2016 Keever Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2016 Keever Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

KEEVER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Keever Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Marked by an alliance of elegance, intensity, and balance, Keever Vineyards is a small family estate located on a 6-acre rock-laden hillside Southwest of Yountville. Planted and farmed by renowned viticulturist Jim Barbour, the vineyard sits at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, where the earth has eroded from the slopes over millennia. Guided by taste, not laboratory numbers, the fruit is harvested at the full physiological ripeness and under the guidance of Celia Welch, whom you might recognize from Scarecrow, Barbour, and Dalla Valle. 
 
At Keever, each vineyard block ferments separately and with individual attention, ensuring absolute quality. In the cellar, gentle handling is foremost, supported by gravity flow and vibrating sorting tables where the wine team meticulously inspects every grape, removing any that are less than perfect. 
 
Created with resolute intent on highlighting the best features of each vineyard block and seamlessly blended to represent the highest quality wine possible each year, every decision made at Keever executed with the highest regards to quality. At around $100, this is one of the most undervalued Napa Cabernets. 
 
KEEVER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $135
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“…even better, with an awesome bouquet of sweet cassis, cedarwood, incense, and dried flowers. As with all the wines from Celia Welch, this beauty is impeccably balanced, has medium to full-bodied richness and depth, subtle background oak, and a great finish. It shines for its purity and elegance as well as its depth of fruit and intensity. Drink it over the coming two decades or more.”
95 Points
2018 Paraduxx Proprietary Red Napa Valley By Duckhorn Wine Co.

2018 Paraduxx Proprietary Red Napa Valley By Duckhorn Wine Co.

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

PARADUXX

PROPRIETARY RED
2018 NAPA VALLEY
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.

2018 Paraduxx Proprietary Red Napa Valley By Duckhorn Wine Co.
Paraduxx steadfastly produces showy blends to encapsulate the fascinating character and profound complexity that put Napa Valley on the map. Dan Duckhorn gathered seven unique properties specifically for Paraduxx. He chose them for distinct attributes, reflected in their soil variation, terrain, microclimate, and sun exposure. Brandishing captivation and balance, Paraduxx wines personify Napa Valley terroir and American winemaking freedom. 
 
Winemaker Cardiff Scott-Robinson takes inspiration from the world’s most noble blends, crafting deep, charming reds with a distinct identity. He created this year’s Paraduxx with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, dressed with six other varietals, for added intrigue and personality. 
 
Napa Valley’s 2018 vintage provided temperate weather and abundant hang-time, resulting in the fruit’s fully developed flavors and excellent natural acidity. Once harvested, the grapes were gently pressed and fermented before transferring by gravity to the winery’s barrel rooms, where the wine spent the next 18 months developing in French oak.
 
PARADUXX
PROPRIETARY RED
2018 NAPA VALLEY
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Deep, dark and luxurious, this wine offers alluring aromas of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, currant and cocoa powder, with underlying hints of saddle leather, cinnamon and clove. The voluptuous dark berry notes are echoed on the palate where they are framed by supple tannins and sophisticated layers of anise, vanilla, sweet tobacco leaf and fresh-cracked black pepper, all of which carry the wine to a juicy dark berry finish.”
2017 Alma Rosa Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

2017 Alma Rosa Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastChardonnayKevin VogtSanta BarbaraSanta Rita HillsUSA

ALMA ROSA

2017 CHARDONNAY
STA. RITA HILLS 

2017 Alma Rosa Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

 
Alma Rosa’s story is of an unparalleled wine region with cool Pacific breezes, unique geography, a winery’s commitment to land stewardship, and crafting balanced wines expressing their origin. Top-level winemaking and unwavering standards of excellence merge, resulting in vibrant, layered wines that exude value. Selected as Editors’ Choice with a 93 Point Score by Wine Enthusiast, this $24 Chardonnay is something special. 
 
Winemaker Samra Morris’s skills gleaned as harvest-intern for Thomas Brown and on the cellar team at Michael Mondavi winery are met with consulting winemaker Tony Biagi’s decades of experience at Paraduxx, Plumpjack, Cade, and Hourglass.
 
Ample winter rain and a warm 2017 growing season yielded powerfully complex Chardonnay in Santa Barbara, as noted by the Wine Spectator. Alma Rosa’s version sports a wide range of tropical fruits, rich texture, and balance far exceeding expectations at its value price.
 
ALMA ROSA
2017 CHARDONNAY
STA. RITA HILLS
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“Especially for an appellation blend, this is a wondrous, regionally indicative bottling, starting with clean and fresh aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear and lime pith. There’s a flashy sizzle of acidity on the sip, where lily and honeysuckle flavors meet with kiwi and restrained guava, wrapped up in a delicate texture.”
93 Points, Editors’ Choice
2018 Panther Creek Pinot Noir De Ponte Vineyard Dundee Hills

2018 Panther Creek Pinot Noir De Ponte Vineyard Dundee Hills

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSA

PANTHER CREEK

2018 PINOT NOIR
DE PONTE VINEYARD
DUNDEE HILLS 

2018 Panther Creek Pinot Noir De Ponte Vineyard Dundee Hills
Panther Creek crafts their Pinot Noir from the soil up, with the earth as the defining factor, drawing the blueprint for each of the wines they produce. Their Dundee Hills Pinot Noir arose from red clay-loam and volcanic soils that run from the ground straight through your glass, articulating its origin by balancing tart black cherry with lush raspberry, wild spices, and dried flowers. Once you see who’s making the wine and our price, the only question will be whether a single case will be enough. 
 
Tony Rynders, the winemaker at Panther Creek, has been immersed in Oregon Pinot Noir for two decades. He began his career under the tutelage of Ken Wright and later spent a decade at Domaine Serene, crafting their highly acclaimed Pinots. 
 
De Ponte Vineyard consists of South facing vines grown at 625 feet elevation centered in the Dundee Hills Appellation. Widely praised for their dense red fruits, intense floral aromas, and a hint of minerality, Pinot Noir from De Ponte is unmistakable. Panther’s Creek version expressively embodies the vineyard’s potential, and at $36, I couldn’t be any more enthusiastic about it.
 
PANTHER CREEK
2018 PINOT NOIR
DE PONTE VINEYARD
DUNDEE HILLS
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“This supple, penetrating beauty begins with a nose with black cherries, white pepper, baking spices, and hints of vanilla. It is rich and concentrated with supple Mountain blackberries, pomegranate, cherry cola, and strawberries on the finish and is a silky, hedonistic pleasure to enjoy.”
93 Points
2018 Lobo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Lobo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

LOBO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

2018 Lobo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Founded on farming first and foremost, Lobo’s Oak Knoll Vineyard’s high-density planting, aggressive pruning, and idyllic terroir caught the eye of great winemakers like Randy Lewis from the get-go. Calling on Mario Bazan’s 30 years of experience managing vineyards like OPUS ONE, To-Kalon, and Stags Leap, Lobo positioned themselves for a seamless transition from selling grapes to becoming a boutique winery making ridiculously high-quality wines. 
 
Lobo winemaker Victoria Coleman is well-rounded in her skillset, working alongside Erick Tourbier at Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Jade Valley Winery in China. Her exposure to Old-World winemaking technique resonated and manifested in the elegantly balanced, terroir expressive wines she produces. 
 
Raised under the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountains, Lobo Vineyard’s well-drained gravelly loam and micro-climate cooler than the neighboring Yountville produces Cabernet Sauvignon fruit of dynamic complexity. Their 2018 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted in a style that melds balance and enchantment, power and grace, and at less than $100, this wine is stunningly impressive. 
 
LOBO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $75
 
 
 
“A savoury and spice-driven nose of tobacco leaves, underbrush and earl grey tea. Tender red fruits and zesty acidity provide a delicious lift to the finish, where the tannins and edgy but pleasing. A delicious Cabernet at a relative value…”
92 Points
 
“… More beauty than beast with nose of meadow flowers and red berry fruit, it offers lush, pretty flavors of red currant, cherry, pomegranate, black raspberry and allspice. An elegant and sensual wine that promises wonderful aging potential and is ready to enjoy when you are.”
2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainNapaUSA

KAMEN

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 

2018 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District
Kamen Estate was masterfully scripted by Robert Kamen and plot with renowned viticulturist Phil Coturri and winemaker Mark Herold. Set in the Southern Mayacamas mountains where cutting-edge grape growing meets skilled winemaking, resulting in this timeless classic. Perennially high-scoring, Kamen’s 2018 Estate Cabernet is riveting from start to finish, and at around $100, this is a blockbuster you won’t want to miss. 
 
Talented screenwriter Robert Kamen wrote several classics, including; The Karate Kid series, Fifth Element, Transporter series, A Walk in the Clouds, Lethal Weapon III…
 
Carved into volcanic-lava and nutrient deficient soils at 1100′ to 1450′ elevation, Kamen’s Vineyard produces powerfully expressive, story-telling fruit. Directed by Mark Herold, whose Doctorate in Ecology and vast experience crafting some of California’s top wines is unmissable in this wine.
 
KAMEN
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“Offers alluring warm plum sauce and crushed açaí berry aromas and flavors that move through this with focus despite the rather lush feel. Subtle alder and sage accents line the finish, with a nice underpinning of iron. Distinctive in feel and profile. Drink now through 2030.”
93 Points
2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastSonoma MountainUSA

A. VILORIA

2018 PINOT NOIR
BLACK KNIGHT VINEYARD
SONOMA COAST

2018 A. Viloria Pinot Noir Black Knight Vineyard Sonoma Coast
As the wine buyer at Willi’s Wine Bar, self-taught winemaker Anthony Viloria’s connections with local growers planted the seed for conceiving his brand. This inside scoop of hidden vineyards was advantageous in laying the groundwork for his brand’s success, furthered by a deep commitment to limited production and hands-off winemaking. Pinot Noir’s most significant values can often come from the small, undiscovered producers, and A Viloria is a perfect example. 
 
Anthony sourced his Pinot Noir from Black Knight Vineyard, located in the foothills between Taylor and Sonoma Mountains. He chose the site for its proximity to the gap between the two Mountains and the tunnel of cooling air and maritime winds that are ideal for slowly ripening Pinot Noir and maintaining balanced acidity.
 
Combining four unique clonal selections, A Viloria Pinot Noir elaborates its complexity delicately, subtly escalating in intensity while remaining perfectly balanced from start to finish. The wine is delectable at its $45 retail price but irresistible at $24.
 
A. VILORIA
2018 PINOT NOIR
BLACK KNIGHT VINEYARD
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
“The A Viloria Black Knight Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 begins with a fresh nose of mixed red berries, delicate florals, and hints of spice. On the palate, it is elegant with ripe raspberries, black tea, and bright red fruits. The mouth-quenching finish leaves you wanting more.”
91 Points
 
“Dark juicy raspberries, black cherries & minty blueberry. Medium bodied, fresh and lively on the palate with soft tannins and a long fruit driven finish. 70 Cases Produced”
2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

INGLENOOK 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 RUTHERFORD

2016 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Inglenook’s first harvest was in 1882, and they created one of Napa Valley’s earliest gravity-flow wineries in 1887. Recognized for producing richly captivating, classically styled, and texturally pleasing wines, they’re the 5th oldest winery in Napa Valley. Located on the Rutherford Bench, their vineyards neighbor sites like Morisoli, Scarecrow, and BV. Vinous writes that the wine “impresses in the way it balances intensity and detail,” which is a signature of some of the world’s best wines. 
 
Francis Ford Coppola made vital enhancements to the Estate in the late 1970s when he purchased the property, propelling the winemaking to new heights. Frances hired André Tchelistcheff, one of America’s most influential winemakers, to consult at the Estate. 
 
Cut from Chateau, Cohn, Red Barn, Creek, Small Block, and Walnut Vineyards, this wine is classically Rutherford and embodies the perfect mix of drama, charisma, and antiquity. The main character is Cabernet Sauvignon at 82%, supported by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec.
 
INGLENOOK 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $100
 
Your Price: $65
 
 
“Inglenook’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has turned out beautifully. Savory and exquisitely layered, with striking aromatic nuance, the 2016 has so much to offer. Dark black cherry, tobacco, cedar, grilled herbs and licorice are finely sketched. More than anything else, the 2016 impresses in the way it balances intensity and detail. And of course, it is absolutely delicious…”
95 Points
 
“…It has a classic, Saint Julien-like bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco lead, damp earth, and spice that gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Cabernet that hits all the right marks… Drink this stunner any time over the coming 20 years or more.”
94 Points
 
“Beautiful aromas of ripe cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants and perfume that follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a pretty long finish. Shows poise and polish. Drink in 2021.”
94 Points
2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoMendocino RidgePetite SirahUSA

PORTALUPI 

2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD

2018 Portalupi Petite Sirah L Venturi Vineyard
Portalupi Winery specializes in site-specific wines made from exotic varieties. Winemaker Tim Portalupi has 40 years of experience, and he uses his skillset to give unorthodox varietals a voice that transcends the status quo. He made his 94 Point Petite Sirah from the L Venturi Vineyard in a deeply enchanting style that’s rich in supple fruits, intriguing complexity, with soft, velvety tannins. At this price, it’s an otherworldly value that’ll further the following of this remarkable grape and bring attention to this incredible vineyard. 
 
Tim sourced his Petite Sirah from the organically farmed L Venturi Vineyard in Mendocino, which he chose for its unique climate that creates a balance between acidity and tannins. The half-century-old vines are dry-farmed in well-drained Pinole gravelly loam soils and produce fruit with an intense sense of place. 
 
Tim ages his Petite Sirah in American oak barrels, which he believes better settles the inherent acidity of the Petite Sirah grape. The 2018 vintage underwent a complete 100% Malolactic fermentation which results in rich, supple fruit and layers of complexity.
 
PORTALUPI 
2018 PETITE SIRAH
L VENTURI VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This full-bodied wine is serious, powerful and age-worthy. The warm layer of fine-grained tannins that cloaks the enticing woodsmoke, game and blackberry flavors now will melt with time and bring out even more complexity. Best from 2025.”
94 Points
2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

LA PITCHOUNE

2017 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST

2017 La Pitchoune Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
La Pitchoune Winery’s minuscule size is their most significant asset; Inspired by a small home in the South of France, La Pitchoune means “the little one.” On a small scale, exploiting winemaker Andrew Berge’s Master’s degree in Agriculture and deep understanding of geography, soil, and vines comes naturally, as deep personal connections cultivate with some of the area’s top growers. Their 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay effortlessly articulates famous vineyard sites with the perfect blend of opulence, buttery characteristics, and refreshing balance. 
 
Combining grand-cru equivalent sites, Pratt and Falcon Crest Vineyards, La Pitchoune’s 2017 La Révolte encompasses a unique clonal mix of Wente, Wente-Hyde, Robert Young, and Mt. Eden brilliantly. 
 
Andrew Berge ages this Chardonnay for 18 months in French oak, mindfully watching over each of the 11 barrels, steadfast on the final result exposing Sonoma Coast’s notorious Goldridge soils and Pacific influence.
 
LA PITCHOUNE
2017 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“A hazy, golden-green color introduced this very special California Chardonnay. Hand-crafted using old-world techniques and style it is barrel-fermented in 100% French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this wine exudes impeccable balance. Aromas of lemon curd and orange blossoms intermingled with croissants and wet stones. Flavors of Mirabelle plums, blood-orange zest and Gravenstein apple are heightened by a hint of anise and salty minerality. The crisp, persistent finish carries through to the next sip. Drink now or over the next 5-8 years.”