2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainNapaUSA

KAMEN

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 

2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District
Kamen Estate was masterfully scripted by Robert Kamen and plot with renowned viticulturist Phil Coturri and winemaker Mark Herold. Set in the Southern Mayacamas mountains where cutting-edge grape growing meets skilled winemaking, resulting in this timeless classic. Perennially high-scoring, Kamen’s 2018 Estate Cabernet is riveting from start to finish, and at around $100, this is a blockbuster you won’t want to miss. 
 
Talented screenwriter Robert Kamen wrote several classics, including; The Karate Kid series, Fifth Element, Transporter series, A Walk in the Clouds, Lethal Weapon III…
 
Carved into volcanic-lava and nutrient deficient soils at 1100′ to 1450′ elevation, Kamen’s Vineyard produces powerfully expressive, story-telling fruit. Directed by Mark Herold, whose Doctorate in Ecology and vast experience crafting some of California’s top wines is unmissable in this wine.
 
KAMEN
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“Offers alluring warm plum sauce and crushed açaí berry aromas and flavors that move through this with focus despite the rather lush feel. Subtle alder and sage accents line the finish, with a nice underpinning of iron. Distinctive in feel and profile. Drink now through 2030.”
93 Points
2018 Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere Margaux

2018 Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere Margaux

with No Comment $50-$60BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHATEAU HAUT BRETON

LARIGAUDIÈRE
2018 MARGAUX

2018 Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere Margaux
One of the top 5 wines from the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards Top 20 Best of Bordeaux list, Haut Breton Larigaudiere exudes the confidence and balance that you’d expect from a 97 point Margaux. Meticulously farmed, the Estate consists of 20 micro-plots ranging from deep gravel, sand to clay and limestone subsoils. Their Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend embodies the area’s hallmark elegance and captivating palate presence, and at $55, the value is significant. 
 
The vineyard’s geological characteristics, including low-lying topography and well-drained soils, aid in their Cabernet vines reaching full physiological ripeness at low sugar levels, resulting in lower alcohol and brilliantly balanced wines.  
 
The wine is fermented plot-by-plot, in varying vat sizes, on the skins for 15-30 days, which extracts color and richness. After 15-20 months in barrel, the resulting wine is powerfully complex and irresistible right out of the bottle. 
 
CHATEAU HAUT BRETON
LARIGAUDIÈRE
2018 MARGAUX
 
Your Price: $55
 
 
“A gorgeous wine, with deliciously ripe fruits including black cherry, blue plums and spice. There’s a huge amount here, in what is a brooding, deep, broad and earthy wine. A Margaux for the hedonists and sensualists.” 
97 Points, Platinum
2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastSonoma MountainUSA

A. VILORIA

2018 PINOT NOIR
BLACK KNIGHT VINEYARD
SONOMA COAST

2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast
As the wine buyer at Willi’s Wine Bar, self-taught winemaker Anthony Viloria’s connections with local growers planted the seed for conceiving his brand. This inside scoop of hidden vineyards was advantageous in laying the groundwork for his brand’s success, furthered by a deep commitment to limited production and hands-off winemaking. Pinot Noir’s most significant values can often come from the small, undiscovered producers, and A Viloria is a perfect example. 
 
Anthony sourced his Pinot Noir from Black Knight Vineyard, located in the foothills between Taylor and Sonoma Mountains. He chose the site for its proximity to the gap between the two Mountains and the tunnel of cooling air and maritime winds that are ideal for slowly ripening Pinot Noir and maintaining balanced acidity.
 
Combining four unique clonal selections, A Viloria Pinot Noir elaborates its complexity delicately, subtly escalating in intensity while remaining perfectly balanced from start to finish. The wine is delectable at its $45 retail price but irresistible at $24.
 
A. VILORIA
2018 PINOT NOIR
BLACK KNIGHT VINEYARD
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“The A Viloria Black Knight Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 begins with a fresh nose of mixed red berries, delicate florals, and hints of spice. On the palate, it is elegant with ripe raspberries, black tea, and bright red fruits. The mouth-quenching finish leaves you wanting more.”
91 Points
 
“Dark juicy raspberries, black cherries & minty blueberry. Medium bodied, fresh and lively on the palate with soft tannins and a long fruit driven finish. 70 Cases Produced”
2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

INGLENOOK 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 RUTHERFORD

2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Inglenook’s first harvest was in 1882, and they created one of Napa Valley’s earliest gravity-flow wineries in 1887. Recognized for producing richly captivating, classically styled, and texturally pleasing wines, they’re the 5th oldest winery in Napa Valley. Located on the Rutherford Bench, their vineyards neighbor sites like Morisoli, Scarecrow, and BV. Vinous writes that the wine “impresses in the way it balances intensity and detail,” which is a signature of some of the world’s best wines. 
 
Francis Ford Coppola made vital enhancements to the Estate in the late 1970s when he purchased the property, propelling the winemaking to new heights. Frances hired André Tchelistcheff, one of America’s most influential winemakers, to consult at the Estate. 
 
Cut from Chateau, Cohn, Red Barn, 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 82%, supported by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec.
 
INGLENOOK 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $100
 
Your Price: $65
 
 
“Inglenook’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has turned out beautifully. Savory and exquisitely layered, with striking aromatic nuance, the 2016 has so much to offer. Dark black cherry, tobacco, cedar, grilled herbs and licorice are finely sketched. More than anything else, the 2016 impresses in the way it balances intensity and detail. And of course, it is absolutely delicious…”
95 Points
 
“…It has a classic, Saint Julien-like bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco lead, damp earth, and spice that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Cabernet that hits all the right marks… Drink this stunner any time over the coming 20 years or more.”
94 Points
 
“Beautiful aromas of ripe cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants and perfume that follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a pretty long finish. Shows poise and polish. Drink in 2021.”
94 Points
2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoMendocino RidgePetite SirahUSA

PORTALUPI 

2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard
Portalupi Winery specializes in site-specific wines made from exotic varieties. Winemaker Tim Portalupi has 40 years of experience, and he uses his skillset to give unorthodox varietals a voice that transcends the status quo. He made his 94 Point Petite Sirah from the L Venturi Vineyard in a deeply enchanting style that’s rich in supple fruits, intriguing complexity, with soft, velvety tannins. At this price, it’s an otherworldly value that’ll further the following of this remarkable grape and bring attention to this incredible vineyard. 
 
Tim sourced his Petite Sirah from the organically farmed L Venturi Vineyard in Mendocino, which he chose for its unique climate that creates a balance between acidity and tannins. The half-century-old vines are dry-farmed in well-drained Pinole gravelly loam soils and produce fruit with an intense sense of place. 
 
Tim ages his Petite Sirah in American oak barrels, which he believes better settles the inherent acidity of the Petite Sirah grape. The 2018 vintage underwent a complete 100% Malolactic fermentation which results in rich, supple fruit and layers of complexity.
 
PORTALUPI 
2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This full-bodied wine is serious, powerful and age-worthy. The warm layer of fine-grained tannins that cloaks the enticing woodsmoke, game and blackberry flavors now will melt with time and bring out even more complexity. Best from 2025.”
94 Points
2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

LA PITCHOUNE

2017 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST

2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
La Pitchoune Winery’s minuscule size is their most significant asset; Inspired by a small home in the South of France, La Pitchoune means “the little one.” On a small scale, exploiting winemaker Andrew Berge’s Master’s degree in Agriculture and deep understanding of geography, soil, and vines comes naturally, as deep personal connections cultivate with some of the area’s top growers. Their 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay effortlessly articulates famous vineyard sites with the perfect blend of opulence, buttery characteristics, and refreshing balance. 
 
Combining grand-cru equivalent sites, Pratt and Falcon Crest Vineyards, La Pitchoune’s 2017 La Révolte encompasses a unique clonal mix of Wente, Wente-Hyde, Robert Young, and Mt. Eden brilliantly. 
 
Andrew Berge ages this Chardonnay for 18 months in French oak, mindfully watching over each of the 11 barrels, steadfast on the final result exposing Sonoma Coast’s notorious Goldridge soils and Pacific influence.
 
LA PITCHOUNE
2017 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“A hazy, golden-green color introduced this very special California Chardonnay. Hand-crafted using old-world techniques and style it is barrel-fermented in 100% French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this wine exudes impeccable balance. Aromas of lemon curd and orange blossoms intermingled with croissants and wet stones. Flavors of Mirabelle plums, blood-orange zest and Gravenstein apple are heightened by a hint of anise and salty minerality. The crisp, persistent finish carries through to the next sip. Drink now or over the next 5-8 years.”
2018 Calculated Risk Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2018 Calculated Risk Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

CALCULATED RISK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 OAKVILLE

2018 Calculated Risk Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Dedicated to crafting wines that express their true sense of the land, natural varietal character, and balance, Calculated Risk’s Oakville Cabernet is a foremost example of the winery’s driving force. Oakville’s notorious complexity is powerfully bestowed and incarnated with robust intensity, keen focus, and lasting balance. Priced in line with many Oakville neighbors at $120, at $46, it doesn’t take a calculus degree to sum up this deal. 
 
Winemaker Dwight Bonewell married two Oakville Vineyards, Money Road, near Oakville’s center, and a State Lane property bordering Yountville AVA. The wine presents a broad interpretation of Oakville terroir, delivered with balance and polished in an easy-drinking style.
 
Striking balance between bold and supple flavors, the final blend includes a small amount of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, from the incredible 2018 vintage, which was virtually uninterrupted by significant heat spikes, enabling the grapes to mature and accumulate intense flavor and complexity.
 
CALCULATED RISK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 OAKVILLE
Retails at: $120
 
 
 
“Plenty of ripe berries and cherries here with some chocolate and hazelnut undertones. It’s full-to medium-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows richness with balance. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.”
93 Points
2016 Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

WITCHERY

2016 OAKVILLE 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2016 Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Designed to encapsulate the 16th-century definition of their namesake, an irresistible fascination, everything about Witchery wines, including; the attractive packaging, charming bouquet, and enchanting flavors, are expertly choreographed and on display. The wine casts a powerful spell, setting in motion an instant and devoted following by just about everybody trying it. 
 
Witchery’s Oakville Cabernet comes from a secret vineyard located directly South of OPUS ONE and adjacent to Silver Oak. The site’s ideal micro-climate and complex soils produce incredibly expressive Cabernet fruit that lends well to Witchery’s signature style of crafting chillingly rich and captivating wines. 
 
Winemaker Grant Long Jr aged the wine 100% New French Oak Barrels, completing the blend with Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2016 release developed remarkably well in the bottle, and with just 8 barrels produced and only a handful of cases left, now is a great time to try it.
 
WITCHERY
2016 OAKVILLE 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 

“Some Cabernets are styled more elegantly with laser like precision, while others are monstrous, bold and powerfully inky. Somewhere in the middle lies the perfect balance of power & grace and I’ve found it in this wine. The Witchery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a picture of balance with a nose that actually smells satiny with fresh black plums, crushed blueberries, sweet vanilla and delicate floral notes. The palate is lush and beautifully balanced with black cherry, red currants, ever so slightly dusty tannins and beautifully integrated toasty oak. The finish is long, penetrating and so mouth watering that it evokes a pavlovian response. It is absolutely beautiful now, but will age gracefully for a decade or more.”

96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 

2013 Villa Le Prata Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy

2013 Villa Le Prata Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

VILLA LE PRATA

2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY 

2013 Villa Le Prata Brunello Di Montalcino, Italy
Villa Le Prata Brunello has a distinct personality, shaped by the vintage, elevation, and Galestro clay soils. An alliance of power and elegance marks this wine embellished by their female team, led by internationally renowned winemaker Doctor Graziana Grassini. Time in the bottle has erected a magnificent bouquet, awakened harmonious energy, and enhanced the fruit’s divine purity. Ready to drink now, it’s, as Vinous writes, a “Lovely Brunello.” 
 
Montalcino’s 2013 vintage produced “balanced Brunellos with vibrant structures,” as noted by the Wine Spectator. Villa Le Prata’s 2013 marries three single-hectare sites, ranging in elevation, exposure, climate, and soils, resulting in a well-rounded, balanced wine.
 
The winemaking team is meticulous in their fruit selection, and they ferment in stainless steel for 20 days, preserving the most natural essence of the fruit. This wine poised and ready to drink after gaining its elegance from 42 months in French oak, followed by 24 months in Slovenian oak, and two more years in the bottle. 
 
VILLA LE PRATA
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
Retails at: $65
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The raspberry and cherry aromas are very intense and pretty. Full body, silky and fine tannins. Juicy fruit. I love the finish. Delicious now but better in 2019.”
93 Points
 
“Bright red. Perfumed aromas of red currant, sweet spices and blood orange, taking on an increasing floral personality with aeration. Supple and sweet, but displaying very good lift and noteworthy finesse to the fruit-driven flavors of spicy red currant and raspberry. Offers lovely purity and intense aromatics, not to mention a light touch, on the long, juicy finish. Lovely Brunello.”
92 Points
2017 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2017 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

ALDENALLI

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2017 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Enkindled by two families’ shared passion for Pinot Noir, Aldenalli is the cumulative result that exemplifies Sonoma Coast viticulture, producing Pinot Noir with an engaging personality, place, and balance. Alden and Emeril Lagasse developed the brand together with Alli and Dan Kosta. Dan is an award-winning winemaker and Kosta Browne co-founder. Their 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot thoughtfully intertwines three distinct cool-climate vineyards into one not-to-be-missed remarkably food-friendly Pinot. 
 
A masterpiece of complexity, the 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot is cut from Gap’s Crown, Sunchase, and Campbell Ranch Vineyards, skillfully marrying five Pinot Noir clones. Campbell provides elegance and bright acidity, complemented by the structure and spice characteristics of Gap’s Crown and Sunchase Vineyards in the Petaluma Wind Gap.
 
Capturing the pure essence of this fruit, winemakers Shane Finley and Dan Kosta aged this wine for only ten months in barrel. The resulting wine is remarkably fresh with penetrating fruit and thought-provoking complexity that’s hard to find.
 
ALDENALLI
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“A savory style, framed by firm acidity that backs the dried cherry and berry flavors. Cedar and balsam wood notes fill the finish. Drink now through 2023.”
90 Points
 
“A bright, red-cherry and sappy style of pinot on the nose with fresh, fragrant appeal. The palate has crisp, juicy red-cherry flavor and fresh, fine-grained tannin. Drink now.”
90 Points