2016 Hoopla California Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hoopla California Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtUSA

HOOPLA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CALIFORNIA

2016 Hoopla California Cabernet Sauvignon
What’s all the hoopla about with this wine? Hoopla’s California Cabernet might be a mixed breed, but if you follow the lineage, I think you’ll find it comes from some doggone good stock. After all, the producer Hoopes Ranch does own 35 acres in Oakville. Their 2016 California Cabernet brings together fruit from Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Monterey. The unnamed fruit sources play harmoniously well on the palate in this complex, balanced, and hedonistic value. At $22, this Cab could become man’s second-best friend.

Hoopla is a cross-breed that includes barrels that didn’t go into Hoopes purebred bottlings from Napa Valley, Oakville, and Howell Mountain that range $50-$125/btl, and also includes fruit from secret sources in Paso Robles and Monterey. The wine offers a lush coat of smooth red and black fruits, intertwined with spice box, crushed rock, subtle pipe tobacco, dried flowers, scorched earth, and absolutely no bite.

This delicious Cabernet Sauvignon was harnessed in oak barrels for 18 months and is stunningly well balanced, which is not-so-common at this value level. Don’t let this one escape.

HOOPLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CALIFORNIA
Retails at: $25

Your Price: $22

“This wine’s dense, dark garnet hue beckons you to dive deep into the nose as it opens with hints of Peruvian peppercorn and pencil shavings. Upon taking time to breathe in the glass, notes of raspberry, graphite and hot earth are revealed. On the palate, the raspberry aromatic evolves first into bramble and secondarily into framboise liqueur, filling the mouth with its dense body. As the wine slowly recedes, a beautiful rose water essence is revealed, leaving one wanting more.”
2017 Baldacci Sorelle Carneros Chardonnay

2017 Baldacci Sorelle Carneros Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

BALDACCI

SORELLE CHARDONNAY
2017 CARNEROS

 
2017 Baldacci Sorelle Carneros ChardonnayRevered for their lively acidity, Carneros Chardonnays also have big fruit, and plenty of structure. It’s the cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay that funnel through the Coastal Mountain ranges, and allow the grapes a long growing season, with temperatures cool enough to maintain acidity and structure. A great example is Baldacci’s Sorelle Chardonnay, which captivated our tasting panel with tangible value. 
 
Michael Baldacci works closely with Ricardo Herrera to craft balanced wines with sense of place, and that are varietally sound. Ricardo gained invaluable experience over the years at icons Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Dominus, and Screaming Eagle…
 
The 2017 vintage arose from Baldacci’s Honey B Vineyard in Carneros, which is farmed by Josh Clark, one of wine country’s most sought after viticulturists whose clients include icons Outpost, Hourglass, and Kinsella. The wine was barrel-aged, and is rich and inviting, with stunning natural acidity and a mouth-quenching freshness.
 
BALDACCI
SORELLE CHARDONNAY
2017 CARNEROS
Retails at: $40
 
 
“Tango. In perfect unison, the oak and fruit support each other without either dominating. Aromas of honey, tangerine peel, fresh oak and pineapple complement the taste of caramel-covered apple, slight hints of cool rock and a beautiful finish of vanilla. The weight of this Chardonnay matches well with full orchestra salads!”
2015 Schwarz Sweigelt Burgenland Austria

2015 Schwarz Zweigelt Burgenland Austria

with No Comment $30 and underAustriaBurgenlandKevin VogtZweigelt

SCHWARZ 

2015 ZWEIGELT
BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA

2015 Schwarz Sweigelt Burgenland Austria
Picture a pristinely focused red wine with penetrating fruit, bracing acidity, depth, and wildly intriguing flavors. You could be tasting an Austrian Zweigelt, and if you’re seeking value, it pays to look outside of the box and try something fresh and new. When you consider who’s involved in this project, and take notice of more than 60 percent discount, this one should be a no brainer. It’s a project between Alois Kracher, one of Austria’s most iconic producers, and Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non.
 
Zweigelt is a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch, and the varietal hasn’t even been around 100 years and is already the most widely planted red wine grape in Austria. The grape is denser than Pinot Noir and is known for its penetrating fruit, exotic spice, and firm acidity. 
 
This brilliant interpretation of Zweigelt arose from Estate Vineyards in Burgenland, along the shore of Lake Neusiedl. The climate is hot during the day and is cooled by evening fog, which allows the grapes to ripen to their optimum potential. 
 
SCHWARZ 
2015 ZWEIGELT
BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA
Retails at: $70
 
Your Price: $25
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Schwarz Zweigelt has a deep and enchanting nose of crushed blue violets, black raspberries, plum skins and hints of potpourri. The palate is lush, elegant and seamless, and opens with concentrated blueberry, black cherry, wild flowers and spice cake. The finish is smooth and pure with a bracing acidy, light toast and lingering spice.”
2015 Leto Cellars Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc

2015 Leto Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUSA

LETO

CABERNET FRANC
2015 MT VEEDER

2015 Leto Cellars Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc
If Napa Valley Cabernet is gold, then Cabernet Franc is platinum, due to its scarcity and cult following. There’s around twenty times as much Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Napa Valley, and on average, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sell for less than Cabernet Franc. The coveted grape is revered for its stunning power, concentration, delineation, and mouthwatering acidity. Leto’s 2015 Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc, which retails at $78, is simply brilliant. What’s left of this 50 case production is going to fly.
 
Leto sourced their 2015 Cabernet Franc from a single-vineyard perched at 1,100 feet elevation on Mount Veeder. They chose this site for the incredible volcanic soils and vines that yield small, powerful berries with intense flavor. 
 
Mt Veeder is the coolest Mountain in Napa, which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic. With a production of only 50 cases, you might want to keep this one secret, at least until you get your case.
 
LETO
CABERNET FRANC
2015 MT VEEDER
Retails at: $78
 
 
 
“The Leto Cellars Mount Veeder Cabernet Franc 2015 begins with a beautiful nose of red cherries, fresh sage leaf, Spring lavender, and Italian glove leather. On the palate, it is vibrant, with penetrating red cherries, black licorice, nutrient-rich earth, with sweet vanilla oak and spice box, and a gorgeous, lingering finish. Drink now through 2028.” 93 Points

2014 Dolin Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underPinot NoirSanta Maria ValleyUSA

DOLIN 

2014 PINOT NOIR
BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD 
SANTA MARIA VALLEY

Bien Nacido is one of the most distinguished vineyards in California’s Central Coast as well as one of the oldest, and was planted in the 1970s. When I come across a Bien Nacido Pinot on a restaurant wine list, I’m always eager to taste it. Their fruit attracts some of the top players in Pinot Noir to make a wine, including Foxen, Gary Farrell, and Calera, to name a few. Dolin’s version at under fifty will make many friends, but at $25, few others can play the game…
 
Bien Nacido, located in the Santa Maria Valley, is distinguished for having a strong maritime influence that’s caused by its geographical funnel shape, which opens up to the Pacific Ocean. 
 
The vineyard’s rock-laden soils are a crucial component in its unique terroir that manifests in the distinctive flavors. On the palate, the 2014 is rich, supple, and pure, and features defined red and black cherries, earth, and attractive savory accents. 
 
DOLIN 
2014 PINOT NOIR
BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD 
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
Retails at: $45
 
 
“Aromas of kirsch, new leather and dried red-plum show on the nose of this bottling, which has plenty of bottle age to reach secondary aromas. The palate is showing a touch of age, with dried strawberry and red-plum flavors alongside sumac spice.” 91 Points
2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HUNTER GLENN

PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary RedWith roots in Sonoma County and a shop in Yountville, we meet our fair share of farmers that produce a small amount of their own wine… So when Jeffrey Shifflett, Jr. pulled up to our weekly tasting in his farm truck, we were looking forward to trying the wines. When he placed them on the table, the sleek packaging was a bit of a surprise, but when the wines hit the glass, we realized that he wasn’t just a farmer, but an incredibly gifted winemaker.

The Shifflett family’s ranch neighbors icons Dominus and Trethefen, and the vines lie in the shadow the Mayacamas Mountain range, in an area that has a micro-climate that’s cooler than further up Valley. The 2017 proprietary red was built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon that’s enhanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Based on the sheer quality of the wine, we knew Jeff must have mentored under some outstanding winemakers. As it turns out, Jeff worked harvest in Australia before spending time at both Cakebread and Elyse wineries. At $40, I guarantee you’ll be stunned by the quality…

HUNTER GLENN
PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $45

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“In the glass the wine showcases our signature color, dark ruby, like polished Garnet. Aromas of cedar, baking spices and vanilla hint at the restrained use of oak, followed by cherries and sarsaparilla. The first sip bursts with red fruit, cherry cola, and hints of violet. Subtle tannins integrate with fruit on the palate, leading to a long and pleasing finish.” 90 Cases Produced

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

RED MARE

2016 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley ChardonnayMy favorite wines are those that illuminate the best qualities and characteristics of the vineyard and vintage foremost over any winemaker’s unique style. Anne Vawter, who’s experience includes working alongside Heidi Barrett as the assistant winemaker at Paradigm for years, did a perfect job giving this Chardonnay from the iconic Dutton Ranch vineyard a bright, beautiful voice. At $48, it’s an absolute steal, but at $36, I would saddle up and secure a case (or two) before this one rides off into the sunset.
 
Red Mare sources their Chardonnay from the famed Dutton Ranch Vineyard located in the Russian River Valley, and fans of Kistler, Patz & Hall, & DuMOL likely recognize this iconic site. On the palate, the wine is plump without being heavy, and offers a kaleidoscope of Granny Smith apple, honeyed pair, pressed lemon and subtle spice.
 
The 2016 is fresh and lively, appealing to anyone looking for a balanced, site-specific wine, but with just enough richness to satisfy fans of a more powerful, California style Chardonnay.
 
RED MARE
2016 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $36
use code mare36
 
Winery Notes: “Honey, dried hay, and poached pear come together to create a very complex and interesting nose. Stewed apple and freshly rained-on gravel increase the autumnal associations with this wine. In the mouth this wine has a bright, clean entry with a zesty acidity leading through to notes of brioche and stone fruits, finally finishing with a hint of warmth that leads to a round, voluminous and clean finish.”
2015 Cherry Pie Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir

2015 Cherry Pie Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

CHERRY PIE

2015 PINOT NOIR
STANLY RANCH

2015 Cherry Pie Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir
After dominating one varietal for more than a decade, the natural progression is to begin a new challenge and conquer that too. Jayson Woodbridge did just that. His Hundred Acre Cabernets reign as one of the top Cult wines in Napa for over a decade, and choosing Pinot Noir as a challenge, he sourced from the iconic Stanly Ranch Vineyard in Carneros. The 2015 vintage is loaded with concentrated cherry fruit, wild rhubarb, and subtle spice, and with a 95 Point Score from Tasting Panel Magazine, now is the perfect time to try it.  
 
Judge Stanly planted the original Stanly Ranch Vineyard in the 1800s, but since being replanted in 2001, it’s been a source for COHO, Saintsbury, and others. The well-drained Haire-loam soils, rolling hills, and coastal influences are ideal for ripening Pinot Noir to the pinnacle of perfection. 
 
Cherry Pie made the 2015 vintage in a dense style, layered with seductive red fruits, intriguing spices, and subtle floral notes. Each small-block was micro-lot fermented to isolate the individual flavors and aromas, and the wine is aged sur lie for the entire process, which contributes to the depth of flavor. 
 
CHERRY PIE
2015 PINOT NOIR
STANLY RANCH
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $45
 
“Stanly Ranch, the easternmost vineyard on the Napa Valley side of Carneros, has proven itself as ideal ground for Pinot Noir for more than 70 years, thanks to its well-drained clayloam soils, gentle slopes, and cool San Pablo Bay breezes.This French oak-aged red offers cinnamon- and nutmeg-spiced rose-petal aromatics and ahint of forest floor. Mocha-tinged soild and strawberry jam fill the mouth with flavor alongside generous notes of tomato leaf, cranberry, and tobacco. Pretty, feminine, and bright.” 95 Points
2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel

2017 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel

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

GAMBA 

2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH

2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel
Over the years, We’ve offered some of the best brands out there, but few have developed the kind of love affair that Gamba has. It’s their undeviating style of matching fruit intensity with old vine depth and balance, and then delivering it all with immaculate detail that’s made them so beloved. Each release is a joy to behold…
 
Gamba birthed the Starr Road Ranch Zin 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, and they yield just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit. 
 
The 2017 is hugely appealing, with intense raspberry, sweet plum, briery cherry, and cracked black pepper. This vintage is rocking right now and will continue to provide copious amounts of enjoyment over the next decade.
 
GAMBA 
2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at: $52
 
 
 
 “…. the 2017 Zinfandel Starr Road Ranch Old Vine is similarly colored and offers a sweet plum, blueberries, sandalwood, and spice-driven bouquet. This carries to a medium-bodied, elegant, silky Zinfandel that has loads of character, as well as length. Aged 16 months in 40% new American oak, it’s going to keep nicely for upwards of a decade.” 91 Points
02016 Muga Rioja Reserva

2016 Muga Rioja Reserva

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedRiojaSpain

MUGA 

2016 RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 

02016 Muga Rioja Reserva
Leading the pack as one of Rioja’s top producers, Bodegas Muga’s flagship 2016 Rioja Reserva is one of the most stunning values from the old world. At $30, the 2016 earned a monster 95 Point score from James Suckling, who dubs it, “One of the top best-value, high-quality reds in Spain.” I recommend making some extra room in the cellar…
 
Bodegas Muga is a paragon producer in Spain’s iconic Rioja region, and it’s their philosophy of never losing touch with the authenticity of the wines that they’re making, and their constant use of traditional winemaking processes that’s kept them in the number one spot. 
 
Their wine team built the 2016 Rioja Reserva around a solid core of 70% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, then enhanced with other indigenous varietals. They aged this wine for 24 months in oak cask, and on the palate, it’s richly layered and powerfully intense. At $30, the value is nearly inconceivable.
 
MUGA 
2016 RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This is really tight and powerful with gorgeous tannins and solid fruit. Full body. Tight and composed. Wet earth, smoked meat and hints of black truffles. Very long and powerful. Wonderful length. Real Rioja. One of the top best-value, high-quality reds in Spain. Drink or hold.” 95 Points
 
 
“…This has the Muga style and the imprint of the cool and fresh 2016 vintage, one of the best vintages of recent years… It has a mixture of red and black fruit with sweet spices that are very integrated and in harmony. The palate is silky and clean, and the tannins are round and gentle…” 93 Points