vines. Gus acts as the human conduit for the vines to tell their story in every vintage, and the 2019s are what he strives for; They’re vibrantly detailed, engrossingly complex, and invigoratingly fresh. This vintage will undoubtedly earn monster scores, and given the small production, don’t wait to secure yours. 
 
Gus Gamba considers himself a steward of the land and utilizes organic farming practices in his family’s Vineyard planted in 1900. The Vineyard’s topography, soils, and microclimate are perfect for ripening Zinfandel to the peak of perfection. 
 
Gus and his winemaking team double hand-sort the berries, with only the best making their way into fermentors. Next, the 2019 release spent an impressive 18 months aging primarily in American oak barrels, contributing to the spice characteristics.
 
GAMBA
MCM ESTATE ZINFANDEL 
2019 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $54
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The exciting 2019 MCM Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel is a brilliant wine, with bright garnet hues shining in the glass. The aroma offers lush raspberry, rhubarb pie and savory dried herbs. Medium to full in body, the wine explodes with fresh berries, stone fruit and red cherry that are accented with delicious brown spices and an essence of toasty oak. The texture is slightly leathery, yet polished and refined. The wine is focused, compelling, and exquisitely layered, with mouth-watering tannins; a serious and seamless flavor experience from beginning to end. Lifting acidity and mild toasted oak round out the coda of its pleasant, lingering finish. A great wine to enjoy in its youth, or candidate to lay down in the cellar if you have the will power!”
2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

2018 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Striking a delicate balance of character and approachability, Joseph Jewell’s Russian Valley Pinot Noir embodies the region’s spirit, calling on the best qualities of three renowned vineyards. This wine is winemaker Adrian Jewell’s best representation of the Russian River Valley, mindfully created from a barrel selection of Bucher, Starscape, and Hallberg Vineyards. The wine is a perennial favorite that will make you wonder how a Pinot Noir can be this good for this low of a price. 
 
Gaining lush fruits and earthy undertones from Bucher, brighter red fruit and supple tannins from Starscape, and structure with darker berries from Hallberg, Joseph Jewell’s Russian River Pinot Noir is a complete wine of charisma and balance. 
 
This intriguing release is ebullient and beautifully knit with a flirtatious mix of red and black fruits, wild rose, and classic cola and spice characteristics. Like the previous vintages, the fleshy, rich textures are sublime and are a hallmark of this brand. 
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2018 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $40
 
 
 
“Luscious and inviting, with aromas of bing cherry, cola, and orange blossom, this wine follows fast with striking aromatics of candied cherries, vanilla, fresh mint, and hibiscus. On the palate, the medley of fresh cherries, cranberries, and red plum is accented with an elegant herbaceousness and a lasting floral finish. Soft tannins support a lush mouthfeel that will keep you coming back for more.”