2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Black Pine is one of the best values we’ve discovered in Pinot Noir over the years, and none have surpassed it in numbers of cases shipped and sheer popularity.  There’s one simple reason why… The quality of what you get inside the bottle far exceeds what most would think possible at this modest price.  It delivers outstanding weight, balance and a stunning presence on the palate, then opens up to a tapestry of vivid dark berries, candied plum, caramelized cherries, dried rose and hints of clove.  If you’ve enjoyed  any of their earlier vintages, you already know what to expect… If you haven’t experienced Black Pine Pinot Noir, I absolutely guarantee you’ll love it once you do.
 
Conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Black Pine has a lush mouthfeel, terrific intensity and balance.  Aged for 10 months in French oak, and a true model of Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast, the 2017 continues to gracefully evolve in the bottle and drinking better than ever right now.  I strongly recommend a case before the 2017 runs out.
 
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
YOU SAVE 23%
 
Winery Notes: “The wine shows appealing aromas of Bing cherry mixed with vanilla and baking spice. The deep ruby and purple wine reveals candied red plum that lingers in the glass…. sensuous and mouth filling and shows black cherry and strawberry flavors. Medium bodied flavors of perfumed Cherry, lush red fruit and clove give way to the bright natural acidity and fine tannins that draw out a long and impressive finish.“
 
“Ripe berry nose; smooth texture with tangy black cherry. Rich and generous with intensity and finesse.”   91 Points, Anthony Dias Blue
 
Customers that enjoy Black Pine Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:  “Pale ruby purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir opens with Bing cherries, tart cranberry, blackberry, violet and tobacco leaf aromas with tangerine peel nuance. Light to medium-bodied, it’s fresh and soft in the mouth with crunchy red fruits and citrus accents, framed by soft, grainy tannins and juicy freshness to lift the finish…“ 90 Points
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine.“ 92 Points
2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

2013 Anarchist Wine Co The Philosopher Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

ANARCHIST WINE CO. 2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED

 
When tasting Anarchist’s 2013 Proprietary Red The Philosopher, we knew it would be easy to theorize about how it’s a wine with wide appeal, and based on the steady stream of re-orders, we were right.  The rich, supple mouthfeel and silky smooth layers make the wine really easy to love… It wasn’t a big surprise to read that this wine earned 97 Points and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and another Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  For a wine to receive a Double Gold, it needs to first earn unanimous Gold medals from every professional judge on the panel… Next the rare Double Gold earners are then reviewed by the panel and this one scored 97 Points. At $38/btl it not only has a big score, but it is a big score… from Cherry Picked Wines it’s a complete steal…
 
Built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah, the 2013 transcends from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality.  The quality was so apparent when this wine was in barrel the winemaker advocated for no label at all since the wine speaks for itself.  That wasn’t legal, so lo and behold they did label it…
 
ANARCHIST WINE CO.
THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “…Classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, plum, and violets, along with toffee, anise and hints of soy. Mouth-filling palate with ripe cherry, vanilla, cigar box and a bit of graphite. Nicely balanced acidity in a full-bodied wine, with well-integrated tannins...”
2016 Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

BARNETT  2016 Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

 
Spring Mountain Cabernet is unique to the other Mountainous growing regions in Napa Valley because it produces classically structured Mountain fruit, but with more perceived suppleness than the others.  I’m also drawn to the complexity and savory undertones that often show themselves in Spring Mountain wines.  I regularly find notes of eucalyptus, bay leaves, forest floor and a range of detailed spices.  They can also be profoundly floral.  One of the best examples of classically made Spring Mountain Cabernet is Barnett’s 2016.  It’s created with 100% Spring Mountain fruit from both Barnett’s high-elevation Estate Vineyard and neighboring York Creek.  At under $100 this wine perfectly expresses the profound qualities that I look for in Spring Mountain Cabernet.
 
Fruit for Barnett’s 2016 Spring Mountain District Cabernet was harvested on six separate days ranging from late September through late October.  Each lot was aged separately for 22 months in oak before winemaker David Tate combined them into perfection.  David has been winemaker at Barnett since 2007 and before that he spent 5 years at Ridge, helping to craft their iconic Monte Bello Cabernet.  If you love Mountain fruit, you’ll want to make some room in the cellar for this one.  It’s ready to enjoy now and will age gracefully for 10-12 years.
 
BARNETT
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
Your Price: $75/btl 
 
“Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 9% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District is deep purple-black in color and offers up baked blackberries, crème de cassis and fruitcake scents with hints of spice box and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, firm, chewy and with a lively line, it delivers uncomplicated baked berries flavors and an herbal lift on the finish.”91 Points
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain District) packs quite a bit of punch, yet is also incredibly polished and sophisticated. Soft curves and silky tannins push forward a gorgeous core of dark red and purplish berry fruit, with pretty floral and spice overtones that develop over time. Open-knit and racy in the glass, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is an especially accessible young Spring Mountain Cabernet.”  92 Points

 

 
Customers who enjoy Barnett may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2013 Vine Cliff Original Blend 1871 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon
VINE CLIFF
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ORIGINAL BLEND 1871
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
Your Price: $75/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Leather, tobacco and mocha combine effortlessly in this medium-bodied wine, a juicy, broad expression of the variety that drinks well. Black cherry and currant fruit flavors integrate into the quiet oak.“92 Points
CABAUD
2014 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “A beautifully deep ruby color immediately captures your imagination of what is about to unfold… A quick swirl and sniff reveals a nose of red currants, black plum skin, wet stone, hints of English rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. Then at first sip, layers of lush red plums, dried blueberries, wild mountain blackberries combine with hints of green tea and tobacco leaf…”  96 Points

2016 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtNebbioloPiedmont

AZELIA

2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
In the same way that Rosso di Montalcino is considered baby Brunello, Langhe Nebbiolo is a more ready to drink, affordable cousin to Barolo and Barbaresco.  These Italian icons are both made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes and while Langhe can include declassified Barolo and Barbaresco but can also be from other regions within Piedmont, and doesn’t need to meet the same aging requirements.  Stylistically Langhe wines are flashy with more forward, vibrant fruit, and they’re styled to be much more approachable in their youth.  One of my favorites is by Azelia and at $25/btl it’s simply one of the best values in the shop.
 
When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerts readers that “wines from… Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” The 2016 enters your palate with marvelous intensity, and is chock full of vibrant red fruits, toasted spice, dried rose petals and finely grained tannins.  2016 was an idyllic vintage in Piedmont producing larger than average yields of perfectly ripened grapes.
 
AZELIA
2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $28/btl
 
Your Price: $25/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo gives us a very encouraging glimpse into the future. Nebbiolo from this cool vintage is phenomenal, and we should have some beautiful surprises very soon when the 2016 Barbarescos and Barolos are released. For now, we can enjoy a wine like this. Aged in stainless steel, this expression opens to a beautiful ruby hue with dark garnet highlights. The effect is crisp, luminous and bright. The varietal purity is especially evident on the bouquet, thanks to cassis, wild rose, blueberry and fresh almond aromas. The vines are 20 years old on average.” 91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Azelia’s Langhe Nebbiolo may also enjoy these two stunning wines… 
2016 Clos Du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Unique VV 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)…  “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.”  90 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by LivioSassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.
2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underPinot NoirSonoma CoastUSA

ALMA de CATTLEYA 2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY

 
The “Are you kidding me?” moments regarding value pricing of fine wines are getting harder and harder to find.  Wine prices escalate each year, but Alma de Cattleya seems to be suspended in a perfectly insulated time capsule.  This beauty was expertly created by Columbia born, French trained winemaker  Bibiana Gonzalez Rave, whom many of you may recognize as the winemaker for Pahlmeyer… She’s previously made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France as well.  Her new Alma de Cattleya and Cattleya labels are rapidly increasing in popularity with each cork pulled and are setting the bar for what can be achieved at each respective price level.
 
A blend of several methodically selected vineyard blocks centered around the Sonoma Coast AVA and focused primarily around sites positioned very close to the Pacific Ocean, this gorgeous interpretation of cool-climate, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot was authored using the same exacting standards as the Cattleya single vineyard wines which retail for around $70/btl and garner enormous scores.  Remarkably plump and velvety on the palate, this stunning Pinot covers your taste buds in ripe, penetrating fruit, layered in wild rose and violets.  I strongly recommend a case or two, because a Pinot this good, at this price, certainly won’t be available for long. And no, I’m not kidding…
 
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale ruby purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir opens with Bing cherries, tart cranberry, blackberry, violet and tobacco leaf aromas with tangerine peel nuance. Light to medium-bodied, it’s fresh and soft in the mouth with crunchy red fruits and citrus accents, framed by soft, grainy tannins and juicy freshness to lift the finish…” 90 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Winery Notes: “The wine shows appealing aromas of Bing cherry mixed with vanilla and baking spice. The deep ruby and purple wine reveals candied red plum that lingers in the glass…. sensuous and mouth filling and shows black cherry and strawberry flavors. Medium bodied flavors of perfumed Cherry, lush red fruit and clove give way to the bright natural acidity and fine tannins that draw out a long and impressive finish.”
JOSEPH JEWELL
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine.” 92 Points
2015 Hill Family Estate Origin Proprietary Red

2015 Hill Family Origin Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HILL FAMILY  2015 Hill Family Estate Origin Proprietary Red

2015 ORIGIN
PROPRIETARY RED

 
If you’re a fan of California red blends, you’ve likely heard many being described as Bordeaux-styled.  It’s most commonly used a reference to the varietal makeup of the blend, and most often refers to Bordeaux’s “Top Five” which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.  Hill Family’s 2015 Origin Estate Blend is absolutely stunning and includes 4 of Top Five, but it’s completely Californian in style.  It’s purposefully created in a plush, enchanting style, with lavish, extracted flavors, ranging from intense dark fruits, complex spices and sweet vanilla.  The wine was crafted by talented winemaker Alison Green Doran who worked under legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff at her father’s Simi winery, and was also the winemaker at Lewis Cellars.  Fans of rich, voluptuous Red Blends should be all over this one.
 
Rising from a blockbuster vintage in Napa Valley, and one Vinous describes as producing “opulent, voluptuous wines with real personality…” Hill Family’s 2015 Origin is a stunning specimen of the vintage.  Composed using fruit from seven vineyards, and ranging 4 appellations, the 2015 blend is built around a core of 47% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with Malbec and Petit Verdot.  The wine was kept for 16 months in barrel and around 2 full years in bottle before release.  I highly recommend a case while supplies last.
 
HILL FAMILY
2015 ORIGIN
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “The 2015 Origin has lovely aromas of blackberry and raspberry fruit with dark roses. The broad entry has a big mouthful of berries and crunchy cherry. The ripe and intense mid palate rolls into more sweet fruit – blueberry, red currant, and plum, with some chewy tannins hanging around the edges.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hill Family Origin may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
STEPS
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015StepsReserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.
2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

VANDELLA 2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN

 
When describing Rosé, words like expansive, full-bodied, depth, and length are rarely used, but that’s only because there aren’t many Rosés quite like this one…  Vandella’s 100 case production of 2018 Rosé was created from 100% Touriga Nacional, which is widely considered to be Portugal’s finest grape variety.  Of course these vines were grown in California, and it’s a varietal that induces profound structure and terrific spice qualities.  Each individual grape was hand harvested by the winemaker and specifically chosen for the sensory attributes he knew would eventually translate into a wine that was truly intriguing and unlike any other rosé out there. The grapes were then pressed whole cluster, which contributed to the wines deep garnet color and full-bodied style.
 
Defined by a surreal presence on the palate and long, expansive flavors, the 2018 is laced with vivid red berries, detailed spices, and intense floral notes.  On the palate the mouthfeel is scrumptious and full, and as the flavors begin to expand, you’ll have one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments.  You can actually sense the care that went into producing this remarkable wine when you taste it, and at less than $30/btl you’ll want to grab a case or two before it vanishes.
 
VANDELLA
2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 Click to Order
 
Winemaker’s Notes: “A vivid, utterly distinctive rosé with intense floral aromatics and layers of scrumptious bright fruit notes: early spring strawberries, watermelon rind, passion fruit, cotton candy, and green banana. There is a lot of complexity sewn into the subtlety of the mid-palate- as spice notes work to compliment the zippy juiciness. Perhaps what makes this rosé so truly exceptional, is the surreal mouthfeel and profoundly long finish that are most uncommon in rosé, and of which showcases the true artistry and vision in the winemaking approach.”  100 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2016 Vandella Scarrow Paso Robles Proprietary Blend 0218 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rose of Pinot Noir
VANDELLA
2016 SCARROW
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at: $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The deepest, darkest, most brooding  Vandella to date.  Satsuma plums and vivid white pepper take the lead on this rendition of our flagship blend, bolstered by purple flowers, anise, cherry cola and razzleberry pie.  The bright juicy red stone-fruit characteristics remain dominant from start to finish, working to juxtapose the soft, velvety mid-palate.  Rounded tannins and delicate acid make this wine irresistible and dangerously easy to drink.“
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2018 SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 

Winery Notes: “Elegant and distinct with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and subtle hints of mint. Bursts of fresh citrus colorfully drive the palate and are delicately balanced with flavors of nectarine and stone fruit. A silky entrance coupled with fresh and uplifting acidity leaves you with our signature coastal expressiveness. Sourced from a small selection of family-owned coastal vineyards as well as our Sea View Ridge estate...”
2014 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District

2014 Anantaah Bella’s Blend Spring Mountain District

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSpring MountainUSA

ANANTAAH2014 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District

2014 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

 

From a mountainous area where the bottle prices are generally as steep as the terrain, it’s extremely rare to find a Cabernet Blend that drinks as great as this one. It’s no surprise that Anantaah is one of our most requested wines and that’s about to increase exponentially once you taste the 2014…  It’s created in an enchanting style that unwinds with decadent blue fruits, cocoa dusted blackberries, wild plums and complex spices.  The winery produces less than 500 cases annually between all of their wines and there’s never enough of this wine to match demand.

Originating from the Madrone Vineyard located at 1,900 feet in elevation, this deep, velvety red possesses a multitude of layers and remarkable balance.  Perpetually changing and evolving in the glass, layer after layer of impeccably well-balanced flavors coat your palate in an abundance of dark fruits and sweet, velvety tannins.  Aged for nearly two full years in barrels and now with around 2 1/2 years of development in the bottle, this wine is gorgeous right now and has the structure to go another decade. 

 

ANANTAAH 
2014 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The nose of this Anantaah Bella’s blend 2014 is rich, elegant and opulent with deep black fruits, crushed blackberries and black plum, followed ripe blueberry, fresh tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and cigar box.  The palate begins with deeply penetrating, focused flavors of concentrated black cherries, supple black currants and cassis, followed by a hint of sweet vanilla spice.  It is very long on the finish and immensely pleasurable to drink.  94 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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“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
2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoRossoTuscany

LIVIO SASSETTI 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Ever wonder why Rosso di Montalcino is so much less expensive than Brunello di Montalcino?  After all, they’re both produced from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in the Italy’s iconic Montalcino region.  While legal requirements dictate that Brunello is aged for two years in oak and 4 months in bottle, they are typically aged for a total of 50 months total before release.  Rosso’s are only required to be aged for one year before release, often resulting in a fresher, more vibrant red that can be enjoyed young.  A gorgeous example is from Livio Sassetti and I always jump at the chance to taste any wine from an Iconic producer of Brunello.  Their Brunello is one of the best in the shop and scored 98 Points and is also a favorite of Robert Parker. Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest.”   At under thirty per bottle, their Rosso is an excellent value.
 
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by Livio Sassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.  I strongly recommend securing your case… You’ll be seriously glad you did.
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Ruby red color with purple hues. Deep black plum, cassis, violet, fresh dark earth and herb flavors flow on a silky palate to a deliciously long, velvety finish.”
 
Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti Rosso di Montalcino may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montelpulciano
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty. Better after 2021 but already a joy to taste.” 98 Points
SALCHETO
2013 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTELPULCIANO
SANGIOVESE BLEND
 
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From Vinous: “... Powerful and ample, with tons of depth, the 2013 is impressive. Fresh dark cherry, spice, licorice and menthol notes abound in this vibrant, beautifully resonant Vino Nobile…. In a word: superb!”  94 Points