2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

with No Comment $40-$50Howell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

Summit Lake

Zinfandel 2021
Howell Mountain

2021 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain

Summit Lake Vineyards’ 2021 Estate Zinfandel weaves a compelling tale of heritage, dedication, and the distinctive terroir of Howell Mountain. Here, among ancient, head-trained Zinfandel vines nurtured by vintners Bob and Sally Brakesman, the mountain’s bold essence shines through in every vibrant sip. At this lofty elevation, lively fruit intertwines with deep, concentrated flavors, embodying the heart of this celebrated appellation.

Founded in 1971, Summit Lake Vineyards spans a scenic 28-acre estate, home to eight acres of historic Zinfandel vines—some rooted in the pre-Prohibition era. These time-honored vines, having weathered over a century of harvests, impart profound depth and character to the wine.

Howell Mountain, known for its robust and intricate reds, provides a perfect stage for Zinfandel. The 2021 vintage, crafted from a blend of heritage vines dating to 1900 and younger plantings from the early 2000s, delivers a captivating, richly layered wine. Bursting with youthful energy yet steeped in tradition, it offers a memorable expression of Howell Mountain’s iconic spirit.

Summit Lake
Zinfandel 2021
Howell Mountain

Your Price: $45

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“The Summit Lake 2021 Howell Mountain Estate Zinfandel opens with vibrancy and fresh notes of black cherries and raspberries, complemented with Baker’s chocolate, clove, and white pepper spice. On the palate, the wine has flavors of blackberries, boysenberries, fudge brownies, cinnamon, and a specific graphite-like minerality that is typically found in Howell Mountain fruit. The wine has a smooth texture and velvety tannins that coat your mouth as the wine finishes with finesse and grace. Not even close to being overripe or jammy, this wine shows the elegant side of Zinfandel with impeccable balance.”

94 Points

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

Leto

Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016

2016 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

Leto’s 2016 Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon captures the height of artisanal winemaking, blending deep intensity, refined elegance, and steadfast commitment. Drawn from a carefully nurtured micro-block of Cabernet vines—rooted over fifty years ago in the storied soils of Saint Helena—this wine tells a vivid tale of legacy, endurance, and terroir. The ancient, dry-farmed vines yield concentrated fruit, revealing their landscape with striking precision.

Under the skilled hand of veteran winemaker Brad Warner, this distinctive Cabernet matured for 21 months in French oak barrels, followed by a remarkable six-year refinement in bottle. The outcome is mesmerizing: a broad, richly layered bouquet that instantly awakens the senses with its intricate depth.

With only a handful of cases produced, the 2016 Leto Exceptional Selection is a rare and soulful expression that speaks quietly but lingers long. After years of careful rest, it reveals its truth: deep, graceful, and complete. It’s a rare opportunity—to experience a wine not just at its peak but in its prime.

Leto
Exceptional Selection
Cabernet Sauvignon
Saint Helena 2016
Retails at: $125

Your Price: $42

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“The precisely shaped and exquisitely balanced Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 begins with an elegant nose filled with black plums, black currants, smooth blue fruits, baking spices, rose petals and sweet vanilla oak. There is a seamless combination of freshly crushed mountain blackberries, kirsch, and light tobacco notes on the palate. The finish is focused, penetrating, balanced, and long, making this wine a truly exceptional selection.”

94 Points

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overDiamond MountainKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

Impetuous

By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

Checkerboard’s 2021 Impetuous is a wine of striking intensity, softened by a deep, graceful elegance—a tribute to the captivating landscape of Diamond Mountain. Martha McClellan, whose skill has shaped renowned estates like Harlan and Sloan, guides this wine with precision and genuine passion, crafting a creation that resonates with both clarity and heart.

The Checkerboard estate vineyards sit high above the valley floor, their roots woven into ancient volcanic soils. McClellan’s close bond with Diamond Mountain’s rugged terrain—from its basalt-strewn slopes to its towering volcanic peaks—enables her to capture the land’s complexity in a vintage that reflects the spirit of this remarkable place.

The winemaking process unfolds like a careful dance, deliberately enhancing the natural beauty drawn from the region’s unique terroir. The result stirs an emotional connection that lingers well beyond the final sip. Boldly expressive, Impetuous reveals itself like a narrative, growing richer, more intricate, and more memorable with each encounter.

Impetuous
By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

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“The 2021 Checkerboard Impetuous Red Blend offers a brooding, rich nose of powerful blue and black fruits—blackberry and blueberry stand out—layered with notes of French lavender, iron, and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak. The palate is opulent yet focused, with concentrated blackberries, black cherry, and red currants driving a deep, penetrating core. Balanced acidity keeps it lively, while velvety tannins provide structure. The finish is long and seamless, with a luscious quality that lingers. A polished, high-quality wine, it’s delicious now, but built for 10-12 years of development.”

96 Points

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Black Pine

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Black Pine’s 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir captures California fruit’s sophistication with a deft balance of depth and subtlety. It embodies the spirit of Sonoma Coast grapes—lush and sun-warmed, yet tempered by coastal winds that lend it structure and finesse. For years, Black Pine has remained a standout among value Pinot Noirs, drawing in seasoned collectors and intrigued novices alike with its consistent quality and appeal.

Drawn from a mosaic of thoughtfully chosen vineyards, this Pinot Noir reflects a winemaker’s distinct perspective. Each parcel is crafted with care, letting the unique traits of every site emerge. The outcome is a harmonious portrayal of the region—rich in layers, textured, and effortlessly refined.

The 2023 vintage achieves a subtle victory—a wine that doesn’t clamor for notice but secures it with each taste. It invites dialogue, reflection, and those fleeting moments that resonate long after. Beyond the glass, it carries a sense of connection, a gentle nudge that life’s most enduring impressions often arrive with quiet clarity.

Black Pine
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $38

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“The 2023 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers a compelling value in quality Pinot Noir. On the nose, it delivers ripe black cherries and dried cranberries, with hints of cola bean, Darjeeling tea, and violets adding floral elements. The palate brings juicy black raspberries and vibrant pomegranate, showing a ripe yet fuller-bodied profile that remains fresh and lively. A thread of liquid minerals runs through it, and the fruit intensity exceeds expectations for the price point. Well-balanced and approachable now, with a long, satisfying finish.”

93+ Points

2021 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

2021 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

My Favorite Neighbor

Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles 2021

2021 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

In the dynamic landscape of Paso Robles, few narratives captivate quite like My Favorite Neighbor. Within a mere handful of vintages, this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon has ascended with rare elegance, earning its rank among California’s finest. It traces its origins to Eric and Lisa Jensen, seasoned stewards of exceptional grapes, who resolved to capture their vision in a bottle. From the foundation of Booker Vineyard emerged a wine of genuine distinction.

The 2021 vintage, shaped with unwavering purpose, reveals precisely why this wine continues to captivate. Lush, perfectly ripened fruit unfurls in waves of depth and intensity. There’s an undeniable power, conveyed with striking balance—a defining harmony that has come to characterize My Favorite Neighbor.

Eric Jensen’s relentless focus on precision shapes the wine’s identity. The 2021 release offers a vibrant reflection of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the region’s most prized vineyards and imbued with a spirit of warmth and generosity. With a newly earned 95-point rating and an even more enticing price, now is an ideal time to stock up—and perhaps share some with your favorite neighbors.

My Favorite Neighbor
Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles 2021
Retails at: $55

Flash Sale $39.99

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“Considering that this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec (along with bits of Petite Sirah and Syrah) was sourced from Paso Robles but bottled in Napa, the “Neighbor” part of this wine’s name makes sense-and tasting it explains the “Favorite” part. It’s very flavorful, with notes of black cherry and cassis and an acid structure that’s ready to rip, making it just perfect for restaurants.”

95 Points

2022 Brewer Clifton 3D Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Brewer Clifton 3D Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

with No Comment $60-$70Central CoastChardonnayKevin VogtSanta BarbaraSanta Rita HillsUSA

Brewer Clifton

3D Chardonnay
2022 Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Brewer Clifton 3D Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

Brewer-Clifton’s 2022 3D Chardonnay offers a profound portrayal of its origins—an articulate dialogue between power and precision, drawn from a ten-acre vineyard of sandy soils and five unique clones. This distinctive Sta. Rita Hills site produces a wine marked by intensity and poise, brimming with energy and a clear sense of place. It doesn’t simply reflect its origin—it radiates it.

Greg Brewer launched Brewer-Clifton in 1996, driven by a focused ambition: to reveal the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills through uncompromising craftsmanship. His journey began in 1991 at Santa Barbara Winery, and his celebrated tenure at Brewer-Clifton, Melville, and Diatom played a key role in shaping the region’s identity. In 2020, that dedication earned him the title of Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year.

Sta. Rita Hills, one of the coolest winegrowing regions on the West Coast, yields fruit of remarkable purity and structure—qualities central to Brewer-Clifton’s approach. In 2022, Greg captured that tension with elegant restraint, whole-cluster pressing the Chardonnay into neutral barrels to maintain its clarity and focus. The outcome is a wine of crystalline precision, where vibrant citrus, saline minerality, and energy converge in a single, unforgettable experience.

Brewer Clifton
3D Chardonnay
2022 Sta. Rita Hills
Retails at: $75

Your Price: $65

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“A very tensile, fresh and mineral-laden wine that’s tangy in acidity and has an almost crunchy, lively texture. Made from a singular section of the 3-D vineyard planted with Wente and Mt. Eden clone grapevines. Lemon pith, limestone, crisp green apples. So intense and taut, it is sure to age and improve. Drinkable now but best from 2029.”

97 Points

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMendocinoUSA

Slingshot

Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast 2021

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

Slingshot was born from a desire to craft premium California wines that deliver purpose without pretense. Since its founding in 2005, Slingshot has focused on the North Coast AVA—a mosaic of world-class vineyard sites spanning Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. Each bottle reflects the region’s coastal influence, diverse soils, and vibrant microclimates, all while honoring the founder’s belief that great wine should be inspiring and accessible.

Guiding this vision is winemaker Blair Guthrie, whose global experience and restrained approach define Slingshot’s signature style. A native of New Zealand, Blair honed his craft across hemispheres before planting roots in California. Today, he champions sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, allowing the vineyards to speak clearly. The result is wines of transparency—unforced, expressive, and deeply rooted in their origins.

The 2021 Slingshot exemplifies this vision. Sourced from the Testa and Johnson Vineyards—two acclaimed sites in Mendocino and Lake Counties—it showcases the North Coast’s signature depth and vibrancy. For those seeking a Cabernet that speaks with clarity, character, and coastal charm, this is a bottle you’ll return to time and again.

Slingshot
Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast 2021
Retails at: $23

Your Price: $19.99

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“The 2021 Slingshot North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an elegant floral notes of violets, complemented with vibrant blueberry, blackberry, and black currant aromas. On the palate, the wine has a savory core of spice, balsamic reduction, dark chocolate, and a subtle hint of fresh mint. This wine has a refined structure, with dusty tannins and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of petrichor, and though slightly lighter-bodied than a typical California Cabernet, this wine gives finesse, impressive concentration, and depth, carrying through to a long, polished finish.”

94 points

2019 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard Estate Rutherford

2019 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard Estate Rutherford

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

Scarlett

Cabernet Sauvignon
McGah Vineyard Estate
Rutherford 2019

2019 Scarlett Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard Estate Rutherford

Scarlett’s 2019 Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon emerges as a refined portrait of Napa Valley’s renowned Rutherford AVA, where strength and grace intertwine seamlessly. Shaped by the skilled hands of winemaker Mike Smith, whose craft was sharpened over three harvests alongside the celebrated Thomas Rivers Brown, this wine carries the insight Mike gained while working with distinguished producers like Maybach Family, Tamber Bey, and Carter Cellars. His artistry distills the spirit of Rutherford, blending ripe, concentrated fruit with the region’s signature “Rutherford dust,” lending depth and subtlety to every sip.

Scarlett Wines draws on a four-generation heritage of devoted vineyard care in Rutherford, blending heart and soul with art and science. This dedication results in wines that resonate with authenticity, balance, and timeless charm. 

The exceptional 2019 vintage stood out in Napa Valley, and this estate Cabernet Sauvignon fully embraces its potential. Delivering striking value alongside impeccable quality, Offering remarkable value and undeniable quality, Scarlett’s 2019 Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is an unforgettable tribute to Napa’s finest terroir.

Scarlett
Cabernet Sauvignon
McGah Vineyard Estate
Rutherford 2019
Retails at: $79

Your Price: $55

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“Beautiful, sweet cassis and blue fruits as well as lots of violet and floral notions emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a full-bodied, rich, concentrated barrel sample with wonderful purity of fruit, a good sense of freshness, and serious length on the finish. This promising, elegant yet powerful wine is going to shine with short-term bottle age and keep for two decades.”

93-95 Points

2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

Stewart

Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville 2021

2021 Stewart Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville

Stewart’s 2021 Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon captivated our panel with the distinctive traits of this quietly revered AVA—fragrant aromatics, precisely chiseled tannins, and a delicate balance of opulence and restraint. Sourced from the coveted eastern edge of Yountville, where alluvial soils and benchland terroir echo the character of distinguished neighbors like Kapcsándy and Gemstone, this wine offers remarkable pedigree at an inviting price.

Yountville’s unique expression unfolds through finesse, structure, and grace. Its proximity to San Pablo Bay ushers in cool morning fog, prolonging the growing season and coaxing Cabernet to mature with poise. Rooted in gravelly earth, the vines reach deep, yielding fruit marked by innate concentration, purity, and refinement. A Cabernet emerges that whispers rather than shouts—satin in texture, vividly nuanced, and poised for years in the cellar.

The 2021 vintage was one of Napa’s most exceptional, shaped by modest yields and striking fruit intensity. Stewart Cellars embraced the opportunity, crafting a wine that captures the season’s potential. For those attuned to Napa’s hidden gems, this release is a refined, resonant find, ready to delight now or over time.

Stewart
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville 2021
Retails at: $95

Your Price: $49.99

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“While deep and concentrated, this full-bodied wine is also smooth in texture, not overly tight with tannins, and woos you with ample blueberry, black cherry and mint flavors. Drinkable soon with decanting, but able to age well through 2030.”

93 Points

2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Ernest

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Ernest continues to raise the bar with each vintage, and the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may be their most impressive yet. Building on the success of the 2022—one of my top five wines of the year in 2024—the new release radiates precision, elegance, and coastal allure. Where Burgundian finesse meets the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast, this wine delivers concentrated fruit, vivid acidity, and a striking sense of place.

Sourced from the fog-draped Freestone Valley and neighboring coastal vineyards, the wine owes its vibrancy to the region’s cool, ocean-tempered climate. Winemaker Joseph Ryan has embraced a low-intervention, site-driven approach, coaxing purity and nuance from every vintage. His attention to detail and deft touch allow the terroir to speak, with each bottling reflecting a distinct moment in time.

The 2023 Pinot Noir is the clearest expression yet of that vision. A blend of estate-grown fruit and select heritage sites, it pulses with energy—bright red berries, wild herbs, coastal salinity, all wrapped in silky tannins and a crystalline finish. At $38, it offers a rare combination of poise, purity, and pedigree—an exceptional discovery in this price tier.

Ernest
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

Your Price: $38

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“The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is terrific. Rich and generous in the glass, with tons of savory nuance, the 2023 is a wonderfully complete wine. Cedar, dried herbs, new leather, tobacco and incense wrap around the palate. A healthy dose of stems (33%) adds complexity, but it’s the wine’s balance I admire most.”

92 Points