2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietary Red

2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaPritchard HillProprietary RedUSA

CHAPPELLET 2016 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Proprietary Red

2016 MOUNTAIN CUVEE
PROPRIETARY RED  

 
Chappellet’s Iconic Pritchard Hill Vineyards have been hailed by some as “Napa’s Grand Cru,” and particularly with Bordeaux Varietals.  Following the advice of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, by planting on the rocky high-elevation slopes, Chappellet became one of the first wineries in Napa Valley to plant vineyards on the lofty hillsides.  A half century later, their 2016 Mountain Cuvée still includes fruit from the winery’s coveted Estate Vineyard, and was expertly composed by renowned winemaker Phillip Titus, who’s been with Chappellet for nearly 30 years.  At $31.99/btl there’s simply never enough of this value wine from Chappellet to meet demand. 
 
An absolute crowd-pleaser, and those of you who’ve enjoyed this blend each vintage might notice the 2016 exploits a greater percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than their previous 6 vintages.  With Cabernet as the dominant grape, the 2016 is nicely concentrated, and on the palate, the wine’s hallmark velvety embrace comes dressed with provocative black cherries, blueberries, dried violets and cocoa. I highly recommend securing a case while supplies last…
 
CHAPPELLET
2016 MOUNTAIN CUVEE
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $35.00/btl 
 
Your Price:  $31.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Lush, layered and complex, this Bordeaux blend begins with concentrated aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, and dark chocolate. As the wine evolves in the glass, notes of anise, clove and bay leaf emerge, creating an inviting combination of fruit and spice. On the palate, a creamy texture underscores the wine’s richness, while accentuating flavors of ripe plum, vanilla, and roasted coffee that glide to a long, lingering finish.“
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 51% | Merlot 24% | Malbec 13% | Petit Verdot 9% | Cabernet Franc 3% 
Customers that enjoy Chappellet’s Mountain Cuvee may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend 2013 Titus Napa Valley Malbec
CHESTER’S ANVIL
2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
With the price of Napa Cabernet reaching new heights, it feels great to uncover a killer Cabernet Blend at $35 that’s made by a winemaker who’s known for crafting multi-hundred dollar, high-scoring Cabs. Chester’s  Anvil combines the talents Steve Lagier and Carole Meredith, who both worked at Robert Mondavi, and Aaron Pott, who after making Quintessa, embarked on his own label Pott Wines, earning numerous scores in the high 90’s.. 
TITUS 
2013 MALBEC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake.
2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL 

2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
It’s rare for me to taste a wine and immediately get the feeling that I may have just come across my next wine-of-the-year.  Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir gave me that very feeling.  With stunning length, detail and balance, the 2014 washes over your palate with supernatural weight and complexity fit for a king.  In my mind this sets the bar for cool climate California Pinot Noir with a plush, satin core lined in detailed blackberry, cigar box, black tea and touches of spice.  You’ll feel like you’ve just hit the mother lode and you won’t want to let go.  
 
Located in the Russian River Valley and a former apple orchard, fruit from Hallberg produces world-class Pinot Noirs from Gary Farrell and Emeritus.  Planted to clones 777 and Pommard 5, the fruit was dry farmed and produces fruit of royal qualities.  If you’ve enjoyed Trombetta, Black Kite, CRU9 and other Pinots that we’ve introduced, Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg shouldn’t be missed…
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “It’s so exceptionally rare to find a wine that immediately conquers your heart and soul from the very first whiff, then follows through on the palate with all the excitement and intrigue of a first kiss…  Pristine elegance combined with an incredibly delicate balance, weaving in all of the intricate details and building like a romance novel. This wine may not be my first love, but it is the first California Pinot Noir that simply left me speechless and completely satisfied.  Throwing aroma and taste characteristics in would not do it justice, because this wine is a complete sensory experience that a flavor profile cannot quantify…  You just have to experience it, then you’ll know!”  97 Points Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

 

2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
93 Points, Editor’s Choice
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast, “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 
 
93 Points
2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

SADDLEBACK2015 Saddleback Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE

Nils Venge has always been known as a bit of a cowboy in the wine industry, making wine his own special way, and taking risks that have undoubtedly paid off.  You’re about as likely to find him on a tractor in the vineyard, than just about anywhere else.  Early on, he set the bar as the first American winemaker to earn a perfect 100 Point score from Robert Parker with the 1985 Groth Reserve Cab, and three decades later he’s still blazing the trails, producing bold and unapologetically expressive wines. The winery is located behind Opus One and a stones throw from Silver Oak’s Napa property.  At $75/btl this Oakville Cab will make even the most gristled cowboy grin.
 
Crafted in a deep, showy style, offering layer after layer of dense black fruits, exotic chocolates, white flowers and hints of graphite.  Our panel was shocked by how well the 2013 was showing and we bought all we could…  Kept for 24 months in oak barrels this beauty has had nearly 2 1/2 years of bottle development and it’s gorgeous right now.  I highly recommend adding some of this to your cellar.  
 
SADDLEBACK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 OAKVILLE
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “On the nose, a healthy dose of ripe red berries. On the palate, it approaches as a denser, full wine; its bold structure is evident. Robust black currant, anise and coriander are balanced by notes of blood-orange zest and violets. Throughout, a graphite minerality adds to its layered complexity. The flavorful finish leaves lingering notes of vanilla balanced by delicate tannins… Drinking well through 2023.“
2015 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonColumbia ValleyKevin VogtUSAWashington State

QUILCEDA CREEK

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLUMBIA VALLEY

2015 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet SauvignonModeling absolute excellence, very few wines have a track record of mastery as illustrious as Quilceda Creek.  Averaging 98.9 Points from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, over the past 14 vintages, Quilceda Creek’s Estate Cabernet doesn’t just compete with the best wines in the world, it sets the bar for them.  Their Estate Cabernet has also appeared Wine Spectator Top 100 list on five separate occasions and many would credit the winery with putting Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA on the map. Jeb Dunnuck, former critic at Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate has already scored the 2015 a near perfect 99 Points and we don’t expect our allocation to last through the day…
Utilizing 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux, Lake Wallula, Palengat, and Wallula Gap Vineyards this stunning achievement spends 20 months developing in 100% New French oak Barrels.  With greatness immersed so deep, you can literally taste it, the 2015 saturates your palate in voluptuous dark berries, black plum, tobacco, minerals and cocoa. I strongly recommend securing some, while supplies last.  We simply never have enough of this wine to satisfy demand.      
 
QUILCEDA CREEK
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLUMBIA VALLEY
Retails at:  $200.00/btl
 
Your Price:  $189.99/btl
 
From Jeb Dunnuck: “The flagship is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon mostly from Champoux with the balance from Palengat and Wallula vineyards. Crème de cassis, graphite, black licorice, unsmoked tobacco, and hints of chocolate and emerge from this beauty and it continues to gain depth and nuance with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, and layered with an incredible purity and elegance on the palate, it’s already accessible but has more than enough tannin, depth, and balance to evolve for two decades or more.”  99 Points 

 

 
2015 Quilceda Creek Special Mixed Pack
 
 2015 Quilceda Creek CVR Proprietary Red

QUILCEDA CREEK
“SPECIAL MIXED 15-PACK


 
Special Mixed 15-Pack Includes:
 
 
10 Bottles of 2015 Quilceda Creek “CVR” ($69.99/btl)
 
5 Bottles of 2015 Quilceda Creek Cabernet ($189.99/btl)
 
QUILCEDA CREEK
2015 “CVR” RED
COLUMBIA VALLEY
Your Price:  $69.99/btl 
 
2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtMontereySanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MATIAS

2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

 
In winemaking, two can sometimes be better than one…  When combining two of the most iconic vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the tension created between the two sites can create a stunningly complex flavor performance, with the distinctions from each site filling in where the other might not, and in the end balancing each-other out in a way that you can only get from multiple sites.  The 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay is an absolute perfect example.  A remarkable fusion of Sierra Mar and Soberanes fruit, this Chardonnay truly has it all.  We weren’t the only ones that loved it… Robert Parker and the Wine Enthusiast gave this beauty a 90 Point Score.   
The statement about two sometimes being better than one doesn’t just stop at the vineyard.  This sensational Chardonnay was co-authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate… Calling on the talents and expertise from both of them, they’re able to create a Chardonnay that stands out among the rest.  Don’t be fooled by the low price, this Chardonnay tastes like it should be about double the price…
 
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 
 
 
   
“... shows butter, sea salt and caramel on the nose, balanced by tangerine and faint jasmine aromas. The wine is elegant and easy to like, with Meyer lemon and prominent-but-not- overpowering honey butter on the palate, and a pink lemonade touch that carries into the finish.”
 
90 Points
“… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.” 
 
 90 Points 
Customers who enjoy the Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Matias…

 

2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… the 2014 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard is a richer, more substantial effort that gives up lots of ripe apple, citrus blossom and minerality in a medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely balance package. It should keep nicely through 2022.”   91 Points
MATIAS
2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.”  92 Points
2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet

2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

DUCKHORN

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet
When your brand is a moniker for Merlot and your best one also ranks as the #1 wine in the world, it’s the one on everybody’s mind… But wait until you taste their Cabernet… It was an unexpected delight to be floored by how great their Cabernet was.  After all, the winery has been making Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978.  Their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is on an entire new level… With soaring intensity and deep, saturating layers, this wine oozes charm.  It’s created from the winery’s Estate Vineyard and also includes fruit from some of Napa Valley’s top growers.  At under $100/btl this is one of the best Cabernets that I’ve tasted this year, and I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
Created in an ultra-showy and intense style that I love, I wouldn’t be surprised if their Napa Cab gets BIG scores this vintage.  Dramatic, captivating and full-bore are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 which spends 16 months blossoming in oak barrels before release.  If you’re one of the many that loves Duckhorn Merlot, or you simply love top-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn’s 2015 Napa Valley is for you…
 
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
 
Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.“
Cabernet Sauvignon 82% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 6% | Cabernet Franc 2%

 

Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Cabernet, may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “...Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

2013 Chester’s Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

CHESTER’S ANVIL

2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND

2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend
With the price of Napa Cabernet reaching new heights, it feels great to uncover a killer Cabernet Blend at $35 that’s made by a winemaker who’s known for crafting multi-hundred dollar, high-scoring Cabs.   Chester’s Anvil combines the talents Steve Lagier and Carole Meredith, who both worked at Robert Mondavi, and Aaron Pott, who after making Quintessa, embarked on his own label Pott Wines, earning numerous scores in the high 90’s..  One sip and you’ll know you’re into something special… A precision combination of deep, penetrating flavors underlined by a silky embrace.  With a total production of 107 cases, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “...may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years.” This stunning Cabernet Blend spent an impressive 20 months developing in oak, adding a seamless, elegance.  Those of you who’ve tasted any of Chester’s Anvil’s wines know how good they are and have probably already clicked the order button… If you haven’t had a chance to try them, here’s a chance to pick some up at a terrific price.   
 
CHESTER’S ANVIL
2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other kindred grapes. Black currant, blackberry, roasted duck breast, cocoa, coffee, cherry, a rich finish of milk chocolate and cherries.” 107 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Chester’s Anvil’s Hattori Hanzo Blend, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2013 Coho Headwaters Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2013 Titus Napa Valley Malbec
COHO
2013 HEADWATERS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
From James Suckling, “Aromas of black currants with dried leaves and hints of cappuccino. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins, lots of blackberry character, some raisiny notes and a persistent finish…” 
87% Cabernet Sauvignon | 11% Merlot | 2% Petit Verdot
93 Points ~ Number #96
Top 100 Wines of 2016 
TITUS 
2013 MALBEC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake.  
2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Grand Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

GRAND NAPA 2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

 
True to it’s name, the literal definition of Grand is magnificent and imposing in appearance, size, or style.  Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon overachieves in every aspect of it’s own definition.  Magnificent is the quality and focus of this wine; imposing is the large stature of this well-built Reserve Cab; size is the fullness of the mouthfeel and style is what’s really appealing about this wine…  Silky, seductive, intense, balanced all come to mind when tasting the 2016 Reserve.
Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet draws you in with intense aromas of candied blueberries, black cherries, espresso roast, blackberry, camphor, cocoa, graphite and white flowers.  Silky upon entry, the 2016 seductive, rich and structured and is created in a style that you’ll love right out of the bottle, yet has the structure to go 7-10 years.  Composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot and additions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine cascades across your palate and is wrapped with velvety tannins.
 
GRAND NAPA 
2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
Retails at:  $110.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of black cherries laced with minerals, cocoa and hints of espresso erupt from the glass. On the palate, the wine is silky, intense and compelling with candied blueberries, tart cherry, scorched earth and espresso. A bright beam of red plum persists through the finish.”
2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Three Sticks Estate ‘PFV’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNorth CoastPinot NoirSonoma CoastUSA

THREE STICKS 2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE

 
A name that rings synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir is undoubtably Bob Cabral.  Cementing his place in Pinot Noir history while winemaker at Williams Selyem, Bob crafted the 2007 Litton Estate Pinot which Wine Enthusiast awarded a perfect 100 Point Score.  This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 point score from any major wine publication.  After nearly two decades at Williams Selyem, Bob is now the winemaker at a new winery, owned by Bill Price, and they’re beginning to make some serious waves in the Pinot Noir world. Bill Price owns some of California’s most iconic vineyards, including Gap’s Crown and Durell Vineyards which are both ingredients in this brilliant Pinot Noir.  
 
Striking, penetrating, focused and surreal immediately come to mind when tasting this 2015 Pinot Noir.  The PFV Estate Pinot comes from a combination of four distinctly different sites including Gap’s Crown, Walala, Dupont and Durrell.  Expertly guided from grape to bottle by one of California’s most accomplished Pinot Noir makers, you won’t want to wait for the scores to come out on the 2015, because it’ll be too late… 
 
THREE STICKS
2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE
Retails at:  $64.99/btl
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 15%
 
Winery Notes: “This coastal Pinot Noir is a representation of classic cooler climate fruits. The nose bursts from the glass with a fresh blackberry core, and exotic spices of pink peppercorn and cardamom. Consistently bold throughout, this wine has a well balanced structure and prized concentration.”

 

Customers who would enjoy the Three Stick’s PFV Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.” 
 
 93 Points
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost 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 wine’s 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 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset