2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2015 CRU⁹ See You in Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

CRU⁹

2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS

Thinking of wine brands that best reflect the best of what I’m always looking for, CRU⁹ is a reference standard.  With pristine balance and lovely detail, when I first tasted their Pinot it was love at first taste…  Truth be told, if I could tell you the vineyard source for this tiny 200 case production Pinot you would likely top off your cellar immediately.  However, with a non-disclosure agreement in place, the fruit source remains a secret… but one taste (and your ensuing grin) will tell you everything you really need to know.  The instant this wine touches your palate, the energetic detail and definition lets you know you’re getting into something special…
 
With a complete production of just 8 barrels, the 2015 models precisely what I look for in absolute top-level Russian River Valley Pinot, with vivid red fruits, crushed blueberries, beautifully integrated wild rose, spiced cola beans and tea.  Notably, CRU⁹ also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more).  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU⁹, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  At $50/btl this Pinot truly has it all, and you’re going to want it all. 
 
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CRU⁹
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
Retails at: $50.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes:A sweetly perfumed Pinot Noir with a compellingly sultry nose of dried violets, ripe raspberries, tart red cherries, spiced cola beans and dried green tea.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with crushed blueberries, tart cranberry, candied lime peel and an exceptionally long finish that lasts for over a minute.  An exceptional effort that drinks great now, but will age gracefully for years… Drink now through 2024.
 94+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
 
Customers that enjoy CRU⁹’s Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from CRU⁹…
 
2016 CRU9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 CRU9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
CRU⁹
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
AS EVER…
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom,  citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years...”

93 Points,  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

CRU⁹
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes,CRU⁹ Stop Talking Cabernet 2015 has a deep purple color offering a penetrating nose of crushed blackberries, bing cherry, deep black currants scorched minerally earth and hints of cinnamon spice box.  A stunning example that is penetrating and focused with a taught, broad shouldered structure and linear style, balanced with concentrated red and black fruits and dusty tannins that cut a swath across your palate and lingers on and on.  Drink now through 2028.” 
95 Points Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2015 MISC Mixed 15 Pack

2015 Misc. Two Barrel Production Cabernet Sauvignon

MISC.

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON(S)
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
OAKVILLE | HOWELL MTN | DIAMOND MTN

2015 MISC Mixed 15 Pack
In a debate over whether micro-produced wines have the potential to be better than those with larger production, there are several points to look at.  When a winemaker can focus his or her abilities on just a few barrels of wine, they’re able to truly guide the wine from grape all the way to bottle, focusing on every minute detail.   For winemaker Grant Long Jr, the idea that he could hand-select only two barrels of each wine, from each chosen appellation with its own set of unique flavors and textures, and then focus on them individually to create epic wines at a whole new level is what inspired him to create misc.
 
Each of these top-level Cabernet Sauvignons from Oakville, Howell Mountain and Diamond Mountain, have a level of quality rarely available, and usually only found in wines produced on this macro-scale.  After spending around 20 months in French oak barrels they’ve developed flavors that are incredibly deep and compelling, yet sensual and pure… Each an idyllic expression of their origin, and with just two barrels of each wine produced, I strongly recommend adding a case to your cellar.  You’ll be glad you did…
 
 
 
 
2015 MISC Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 MISC Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 MISC Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 OAKVILLE
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes:Located on the eastern side of this infamous appellation, the vineyard provides a great combination of terroir that serves as the backbone of this wine. Notes of blueberry and cola are enriched by undertones of crushed herbs and lavender. Meanwhile hints of roasted fig and mulberry land on the palate as luscious tannins offer a relentless finish.
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 HOWELL MTN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes:Located high above the fog line of Napa Valley, this clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in a distinctive appellation. Minimal cluster counts of this vintage, combined with concentrated small berries, resulted in a classic big mountain Cabernet. Notes of blueberry, black cherry, violet and hibiscus are at the forefront. Hints of chocolate and cola round out the palate with a flattering texture and tannin structure.”
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 DIAMOND MTN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes: “These grapes were grown on the highest vineyard on Diamond Mountain. Harvest was low yield and the more appellation characteristics of black cherry and chocolate were concentrated in this vintage. The bouquet flourishes in red fruit, pipe tobacco and rose petals.  Undertones of cedar box spice and mint.  Finishes with lush tannin and fruit preserves.” 
2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. ‘Cuttings’ Cabernet Sauvignon

PRISONER WINE CO.

2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon
As the big, masculine brother to the popular Prisoner blend, the 2015 Cuttings is a larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon that immediately grabs you with decadent levels of richness and unbridled depth.  Hailing from high-elevation vineyards, including Bella Vista, Obsidian Ridge, and the York Creek Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.  Bursting with intense mulberries, unsweetened blackberry cobbler, decadent creme de cassis and forest floor, at $39.99/btl this is a wine that truly has it all.  
 
A forever frontrunner on our tasting menu in Yountville, the 2015 is built around a core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel.  The 2015 has already won Best of Class in the $55-$58.99 Cabernet category at the San Francisco Chronicle and at $39.99/btl it will completely redefine what you may have thought possible for Cabernet at this price point… Created in an extravagant and velvety style, plush tannins blanket your palate ushering forth a finish that lasts for more than 30 seconds…
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes:Inspired by the age-old method of using cuttings from idyllic sites for the propagation of new vines, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of our favorite hillside vineyards. Cuttings combines the deep, intense flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon with the structure and richness of Petite Sirah and Syrah. A small amount of Zinfandel adds a nice layer of complexity and spiciness.  Deliciously smooth with flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, and cocoa. Aromas of fresh roasted coffee, black currant, vanilla bean, brown spice, and wild berries.”
2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

MAYACAMAS 

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER, NAPA VALLEY

2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
Mayacamas has been producing hits since the 1950’s, and it would take a pivotal move to stand-out above their incredible past accomplishments.  Mayacamas Estate made that move in 2013 when they hired Andy Erickson as winemaker.  Andy made Screaming Eagle from 2005-2010 producing two perfect 100 Point Wines.  Beyond that, he also assisted in making wine at Harlan Estate as well as crafting wines for Ovid, Arietta, Staglin, Dalla Valle and his own label Favia.  Commemorating his first vintage with twin 97 Point Scores, if you collect Napa Valley’s finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, don’t miss this release…
 
Created from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  grown near the top of Mount Veeder, Mayacamas stands out among other top Cabernets for their unique use of neutral oak barrels.  This wine spends a total of 32 months in neutral oak, which helps to preserve the wines natural favors and expressive terroir without taking a back seat to the oak itself.  They produce some of the most classically-styled, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley and this vintage marks a rebirth that any serious collector must have…   
 
MAYACAMAS 
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $150.00/btl
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 20% 
 
This is slightly more opulent than other vintages of Mayacamas with tile, slate, dark fruits and flowers such as roses. Full body, firm and luscious tannins. Lots of sage and lavender undertones. Best ever from here? First wine from new owners. Reserved extravagance.
 97 Points
“… Virile, imposing and massively structured in the glass… The flavors are dark, bold and incisive, with potent tannins and a real feeling of gravitas to back things up. Black cherry, game, smoke, gravel and licorice add to an impression of brooding intensity….” 
 
97 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
 
2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Eisele AltaGracia Cabernet Sauvignon
NICKEL & NICKEL
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $120.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon C C Ranch Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm blackberries and blueberry compote with hints of cedar chest, mocha and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it is velvety and elegant with lovely perfume and great persistence.”  95+ Points
EISELE
2014 ALTAGRACIA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $135.00/btl
 
 
From James Suckling:Lots of sweet-tobacco, currant and coffee character, yet this remains refined and subtle. Mushroom undertones. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a velvety texture. Complex and fascinating. Spanish cedar all the way. Better in 2019.”  96 Points
2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

PAUL JABOULET AINÉ2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE 

 
Paul Jaboulet Aîné is considered by many to be one of the greatest producers in the Rhone Valley in France.  You’ll even find their 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle included on the Wine Spectator’s list of the top 12 wines of last Century, alongside Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Chateau d’Yquem and other absolutely iconic wines.  Jaboulet’s 2013 Gigondas  Pierre Aiguille made a lasting impression on me at our recent tasting.  I was struck by the overall balance of the wine, and intermixed were classic notes of white pepper, vivid red berries, subtle smoke and wild game.  Gigondas is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France where Grenache is reigns superior.  If you’re looking for an easy drinking, classic Rhone red wine to enjoy, this is it… Especially at under thirty bucks… 
 
The Pierre Aiguille is a textbook combination of 80% Grenache blended with equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre and comes from nearly 1/2 century old vines grown in the shadows of Les Dentelles de Montmirail.  In the glass, the wine opens up to wild berries, liquid floral, cured meats and subtle woodsmoke.  The wine is firm and persistent with plenty of well integrated, finely grained tannins that support the plush, round mouthfeel.  At $27.99, you may want to get enough to share.    
 
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20% 
 
From Vinous:“Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Paul Jaboulet Ainé Pierre Aiguille Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $29/btl 

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Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel:… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points
2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir

2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir

ABIOUNESS

2014 PINOT NOIR
VAN DER KAMP VINEYARD

2014 Abiouness Van Der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir
One of the best qualities that a winemaker can have is to be prepared for anything.  With experience at wineries in Napa Valley, Burgundy, Sauterne and Australia, winemaker Nicole Abiouness has a vast skill-set and through every trial and tribulation that she’s encountered along the way, she’s become an incredibly talented winemaker.  She shows off her skill-set in her 2014 Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir, which is created in a round, supple and deeply compelling style that continually evolves and changes in the glass.  At $45/btl this wine competes with the very best…
 
Born from the Van Der Kamp Vineyard perched at the top of Sonoma Mountain at around 1,200-1,500 feet above sea level.  This regions remarkable terroir shines brightly in this wine.  The vineyard is farmed by Ulysses Van Der Kamp, who touches each vine and cares for them in a way that he’s truly become part of the terroir that makes this vineyard special.  With just 119 cases produced, don’t wait too long to secure yours…
 
ABIOUNESS
2014 PINOT NOIR
VAN DER KAMP VINEYARD
Retails at: $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes:Raspberry, rhubarb and sweet cherries fill the nose. The palate is loaded with the bright red fruits and there is an acidity that rivals the tannins making it a perfect food wine.”
 
Customers that enjoy Abiouness Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Matias Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir
COSA OBRA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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It’s telling when any one wine is still requested and praised months or even years post offering…  When this happens, some might call it storied or legendary, but when a value Pinot Noir makes this list, it simply speaks to the above average quality of the wine.  For those of you who tasted, loved and are still talking about 2013 Cosa Obra Pinot, all I can say is, wait until you taste the 2015…
MATIAS 
2015 PINOT NOIR
SIERRA MAR VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 

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Anybody who’s tasted the Matias wines knows what an incredible value they offer.  The level of class and sophistication is higher than any Pinot Noir close to this price point.  Their single vineyard 2015 Sierra Mar Pinot explodes from the glass with bright bing cherry, wild raspberries, spice box and hints of white pepper.   It emerges from Gary Franscioni’s Sierra Mar Vineyard, one of Santa Lucia Highlands highest elevation vineyards…
2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

2016 James Joseph Kathryn’s Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

JAMES JOSEPH 2016 James Joseph Kathryn's Reserve Mt Veeder Proprietary Red

KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER

In wine, greatness can come from a steadfast focus on your core strengths.  With James Joseph, we’ve scaled back production by 75% in 2016, producing just four barrels of the absolute best wine fathomable.  Born from a single vineyard located at 1,100 feet elevation on Mount Veeder, the 2016 is riveting, profound and deeply hedonistic. This Cabernet blend combines Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in a way that perfectly expresses Mount Veeder terroir with a vivid display of fine-grained tannins, focused berries, dried flowers, chocolate and stony minerality.  With rising costs to produce this truly top level Cuvee, the wine will only be available at $45/btl through October 1st. 
 
In the glass the 2016 draws you in with a dramatic, alluring perfume, laced in violets, mountainy berries, shaved chocolates and graphite.  The 2016 was authored by Grant Long Jr., winemaker at Witchery, Steps and Aonair and it was kept for 21 months in oak.  Those of you who tasted any of the previous vintages of James Joseph, know exactly what to expect… $100/btl quality at a price that’s an epic value… 
Orders are ready to ship After October 1st.
 
JAMES JOSEPH
KATHRYN’S RESERVE
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10%
 
Tasting Notes: Deeply rich aromas of black raspberries, Bing cherries, black currants, cocoa powder, pipe tobacco and a hint of sweet vanilla.  On the palate, layers of crushed blackberries, liquid mineral, sweet blue fruits, freshly ground coffee and oak spice all in perfect balance.  The tannins support a long, opulent finish.  Drink now or over the next 12 years.” 100 Cases Produced
2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend 2015 James Joseph Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s  Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
JAMES JOSEPH
NAPA VALLEY RESERVE
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “An enchanting bouquet of ripe bing cherry, black plum, raspberry liqueur, mocha, violets and hints of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate the wine is remarkably rich and densely concentrated.  Lavish layers of ripe blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and sweet black cherry are intertwined and compel you to another sip.  This wine can be enjoyed upon release or cellared for 10-15 years.”  150 Cases Produced
 
91% Cabernet Sauvignon | 6% Merlot | 3% Cabernet Franc
2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet SauvignonCABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
How much would you expect to pay for a bottle of Oakville Cabernet from a vineyard bordering Opus One? I’m sure you know that Oakville is Napa Valley’s crown-jewel AVA and it’s widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  But this particular Oakville Cabernet comes from a secret vineyard that borders OPUS ONE on the North Side…  Sounds expensive right?  Fortunately for us, this one was created by Nick Goldschmidt whom many of you recognize from his Crazy Creek Cabernet which is arguably the best value in California Cabernet.  The 2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet is a classic representation of Oakville Cabernet with plenty of blackberry, plush tannins, depth and charisma.  The only thing missing is the high price… At $34.99/btl, you’ll definitely want a case.
 
Nick Goldschmidt’s 2016 Charming Creek is a wine with enormous upside potential.  It’s made obvious by the wine’s dense and extracted core, which unfurls a flurry of mountain berries, crushed rock, spice box and subtle tobacco.  With little coaxing in the glass the wine begins to impersonate some of Oakville’s giants, with remarkable detail, poise and extraction.  It’s easy to forget that you only paid $35/btl, when this wine starts showing off…  Just don’t wait too long, because values this great are always in high demand.
 
HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 30%
 
Tasting Notes:Inky black intensity with an opulence and richness carrying a complex center core of fruits that include black mountain berries, red raspberry, and minerals. The palate further unfolds with crushed dewberries, kirsch, and ripe black cherry and tobacco flavors. The perfect balance of both red and black fruits perfectly defines the signature style that makes Oakville so famous.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
GOLDSCHMIDT
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GAME RANCH VINEYARD
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $89.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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Napa Valley has an untold number of microclimates, which are small pockets of land where the climate differs substantially from the surrounding areas.  This is one of the leading factors why some of the best Napa Valley wine Estates are clustered closely together. Hence, Goldschmidt’s Game RanchVineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle.
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at:  $24.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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From The Tasting Panel:Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate.  It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality. 94 Points
2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

NICKEL & NICKEL

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD

2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
Generous… Moving… Deeply Enchanting…  These are all fitting descriptors for Nickel & Nickel’s C.C. Ranch Cabernet from Napa Valley’s prized Rutherford AVA.  The winery was established in the late 1990’s by the parters at Far Niente Winery with a philosophy of producing 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines.  The property was thoughtfully restored from an 1800’s farmstead and lying beneath the farmstead is a 30,000 sq. ft. subterranean barrel room, where wine can gently be moved from tank to barrel through the winery’s  custom-formed hollow columns.  With no expense spared along with attention to every minute detail combined with access to some of Napa Valley’s best vineyard sources, Nickel & Nickel is producing a bevy of classic Cabernet Sauvignons that are full of charm and worth seeking out. 
 
Their 2015 C. C. Ranch Cabernet offers a dynamic combination of vivid berries, enchanting spices, chocolates and notes of classic Rutherford Dust.  Crated from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and kept in premium French oak barrels, this wine is showy, distinct and memorable.  The first thing I wrote down after tasting it was WOW!, underlined twice.  If you’re passing through Yountville, come by the shop for a taste… You’ll be glad you did.    
 
NICKEL & NICKEL
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $120.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon C C Ranch Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm blackberries and blueberry compote with hints of cedar chest, mocha and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it is velvety and elegant with lovely perfume and great persistence.” 95+ Points
 
Customers who enjoy Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
2014 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Shafer One Point Five Stags' Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
PARADIGM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl

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When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigmis etched deeply on my list.  This absolutely stunning wine made by Heidi Barrett comes from the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon…
SHAFER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 ONE POINT FIVE
STAGS LEAP DISTRICT
 
Your Price: $94.99/btl 

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2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 Muga Selección Especial Rioja Reserva

MUGA

2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL

 
When I tasted Muga’s 2012 Selección Especial, the first three adjectives that came to mind were appealing, engaging and irresistible.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve tasted a Rioja that I love this much.  It immediately dazzles your palate with seductive black fruits, intriguing complexity, and focused, penetrating flavors that simply make you want to keep sipping.  Muga is one of Rioja’s most idolized producers and they have the scores to back it up.  At under forty per bottle the 2012 Selección Especial has already earned a monster 95 point score, and I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
 
Muga’s Selección Especial comes from a high elevation vineyard located in the Rioja Alta region of Haro.  The blend is dominated by 70% Tempranillo, enhanced with other indigenous varietals.  The wine spends 26 months in oak and now with a few years in the bottle the 2012 is firing on all cylinders… Don’t miss it…
 
MUGA
2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20%
 
From James Suckling:A linear and super-fine wine with black cherry and berry character and hints of flowers. Full body yet very tight and closed. Beautiful texture.” 95 Points
 
 
Customers who enjoy Muga Selección Especial Reserva Rioja  may also enjoy these two fantastic wines…
2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red 2015 Quinta Do Vallado Reserva Douro
VIK
2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator: “Rich and refined, delivering unctuous dark fruit and spice flavors that offer a creamy svelteness. Slate and mineral accents linger on the complex finish, with dark chocolate and olive notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2022…”  94 Points
QUINTA DO VALLADO
2015 RESERVA 
DOURO, PORTUGAL
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:The 2015 Reserva is a field blend of very old vines (100+ years old)… Reasonably concentrated for the producer’s subregion and the vintage, this actually has fleshed out since I last saw it. Yet it retains that graceful, textured feel, the freshness and the fine fruit. I suspect the wine will show even more elegance as it continues to age… This is going to be a hard-to-resist wine when it hits the table at dinner.”  93 Points