2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Philip Togni Spring Mountain, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

PHILIP TOGNI 2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE

 
The true mark of quality in a wine is not how great it is immediately, but how long it’s great over time.  One of the best examples in the New World is Philip Togni’s legendary Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet.  The wine has a proven track record to last 30 years and is utterly breathtaking upon release…  Chock full of hedonistic aromas spanning from pulverized mountain berries and roasted coffee beans to graphite and cigar box, and it will simply light up your senses.  At a recent tasting event in Brussels, Togni’s 1990 Cabernet outperformed iconic Bordeaux producers, Château Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion and Mouton to list a few…  The 2015 vintage has already earned two separate 96 Point scores from both Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, as well as The Wine Spectator, so don’t wait too long to secure yours. 
 
A pinnacle on Spring Mountain, Philip Togni’s Estate vineyard is perched at 2,000 feet in elevation and produces fruit of stunning qualities.  Immensely complex, layers of blackberries, pressed mulberries, sage, and cassis are intertwined with veins of iron and volcanic minerals.  Solidly braced with flavors that glide to a seemingly endless finish, the 2015 is an absolute classic and shouldn’t be missed.  
 
PHILIP TOGNI
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE
 
Your Price: $135/btl
 

 

“A focused, tannic style, featuring tobacco and sage notes intermixed liberally with steeped currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Terrific cast iron and graphite hints flow underneath. This has loads of character and range, showing very vigorous, savory-edged cut. Youthfully rugged, with brambleedged grip to burn. Cellaring will let all the elements meld. Best from 2021 through 2040.” 96 Points
“Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a very classic nose of cassis, warm plums and crushed blackberries with notions of cigar box, garrigue, damp soil and truffles plus wafts of menthol and underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.” 96 Points
 
 
Customers that enjoy Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs… 
2015 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
LARKMEAD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “With a tiny 3% addition of Cabernet Franc, this wine is defined by aromas of violet and crushed rock. Oak, clove and graphite dot a landscape of bold structure on the palate, with bright acidity balancing the concentration and grip. Enjoy 2025 – 2030.”  97 Points, Cellar Selection 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long…” 96+ Points

 

2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUncategorizedUSA

BRULIAM 2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD

 
If an individual vineyard’s unique terroir along with all of the nuances and complexities that it’s capable of producing were a voice, the Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands would be one of the loudest and most beautiful in the New World.  The vineyard has become synonymous with excellence and is becoming more and more well known for producing fruit with otherworldly complexity. It’s easy to get excited when you see its name printed on a label, and wineries like Roar, Lucia and Black Kite all make single vineyard Pinots from it.  Bruliam Soberanes embraces clarity and definition and leaps from the glass with ripe boysenberry, mineral-laced cherries, wild rose, dark plum and holiday spices. With the average price of Pinot Noir from Soberanes estimated to be upwards of $50/btl, I strongly recommend making some serious room for this one..
 
Created from 100% Pisoni Clone, Soberanes is the latest vineyard planted by the Pisoni’s & Franscioni’s, whose families have been farming the area for over 100 years.  Bruliam brilliantly expresses the remarkably distinct flavors and textures that this vineyard is becoming known for.  It was strategically guided from grape to bottle by medical doctor-turned-winemaker Kerith Overstreet and this charming and sophisticated Pinot Noir should not be missed.
 
BRULIAM
2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Deep and hearty aromas of boysenberry, hickory smoke, iron, bay leaf and forest floor show on this single-vineyard expression. Dark rhubarb, baked strawberry and red plum pop on the sip, with healthy pinches of mace and cinnamon spice. It is very complex.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
 
2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Fort Ross FRV Vineyard Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “... 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…”  
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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There are plenty of reasons why we love Fort Ross Pinot Noirs.  Their winemaking is second to none with Jeff Pisoni calling the shots. Further, their prices have also remained realistic over the years, despite the growing fan base and well-deserved scores.  The number one thing that keeps me coming back year-after-year is the ideal location of their vineyard… It’s centered in the idyllic Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast, the area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers and Pahlmeyer, to list a few…

2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

HEIR APPARENT

2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION

Have you ever wondered what makes the Oakville AVA so revered for producing Bordeaux Varietals? Over many thousands of years sediment has washed down from the hillsides creating notoriously complex earth.  On the Western side of Oakville where icons Harlan, Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer ToKalon Vineyards lie, the soils are sandy and gravelly, which result in exceptional drainage, which helps produce large root systems and healthy vines.  On the Eastern side, near Screaming Eagle, Rudd and Plumpjack, the soils are red in color and loaded with minerals and volcanic composites. Some of the best wines produced in Napa Valley have Oakville origins and the average price per bottle is likely higher than any other AVA in the Valley.  It’s rare to find an Oakville wine under $100/btl.  Make sure to join our Insider’s Club (it’s free) to unlock special offers ~ or use the Click to Order button and see your price in the cart.
 
Heir Apparent’s 2016 Oakville Red seduces your senses with intense aromas of dark berries, exotic florals, minerals and hints of graphite.  Calling on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot all sourced exclusively from Oakville, the 2016 Cellar Selection offers stunning levels of pleasure, and should drink well over the next 12-15 years.  I highly recommend locking up a case… You’ll be glad you did. 
 
HEIR APPARENT
2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION
Retails at:  $110/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “Coming from the prestigious Oakville appellation, this carefully selected of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Merlot shows firm tannins, a compact structure along with hits of black cherry, currant, plum and dark toast.“
2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

KINSELLA 2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD

 
I love tasting a new wine that is so compelling, it reminds me just how stunning a varietal can be. Meticulous farming practices, vineyard source, clonal selection and winemaking all combine to make the sum of the parts much greater than the individual pieces.  I experienced this excitement in a bottle of Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet, which is absolutely one of the finest examples of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s made by Thomas Rivers Brown, whom you may recognize from Schrader, Revana, Maybach, and Outpost…  The 2015 Cabernet from Spencer Vineyard is stunningly elegant, rich and extracted, offering pulverized dark berries intertwined with graphite, dried violets and black currant… The previous vintage scored 95 points from Robert Parker, and I think the new vintage is even better. 
 
With clones hand-picked by Thomas River Brown, Kinsella’s organically farmed vineyard is composed of three separate blocks.  Heirloom, Jersey Boy and Spencer.  The 2015 Spencer stole the show with our panel and we were captivated by the wine’s elegance and authoritative flavors that unwind methodically across the palate. The 2015 was built for the cellar and will effortlessly go for 15+ years, but if opened now, it will surely put on a performance of a lifetime.
 
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “This vintage certainly picks up where the 2014 left off. Engaging right out of the bottle, this bright cuvee is chock full of notes of ripe black currant, graphite and clove. Cigar box and violet mesh wonderfully with this higher acid cabernet and would be smashing with a dry aged ribeye!” Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Petit Verdot 8% 
 
Customers that enjoy Kinsella Spencer Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two fantastic Cabs.
2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Kinsella Jersey Boy Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
REVANA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 TERROIR SERIES
 
Your Price: $105/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator: “Strikingly vibrant, featuring complex flavors, innate balance and pure dark berry, spice, licorice and light oak shadings, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2030...”  93 Points
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 JERSEY BOY
 
Retails at: $124.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “The 2012 Jersey Boys Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. The wine possesses a very aromatic nose of orange blossoms, fennel, and freshly picked raspberries. This gorgeous, heady fragrance leads into a juicy mouth-feel with flavors of bright red raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and mocha. A full-bodied pallet with fine, precise and well-integrated tannins is followed by a long finish.”
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

When a winery’s Pinot Noir ranks as the best value wine that I’ve ever experienced, my expectations are set really high for their Chardonnay as well.  I’m happy to tell you that Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Russian River Chardonnay exceeded every expectation… Stunning on every level, and just like their Pinot, the mouthfeel and textures are absolutely sublime, which is a a hallmark of their brand.  The compelling textures are achieved in part from fermenting in both stainless steel tank and French oak Barrels.  At the winery’s $35/btl retail price this wine will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9,  but if you join our Insider’s Club email list (it’s free) you’ll unlock special offers.
 
The 2014 Russian River Valley combines two unique Chardonnay clones, Old Wente and Starr Ridge.  The grapes were forged from steep hillside vineyard and the flavors are clear and precise and wash over your palate with energy and momentum.  Kept for 15 months in barrel, the 2014 is simply gorgeous right now… the only downside is there were less than 400 cases made.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $35/btl
 
 

Tasting Notes: “Yellow straw color in the glass, this beauty has classic aromas of lemon curd, ripe apple, spring flowers and toast. Elegant and bright on the palate with succulent flavors of mixed citrus and apple with a supple opulence. It is beautifully constructed, impeccably balanced and finishes long and smooth with all of the elements integrated in a seamless, beautiful wine.”

 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 

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The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Pinot combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  
2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Anderson ValleyKevin VogtMendocinoPinot NoirUncategorizedUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

 
If you’ve been reading my emails for the last few years, you know how I feel about Pinot Noirs produced by DANIEL. They’re simply some of the best micro-produced Pinot Noirs that I’ve tasted at this price point. I’m not the least bit surprised that their 2015 Anderson Valley Pinot earned a phenomenal 96 point score from the Wine Enthusiast last month… After all, their wines are composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start by working at Williams-Selyem… And the 2015 Anderson Valley includes fruit from the iconic Ferrington Vineyard, which was made famous by producers like Williams-Selyem and McPhail.  The wine is texturally compelling, bright and penetrating and transcends everything that you would hope for at this price level.  As thrilled as I am to see that the winery is now they’re getting the accolades that they deserve, it also means you’ll want move quickly to get yours… 96 Point Pinots at this price are few and far between…
 
Combining fruit from both warm and cool portions of Anderson Valley, this brilliant Pinot has abundant energy, focus, stamina and complexity.  It’s brimming with bright red fruits, holiday spices, candied cherries and sassafras.  We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality Pinots from DANIEL, and this is yet another profound example of Pinot Noir.  With a total production of 200 cases, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve…” 96 Points, Cellar Selection
 
Customers that enjoy DANIEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir
2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem…
 
Winery Notes:  “This Daniel Pinot Noir is brilliant ruby red in color. The bouquet opens with Huckleberry coulis and black cherry, followed by charcuterie and cedar. This pinot boasts incredibly concentrated red and dark fruit that lingers with a silky texture on the palate. A wine capable of long term aging, every sip offers new nuance.”  75 Cases Produced (3 Barrels)
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “…. 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…” 97 Points
2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $50-$60ChardonnayCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAR NIENTE

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
When making a list of Napa Valley’s most paradigmatic and historically significant Chardonnay producers, the name Far Niente is carved in stone, quite literally. The winery was established in 1885 and prospered until prohibition in 1919.  In 1979 wine country pioneer Gil Nickel purchased the Estate and during the three year restoration, the name Far Niente was found carved in stone in front of the winery where it still remains today.  Nearly forty years later, their Chardonnay is considered by many to be a Benchmark for Napa Valley Chardonnay.  I’ve enjoyed their Chardonnay for years and for me the 2017 stands out for it’s remarkable balance, penetrating fruit and brilliant details.
 
Composed from superlative vineyard sources located in Napa Valley’s idyllic Coombsville region, the 2017 Chardonnay holds true to the Far Niente style of rich opulence and lavish detail.  It reveals mystical elements that come with finely laced tropical notes, liquid floral and toasted almond.  Fans of top-quality California Chardonnay shouldn’t miss this stunning release.
 
FAR NIENTE
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Aromas of melon, sweet citrus and white blossom floral layered with notes of flint, yeast and sweetly toasted oak. A smooth and focused entry is followed by a silky midpalate with ripe flavors of honeydew and lemon, supported by just of touch of wet stone, yeast and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long and structured with citrus rind and mouthwatering acid.“
 
Customers who enjoy Far Niente Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
 
2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016  Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.” 95 Points
2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

TEXTBOOK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
How often do you come across a great Napa Valley Cabernet at under thirty per bottle?  According to the Napa Valley Register, the average grape cost of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon grew by 8.6% in 2017 to $7,474/ton… With each ton of grapes producing just a little more than 2 barrels of wine, the number of wineries that are able to produce a quality Cabernet Sauvignon in this range is dwindling.  One of the best thirty dollar Napa Valley Cabernets is the new 2016 Textbook.  This classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet has stunning balance, length and it’s remarkably complex… These three qualities are rare at this price point and those of you who’ve been on my list for years likely remember how great this wine was when we offered it years ago.  The new vintage is even better, so don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
Created using 65% Stag’s Leap, 25% Oak Knoll and 10% Oakville fruit, the 2016 Textbook bears qualities from each of these iconic regions.  The diversity of fruit sources is palpable in the 2016, and offers enormous complexity in both flavors and textures.  The winery also produces an Oakville Cabernet and Proprietary Red Blend at $80… At $29.99, their Napa Valley Cabernet offers superior quality at a value price.
 
TEXTBOOK 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $33.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Vintage 2016 followed the small 2015 and was also less challenging than 2015. We had a warm, wet spring followed by mild weather at flowering which set a healthy crop size. The growing season was excellent with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The tiny berries were packed with color and flavor and while fermenting, our 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lots were deeply colored, richly textured and thus showed great promise.”
 
Customers who enjoy Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning value Cabs…
2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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With origins in Yountville, Coombsville and Oakville, the 2016 was housed in oak barrels for 22 months.  In the glass the 2016 is incredibly hedonistic, with layers of rich and supple dark berries that are intermixed with black coffee, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and expansive and makes it impossible to resist diving in for another sip… another glass and another.  
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 NAPA VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Fortune 1621 is a brand that’s become synonymous with value Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  With the Bump family at the helm, and a crew that include winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, Fortune1621 is clearly a voyage worth taking. The 2016 is strikingly concentrated, yet poised and balanced with a layers of crushed black fruits, freshly roasted coffee beans, dried violets with hints of blueberries.
2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSt HelenaUSA

CROCKER & STARR

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red2015 BRIDESMAID
PROPRIETARY RED

Taking things to the next level, the new vintage of Bridesmaid Red not only has a new look, but the wine is now sourced exclusively from Napa Valley’s iconic St Helena AVA…  The wine was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at Spottswoode and Gemstone and over the years it’s amassed a remarkable following.  The 2015 is powerful, compact and dangerously hedonistic, with a seductive bouquet spanning blue and red fruits, spring flowers, pipe tobacco and exotic chocolates.  Sensual flavors cascade over the palate with incredible energy and an effortless nature.  The blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine, carefully selected from the winery’s Estate, as well as other top Napa Valley wineries after their own blends are complete.  The wine that makes it into these bottles often had an intended retail of more than 2-3 times the price…
 
Using Cabernet Franc as the base and layering in Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Bridesmaid Red is highly detailed and captures the diverse terrain of the St Helena AVA faultlessly.  Those of you that have enjoyed any of the earlier vintages of this wine, just know one thing…  This is the BEST one yet.   If you haven’t experienced this absolutely stunning blend, here’s the perfect opportunity to do so…
 
CROCKER & STARR
2015 BRIDESMAID 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Franc Blend Bridesmaid gives gorgeous kirsch, raspberry pie and blackberries scents with a beautiful undercurrent of roses, cinnamon stick, potpourri and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and great vivacity, finishing long and perfumed...” 93+ Points
 
Cabernet Franc 60% | Merlot 23% | Petit Verdot 11% | Malbec 6%
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Red may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Reserve 2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red
STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The Hourglass HGII Blend was authored by legendary winemaker Tony Biagi…Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring  Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.