2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

L. Foppiano

1896 Red Blend
Sonoma County 2023

2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

L. Foppiano’s 2023 ‘1896’ Sonoma County Red captivates from the first sip, revealing layers of lush blue and red fruits interwoven with vibrant spices. This wine embodies a storied legacy that began over a century ago when Italian immigrant Giovanni Foppiano established his visionary estate in 1896. Today, under the inspired leadership of Martin Ray, the winery embraces a new chapter, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

Central to this revival is winemaker Raemy Paterson, whose refined artistry elevates the vineyards’ bounty into something extraordinary. Having sharpened her skills at Ridge Vineyards and Jordan Winery, Raemy masterfully blends Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, employing meticulous techniques to craft a wine of harmonious complexity and polished elegance.

The 2023 ‘1896’ Red vividly reflects Foppiano’s rich heritage and bright future. This distinctive vintage invites you to share in its narrative—a wine perfectly suited for memorable gatherings, complimenting grilled meats and elevating family barbecues with its timeless character. Grab some now… It’s a small price for such a big wine.

L. Foppiano
1896 Red Blend
Sonoma County 2023
Retails at: $28

Your Price: $23

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“The L. Foppiano 2023 “1896” Sonoma County Red Blend opens with a vibrant mix of hibiscus, cardamom, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, and a hint of fruit punch with a sangria-like brightness. On the palate, the mirrors the aromatic profile, showing ripe fruit tones, subtle notes of dried herbs, and a hint of pretzels dipped in milk chocolate. Balanced and unpretentious, this crowd-pleasing red is perfect for casual sipping or weeknight pairing.”

92 Points

2023 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County

2023 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

Williams Selyem

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma County

2023 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County

Williams Selyem’s 2023 Sonoma County Pinot Noir is captivating—a wine radiant with purity, vibrant energy, and a seamless depth that lingers like a cherished memory. Drawn from revered vineyards, including Rochioli Riverblock, Martaella, and the estate’s treasured parcels, it embodies the soul of Sonoma’s most celebrated terroirs in a singular, transcendent expression.

 

Williams Selyem’s story began humbly in a garage, where Burt Williams and Ed Selyem channeled their passion for Burgundy into a quiet revolution. Unable to afford the wines they revered, they crafted their own, driven by vision, necessity, and an unwavering faith in Pinot Noir’s promise on California soil. Early handshake deals with growers forged a legacy built on trust and an uncompromising standard of excellence that redefined American Pinot Noir.

 

This wine shines with remarkable clarity from the exceptional 2023 vintage—a year hailed as a modern pinnacle. Its finely etched layers, vibrant tension, and site-specific character reflect an ideal growing season and a heritage rooted in passion, precision, and place. Discover this extraordinary Pinot Noir for yourself by reserving yours today.

Williams Selyem
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma County

Your Price: $69.99

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“The Williams Selyem 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens with supple aromas of Bing cherries, sun-ripened black raspberries, crushed cranberries, hints of warm cinnamon, forest floor, and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine has a silky smooth texture, unfolding concentrated flavors of wild red berries, cherry cola, zesty bergamot, and exotic spices. The wine has a long, luxurious finish, revealing each nuance layer of flavor with power and elegance, and destined to evolve beautifully with time in the cellar.”

95 Points

2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnaySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Patz & Hall

Chardonnay 2022
Sonoma Coast

2022 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Patz & Hall’s 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay meets the high bar set by California’s finest labels, captivating those who cherish Chardonnay in its most polished form. Known in culinary circles for its vibrant acidity, intricate layers, and flawless balance, Patz & Hall has earned a loyal following among wine enthusiasts for over thirty years, delighting them with its unique expression.

Central to Patz & Hall’s lasting prestige is a rich network of relationships with California’s top grape growers. This distinguished group includes luminaries like Lee and George Martinelli, Charlie Chenoweth, the Dutton family, Larry Hyde, and the renowned Pisonis. These collaborations allow the winery to source exceptional fruit, ensuring every bottle upholds its exacting standards of quality and authenticity.

The 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay vividly embodies Patz & Hall’s unwavering commitment to excellence—a memorable reflection of its origins that resonates long after the final sip.

Patz & Hall
Chardonnay 2022
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $40

Your Price: $32

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“The Patz & Hall 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay opens with clean, vibrant aromas of ripe lemons, apricots, melon, and subtle notes of vanilla, Werther’s Original caramels, and freshly baked pie crust. On the palate, the wine displays a beautiful balance and structure with a rounded, supple mouthfeel, flavors of bright citrus and stone fruit fruits, lemon curd, cream, warm croissants, and a minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The wine finishes with a core of lively acidity that perfectly complements the creamy texture with a compelling interplay of fruit, spice, and coastal minerality.”

94 Points

2021 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District Sonoma County

2021 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District Sonoma County

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainSonomaUSA

Kamen

Cabernet Sauvignon
Moon Mountain District
Sonoma County 2021

2021 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District Sonoma County

Kamen’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a cinematic masterpiece—an epic of power and precision, written by the land and directed by a man who knows storytelling like few others. When screenwriter Robert Kamen first encountered the wild slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains in 1980, he saw a story waiting to unfold. With volcanic soils and wind-swept ridgelines, it was a rugged, high-altitude stage destined for greatness. Partnering with legendary viticulturist Phil Coturri, Kamen began shaping the vineyard like a screenplay—layer by layer—where the struggle of the vines yields fruit of striking intensity.

Since its debut in 1999, Kamen’s Estate Cabernet has become a defining voice in the Moon Mountain AVA—a district that whispers of the wild and rewards the bold. With each passing vintage, the wine has grown more nuanced, more layered—like the best kind of protagonist: complex, charismatic, unforgettable.

In 2021, winemaker Mark Herold crafts a pure Cabernet Sauvignon as expressive as a finely tuned monologue. It moves with structure and grace, revealing scene after scene of black fruit, crushed rock, violets, and spice—each sip a nod to the mountain’s raw beauty and Kamen’s relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Kamen
Cabernet Sauvignon
Moon Mountain District
Sonoma County 2021

Your Price: $125

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“A richly fruited red, with lush flavors of plum and blackberry compote, this cruises steadily, offering flashes of warm earth, sweet bay, tobacco and licorice root. The fruit is polished, and the other elements show a little growl, creating a nice contrast throughout. Best from 2025 through 2036.”

93 Points

2019 Scarlett Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherford Estate

2019 Scarlett Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherford Estate

with No Comment $30-$40GrenacheKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

Scarlett

Grenache 2019
McGah Vineyard
Rutherford Estate

2019 Scarlett Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherford Estate

Scarlett’s 2019 Estate Grenache beckons with a captivating departure from Rutherford’s celebrated Bordeaux tradition, revealing the region’s alluvial soils—woven with gravelly sands and loam—as a generous haven for Rhône varietals. Ancient sediments from the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains have shaped this distinctive terroir, creating an exquisite foundation where Grenache flourishes with striking clarity.

Crafted by winemaker Mike Smith, whose artistry was refined through years alongside acclaimed vintner Thomas Brown, this wine reflects a mastery honed at Napa Valley estates like Maybach Family, Tamber Bey, and Carter Cellars. Smith’s vision captures Rutherford’s distinctive character, yielding a Grenache of remarkable depth and expressive finesse.

Born from Napa Valley’s exceptional 2019 vintage, Scarlett’s Grenache offers elegant refinement and approachable luxury. It celebrates the region’s storied terroir, inviting you to savor Rutherford’s singular character. As Wine Advocate noted, “For the price, the quality is extraordinary.”

At our price, it’s even better…

Scarlett
Grenache 2019
McGah Vineyard
Rutherford Estate
Retails at: $45

Your Price: $32

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“The exotically perfumed 2019 Grenache is—at least for the moment—a one-off effort, as the protective purchaser backed out of their contract, leaving the grapes to Scarlett and winemaker Mike Smith. Made with 50% whole clusters from head-trained vines planted in 2010, this is floral, and spicy—a veritable potpourri on the nose, backed by ripe cherries. Full-bodied and supple, this is just great stuff, which shows no sign of its considerable alcohol (16+%). 150 cases produced. For the price, the quality is off the charts.”

94 Points

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Campinovi

Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy 2018

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

Campinovi’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkable discovery—a quintessential Brunello presented at an unexpectedly inviting price.

Born from vineyards kissed by Tuscan sun and anchored in Montalcino’s renowned galestro soils, this wine speaks vividly of its distinguished origins, revealing clarity, strength, vitality, and a deep connection to its terroir.

Masterfully fashioned from the treasured Sangiovese Grosso clone, known for its robust skins and vivid intensity, the wine benefits from a deliberate aging process exceeding two years in oak barrels. This thoughtful maturation refines its inherent vigor into a sophisticated blend of flavors, unfolding in a harmonious cascade that resonates long after the first sip.

More than just an affordable indulgence, Campinovi’s Brunello pays elegant tribute to Montalcino’s winemaking heritage—its artistry, commitment, and enduring traditions—while priced as though you’ve stepped back fifteen years in time.

Campinovi
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy 2018

Your Price: $36

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“The Campinovi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a lifted and perfumed bouquet of violets, dried black tea leaves, red and black cherries, boysenberries, savory spices, and a rocky minerality with hints of petrichor. On the palate, wine is elegant, with complex flavors ranging from dried herbs, peppercorns, cherries, blackberries, and truffles. The wine’s structure is refined and graceful with refreshing acidity, and the finish lingers with a subtle earthy complexity drinking well now with the potential to evolve gracefully for several years.”

94 Points

2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

with No Comment $40-$50Howell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

Summit Lake

Zinfandel 2021
Howell Mountain

2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

Summit Lake Vineyards’ 2021 Estate Zinfandel weaves a compelling tale of heritage, dedication, and the distinctive terroir of Howell Mountain. Here, among ancient, head-trained Zinfandel vines nurtured by vintners Bob and Sally Brakesman, the mountain’s bold essence shines through in every vibrant sip. At this lofty elevation, lively fruit intertwines with deep, concentrated flavors, embodying the heart of this celebrated appellation.

Founded in 1971, Summit Lake Vineyards spans a scenic 28-acre estate, home to eight acres of historic Zinfandel vines—some rooted in the pre-Prohibition era. These time-honored vines, having weathered over a century of harvests, impart profound depth and character to the wine.

Howell Mountain, known for its robust and intricate reds, provides a perfect stage for Zinfandel. The 2021 vintage, crafted from a blend of heritage vines dating to 1900 and younger plantings from the early 2000s, delivers a captivating, richly layered wine. Bursting with youthful energy yet steeped in tradition, it offers a memorable expression of Howell Mountain’s iconic spirit.

Summit Lake
Zinfandel 2021
Howell Mountain

Your Price: $45

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“The Summit Lake 2021 Howell Mountain Estate Zinfandel opens with vibrancy and fresh notes of black cherries and raspberries, complemented with Baker’s chocolate, clove, and white pepper spice. On the palate, the wine has flavors of blackberries, boysenberries, fudge brownies, cinnamon, and a specific graphite-like minerality that is typically found in Howell Mountain fruit. The wine has a smooth texture and velvety tannins that coat your mouth as the wine finishes with finesse and grace. Not even close to being overripe or jammy, this wine shows the elegant side of Zinfandel with impeccable balance.”

94 Points

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

Leto

Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

Leto’s 2016 Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon captures the height of artisanal winemaking, blending deep intensity, refined elegance, and steadfast commitment. Drawn from a carefully nurtured micro-block of Cabernet vines—rooted over fifty years ago in the storied soils of Saint Helena—this wine tells a vivid tale of legacy, endurance, and terroir. The ancient, dry-farmed vines yield concentrated fruit, revealing their landscape with striking precision.

Under the skilled hand of veteran winemaker Brad Warner, this distinctive Cabernet matured for 21 months in French oak barrels, followed by a remarkable six-year refinement in bottle. The outcome is mesmerizing: a broad, richly layered bouquet that instantly awakens the senses with its intricate depth.

With only a handful of cases produced, the 2016 Leto Exceptional Selection is a rare and soulful expression that speaks quietly but lingers long. After years of careful rest, it reveals its truth: deep, graceful, and complete. It’s a rare opportunity—to experience a wine not just at its peak but in its prime.

Leto
Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016
Retails at: $125

Your Price: $42

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“The precisely shaped and exquisitely balanced Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 begins with an elegant nose filled with black plums, black currants, smooth blue fruits, baking spices, rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. There is a seamless combination of freshly crushed mountain blackberries, kirsch, and light tobacco notes on the palate. The finish is focused, penetrating, balanced, and long, making this wine a truly exceptional selection.”

94 Points

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overDiamond MountainKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

Impetuous

By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

Checkerboard’s 2021 Impetuous is a wine of striking intensity, softened by a deep, graceful elegance—a tribute to the captivating landscape of Diamond Mountain. Martha McClellan, whose skill has shaped renowned estates like Harlan and Sloan, guides this wine with precision and genuine passion, crafting a creation that resonates with both clarity and heart.

The Checkerboard estate vineyards sit high above the valley floor, their roots woven into ancient volcanic soils. McClellan’s close bond with Diamond Mountain’s rugged terrain—from its basalt-strewn slopes to its towering volcanic peaks—enables her to capture the land’s complexity in a vintage that reflects the spirit of this remarkable place.

The winemaking process unfolds like a careful dance, deliberately enhancing the natural beauty drawn from the region’s unique terroir. The result stirs an emotional connection that lingers well beyond the final sip. Boldly expressive, Impetuous reveals itself like a narrative, growing richer, more intricate, and more memorable with each encounter.

Impetuous
By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $125

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“The 2021 Checkerboard Impetuous Red Blend offers a brooding, rich nose of powerful blue and black fruits—blackberry and blueberry stand out—layered with notes of French lavender, iron, and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak. The palate is opulent yet focused, with concentrated blackberries, black cherry, and red currants driving a deep, penetrating core. Balanced acidity keeps it lively, while velvety tannins provide structure. The finish is long and seamless, with a luscious quality that lingers. A polished, high-quality wine, it’s delicious now, but built for 10-12 years of development.”

96 Points

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Black Pine

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Black Pine’s 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir captures California fruit’s sophistication with a deft balance of depth and subtlety. It embodies the spirit of Sonoma Coast grapes—lush and sun-warmed, yet tempered by coastal winds that lend it structure and finesse. For years, Black Pine has remained a standout among value Pinot Noirs, drawing in seasoned collectors and intrigued novices alike with its consistent quality and appeal.

Drawn from a mosaic of thoughtfully chosen vineyards, this Pinot Noir reflects a winemaker’s distinct perspective. Each parcel is crafted with care, letting the unique traits of every site emerge. The outcome is a harmonious portrayal of the region—rich in layers, textured, and effortlessly refined.

The 2023 vintage achieves a subtle victory—a wine that doesn’t clamor for notice but secures it with each taste. It invites dialogue, reflection, and those fleeting moments that resonate long after. Beyond the glass, it carries a sense of connection, a gentle nudge that life’s most enduring impressions often arrive with quiet clarity.

Black Pine
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $38

Your Price: $29.99

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“The 2023 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers a compelling value in quality Pinot Noir. On the nose, it delivers ripe black cherries and dried cranberries, with hints of cola bean, Darjeeling tea, and violets adding floral elements. The palate brings juicy black raspberries and vibrant pomegranate, showing a ripe yet fuller-bodied profile that remains fresh and lively. A thread of liquid minerals runs through it, and the fruit intensity exceeds expectations for the price point. Well-balanced and approachable now, with a long, satisfying finish.”

93+ Points