2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS 2015 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
When I tasted BV’s flagship Georges de Latour Cabernet last Fall, I knew huge scores weren’t far behind… The 2015 has such incredible intensity, matched equally with concentration, balance and length, that it will rock-the-world for just about anybody that tastes it.  The wine has Napa Valley history embedded deep into its DNA, and is a timeless classic that embodies every quality that makes Rutherford so wondrous.  Under the guidance of one of the world’s most iconic winemakers, Andre Tchelistcheff, BV built on a reputation of excellence and achievements, and now, nearly 80 vintages later, Georges de Latour is still turning heads. Just look at the group of 96-98 point scores.
 
Enchanting, profound and deeply hedonistic all come to mind when tasting the 2015.  This vintage was made in the winery’s new state-of-the-art facility and it perfectly combines time-honored traditions with modern technologies.  Birthed from the iconic BV Ranches Numbers 1 and 2, originally planted by Georges de Latour in the early 1900’s…  Now that the reviews are out, I wouldn’t hesitate long to secure your case.
 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $145.00/btl
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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YOU SAVE 17%
 

98 Points
 
“A complex red with blackcurrants, forest floor and mint. Eucalyptus, too. Love the aromas. Full body with ripe tannins that roll on the palate. Very harmonious and precise. Needs four to five years to come together, but already a joy to taste.”

97+ Points
 “… Deep purple-colored, with a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite, and smoked herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity, and building tannins, which become even more apparent with extended air time… This is the real deal and count me impressed. It’s approachable today thanks to its purity and balance, but given its old-school, classic feel, I’ve no doubt it’s going to evolve for 2-3 decades.” 

97 Points
“... Dense in colour, the 2015 expresses superbly the intensity of Napa Cabernet along with hints of mint and spice. It’s surprisingly fresh on the palate with total absence of over-extraction, the fruit, oak and tannins being in perfect harmony, leading to a firm and polished finish. This is historical Napa at its very best.”

96+ Points
 “… very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long.” 
 
 
Customers who enjoy BV Georges de Latour Cabernet may also enjoy these two icons… 
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical
2016 Quintessa Proprietary Red
BERINGER
PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
VERTICAL COLLECTION
2013 | 2014 | 2015
Retails at: $1020/6-Pack
 
Your Price: $750/6-PACK 

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[2014] From Jeb Dunnuck: “...sports an inky, opaque color to go with killer notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, hints of oak, graphite and minerality. Rich, full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, it’s tight and backward, and is more reminiscent of a 2013 than a 2014…” 96 Points
 
[2015] From James Suckling: “The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure and beauty…” 99 Points
QUINTESSA
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEYYour Price: $190/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Very deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass like a pedigree pup with exuberant notions of crème de cassis, warm blueberries and black cherries with hints of redcurrants, kirsch, candied violets, crushed rocks, cigar box and fallen leaves plus a waft of truffles. Full, rich and beautifully laced with layers of floral notes and fragrant earth, the profound black and blue fruits build slowly in the mouth, achieving great energy and depth with a beautiful velvety frame, finishing long and perfumed.” 97+ Points
2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

FOLEY JOHNSON 2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

ESTATE CABERNET 
2013 RUTHERFORD 

 
Napa Valley’s Iconic Rutherford appellation is one of THE most revered regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s celebrated for producing wines with palpable character.  Paragons Quintessa, BV and Scarecrow all set a precedence for quality in Rutherford.  I recently checked the average retail price of the more than fifty 2013 vintage Rutherford Cabernets listed in the Wine Spectator and they averaged well over $130/btl…  This is a real barometer to the quality of this appellation, and if you’ve followed my emails for a while, you know that one of my favorite Rutherford producers is Foley Johnson.  Their name is synonymous with epic value, and even at the winery retail price of $75 it’s a terrific find.  At our price, it’s a complete steal…
 
Arising from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this exemplary 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon shines with all of the hallmarks that I love most about Rutherford.  It’s brimming with concentrated black fruits, crushed violets, graphite, freshly ground coffee and of course, beautiful Rutherford dust.  After nearly 4 years blossoming inside the bottle, words can hardly describe how great this wine is drinking right now.  
 
FOLEY JOHNSON
ESTATE CABERNET
2013 RUTHERFORD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 

Winery Notes: “The nose of our 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit forward with very deep and concentrated notes of blackberry, black currant and hints of toasted characters. The body follows the aroma and is fruit forward with nice tannin balance throughout the palate. The fruit on the palate shines and provides flavors from blackberry to slight hints of light raspberry and as it opens up there is a light hint of sweetness and licorice. Although the tannins are still quite prevalent, they are not overwhelming and are approachable now, but will age nicely over next 5-10 years.”

2016 Crane Assembly Disciples Proprietary Red

2016 The Crane Assembly ‘Disciples’ Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedRutherfordSt HelenaUSA

THE CRANE ASSEMBLY 2016 Crane Assembly Disciples Proprietary Red

2016 DISCIPLES
PROPRIETARY RED

  
Forged from ancient vines dating back to the 1880’s, and including the iconic Morisoli and Milat vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena, Crane Assembly Disciples was named for these vineyards which can be considered “disciples” of the ancient vines of G.B. Crane, which the winery owns.  The G.B. Crane vineyard was originally planted around 1885, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley… The 2016 release is incredibly appealing and comes layered with wild raspberries, black cherries, clove and incense.  The wine was masterfully blended by winemaker Kevin Fox and consulting winemaker Dave Phinney, and with a 93 Point score from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, I wouldn’t wait too long to assemble your case.  
 
Absolutely thrilling to swirl and taste, this wine has every quality that I look for in an ancient vine Zinfandel Blend.  The final blend includes bits of Charbono, Grenache and Petite Sirah which enhance color, depth and structure.  The 2016 is bursting with pristinely focused, seductive fruit and is incredibly hedonistic on the palate as flavors continue to expand throughout the extremely long finish. 
 
THE CRANE ASSEMBLY
2016 DISCIPLES
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 13% Charbono, 6% Grenache and 5% Petite Sirah, the 2016 Disciples is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with gorgeous notions of hoisin, Black Forest cake, prunes and potpourri with hints of black pepper, unsmoked cigars and cloves. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-spicy, it fills the palate with decadent fruit and a plush texture, finishing with a lively lift.” 93 Points
 
2015 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red
 2017 The Prisoner Proprietary Red
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Alluring aromas of ripe blackberries, red plums, sweet floral notes and a touch of vanilla spice seduce your nose. A compact core of perfectly balanced cherry preserves, muddled blueberries, wild blackberries and a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being inky, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to simply make you smile. Drink right now, or you can hold until 2025.“
THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY RED 
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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Electric, jubilant, infectiously charming, the new 2017  Prisoner
 unshackles a posse of vibrant and elaborate flavors that are both intense and broadening, and become even more complex with aeration. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2017 permeates with unsweetened cherry cobbler, wild strawberries, chocolate dipped blueberries and liquid floral.  
2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRutherfordUSA

CORNERSTONE 2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 BENCHLANDS

 
When it comes to the highest quality, most powerful Cabernet Sauvignons in our shop that sell for less than $75, there’s one brand that’s been a Cornerstone (figuratively and literally) in that category for years… It’s a wine that has every component necessary to be truly outstanding, and it begins with 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.  Adding another level of greatness to the wine is 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 vineyards…
 
Cornerstone’s 2015 Benchlands Cabernet is built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Oakville and Rutherford.  The 2015 is made in a rich, opulent style with remarkable intensity and stunning length.  On the palate, the wine is rich and elegant with wonderful energy, and flavors that unwind methodically across your palate.  At $75/btl you’d be thrilled by the quality. From us, you’ll want to make extra room in the cellar, and go deep…
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 BENCHLANDS
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon is another beautiful rendition, picking up right where the 2014 left off.  The elegant, sultry nose begins with captivating ripe blackberries, toasty oak and black olives, followed by hints of beechnut gum, lavender and rock dust.  The palate starts with a pristine elegance and balance, paralleling the focused flavors of black cherries, red currants and black tea, then followed by beautifully integrated, toasty, sweet vanilla spice.  The orchestrated finish lingers with elegant acidity, dusty fruit tannins and a wonderful freshness.  Drink now, or drink later, but I’m  going back for a second glass now...” 94 Points
2012 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

HEITZ 2012 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

TRAILSIDE VINEYARD
2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
Heitz is an absolutely historic winery that continues to craft wine in the same traditional and age-worthy style that they’ve become revered for, for almost 60 years.  Each decision made at the winery, from when to pick, through the entire fermentation and aging process are purposefully made to guide the wine into a style that will stand the test of time, rather than be flashy and forward when consumed young.  Why? You’ll find the answer in a bottle of 2012 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet… After resting for 3 long years in 100% oak, followed by another 3 years inside the bottle, the 2012 now awakes with penetrating dark fruits, powerful structure, unending depth and remarkable detail.  With the new 2013 vintage checking in at $125/btl, the 2012 is a stunning value, that shouldn’t be missed at $79.99/btl.
 
The Trailside Vineyard, located in the Iconic Rutherford AVA, made it’s debut in 1989 and they’ve produced a bevy of high-scoring Cabernets from this vineyard ever since.  The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and made it’s entrance from one of Napa Valley’s most desired vintages. I highly recommend saddling up and securing your case…
 
HEITZ
TRAILSIDE VINEYARD
2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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“Subtle aromas of plums and cherries with hazelnuts and cedar follow through to a full body. Plenty of wood showing in the mid-palate with a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come together. A traditionally structured Napa cab with focus. Drink in 2021 and onwards.”  93 Points
“Features an alluring mulled spice hint weaving around a core of gently steeped plum, blackberry and red currant fruit flavors. A light cherry wood note lines the finish while the fruit easily keeps pace. This is approachable now but there’s no rush.”  93 Points
“From a certified organic vineyard in Rutherford, this is a 100% varietal wine that impresses from start to finish, allowing room for a slight whiff of reduction and tar on the nose. Dark notions of coffee are interwoven between bright layers of cassis and red cherry around structured acidity and oak.”
94 Points, Cellar Selection
 
 
Customers who enjoy Heitz Trailside Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabernets…
2015 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
PARADIGM
2015 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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If I were to choose one wine that perfectly expresses Oakville’s notorious complexity, Paradigm  would be my first choice.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Western side of Oakville, just South of Beckstoffer’s Iconic To-Kalon Vineyard in an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, and Martha’s Vineyard…
INGLENOOK
2014 RUTHERFORD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $65/btl

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From Vinous: “ … pulses with a host of savory and mineral notes that confer notable freshness. Quite representative of the vintage, the Cabernet displays considerable energy and tension, with terrific intensity throughout. Graphite, lavender, mint, smoke and tobacco are all finely knit in a Cabernet that offers quite a bit of potential.”  92-95 Points
2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvingon

2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

INGLENOOK  2014 Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet Sauvingon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 RUTHERFORD

 
If the historic Inglenook Winery was portrayed in a film, it would be filled with rich history, challenges, grand awards, and new beginnings. The winery was founded in 1879, making it the 5th oldest winery in Napa Valley and in the late 1970’s, the property was purchased by iconic film director Francis Ford Coppola.  Francis made pivotal enhancements to the Estate, and took the winemaking to an even higher level when he hired famed winemaking consultant André Tchelistcheff.  By 1990, the Wine Spectator awarded the 1941 Inglenook Cabernet a perfect 100 Point score, naming it one of the Top Wines of the Century and to this day, Inglenook is still catching the eye of critics, and the 2014 has an abundance of stellar reviews.  The wine is produced in a confident, show-stopping style, yet it hasn’t forgotten it’s roots as one of Napa’s most historic Cabernets.  At $65, you’ll want tickets to this show…
 
Cut from Chateau, Cohn, Creek, Small Block, and Walnut Vineyards, this wine is classically Rutherford and embodies the perfect mix of drama, charisma and antiquity.  The main character is Cabernet Sauvignon at 93%, but it’s supported by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot, which add focus and  a soft suppleness to the wine, making it even more irresistible.  Don’t miss this stellar release.
 
INGLENOOK 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 RUTHERFORD
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $65/btl 

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YOU SAVE 13%
 
“Soft and round, with an undeniable Old World-like balance, this wine shows dark chocolate, tobacco and tar notes. Its power derives from its complex texture, imbued with a smoky oak essence and clove and graphite accents.”  93 Points
“…a beauty of classicism and balance. Dense purple in color, with notes of crème de cassis, blackberry, cedar wood and forest floor, the wine is full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and pure, with moderate tannins and the potential for 20-25 years of upside”  92 Points
“… pulses with a host of savory and mineral notes that confer notable freshness. Quite representative of the vintage, the Cabernet displays considerable energy and tension, with terrific intensity throughout. Graphite, lavender, mint, smoke and tobacco are all finely knit in a Cabernet that offers quite a bit of potential.” 92-95 Points
Customers who enjoy Inglenook Rutherford Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabernets…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
ROBERT CRAIG
2015 AFFINITY 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Very pretty stones, oyster shell, blueberries and underbrush character. The palate is very composed with lots of bright, tangy fruit, grainy tannins and a minerally yet at the same time fruit-driven finish. A unique wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Drink in 2020 even if delicious now.”  94 Points

2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUncategorizedUSA

VISTA

2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Being part of a wine brand that’s shattering records and has everybody talking is always fun, and Vista turns out to be our single most popular wine we’ve ever offered… This is a $23 Rutherford Blend that tastes like it should cost many many times its price.  When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics, and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out, the intended retail was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet under a different brand name.  If you look for value reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one…
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.  At $23 bucks this wine shatters expectations of how great a value wine can possibly be in this price.
 
VISTA
2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.”  92 – 95 Points
2015 Staglin Salus Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Staglin Salus Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUncategorizedUSA

STAGLIN  2015 Staglin Salus Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 SALUS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, ESTATE

 
Raising a staggering number approaching a Billion Dollars in charitable support, Staglin is known for much more than just terrific wines… At Auction Napa Valley last year, their joint lot with Antinori brought in $1.5 million.  They’ve spared absolutely no expense in their relentless pursuit of perfection, and their Rutherford Cabernets are some of the most distinct and powerfully compelling wines produced in Napa Valley.  Winemaker Fredrik Johansson works closely with one of the world’s most influential winemakers Michel Rolland, as well as renowned viticulturist David Abreu, who’s planted vineyards for Harlan Estate, Colgin and Screaming Eagle to list a few… Johansson gained invaluable experience working alongside Thomas River Brown at Outpost, as well as helping with Schrader and Maybach…
 
Composed from Staglin’s Estate vineyard located on the Southwestern rim of Napa Valley’s renowned Rutherford AVA, this vineyard’s ideal soils and microclimate produce pristine, complex fruit.   In fact, the top wines produced at the Estate go for around $285 to $335/btl… Salus represents a stupendous value for Staglin, and if you’re searching for a world-class Cabernet Sauvignon at an obtainable price… This is it.
 
STAGLIN
2015 SALUS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, ESTATE
Retails at:  $115.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl
YOU SAVE 13%
 
Winery Notes: “The nose of focused and driven dark red and black fruits is made complex and intriguing by an overlay of earth and herbs – think tilled soil and wet, leafless wintertime trees with a sprinkle of freshly torn tobacco, pinched camphor leaves and Tellicherry peppercorns. The crystalline and concentrated palate of ripe cherries and bursting black raspberries cascades along a chiseled path of fine granulated tannins given texture and touch by notes of espresso, cocoa nibs and hazelnut butter. A bit tightly wound at present, this fine-grained gem will appreciate a brief stint in your cellar, or your decanter.”
 
Customers who enjoy Staglin Salus Cabernet may also enjoy these two terrific Rutherford wines…
2015 Beaulieu Vineyards Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Quintessa Proprietary Red
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “...very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long…” 96+ Points
QUINTESSA
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $174.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “Aromas of blue fruits, blackberries, tile and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Layered and intense with white-pepper and salt undertones. Love the finish to this racy young wine. Beautiful blue fruits! Drink in 2020 and onwards. From biodynamic grapes.” 97 Points 
2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedRutherfordUSA

VISTA  2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD

Update: We are SOLD OUT of the 2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend.  However, we just received the 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red.  Quite frankly, we think it may be even better than the Vista Rutherford.  And it’s STILL only $23 btl.   Click Here for More Details

 
How do you get an incredible Rutherford Cabernet Blend for $23? Frankly, you don’t, unless something unusual happens… Originally intended to be a Single Vineyard Cabernet, a winemaking miscommunication led to some barrels from other high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the same tank.  The result is an absolutely stunning Rutherford Blend that needs a new home… When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out it was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet.  We knew this wine would leave countless fans wanting more, which was proven by around a 1/2 pallet/week in re-orders that have poured in.  Now the wine is nearly sold out, so if you haven’t stocked up yet, this is the last call… 
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.   If you look for value Reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one, before it’s too late…   
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
Intended Retail $95/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.” 92 – 95 Points
2015 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

FOLEY JOHNSON  2015 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY

 
How much would you expect to pay for a Cabernet from Napa Valley’s revered Rutherford AVA?  Iconic producers Quintessa, BV and Scarecrow all set a precedence for quality in Rutherford.  I recently checked the average retail price of the nearly 3 dozen 2015 vintage Rutherford Cabernets listed in the Wine Spectator and they averaged over $140/btl…  This is a real barometer to the quality of this appellation, and if you’ve followed my emails for a while, you know that one of my favorite Rutherford producers is Foley Johnson.  Their name is synonymous with great value, and even at the winery retail price of $75 it’s a terrific find.  At $39.99/btl, it competes favorably with the best in the Valley.  As a testament to the quality of Foley Johnson’s 2015 Rutherford Cabernet, the winery auctioned 10 cases of 2015 Rutherford Cabernet at the 2018 Premiere Napa Valley Auction and it went for $1800 per case… 
 
Arising from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, and as conveyed by Andre Tchelistcheff, legendary winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards, “Cabernets need a touch of that Rutherford dust.” This exemplary 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon shines with all of the hallmarks that I love most about Rutherford.  It’s brimming with bright, focused red fruits, crushed violets, graphite, chocolate covered raspberries and of course, beautiful Rutherford dust.
 
FOLEY JOHNSON 
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 46%
 
Winery Notes: “This 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a focused deep red to purple color with a brilliantly dark core. The nose exudes an initial attack of bright dark cherry, black fruits, purple flowers and cocoa with a background hint of savory herbs. The palate offers nice heft and weight, with elegant flavors of blue and black fruits, roasted coffee, graphite, vanilla and sage. Its full mouthfeel is structured by firm tannins leading into a poised finish...”