2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Covila

Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

Bodegas Covila’s 2016 Gran Reserva Rioja is a masterpiece of careful aging and tradition, a wine that whispers tales of the Rioja Alavesa region with each sip. Our tasting panel was captivated by its exceptional fruit concentration, layered textures, and the elegant dance of sweet spices, cocoa, and dark fruits.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Covila is a boutique winery born from the vision of 22 local families. United by their love for the land and its wines, they have formed a cooperative dedicated to sustainable farming and traditional practices that honor their Basque heritage.

The 2016 Gran Reserva is crafted from grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards surrounding Laguardia and Lapuebla de Labarca. Following careful vinification, the wine matures gracefully in a curated blend of American and French oak barrels, imparting depth of flavor and structure. It then rests patiently in the cellar for the required five years, followed by an additional four years in the bottle, allowing its complexity to fully unfold.

The 2016 Covila Gran Reserva Rioja is a vibrant expression of the artistry and heritage of Rioja Alavesa, offering a journey through time and tradition with every sip.

Covila
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

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“This dark garnet wine offers a nose of pomegranate, olive tapenade and orange zest. Opulent tannins support flavors of cherry, purple fig, cocoa butter, citrus zest and aniseed that evaporate into an enduring finish.”

95 Points

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaKevin VogtMalbec

Aniello

‘006’ Malbec 2022
Patagonia, Argentina

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

Bodega Aniello’s 006 Malbec is a vibrant expression of Patagonia’s unique terroir, a captivating interplay of perfectly ripened fruit, silky textures, and intriguing savory notes. This stunning Malbec, a remarkable value at $20, showcases the rising brilliance of Río Negro, where elegance and wild beauty converge in every sip.

The winery’s story is as rich as its wines. Founded in 1927 by an Italian family with a centuries-old winemaking heritage, Bodega Aniello embodies a harmonious blend of Old World craftsmanship and the untamed potential of Patagonia. Nestled amidst pristine, alluvial soils of sand, silt, and gravel in the celebrated Río Negro region, the estate is perfectly positioned to capture the magic of this emerging wine region.

Grown in the winery’s Manique vineyards in the Upper Río Negro Valley, where Malbec thrives in the cool climate, the 2022 006 Malbec is crafted with meticulous care. Fermented in small concrete tanks and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, the wine achieves a harmonious balance of vibrant freshness and subtle complexity. Enjoy its delightful approachability now, or savor the promise of added depth with careful cellaring.

Aniello
‘006’ Malbec 2022
Patagonia, Argentina

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“The 2022 Malbec 006, from Mainqué, Patagonia, underwent aging in 30% American oak. Purple in color, it boasts aromas of plum and herb-tinged cherry. Rich and taut, with reactive tannins, the 2022 delivers a lasting, ripe-fruited finish-the embodiment of a sun-kissed Malbec.”

90 Points

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

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

Paul Hobbs

Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Paul Hobbs masterfully captures the essence of the Russian River Valley in his 2022 Pinot Noir, showcasing the vibrant character and alluring qualities of this celebrated varietal.

Renowned as a visionary in the wine world, Hobbs, often compared to Steve Jobs for his innovative approach, began his journey with Robert Mondavi at the pioneering Opus One. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master’s in Viticulture and Enology, he built a career that has shaped the wine industry.

In 1991, Paul Hobbs embarked on his independent path, driven by a bold vision. He sought out legendary vineyard owners Larry Hyde and Richard Dinner, securing five tons of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes formed the foundation of his inaugural releases, establishing Paul Hobbs Winery as a beacon of quality and innovation. His Appellation Tier wines reflect his philosophy of blending exceptional vineyard sources into a single, harmonious expression.

The 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir exemplifies Hobbs’ meticulous craftsmanship. This wine unveils concentrated fruit flavors interwoven with remarkable complexity and depth—each sip an unfolding journey of sensory delight. Awarded an impressive 95 points, this Pinot Noir invites wine lovers to experience the magic of Hobbs’ artistry and the extraordinary character of the Russian River Valley.

Paul Hobbs
Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $80

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“Sliced strawberry with bark and stone with some sand undertones. Graphite. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with spices such as pepper and bark. Flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.”

95 Points

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

with No Comment $30 and underAlbarinoKevin VogtSpain

Desconcierto

Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

Cambados Urban’s Desconcierto Albariño embodies the Albariño grape’s soul with remarkable vitality and precision. This wine dances on the palate, showcasing intricate detail, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious interplay of fruit and minerality. It exemplifies the pinnacle of Albariño—an expression of pure varietal character, deeply rooted in tradition yet imbued with modern finesse.

Nestled within Galicia’s renowned Rías Baixas region, Cambados Urban Winery crafts wines as a tribute to heritage and innovation. Their artisanal approach draws inspiration from local traditions, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Their Albariño serves as an ambassador of the region, bringing the essence of Rías Baixas to life in every sip.

The 95-point 2023 vintage continues this legacy, with grapes cultivated on granitic soils near the Arousa Estuary, where the Atlantic Ocean’s salty breezes leave an enduring imprint. Meticulously hand-harvested, the fruit undergoes a vinification process designed to preserve its aromatic brilliance. This wine is as vibrant and captivating as the coastal landscape it hails from, a true testament to the artistry of the dedicated team at Cambados Urban.

Desconcierto
Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

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“Cambados Urban Winery is a very exciting project run by the passionate Antonio Galiñanes. This deftly wooded Albariño uses grapes from different old-vine parcels in the village and handles the hot year well. Kelp, fennel and green herb aromas are an enticing prelude to a palate of subtle vanilla and nutmeg spice, lime and waxed lemon fruit and a bitter twist. 2025-30.”

95 Points

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Silver Oak

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Silver Oak is a quintessential expression of American winemaking, with a steadfast commitment to American oak. Sourced exclusively from their Missouri cooperage, where this noble wood flourishes, the oak imparts a signature character to every bottle.

Founded in 1972 within the walls of a dairy barn, Silver Oak emerged from a partnership between Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. Their visionary goal: crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s premier vineyards near Oakville and the Silverado Trail. This aspiration is encapsulated in the winery’s name.

Today, Silver Oak cultivates vineyards in Napa and Alexander Valley, each terroir contributing its unique essence to the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. While oak aging remains constant, the wines evolve with the subtleties of the land.

The 2020 Alexander Valley is a testament to this philosophy. A precise blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec, this wine is a meticulous composition that showcases the innovation and unwavering dedication behind this enduring classic.

Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020
Retails at: $100

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“The Silver Oak 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is elegantly opulent and opens with aromas of lavender, dill, cedar, blackberry pie, baking spices, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine has a round, supple texture and flavors of black cherries, plums, coconut, cinnamon raisin toast, and savory spice. This wine is enjoyable immediately after the cork is pulled, and still has the concentration and structure to age for years to come.”

95 Points

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

Ballentine

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Ballentine Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Established in 1905, Ballentine Vineyards embodies the enduring legacy of Napa Valley winemaking. For over a century, the Ballentine family has nurtured this tradition, with Frank Ballentine, the fourth generation, now at the helm. Guided by the seasoned expertise of winemaker Bruce Devlin, Frank oversees every aspect of wine production, walking the historic estate vineyards and shaping the winery’s distinctive style.

Ballentine’s 75 acres of vineyards, nestled within the prestigious St. Helena and Calistoga appellations, symbolize generations of dedication. Each vine reflects a history of resilience, cultivated with a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable practices.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a culmination of this rich heritage, is crafted with meticulous care and unwavering passion. Hand-selected from the finest vineyards, the fruit is expertly blended with 12% Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, creating a seamless harmony of elegance and spice. Aged for 19 months in French oak, the wine unfolds with layers of richness, structure, and finesse, offering a sophisticated expression of Napa Valley’s timeless allure.

Ballentine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

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“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown, with 11.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 3.5% Petit Verdot in the blend, is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It comes barreling out with notes of warm cassis, juicy plums, and cedar plus wafts of graphite and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate is laden with classic black berry and savory flavors supported by grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a refreshing herbal lift.”

93 Points

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCalistogaKevin VogtNapaOak KnollProprietary RedSaint HelenaUSA

Steps

Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

The 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select embodies the exceptional artistry of Grant Long, Jr., a renowned winemaker celebrated for his work at Aonair, Reverie II, and James Joseph. Grant possesses a unique talent for crafting both approachable and elegant wines, transforming each barrel into a harmonious expression of texture, balance, and enduring appeal.

Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley – Saint Helena, Oak Knoll, Atlas Peak, and Calistoga – the 2022 Steps Reserve showcases a captivating interplay of lush valley floor fruit and structured mountain grapes. This meticulously crafted blend, centered around Cabernet Sauvignon and interwoven with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, exemplifies Grant’s ability to translate Napa Valley’s diverse terroir into a genuinely captivating wine.

After 18 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select unfolds with layers of rich, penetrating flavors. Polished yet vibrant, this wine promises a journey of evolution, maturing gracefully into a paragon of sophistication over time.

Steps
Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

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“The Steps 2022 Reserve Barrel Select opens with supple fruit aromas of plums and black currants, accompanied by notes of sweet spices, chocolate fudge, graphite, new leather, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is penetrating and concentrated with flavors of blackberries, black plums, allspice, gingerbread, vanilla extract, and toasted hazelnuts. The wine has a sultry structure with silky tannins that glide into a long, smooth finish like a sunset slowly fading into twilight.”

95 Points

2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

Arkenstone

Cabernet Sauvignon
NVD Napa Valley 2021

2021 Arkenstone Cabernet Sauvignon NVD Napa Valley

Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon consistently ranks among our most cherished wines, with the 2018 vintage recently claiming the #1 spot on our 2023 top-ten list. From the rugged top of Howell Mountain, winemaker Sam Kaplan meticulously crafts wines that exemplify power, grace, and harmonious balance. The NVD Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, is a captivating experience—a remarkable value that seamlessly blends intensity and refinement.

The Arkenstone story began in 1988 when visionary founders, inspired by the profound character of mountain-grown grapes, established their estate on Howell Mountain. In 2006, Sam Kaplan joined the team, assuming the dual roles of winemaker and vineyard manager. With unwavering dedication, he oversees every stage of production, ensuring consistent excellence and earning critical acclaim.

The 2021 NVD Cabernet is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley’s mountain terroir. Sourced from the dramatic, volcanic slopes of Howell Mountain and select vineyards in eastern Napa Valley, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the varietal’s intense, complex character. The 2021 growing season yielded smaller, intensely flavored berries, which Sam skillfully transformed into a wine of incredible depth, richness, and sophistication—an exceptional tribute to Napa Valley’s finest vineyard sites.

Arkenstone
Cabernet Sauvignon
NVD Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $125

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“Sam Kaplan masterfully combines components from premier single vineyards—Heimark, Godward, and Amoenus—to craft this exceptional blend, aged 22 months in 75% new French oak. The result is a wine of remarkable depth and balance. The bouquet is wonderfully rich, with aromas of crushed stones and lifted blackberry fruit. It offers a medium-to-full-bodied profile on the palate with layers of dark black cherry and blackberry, underscored by graphite and fine-grained tannins. The tannins are elongated and possess a terrific grip, delivering intensity and structure that linger for a full 60 seconds. As the finish unfolds, notes of wild herbs, spices, and a subtle hint of hay emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. This wine is a testament to Kaplan’s ability to balance power with precision, creating a blend that captures both elegance and intensity—a true standout.”

95 Points

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Hero

The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

The 2022 Beau Vigne Hero California Red Blend beautifully illustrates the remarkable talent of Julien Fayard, one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed winemakers. A top-seller in 2024, Hero offers an exceptional balance of value and refinement.

Crafted from meticulously selected vineyards across Napa and Sonoma, this multi-AVA blend showcases the unique character of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in chalky soils, resulting in a wine of striking concentration and vibrant minerality.

Julien Fayard, with his distinguished background at renowned estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa, brings a profound understanding of balance and nuance to winemaking. This expertise is evident in Hero, where 74% of Cabernet Sauvignon harmoniously blends with Merlot and a touch of Syrah, creating a wine that is both expressive and remarkably integrated.

Aged for 17 months in French oak, the 2022 Hero Red Blend captivates with its firm yet silky texture and layered complexity. The wine possesses a bold concentration beautifully balanced by a polished elegance, making it an immediate delight and a promising cellar addition for years to come.

Hero
The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022
Retails at: $60

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“A Bordeaux blend from winemaker Julien Fayard who has sourced grapes outside of Napa Valley for this dynamic project. White pepper, with plum skin tannins, graphite, and above all, energy, and tension. Sweet black cherry and black tea create a winning combo of fervor and power.”

94 Points

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

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

EnRoute

Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

Crafted with the artistry and precision synonymous with the Far Niente family of wines, the 2022 EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir weaves a tale of place, passion, and expertise. Conceived to showcase the unique character of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, this wine embodies the elegance of the Russian River Valley, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Far Niente Wine Estates.

Each vintage embarks on a journey, beginning with EnRoute’s Estate vineyards and extending through partnerships with growers who share their unwavering commitment to quality. These collaborations yield a Pinot Noir as layered and complex as the vineyards themselves. The 2022 vintage, sourced from three coveted Russian River Valley sites, thrived under near-perfect growing conditions.

Aged in French oak, the wine unfolds with a seamless harmony of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced spice, and lively acidity. The result is a graceful, polished finish that lingers invitingly, beckoning the next sip and celebrating the remarkable terroir of this iconic region.

EnRoute
Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $60

Your Price: $48

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“Vibrant ruby in color, this wine erupts from the glass with aromas of sweet cinnamon, cola and cherry. There is a charming delicacy here, with flavors of dried rose petal, cherry and berry pie filling on a midweight palate. A captivating dance between the snappy tannin structure and the lively acidity of this wine lead to a very pleasurable finish.”

93 Points