2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtOld Vine ZinfandelRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

GAMBA 

2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH

 
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Russian River Valley Old Vine ZinfandelWhat pairs best with Memorial Day & 4th of July holidays?  For me, the answer is Zinfandel. Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives better in California than any place else, period.  For that reason, Zinfandel is purely American.  If I had to choose only one Zinfandel to serve, it would have to be Gamba.  A perennial crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers “...Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.“
Fashioned 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.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2016 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. It’s simply stunning and absolutely rocking…
 
GAMBA 
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “This 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel from the Gamba Starr Road Ranch offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.“
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.”
2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

PRIM 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN

2012 Prim Family Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s something magical that happens when a powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet has a few extra years in the bottle…  As good as they can be at release, they really blossom into something even more incredible with a little extra age. The two challenges in enjoying one on a regular basis are the high cost, and patience to wait that long.  With the average cost of 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet likely well over $100, you get the picture…  The 2012 Prim Howell Mountain Cabernet is a stunningly brilliant example that’s riveting, deeply focused, and underlines all of the qualities that make Howell Mountain wines so wonderous. On CellarTracker a consumer tasted this wine a year ago and wrote, “$80 retail and worth it.”  I couldn’t agree more, and it’s even better now…  Of course I recommend grabbing as much as you can, because this likely won’t last the day.
Crafted by Rudy Von Strasser who’s been making hits since the 1980’s.  He gained experience while interning at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, then at Icons Trefethen and Newton.  Reigning from a vineyard perched at 1,700 feet, Prim’s 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet has developed into a wine that I just can’t get enough of… 
 
PRIM 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Enticing aromas of crushed blackberries and cassis are complemented by dark chocolate. Black licorice, cocoa powder, and espresso add complexity to this opulent wine. Exceptional concentration and a rich mouth-feel create a powerful impression that finishes with polished tannins enticing minerality, an exceptional vintage from our Howell Mountain vineyards.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Malbec 6% | Petit Verdot 2% 
2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

PARADIGM 2014 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  

 
When considering a list of Napa Valley wineries that best represent all of the qualities, charm and history that the area has to offer, Paradigm is 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…  The average price of wine from those vineyards is likely well over $200 per bottle… At $79.99/btl Paradigm tips the scales with groundbreaking levels of quality.
 
A perennial favorite, the 2014 is made in a round and supple style, and is brimming with wild blackberries, dark chocolate covered blackberries, cigar box and classic Oakville minerality. Supple yet fine-grained tannins wrap effortlessly around your palate in every direction, as a parade of vivid black fruits, spice box, cocoa and violets seduce your senses.  Spending 18 months in French oak barrels, Paradigm remains one of the best values in the coveted Oakville Appellation.  Here’s a fantastic opportunity to taste a Heidi Barrett made Cabernet, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s crown jewel growing regions, and at a fraction of the price of many of its neighbors…
 
PARADIGM
2014 OAKVILLE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $84.00/btl
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 
 

Click to Order

 
Winery Notes: “The 2014 vintage produced some delicious rich wines and this deeply colored Cab is no exception.  The aromas are enticing and open, showing ripe fruit, complexity, and layers of refined French Oak.  This is a very expressive complete wine that will age beautifully.  Mouth-coating flavors of black cherry, currant, and blackberry followed by chewy tannins lead to an overall palate feel that is delicious. With perfect balance and ripeness, this is a stellar vintage.”
 
Customers who enjoy Paradigm’s Oakville Cabernet may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 La Sirena Pirate TreasuRed Proprietary Blend 2014 Tamber Bey Rabicano Cabernet Sauvignon
LA SIRENA
PIRATE TREASURED
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
Wine doesn’t always have to be serious to be great… This wine is both fun and great at the same time, and it was authored by the ever Iconic winemaker Heidi Barrett. Heidi’s list of past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and  Barbour. In 2000 Heidi made history at the Napa Valley Wine Auction when a single 6L bottle of ’92 Screaming Eagle sold for a record $500,000. 
TAMBER BEY
2014 RABICANO
DEUX CHEVAUX VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 
 
 Tamber Bey’s Deux Chevaux Vineyard in Yountville is in a prime location and lies just across the Napa River from the 100 Point producing Kapcsandy Estate Vineyards, and with the iconic Ghost Block Vineyard just a stone’s throw away, this vineyard is definitely in the right neighborhood.  This fruit was then given a voice by winemaker Andy Jones, who began working alongside winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown in 2008 at Black Sears Winery…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino

2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

LIVIO SASSETTI 2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino

2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

 
If you could only drink only one Brunello di Montalcino, what would it be?  Robert Parker wrote “it would have to be Pertimali.”  The only problem is they’re a microscopic Italian producer owning only 7 hectares (about 17 acres), and they’re highly-desired…  Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest,” and they’ve been making hits since 1982… Their 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is indescribably gorgeous with an intoxicating perfume of wild violets, crushed raspberries, cola and black truffle.  At under fifty per bottle, you may want to skip to the order button…
 
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their Brunello has become a Sommelier favorite, gracing the Grand Award winning wine lists of Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller and many others as well…  Because of the minuscule production, there’s simply never enough of this wine to satisfy demand.  I strongly recommend securing your case, before this one runs out… 
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
YOU SAVE 18%
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins. It’s already extremely accessible and will offer fine drinking pleasure for the near and mid-term.”  94 Points
Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti’s 2011 Brunello Pertimali may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2013 Moulin De Tricot Margaux 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
MOULIN DE TRICOT
2013 MARGAUX
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “With striking aromas of crushed violets, black raspberry, wild rose and plum, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013  Margaux is deep, plush and remarkably elegant. Well-integrated and precise flavors of dark red fruits, spices, floral components and minerals all intermingle effortlessly throughout the looonnnng and highly-pleasurable finish...” 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
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
2015 Leto Cellars Old Vine Saint Helena Sauvignon Blanc

2015 Leto Cellars Old Vine St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtSauvignon BlancSt HelenaUSA

LETO CELLARS

2015 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA

2015 Leto Cellars Old Vine Saint Helena Sauvignon Blanc
What is terroir?  It refers to all of the environmental factors that collectively  contribute to a wine’s character and flavors.  Things like climate, farming practices, soil type, etc.  Reflecting terroir, older vines often provide the best representation of their unique characteristics because the root systems are deeper, allowing more complexity to flow from the earth.  Leto’s Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect example.  Originating from half-century old vines from a single vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic St. Helena AVA, this is a Sauvignon Blanc with a clear and vibrant voice… Remarkably intriguing, hedonistic and full of life, Leto’s 2015 Sauvignon Blanc draws you in with yellow orchard fruits, ripe pear, orange peel, chalk and minerals.
 
Created by Brad Warner, the owner/winemaker who has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, Brad’s talent shows in this brilliant interpretation of St Helena Sauvignon Blanc.  Arising from the Varozza Vineyard on Pratt Avenue in St Helena, the older vines yield just 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tons per acre of stunningly compelling fruit.  At just $22/btl, one taste and you’re not going to want to LET it gO… 
 
LETO CELLARS
2015 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
 
Your Price: $21.99/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This is a bright yet rich white with Bosc pear, ripe honeydew melon and exotic passionfruit that transitions into a limeade and lemon custard mid palate with liquid minerals on the finish.  It is an enticing, mouth quenching Sauvignon Blanc that keeps you begging for another sip.”
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Leto’s Sauvignon Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Leto Cellars..
2015 Leto Mount Veeder Pinot Noir 2013 Leto Cellars Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
LETO CELLARS
2015 PINOT NOIR
MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $56.00/btl
Your Price:

Winery Notes: “At 1,800 feet elevation, the fruit source was a rare and special opportunity. But then again, almost everything about this wine was. A Cabernet lover’s Pinot, this wine was picked carefully and aged in 30% new oak for 11 months. In the glass, notes of plum and cherry confections, espresso bean and dark chocolate accentuate this pretty Pinot Noir.” 

81 Cases Produced
LETO CELLARS
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
Your Price:
Tasting Notes: “The 2013 Leto is a classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with aromas of black cherry, red plum, Good & Plenty candy, dried mustard seed and damp earth.  These aromatics beautifully complement a mouth coating palate of red currants, Bing cherry and mixed red and black fruits. The tannins are silky and the flavors expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate lively and perfectly compliments the spice box notes and toasted vanilla finish.“
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red

2012 Vik Milla Cala Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40ChileKevin VogtProprietary Red

VIK

2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE

2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red
Sometimes it pays to get in early… Last September we were the first retailer in the US to taste Vik’s 2012 Milla Calla Blend, and we knew it was something special.  When it recently scored 94 Points by the Wine Spectator, I wasn’t the least bit surprised… It’s produced by one of the preeminent wineries in the Southern Hemisphere, and from an area that lies South of Santiago that was chosen after two years of intense scientific research and more than 4000 soil samples, in a relentless search for the best terroir in Chile.  The final blend checking in at 50% Cabernet Sauvignon accented with Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah, saturating your palate in intense dark fruits, saddle leather, black chocolate and earthly spices….
 
Created by legendary winemaker Patrick Valette, who is responsible for crafting some of the greatest wines in Chile and Bordeaux, and Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik.  With literally no expense spared on this project, the grapes were meticulously sorted in the most modern grape selection line in Chile before being transported by gravity, into individual fermentation tanks.  VIK’s top wine retails for $140/btl and we found that the Milla Cala at $40/btl drinks like a wine that should be many times its price point.  
 
VIK
2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
 
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
 
Customers who enjoy Vik’s Milla Cala Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2013 Enzo Bianchi Proprietary Red 2011 Vik La Piu Belle Proprietary Red
ENZO BIANCHI 
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This Cabernet-Malbec-Petit Verdot blend smells smoky and rich, with lemony oak notes. But in the mouth, it’s tight as a drum, with an unbreakable structure. Dark spice and clove notes accent ripe berry fruit that’s not jammy and which has absorbed its oak well. Its firm, tannic finish will stand guard as it ages for a decade or more...” 
 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
VIK
2011 LA PIU BELLE
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $75.00/btl
 
Winery Notes: “...deep with an evolved ruby color and intense halo that visually captures your attention; The nose is remarkably intense and well balanced, starting with delicate berries, wildflowers, spices and a touch of oak that makes the wine more complex but friendly at the same time… La Piu Belle is a harmonious wine with a persistent elegance. It is dynamic with an enticing nose that is also fruity, creating a beautiful equilibrium...”

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BELLE GLOS 

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR 
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY

 
Joe Wagner’s Belle Glos Pinot Noirs are created in such an extravagant style that they’ve carved out their own category, and in doing so it took the entire Pinot Noir world by storm.  At 36, Joe has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime.  Becoming involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking in valuable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards with his father, Charlie Wagner.  In July of 2015 Joe split off the value priced Meomi Pinot Noir label from Belle Glos and sold it to Constellation Brands for an eye-popping $315 million… When we found out about his inaugural release of a Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, we couldn’t wait to taste it.  Incredibility deep and hedonistic, the 2014 Eulenloch has serious depth by Pinot Noir standards and oozes concentrated black fruits, baking spices and liquid floral.
 
Farmed from the Eulenloch Vineyard located in Napa Valley’s prestigious Carneros AVA, this just released 2014 is really showy right now… Always some of the deepest and most intense California Pinot Noirs, Belle Glos never disappoints with their generous style that resonates with Pinot Noir fans who love a richer style.  If you would like to experience their new Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot, you can order it individually below, or use this  Click to Order button to order a mixed 15-pack which includes (6) Eulenloch, (3) Las Alturas, (3) Clark & Telephone and (3) Dairyman. 
 
BELLE GLOS 
2014 PINOT NOIR
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
YOU SAVE 18% 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Shimmering scarlet to deep ruby in color, with aromas of blackberry and red cherry highlighted by soft touches of vanilla, nutmeg, toasted coconut and violet blossom. An abundant and layered wine offering flavors of sweet black currant, strawberry, red cherry and vine-fresh blackberry complemented by subtle notes of sugar cookies and honeyed cola nut. The wine is supple and satiny, with bright acidity set off by rich fruit.”

 

2016 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir
BELLE GLOS
LAS ALTURAS VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR 
SANTA LUCIA
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
DAIRYMAN VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER 
Retails at: $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
CLARK & TELEPHONE VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
SANTA BARBARA CO.
Retails at: $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Bright crimson red in color. Aromas of black cherry and ripe plums combine with subtle notes of dried herbs and smoke. The palate entry shows flavors of cranberry, fresh raspberry, and ripe cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and baking spice. A balance of savory, cedar and cocoa powder, and sweet, fig jam and ripe blackberry, round out the mouth-feel… great structure, smooth tannins and a lingering fresh finish.”
2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

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

LOBO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK

2014 Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the greatest benefits of having our shop in Yountville is the people that we meet. The connections that we make often result in discovering great wines that are still flying somewhat under the radar.  Lobo is the perfect example.  Proprietor Randy Wulff moved in just behind our shop after he lost his home in the Atlas fire.  We quickly fell in love with his wines for how expressive, profound and hedonistic they were.  Their 2014 Cabernet from Atlas Peak is made in a round, supple yet deeply focused style that comes intermixed with rocky and mineral qualities classic to Atlas Peak. This wine will put a smile on your face, but your hair will be bristling that you didn’t buy a second case.
 
The winery’s flagship bottling of the Atlas Peak Estate Cabernet was carved from Randy’s (former) home vineyard which is perched at 1,350 feet elevation and planted in volcanic, rocky soils.  They use tight spacing to encourage the vines to struggle, which in turn helps to create the incredibly expressive and deep flavors.  Housed for 24 months in oak barrels, this 2014 is brilliant right now, with flavors prowling your taste buds with perfect balance and precision.  Don’t be the lone wolf that misses out on this one…
 
LOBO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at:  $80/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Showcasing classic Mountain fruit character, the Lobo Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 displays a pristinely focused and firm bounty of red currant, black cherry and red plum, perfectly balanced with the fine grained yet slightly dusty tannins.  Secondary characteristics of cherry cough drop, sweet tobacco leaf, spice box,  fresh sage leaf and sweet vanilla oak dance in perfect step with the concentrated fruit, then followed by a long, velvety finish.  First impressions are always important and looking back at my initial tasting notes, I wrote ‘Wow, this is really killer stuff…’ Drink now through 2030.“
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
2013 The Vineyard House Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 The Vineyard House Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

THE VINEYARD HOUSE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 OAKVILLE ESTATE 

2013 The Vineyard House Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’ve ever wondered if the ability to build a wine legacy could be passed down through generations, take one sip of Jeremy Nickel’s 2013 The Vineyard House Cabernet and you’ll have your answer.  With a family history that includes his father Gil Nickel founding Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and Dolce, the wine industry merged with his DNA.  But this DNA also needs the perfect vineyard location to truly excel.  These elements precisely converge to create The Vineyard House, and being surrounded by neighbors including BOND, Harlan Estate, Far Niente and Futo means you have all of the components to create something extra special.  To say that we were floored by this wine would be an incredible understatement.  This is what a cult wine that commands $500/btl should taste like and for about $200 a bottle, I recommend getting in while you still can…
With everything perfectly composed, this stunning creation emanates from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality, which became the final piece of the puzzle in creating a wine that can compete with the very best.  After developing for 24 months in oak, this remarkable wine expresses everything that any Cabernet lover would be proud to own…  It’s so good right now, it’ll bring a tear to your eye when you taste it, but be sure to get enough to lay down and enjoy over the next 25 years…
 
THE VINEYARD HOUSE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2013 OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at:  $225.00/btl
 
Your Price: 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The Vineyard House Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is one of the most complete and seamless Cabernet Sauvignons I’ve tasted over the last few years, which is really saying something if you look at the incredible wines that have graced my glass. It’s simply stunning. It has a linear focus reminiscent of a great first growth Bordeaux, combined with exceptional purity.  It is a majestic wine with wave after wave of wild black plum, crème de cassis, muddled blueberries and crushed blackberry fruit, followed by bittersweet chocolate, liquid minerals, graphite and firm tannins. This profound wine has a surreal presence with incredible purity and an extravagant cascade of red and black fruit which lingers on your palate in what feels like a suspended animation state, keeping you on the edge of your seat through the seemingly endless, elegant finish. Drink it over the next 25 years…”
98 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Cabernet Sauvignon 91% | Cabernet Franc 6% | Petit Verdot 3%
2014 Bibbiano Riserva Chianti Classico

2014 Bibbiano Riserva Chianti Classico

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

BIBBIANO

2014 Bibbiano Riserva Chianti Classico2014 RISERVA
CHIANTI CLASSICO

As much as I love the innovative and forward styles of New World wines (wines from countries where Vitis Vinifera or wine grapes did NOT originate), there’s something to be said about a winery that’s been around in the Old World (think Europe) since 1865.  With trials and tribulations that span more than 150 years, many of the best wines in the Old World give you that feeling of antiquity and historical relevance when you taste them.  I gained that very impression when I tasted Bibbiano’s Chianti Classico Riserva.  With rock-solid poise, immense depth and precisely delineated flavors, the wine’s powerfully complex dark fruits, spices and subtle smoke are classic to the Old World style, and are intermixed with a newfound love and appreciation for a region that produces some of the best wines in the world.
 
Created from 100% Sangiovese and aged for the required 24 months before bottling, this wine has a lovely dense and satiny texture that comes lined with spices, dried flowers and cassis.  At under thirty per bottle this Riserva has everything that I look for in great Chianti Classico.  I wouldn’t wait for the scores to come out before securing your case, because there are few cases imported of this stunning wine.   
 
BIBBIANO
2014 RISERVA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “2014 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced, flavorful wine that is especially good for the vintage. It offers attractive red cherries and berries and spicy, garrique and lapsang suchong smoky tea notes on the nose and palate. It has a silky attack, a well-balanced palate and a persistent finish.”
 
Customers who enjoy Bibbiano’s Chianti Classico Riserva, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 Salcheto Riserva Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano 2013 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino
SALCHETO
2012 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE di MONTELPULCIANO
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
From The Wine Spectator: “Dark notes of blackberry and plum are reinforced by molasses and licorice flavors. Dense and meaty, this red is surprisingly nimble given the power & concentration. What this needs is an aged, grilled steak. Drink now through 2025.”   93 Points
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2013 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Spectator, “A savory example, featuring tobacco, earth, wild herb and underbrush notes enveloping a core of fading cherry. Balanced and finishing dry, with tobacco and iron accents lingering. Settling in nicely, with a few years more to go…”    93 Points