2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta BarbaraSanta Rita HillsUSA

LULI

SANTA RITA HILLS
PINOT NOIR 2020

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
Pursuing a new line of handcrafted wines from top fruit sources at affordable prices, Luli was launched in 2007 and propelled by the combined knowledge, skills, and experience of Master Sommelier Sara Floyd, vineyard manager Mark Pisoni, and winemaker Jeff Pisoni. The Pisoni brothers grew up farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands with their father Gary, one of California’s most respected growers, sourcing fruit for Luli from vineyards in or near the same land they call home.
 
Wine is life for Sara and the Pisoni brothers, so the desire to bring family and friends together to swirl a glass of fine wine for a reasonable price is a passion for all three. Possibly one of the best winemaking teams in history, this successful partnership illustrates the talents and strengths of three different masterminds, causing many Pinot Noir lovers to reconsider how great Pinot Noir can be at this price level.
 
LULI
SANTA RITA HILLS
PINOT NOIR 2020
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2020 Luli Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir begins with an intriguing nose that includes fresh strawberries, English rose petals, cotton candy, and Autumn baking spices. The palate mimics these traits, adding cherry cola, red plums, liquid minerals, and a bright freshness combined with a supple texture that beautifully rounds this wine out. Drink it now, and over the next six to eight years.”
92 Points
2016 Immortal Estate Slope Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

2016 Immortal Estate Slope Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

IMMORTAL ESTATE

SLOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SONOMA COUNTY 2016

2016 Immortal Estate Slope Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
Immortal Estate’s vineyards are among the steepest in California, terracing a 55-degree slope on Spring Mountain that receives ample sunshine with increased airflow and water drainage for the fruit’s greatest possible concentration of flavors. This 100pt capable estate was previously named Hidden Ridge, and, in 2019, Tusk Proprietor Tim Martin, Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, and Supermodel Kate Upton purchased it.
 
Two-time 100-point winemaker Tim Milos selects harvest dates by tasting grapes from each block and carefully sorts the fruit before fermentation, ensuring that only perfectly healthy grapes make it to fermentation. The 2016 vintage was glorious for Sonoma, and this mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 28 months in 75% new French oak to help soften the tannins for smooth drinkability. It’s no surprise that Immortal Slope receives high scores from enthusiasts and critics with each release.
 
IMMORTAL ESTATE
SLOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SONOMA COUNTY 2016
 
Your Price: $79.99
 
 
“Starting with the 2016 Slope, this beauty is all Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 28 months in 75% new French oak. Dense purple-hued with a rocking bouquet of blackcurrants, sagebrush, sappy green herbs, lead pencil, and tobacco, it hits the palate with a mammoth-sized personality that carries lots of tannins, a plush, sexy texture, no hard edges, and a great finish.”
95 Points
2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

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

CASTALIA

ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
PINOT NOIR 2019

2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard
Terry Bering worked long days harvesting grapes in 1988 and 1989 for J. Rochioli Vineyards; finishing the second harvest, he obtained some second crop grapes, making a Pinot Noir that impressed the Rochiolis. In 1990, Tom Rochioli offered Terry the Cellar Master position, and for the last 32 years, he’s proudly dedicated his life to working with some of the best fruit in the Russian River Valley.
 
Terry launched Castalia wines in 1992 with access to some of Rochioli Vineyard’s most coveted blocks, crafting Pinot Noirs that rival some of Russian River Valley’s finest. The firmly structured 2019 vintage saw 15 months in 25% new French oak, giving the wine a penetrating character on release with a rich complexity typical of the region that will age delicately in the cellar for well over a decade.
 
CASTALIA
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
PINOT NOIR 2019
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019 begins with an elegant nose of red cherries and light Spring florals with hints of Asian spices. This vintage is drinking rather young and firm at this early stage but expands the red fruits on the palate with pomegranate and wild berries, combined with crushed rocks, dried mushrooms, and vanilla hints. It is a wine that drinks very nicely now but will certainly reward those with patience another decade or more of absolute joy.”
94 Points
2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles

2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

TABLAS CREEK

PATELIN DE TABLAS ROUGE
PASO ROBLES 2020

2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles
The founders of Tablas Creek include the Perrin family, the proprietors of the renowned Château de Beaucastel in Chäteauneuf-du-Pape, and the Haas family of the legendary American importing company Vineyard Brands. The property is in the remarkably Rhône-like climate of Paso Robles, where the shallow, rocky, limestone soils are of similar geologic origin as the soils found in the vineyards of Beaucastel.
 
They imported clones of Mourvédre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc to ensure the highest quality and allow Tablas Creek to replicate the clonal selection of an established vineyard. The Patelin de Tablas is an homage to the classic blends of the Southern Rhône with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tannat, and Counoise in a pleasantly bright and spicy, easy-to-drink wine with a range of complexity and depth of character.
 
TABLAS CREEK
PATELIN DE TABLAS ROUGE
PASO ROBLES 2020
 
Your Price: $27.99
 
 
“The Tablas Creek 2020 Patelin de Tablas opens with notes of rose petals, lavender, rosemary, red cherries, white pepper, and smoked meat. The palate bursts with fresh juicy flavors of red plums and cranberries with hints of sarsaparilla and wet stones after a rainstorm. The wine’s ripe fruit flavors are intricately balanced by fresh acidity, and spicy undertones provide ultimate complexity and exciting drinkability.”
93 Points
2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Anderson ValleyChardonnayKevin VogtMendocino RidgeUSA

DOMAINE ANDERSON

ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley
Domaine Anderson lies where Redwood forests meet the Mendocino Coast, creating a unique pocket of land with warm days significantly cooled by nightly coastal fog. Searching for prime Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroir in California, this ideal climatic combination led Jean-Claude Rouzaud of the Roederer family to the area in 1981, embarking on a journey to produce supremely balanced, Burgundy-influenced wines from California’s Northern Coast.
 
Jean-Claude’s son, Frederic, continues the pursuit of high-quality wine production at Domaine Anderson’s 50 acres of vineyards meandering through the Anderson Valley with distinct microclimates tucked within the valley floor, gentle knolls, and steep hillsides. The 2018 Estate Chardonnay grapes were handpicked, fermented in small French barriques, and aged ten months in a small proportion of new oak to allow the wine’s vibrant fruit character to shine, uncannily reminiscent of a lovely White Burgundy.
 
DOMAINE ANDERSON
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“Nutty, toasty, buttery aromas meld beautifully with rich pear, cream and butterscotch flavors in this well-rounded, concentrated and layered wine. Its richness and complexity are enhanced by an underlying lively acidity for excellent balance.”
92 Points
2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville

2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAUST

THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE 2019

2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville
In 1998, Agustin and Valeria Huneeus were among the first to plant vineyards in the Coombsville AVA, an area known for diverse, eroded volcanic soils, elevation, and a significantly cooler climate than other parts of Napa Valley, due to its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Agustin was the CEO of Concha y Toro at 27 years old in 1960, while Valeria was a microbiologist and viticulturist, which in 1989 helped her discover the land for Quintessa, their other well-established Napa Estate.
 
The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon is from the winery’s most expressive vines on an elevated bench in Coombsville. It’s a site where ancient volcanic ash and rocks interspersed within the soils bring out the wine’s signature minerality and linear intensity. The 2019 vintage lives up to its legacy with a luxuriously dense palate, fine tannins, and a solid, vibrant structure that will stand the test of time.
 
FAUST
THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE 2019
 
Your Price: $125
 
 
“Red currants and blackcurrants with some violets and crushed earth. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins. Fine, velvety tannins that are open and grounded. Firm and tight finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2024.”
96 Points
2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRoséSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

FLOWERS

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2021

2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
The founders of Flowers Winery recognized the potential behind Sonoma’s rugged coastal terroir when they planted their first vines over 30 years ago. Cold maritime breezes influence the grapes to retain acidity and extend the growing season allowing more time for complex flavor development, resulting in refreshing and magnificent wines.
 
Their vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically as a part of a continued commitment to respect the environment and cultivate healthier vines for higher quality wines. The 2021 rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from their Sea Ridge View Estate and emanates a pure expression of the exceptional quality of Sonoma Coast fruit, exciting your taste buds with each sip.
 
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2021
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“Flowers 2021 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir is vibrant and fresh with notes of orange blossoms, hints of rose petals, orange zest, grapefruit, white raspberries, salinity, and seashells. The flavors of peach, strawberry, nectarine, and green mango add another dimension of complexity to the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish. This wine goes down easily, especially poolside, but also makes a lovely companion with charcuterie on summer days.”
93 Points
2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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

ALDENALLI

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2018

2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Alden and Emeril Lagasse developed the Aldenalli brand together with Alli and Dan Kosta, collectively aiming to produce Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast with as much character as their esteemed reputations in the food and wine industry. Dan is an award-winning winemaker and Kosta Browne co-founder, and Emeril is a celebrity chef and proprietor of many successful restaurants all over the country.
 
The 2018 Aldenalli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a cuvée of three vineyards; Campbell Ranch, giving elegance and freshness, and Roger’s Creek and Sunchase Vineyards from the Petaluma Gap, adding luscious body, tannic structure, and earthy spice. This wine team matched their passion behind creating this wine with its intensity and concentration of bright flavors and exhilarating power to produce a wine diverse enough to pair with just about any dish you can throw at it.
 
ALDENALLI
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2018
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“Rich and well-structured, with concentrated dark plum, cherry and raspberry flavors that are filled with plenty of Asian spice accents. Ends with notes of dark chocolate and cream on the mineral-filled finish, with peppery hints. Drink now through 2025.”
93 Points
2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvingnon Napa Valley

2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

PRISONER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvingnon Napa Valley
Impressively rich and concentrated, The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a wine made in a similar fashion and style as The Prisoner Red Blend but with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main blending component. Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittman works closely with a team of experienced growers in Napa Valley, and hand selects vineyard blocks that best fit the profile of her spellbinding wines unhindered by tradition.
 
Chrissy blended in small percentages of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Charbono for the extra rich mouthfeel well known by Prisoner drinkers worldwide. It aged in French and American oak, giving the wine a signature spice rack of flavors and silky smooth finish. Our panel was impressed by this wine’s stunning concentration, superior richness, and riveting flavor profile, guaranteed to delight fans of rich, inky-style Napa Cabs.
 
PRISONER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“Sleek, with cassis and plum notes laced with subtle alder and tobacco notes. The polished finish has a pretty flicker of savory. Drink now through 2027.”
91 Points
 
“The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 begins with a deep, rich nose of black and blue fruits, toasted coconut, sweet vanilla, and wood spice. The palate is lush and rich, with deep, ripe blackberry and sweet black currants combined with espresso, baker’s chocolate, and tobacco notes.”
90 Points
2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastChardonnayKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR

BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo
Farming is life for Eric Jensen, so he works exclusively with farmers who share the common goal of growing the best fruit possible using organic or biodynamic practices, coaxing the vines to perform at their apex. Gaining experience from neighbors Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure, and friend Justin Smith of Saxum, Eric’s wines make a bold statement of quality with an ideal balance of opulence, intensity, and richness.
 
Eric designs his wines to capture high-quality wine’s most intriguing qualities but with a value price to be shared with friends, family, and your favorite neighbors any day of the week. This Chardonnay-based blend is sourced from select vineyard sites in San Luis Obispo and is rich, sleek, and ready to drink now or in five to six years for aged complexity.
 
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The Chardonnay-based 2020 Blanc has lush tropical fruits on the nose with accents of toast, almonds and sweet spice. The palate offers generous fruits, a sleek, polished texture, youthful new oak spices and expansive flavors on the long finish. Super classy!”
95 Points