2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

LEWIS CELLARS

ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Bottled horsepower… Lewis Alec’s Blend offers a high-octane mix of power, elegance and profound luxury.  It’s the liquid version of a Maserati GT, and it cuts a swath across your taste buds with an unapologetically bold, petal-to-the metal style that’s perfectly dialed in.  The winery continues on a winning trajectory, after their 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet ranked #1 in the world on the 2016 Wine Spectator Top 100 List.  Saturating your palate in lavish dark fruits, bacon fat, dried violets, subtle smoke and roasted meats.  The 2016 Alec’s Blend truly has it all and I recommend grabbing your case before the critics release their scores on this wine… 
 
This wine takes a victory lap after production with around 18 months in premium oak barrels, and fruit sourced from several meticulously selected, painstakingly farmed vineyards throughout Napa Valley. The 2016 is built around a core of 61% Syrah that’s bolstered with Merlot and Petit Sirah.  The 2016 engages your senses at the drop of the flag, and doesn’t let up all the way through the finish line…  A stunning display of power, control and energy, strap in and hold on, because you are going for a ride.   
 
LEWIS CELLARS
ALEC’S BLEND
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Alec has been listening to country music lately and his 2016 Blend is the Kenny Chesney of our line-up – super popular with something for everyone.  You’ll find truck-loads of ripe, oak-infused berries, with cherries, peaches, vanilla and creamy caramel.  Dusky and broad-shouldered on the palate, this blend of 61% Syrah, 38% Merlot and 1% Petite Sirah is fruitful to the finish and tons of summer fun.”
 
Customers that enjoy Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2013 Jonata Todos Proprietary Red 2016 Lewis Cellars Masons Cabernet Sauvignon
JONATA
2013 TODOS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling, “This is so complex and fantastic showing the complexity and drinkability. Full body, layered and gorgeous. Dried berry, dried meat and date. So subtle. This is mostly Syrah but hints of nine grape types from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Franc...” 95 Points
LEWIS CELLARS
2016 MASONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

EnRoute 

2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things about Pinot Noir is it’s vast complexity and EnRoute’s Les Pommiers has incredible clonal diversity ranging from Pommard, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Dijon clones to list a few.  It’s created in a lush and enchanting style, fitting of the architecture at EnRoute’s sister winery Far Niente located in Napa Valley.  EnRoute is a story written from extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  The wines generous style and outgoing personality makes it a lot of fun to enjoy… I strongly recommend adding some to your collection. 
 
Their 2016 Les Pommiers Pinot Noir was scribed from the winery’s Northern Spy Vineyard in Green Valley, and their Amber Ridge Vineyard located in the Middle Reach (Northernmost) area of the Russian River Valley.  It’s the two vineyards that cast a wide variety of characters, each with qualities that compliment and support one another.  The final result is a ride that you won’t want to miss… 
 
EnRoute 
2016 PINOT NOIR
LES POMMIERS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 EnRoute Les Pommiers possesses the luxurious perfume aromatics and rich textures that we love about Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherry and plum are complemented by notes of earth, sage and forest floor. Generous-yet-soft red-fruit flavors expand on the palate, with elegant tannins that are the definition of silky. A mouthwatering natural acidity glides across the finish, making this vintage irresistibly approachable upon release.“
 
Customers who enjoy EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
 
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Las Altura Pinot Noir
 
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir.  It was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages crafting the high-scoring Lewis wines, always ranking among the best in the Valley.
BELLE GLOS
2016 PINOT NOIR 
LAS ALTURAS VYD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

AVEO 2013 Aveo Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 ATLAS PEAK

 
There seems to be a direct correlation between Aerospace Engineers and many of the skills that it takes to become a world-class winemaker.  Just look at Brian Loring who wrote code for submarine missile launch and torpedo guidance systems and now produces a bevy of highly sought after Pinot Noirs.  Steve Jennings, winemaker at Aveo comes from a similar background as an Aerospace Engineer.  With aerospace engineering there’s extreme attention to detail and exact precision that’s needed.  When you take that same approach to winemaking the results speak for themselves.  Aveo‘s 2013 Atlas Peak Cabernet is riveting, deep and enchanting.  Even at the winery’s $75 retail price this wine will have you flying high with excitement…it kicks in the afterburners, and with the tiny production, don’t wait until it’s wheels up…
 
Given wings from one of Atlas Peak’s most revered vineyards… (If I could tell you which one, I’m certain you’d grab a case.)  Aveo co-ferments Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with Merlot and Petit Verdot to allow the flavors to vector into a singular, rounded wine.  The wine spends an impressive 26 months in oak, and coming from one of Napa Valley’s greatest vintages, this one deserves a spot in your hanger or cellar.
 
AVEO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A dense, deep garnet color perfectly frames the intensely  concentrated yet laser-like focused flavors of red currants, fresh blackberries, Rainier cherries, Asian spice box along with a touch of smoke.  The penetrating flavors combine beautifully with the sweet yet dusty tannins, liquid minerals, cocoa powder and a touch of vanilla spice. The concentrated and generous flavors make it a delight to drink now, but the firm tannin structure promises well over a decade of future enjoyment too…” 95 Points
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 85% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 5%
2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BEVAN 2016 Bevan Ontogeny Proprietary Red

2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED

 
Have you ever had a wine so stunningly brilliant that it made you question the theory that taste is subjective? I can’t fathom anybody not getting that feeling when they taste Bevan‘s 2016 Ontogeny.  This is Bevan‘s least expensive of his big reds and the 2016 has a larger percentage of Cabernet than ever before. I generally try not to predict the potential for a perfect score, however that was before I tasted Bevan‘s Ontogeny… I strongly recommend grabbing as much as you can, before the scores are out.  His 2012 Ontogeny scored 99 points from Robert Parker and the 2016 is at a new level…
 
Accumulating perfect 100 point scores at a record pace, Russell Bevan clearly has a Midas touch in winemaking.  His Ontogeny Proprietary Red combines four of the top five Bordeaux Varietals, grown in several of his top vineyard sites.  The wine is kept in a variety of high-end oak barrels and the 2016 is showing so much potential right now that it has to be experienced to fathom how good is.  There truly aren’t enough superlatives to describe this one…
 
BEVAN
2016 ONTOGENY
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Ontogeny. Like our EE, this is more Cabernet Sauvignon than ever before. Less mineral, more pure fruit. It also has a layer of richness that the previous Ontogeny wines didn’t have. The fruit profile from the additional Cabernet Sauvignon is blackberry, boysenberry and there is a hint of mocha that really pops on the finish. Deep purple, incredibly seductive. This is as decadent as Ontogeny has ever been.”
 
Customers who enjoy Bevan Ontogeny may also enjoy these two Bevan Releases…
 
2016 Bevan Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir 2016 Bevan Tench Vineyard EE Proprietary Red
BEVAN
2016 PINOT NOIR
PETALUMA GAP
 
Your Price: $75/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The Petaluma Gap is made up of four different clones and all of them are expressed on different levels. The power and massive textures come from the Pommard clone, the floral aromatics from the Swan, roasted earth from the Calera and bright fruit from the 828 clone. The combination is a powerful, deep wine that in the glass looks like Cabernet but in the nose is all Pinot Noir seduction. In the world of Pinot Noir this is an 800-pound gorilla.”
BEVAN
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
TENCH VINEYARD EE, OAKVILLE 
 
Your Price: $199.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard reveals a deep garnet-purple color and reticent nose of crushed black and red cherries, mulberries with wafts of dried herbs, lavender and fresh roses plus hints of pencil shavings and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, very fine and very fresh in the mouth, it has drop dead gorgeous poise and sophistication with a long, graceful finish that cannot fail to impress.”  97-100 Points
2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino

2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloItalyKevin VogtNobile di MontelpulcianoTuscanyUncategorized

FANTI

2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

2013 Fanti Brunello Di Montalcino
“The best Brunello is like an opera: powerful, dramatic, and sophisticated, with long-held notes and a plot-line of great weight and complexity...” Wine Enthusiast.  Fanti’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino defines this statement with an opening act that effortlessly engages you, followed by a perfectly choreographed and dynamically elegant performance that will have your palate (and wallet) begging for an encore.  The Fanti family has been producing wine for nearly 200 years and the quality of their wines were elevated to new levels in the 1970’s when a new owner took the reigns.  Filippo soon redesigned the plantings and added an innovation-meets-tradition winemaking technique that propelled the wine to the next level.  At under $50 their 2013 Brunello is a tough act to follow…
 
With attention to every detail in the vineyard and the winery, their style is one of elegance, vibrant fruit, and stunning persistence.  And the 2013 comes from one of the area’s best vintage, one that the Wine Enthusiast alerts readers that, “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage.”   I highly recommend securing a case of this classic 93 Point Brunello.
 
FANTI
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 
YOU SAVE 10%
 
From James Suckling: “Plenty of black cherry and berry character with hints of flowers. Medium to full body, soft and fresh tannins and a clean and delicious finish. Lovely now.” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Fanti Brunello di Montalcino may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2013 Giovanni Ross Barolo 2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimalli Brunello Di Montalcino
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl

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2012 Worthy Sophia's Cuvee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Worthy Sophia’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

WORTHY

2012 SOPHIA’S CUVEE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2012 Worthy Sophia's Cuvee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
It’s symbolic to the quality of any wine that get’s requested and praised months or even years after our initial offering…  When this happens, some might call it storied or legendary, but when a value Cabernet Sauvignon makes this list, it simply speaks to the above-average quality of the wine.  Worthy’s Sophia’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon is cemented onto that list, and there’s really no surprise since it’s actually the second label for Axios, a top tier producer whose Cabernets range $135-$150 per bottle.  It was authored by legendary winemaker Bob Egelhoff, whose held winemaking positions at such notable wineries as Pahlmeyer, Harlan, Chappellet, Merryvale and David Arthur…
 
I’m delighted but not surprised over how great many of the 2012 Napa Valley Cabernets from quality producers have developed in the bottle.  Worthy’s bouquet grabbed me from the very beginning with compelling and hedonistic notes that I found profoundly pleasing.   On the palate, soft and abundant layers of blackberry liqueur-like fruit, sweet mulberries, tobacco leaf, plum and dark chocolate charm your taste buds.  At under thirty per bottle this is clearly a terrific value in Napa Valley Cabernet.
 
WORTHY
2012 SOPHIA’S CUVEE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
From James Suckling: “Soft and silky with pretty tannin tension and light chewiness.  Medium body and chocolate, walnut and blackcurrant character…” 90 Points 
 
Sommelier Challenge:  International Wine & Spirits Competition – Robert Whitley- Gold – 92pts
 
Customers who enjoy Worthy’s Sophia’s Cuvee Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
 
2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvginon
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Some of my favorite wine discoveries are those that naturally go on to sell hundreds of cases in just a couple vintages.  It’s a concrete affirmation proving that what we felt when we first tasted the wine resonated and was felt by almost everyone who tries it.  Sailor’s Grave’s Napa Valley Cabernet did just that.  And with its origins in Yountville, Oakville and Chiles Valley, combined with a price-point that makes you smile, it was the quality of the wine that propelled constant re-orders… to the tune of several hundred cases sold in only 2 vintages.
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 
One of my favorite results that comes from tasting a new wine, is one that makes me do a double-take simply because the taste exceeds my expectations for the price.  The 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet made me do just that.  Performing well above its weight class for value Napa Cabernet, this undisputed champion hailing from Napa Valley dances inside a tightly wound core, threaded with chocolate covered cherries, blackcurrants, unground coffee bean and cedar spice.
2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

DOUBLE DIAMOND 

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
From the producers of Schrader… 

2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’ve paged through a Wine Spectator Magazine anytime over the last 10 years, you’ve likely read about Schrader, as it’s impossible to overlook their two dozen (and counting), perfect 100 point wines.  When talking about the upper echelon of wines produced in Napa Valley, they’re always at the top of the list.  Of course when your Cabernets are among the best in the world and you’re paying for some of the best blocks in the To-Kalon and other renowned Vineyards, it should come as no surprise that the wines fetch around $500/btl.  What many people don’t know is that Schrader produces a second wine under the Double Diamond label.  After a three-year hiatus, the wine is back by popular demand and on top of that, it’s bears Oakville origins.  At under $100/btl, this simply can’t be beat.
 
This gorgeous Oakville Cabernet was crafted by Thomas Brown, who’s absolutely at the top of his game and is one of the dominating forces in Cabernet Sauvignon…  He made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 Point score from the Wine Spectator, and he’s also the winemaker at Revana, Maybach, Gemstone and Outpost to name a few.  At under $100/btl this pedigreed Cab deserves a spot in your cellar, on your table and in your belly…
 
DOUBLE DIAMOND 
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Double Diamond, from the producers of Schrader, opens with layered, intriguing aromas of black currants, dark cherries, blackberry, cherry compote, toast and oak spice. The notes of herbs, pine cone and dried earth. In the mouth, the palate is rich and juicy, bursting with big, rich flavor.“
 
Customers who enjoy Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Oakville Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Paradigm Oakville 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, Nick Goldschmidt’s Game Ranch Vineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle. 
PARADIGM
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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.  Paradigm’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan Estate, Opus One, To-Kalon and Martha’s Vineyard… 
2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2013 Petit Batard Napa Valley Red by Xtant

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

PETIT BATARD

2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…

2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red
As the second label for Xtant, an ultra-premium producer whose reds go for $85-$175/btl, Petit Bâtard delivers a wine of remarkably high quality, and without the lofty price tag that generally accompanies them.  With access to the same tools, techniques and terroir that go into creating their flagship wine, the 2013 Petit Bâtard merits significant attention at $39.99.  It was forged from the same three iconic vineyards that go into Xtant, Lewelling, Kletter  and Oakville Station, and after a meticulous sorting process, each wine spends an identical 40 months in barrel before the blends are complete…
 
Created with three of the five Bordeaux Varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, this deep and enchanting blend was thoughtfully composed by winemaker Jeff Gaffner.  You might recognize Jeff from Saxon Brown and Black Kite.  He was responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you love deep, richly layered red blends, you’ll want a case of Petit Bâtard before it disappears…
 
PETIT BATARD
2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Rich and supple, our 2013 Petit Bâtard is a beautiful reflection of a premier Napa Valley vintage. Deep purple hues set the stage for layers of blueberry, cranberry, and bing cherry on the nose. On the palate smooth tannins give way to notes of sweet tea, clove and black licorice. Well balanced acid and bright fruit ensure that this will be a wine to be enjoyed for many years to come!“
 
Customers who enjoy Petit Bâtard may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Kobalt Window Pane Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
KOBALT
WINDOW PANE
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $37.99/btl

Click to OrderCo-authored by Kevin Carriker, who’s been in the wine industry for nearly 40 years and Mark Herold who’s responsible for having crafted some of the greatest wines in California including Merus, Hestan, Buccella, and his own label Herold. At under forty bucks, Kobalt’s Window Pane packs enormous value…
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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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.

 

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirSonomaUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD

Many of the most profound examples of Pinot Noir come from areas where there’s a gap between two land masses, creating a funnel that allows cool coastal air in.  This keeps the wine’s natural acidity higher and allows the grapes to achieve their highest overall potential.  One prime example of this geological masterpiece is the Petaluma Gap. Wineries like Kosta-Browne and DuMOL source fruit from this area, and vineyards like Gap’s Crown and Grand Vent have become notorious for producing world-class Pinot Noir grapes.  Fruit from these areas will typically go for a premium, so when you can find one at under forty, and from a great producer, go all in… We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality single-vineyard Pinots from DANIEL, but this is by far the best bottling yet.  I’m buying a case… 
 
This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem… Created in a remarkably deep and hedonistic style with a sturdy core of concentrated dark berries, exotic spices, liquid floral and maritime qualities.  With a total production four barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.  
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 33%
 
Tasting Notes: “It is extremely rare for a wine to absolutely transcend what is possible at a certain price point, but the the Daniel Grand Vent Pinot Noir 2015 has done just that.  Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop. I honestly cannot recall a more enticing Pinot Noir anywhere close to this price point.  This one is simply stunning!”  Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc

2014 Catena ‘San Carlos’ Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaCabernet FrancKevin Vogt

CATENA

2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS, APPELLATION SERIES 

2014 Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc
We recently had a discussion about the most influential and iconic winemakers in each Country… In the US, Robert Mondavi  and Andre Tchelistcheff highlight the conversation, and in Italy, Angelo Gaja reigns supreme.  In Argentina the exchange was centered around Nicolás Catena Zapata.  The largest commonalty between each of these paragons is that they’ve inspired an entire wine region and the people surrounding it.  Catena Zapata pioneered high-altitude farming in Argentina and some would compare their top vineyards to the best Vineyards of Bordeaux.  Their wines always conjure up emotion, inspiration and passion. You can actually taste palpable levels of these rare qualities in their wines.  It sounds expensive right? At less than thirty per bottle, wines that exude this much class are rare…
 
Arising from the family’s historic vineyards in San Carlos, this pure expression of high-elevation Cabernet Franc was sourced from around 3,500 feet.  The soils there are Alluvial sandy loam with thick calcareous layers that provide excellent drainage and gives the fruit a clear expression of it’s origins.  The 2014 was cellared for around 12 months in barrel and now with ample time in the bottle, this wine provides the perfect mix of deep, supple flavors, supporting layers of dark fruits, clay and minerals with hints of eucalyptus and black cherry…
 
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS, APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 23%
 
From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe, dusty tannins and excellent breadth and length. Terrific berry intensity here.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Catena’s San Carlos Cabernet Franc may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 

2015 Vian Cobos Cocodrilo Proprietary Red2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red

 
VINA COBOS
COCODRILO CORTE
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Great freshness to the nose, where we find morello cherry, cassis, pomegranate and black cherry. Spice notes -from the cabernet component- touch on black peppercorn, clove and paprika, are complemented by floral, herbal and balsam notes.  The pliable sweet tannins alternate with the fruit and spice notes through the long finish.” 91 Points – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
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