2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa. 
Gamba always crafts stunningly rich, wonderfully articulate Zinfandel that stems from ancient vines planted in 1900 and yields just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit.  Unsurprisingly, many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world.  With another steep decline in production, I strongly recommend securing a case, before it’s too late. 
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winemaker notes: “The 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel has elegant, violet, dried herb and inviting cherry aromas. The mouthfeel is savory and full, complete with subtle notes of sweet red cherry, tobacco, brown butter, and a delicious streak of baked dark fruits, making for a complex wine that’s enjoyable from start to finish. Ripe raspberry, cherry, and a delicious spicy undercurrent work together seamlessly to provide complexity and bold waves of persistent flavor.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Old Vine Estate Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2015 Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel

 
 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….”   90-93 Points
TONTI
2014 RESERVE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 
2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

SAILOR’S GRAVE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Some of my favorite wine discoveries are those that naturally go on to sell hundreds of cases in just a couple vintages.  It’s a concrete affirmation proving that what we felt when we first tasted the wine resonated and was felt by almost everyone who tries it.  Sailor’s Grave’s Napa Valley Cabernet did just that.  And with its origins in Yountville, Oakville and Chiles Valley, combined with a price-point that makes you smile, it was the quality of the wine that propelled constant re-orders… to the tune of several hundred cases sold in only 2 vintages.  Everybody who’s tasted this wine knows how great of a value it is and for those who haven’t, it’s not too late.  At 25% below the winery retail you may want to stock up on this new vintage before it also sails away.  
Inspired by Matthew Pozzan’s grandfather, a Merchant Marine who traveled around the world visiting exotic ports.  At each port, a new tattoo would symbolize the struggles that he’d been through. The 2015 unfurls intense aromas of black raspberries, spring flowers, espresso roast, black chocolates.  Washing over the palate with dark berries, creme de cassis and camphor, deliciously governed by the wines voluptuous, rich texture.  Kept for 20 months in oak barrels, magnificent flavors cascade over your palate and tattoo a lasting impression in your mind…
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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YOU SAVE 25% 
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2015 Sailor’s Grave is Napa Valley Cabernet in its purest expression. Aromas leap out of the glass – tobacco, cassis, blueberries, and bright red cherry. The mouth is creamy and expansive, with layers of boysenberry, milk chocolate covered cherries, and Tahitian vanilla bean. The palate is truly finessed, with a lovely integration of French oak to the wine’s structure and flavor. The sweet smoke of lightly charred oak lingers throughout the lengthy finish.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 90% | Malbec 5% | Petite Sirah 3%| Petit Verdot 2% 

 

 

Customers that enjoy Sailor’s Grave Napa Valle Cabernet  may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sparkman Holler Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
One of my favorite results that comes from tasting a new wine, is one that makes me do a double-take simply because the taste exceeds my expectations for the price.  The 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet made me do just that.  Performing well above its weight class for value Napa Cabernet, this undisputed champion hailing from Napa Valley dances inside a tightly wound core, threaded with chocolate covered cherries, blackcurrants, unground coffee bean and cedar spice.
SPARKMAN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 HOLLER
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
Sparking an intense love affair with Washington Wines with just a single taste, when we first offered Sparkman’s 2013 Holler Cabernet two years ago we knew it would induce one of those where have you been all my life moments…  Later that year it went on to rank #21 in the world on the Wine Spectator Top 100 and even outscored icons like Screaming Eagle at more than 25 times its price. 
2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

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

CROSSBARN

2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS

2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
The short-list of the world’s top consulting winemakers is small, and many would argue that Paul Hobbs should be at the top.  To me, the most clear-cut reason for him being there is simply that people love his wines…  Forbes calls Paul the Steve Jobs of wine, referencing his ardent exactitude of winemaking and he’s clearly one of the most innovative and gifted winemakers.  The Forbes article also notes, that Hobbs was twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker.  While we offer many wines that Paul Hobbs touches, we don’t often have the opportunity to feature one of his own… This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
Created in a deep, plush and penetrating style, and sourced from a selection of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the 2015 Crossbarn Pinot is really easy to love.  This is a wonderful introduction to Paul Hobbs wines and at $36/btl and ground shipping included on 15, don’t miss it.   
 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
Your Price:   $36/btl
 
 
“Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of crushed black and red cherries with hints of game, mossy tree bark and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors, framed by velvety tannins, finishing with great purity.”  90 Points 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is plump, juicy and forward, with tons of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and spice notes. Succulent and racy, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains juicy.”  90 Points
“… Aromas of crushed violet, Chinese tea, ripe raspberry, currant and musk are seamlessly echoed on a silky yet structured palate resplendent with wild berry, fresh cherry, blood orange and a hint of spice. A long, energetic finish turns somewhat nostalgic with the reminiscence of warm, tart, cherry pie.”  92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
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
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
2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSA

ENOS 

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

“Incomum” is defined as uncommon or unusual, and the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Enos is just that… Uncommon is finding a $75 Napa Valley Cabernet  that drinks as great as this wine. Unusual is the unique set of flavors and nuances that have resonated with so many of you. It’s become one of our most loved and reordered wines and now that this vintage is almost gone, I wanted to give you one last opportunity to order some before it completely disappears. Robert Parker predicts the wine will be “reasonably long lived given its bright acidity, but it’s delicious now as well….”
 
Enticing you with a burst of pure, super-ripe fruit, laced with bay leaf, black cherry, cigar tobacco, blackberry tart, incense and plenty of crème de cassis, this wine is singing right now.  Authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate, the 2012 Enos Incomum cascades over your palate with massive fruit and terrific clarity, as wave after wave of pure red fruits, crème de cassis, graphite and earth tease your palate with an infinite loop of vibrant flavors.  I highly recommend a case… 
 
ENOS 
2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “With a tantalizing nose that pulls you in, this complex and penetrating expression has an unusual depth yet a sultry elegance combined with a laser like clarity.  It is a fresh and vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon that offers sweet black cherries, cassis berries, Spring flowers, pencil lead and sweet vanilla. It is also deep, powerful and penetratingly expansive with a finish that lasts over a minute.” 
94 Points, Master Sommelier Kevin M. Vogt
2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt HelenaUSA

BERNARD MAGREZ

BECKSTOFFER DR. CRANE
2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet SauvignonThe synchronicity between esteemed winemaker Benoit Touquette and Beckstoffer’s iconic Dr. Crane Vineyard is powerful and absolutely indisputable… Benoit is responsible for multiple 100 points from this very vineyard as the winemaker at Realm.  And as one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated heritage vineyards, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane produced single vineyard Cabernets from Paul Hobbs, Realm and Myriad to list a few.  Nearly all Cabernet from this hallowed ground ranges from $175 to over $500/btl…
Saturating, intense, generous, lovely… these would all be perfect descriptors for the 2011 Bernard Magrez.  There’s also something magical that often happens right around five years in the bottle.  This wine has a fully developed, intense and hedonistic bouquet that can only come from bottle age.  It has focused, powerful intensity and scrumptious texture, that has to be experienced to be believed.   I strongly recommend adding some of this gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon to your cellar. 
 
BERNARD MAGREZ
BECKSTOFFER DR. CRANE
2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $175/btl
 
 
From Vinous: “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard from Bernard Magrez is another impressive wine for the year. Long, persistent and intense, the 2011 stands out for its focus and energy. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, sweet French oak and leather flow through to the layered, finish. The sweet, floral notes so typical of the 337 Cabernet clone present in Dr. Crane ring out on the finish.” 92 Points
 
Customers that enjoy the Bernard Magrez Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet, may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
 
2010 Harris Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Jones Family The Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon
HARRIS ESTATE
2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JAKE’S CREEK VINEYARD
Retails at:  $140.00/btl
Your Price: $119.99/btl 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Dark cherries, plums, menthol, licorice and flowers all come together in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Jake’s Creek Vineyard. There is plenty of intensity in the glass as this full-bodied, opulent wine shows off its considerable personality. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. Readers will have to be patient with the 2010 Jake’s Creek, but it is striking, even today. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.”   94 Points
JONES FAMILY 
2013 THE SISTERS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
With nearly two dozen perfect 100 Point wines, Thomas Brown is a dominating force in Cabernet Sauvignon and he’s truly at the top of his game Packed with supple, concentrated red cherry, deep black raspberry, pomegranate, graphite and a touch of sweet vanilla oak, this absolutely ready to drink Cabernet will thrill you from first sip to last. The vineyard is managed by Jim Barbour, one of the absolute top viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like  Hundred Acre, Grace Family and Barbour to list a few…
2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

ALMA de CATTLEYA

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY 

Immeasurable talent… gifted… Midas touch… These would all be fitting descriptors of winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave.  Her artistry has allowed her to climb the ranks and become winemaker at Pahlmeyer… She’s also made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France.  Bibiana applies her vast skill-set and remarkable abilities and crafts wines that exceed all expectations… This Sauvignon Blanc Leaps feverishly from the glass with a spectacular aromatic display of exotic mangos, lime leaves, caramelized grapefruit and honeyed pear and is absolutely stunning. Her new Alma de Cattleya label is rapidly increasing in popularity with each cork pulled, setting the bar for what can be achieved at this realistic price level. 
 
Arising from methodically selected vineyards centered primarily in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, this beautiful interpretation of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc was authored using the same exacting standards as the Cattleya single vineyard wines, which retail for around $70/btl.  Fermented on it’s lees for six months, the 2017 graces your palate with energy and absolute focus.  If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, clean and energized Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for Spring and Summer… Time to stock up.
 
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $19.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This Sauvignon Blanc is a true expression of the influence of the Pacific Ocean breezes in Sonoma County’s grape growing region. Zesty and bright, the exceptional intensity of lemon zest, grapefruit, verbena, lemongrass and citrus blossoms aromatics are an impressive aperture to a gorgeous mouthfeel with centered acidity and a luscious finish. Enjoy now until 2022.”
 
Customers who enjoy Alma de Cattleya’s Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…

  

2017 Picayune Napa County Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Farella Coombsville Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY & 
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $20.99/btl 
 
Taking things to the next level with their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit.  Picayune is a stand-out in affordable, premium quality Sauvignon Blanc, and originates from declassified barrels from top Sauvignon Blanc producers around Napa and Sonoma Counties, and retails for just a fraction of the price.
FARELLA
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $23.99/btl 
 
In a world where clarity is hard to find, I will say with absolute clarity that you’d be hard pressed to find a better Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc at anywhere near this price.  Tom Farella’s 2016 Estate La Luce Sauvignon Blanc has mesmerizing nuances of almost Loire Valley-like honeydew melon, tangerine and honeyed grapefruit that flow from the glass in an exquisite perfume. 
2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY 

 
If rich, deep and extracted Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t pique your interest,  add to it a 93-95 Point Score from Robert Parker and a legendary winemaker like Dick Arrowood, this wine should be edging towards the top of the list. Stunningly long and complex, this wine simply pops on your palate with an explosion of lingering flavors.  The grapes were sourced from the Amapola Creek Estate Vineyard which borders the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, made famous by Ridge in the 1960’s…  It was expertly authored by renowned winemaker Dick Arrowood who rocketed to fame crafting some of Sonoma’s most notable wines, including Chateau St. Jean from 1974 through 1990.
 
Created from a collection of various vineyard blocks, diversity is what truly sets this wine apart. After resting for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine is made in an approachable style that will immediately bring a smile to your face, but also promises to age gracefully for the next 10-15 years.  This 95 point Cabernet will take you to that happy place, so you’ll want to order this wine by the case… 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…Containing 7% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and youthfully reticent nose, offering glimpses at blackberry and black plum notes over pencil shavings, garrigue, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied and packed with black fruits and earthy flavors, it is built like a brick house with a solid frame of firm, ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”   93-95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Amapola Creek’s Estate Cabernet may also enjoy these two outstanding Cabs…
2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.
GRASSI
2014 SHINER SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl 
Grassi’s 6 barrel production of their 2014 Shiner Series  Cabernet is incredibly fabulous and lucky for consumers, it also comes in at around $30/btl below their Estate Cabernet… It’s brought to life by Robbie Meyer, whose experience includes 5 vintages at the iconic Peter Michael Winery, as well as time at Lewis Cellars, Jericho Canyon and Del Dotto to list a few…
2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite’s Rest Vineyard

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BLACK KITE

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD

 
In a word, it’s exhilarating…  The aromas give you a rush like taking off in a 747… The plush, velvety core makes you feel like you’re sitting back in comfy leather seats… The finish is like landing safely in paradise, with memories of the ride bringing a smile to your face.  Black Kite is one of California’s rising star Pinot producers, whom the Pinot Report alerted readers that they “burst on the scene with outstanding wines.” We elevated their 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as our pick for wine-of-the-year in 2016 and their 2014 Kite’s Rest flies at an even higher level. 
Lifting spirits high into the rising thermals of Pinot Noir bliss, Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir offers a rush of dark berries, minerals and wild rose, and it seduces you with each swirl. Absolutely thrilling to taste, this devine Pinot Noir was authored by Jeff Gaffner, who is responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you’ve tasted any of their earlier vintages, you’ve probably already clicked the order button… if not, and you’d like to try one of California’s best examples of Pinot Noir, don’t hesitate too long, because there’s never enough of this Pinot to go around…    
 
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 10% 
 
 
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

 

Customers that enjoy Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 TROMBETTA PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
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
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
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
2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

RED MARE

2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County
With everything you would want in a world-class California Chardonnay, Red Mare’s 2014 emerges from the famed Dutton Ranch Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Fruit from Dutton Ranch has gone to top producers like Kistler, Patz & Hall, & DuMOL…  This one was expertly guided from grape to bottle by Anne Vawter, who’s experience includes assistant winemaker at Paradigm Winery in Oakville for four years, under the leadership of legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett. 
 
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.  
 
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “True to the vintage with intense aromatic notes of ripe pear, rose petals, tropical flowers and warm honeycomb. This wine is a complex interplay of rich and warm contrasting with bright and fresh showing vanilla wafer, white cake, nougat along with lemon peel and asian pear. In the mouth, a long, slow, malolactic fermentation, lees stirring and barrel aging in small french oak barrels brings a rich and complex mouthfeel balanced with classic Russian River Valley acids to carry through to a warm, creamy finish.”
2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

KEEVER

2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red2013 INSPIRADO
PROPRIETARY RED

When I first tasted Keever’s 2013 Inspirado (Inspired) for the first time, to say that I was inspired by the quality would be an incredible understatement.  A better name would have been Infatuated, because that’s exactly how I felt after trying this wine.  With a resonant finish that lasts longer than nearly any wine that I’ve ever tasted at this price point, and expansive flavors so deep and compelling, that they leave you thinking about the wine for days after tasting it, this is a wine that you simply shouldn’t miss…  It’s authored by Celia Welch, (Scarecrow, D.R. Stephens, Barbour, Dalla Valle…)  And just in case you may not be familiar with Celia’s artistry, a testament to Celia’s winemaking ability is the fact that she made 5 cases of 2012 Scarecrow that sold for a record $260,000 at the Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction… 
 
Checking in at 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by additions of Merlot and Malbec, the 2013 Inspirado saturates your taste buds in otherworldly levels of opulence. And while there are a lot of great Napa Valley Cabernet based wines available at under $100/btl, few approach this level of quality.  I have a strong suspicion that the critic’s will feel the same, and I simply wouldn’t wait for the scores to come out…  It will be too late… 
 
KEEVER
2013 INSPIRADO
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $74.99/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Aromas of dark purple berries, mulling spices, toasted hazelnuts and wild anise waft from the glass when one swirls this ripe, complex Bordeaux-style blend.  On the palate, the wine shows a texture of dark chocolate; thick and rich with just enough textural grip to add a sense of youth to the finish.  Multi-layered sensations of toast, vanilla, ripe fruit and mineral notes weave themselves through the palate impression, with a lingering sense of ripe, intense cassis.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 87% | Merlot 11% | Malbec 2%
 
Customers who enjoy Keever’s Inspirado may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2013 Jones Family The Sisters Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Dancing Hares Napa Valley Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
JONES FAMILY 
2013 THE SISTERS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
With nearly two dozen perfect 100 Point wines, Thomas Brown is a dominating force in Cabernet Sauvignon and he’s truly at the top of his game Packed with supple, concentrated red cherry, deep black raspberry, pomegranate, graphite and a touch of sweet vanilla oak, this absolutely ready to drink Cabernet will thrill you from first sip to last. The vineyard is managed by Jim Barbour, one of the absolute top viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like  Hundred Acre, Grace Family and Barbour to list a few…  
DANCING HARES
2015 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $59.99/btl