2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary RedSouth Africa

RUSTENBERG 

2014 JOHN X MERRIMAN 
BORDEAUX BLEND
SIMONSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA

2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend South Africa

 
There are many reasons why South Africa has some of the most unique terroirs anywhere in the world. The iconic Stellenbosch Mountains have soils that are approximately 600 million years old, which is more than three times older than the soils in Napa Valley. The wines of Stellenbosch can often show interesting mineral notes from the decomposed granite soils, and when done right, they can be extraordinary. I’ve been searching for the right South African wine to bring into the shop, and we recently found it in Rustenberg’s 2014 John X Merriman Bordeaux Blend, Simonsberg. At $28, this is a stunning bottle of wine.   
 
Rustenberg was founded in 1682, and the wine team makes its flagship John X Merriman Bordeaux styled blend in honor of a former owner who played a vital role in revitalizing the Estate. The blend is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and in 2014 it encompasses all of Bordeaux’s top 5 grapes. 
 
The Estate vines climb the red slopes of Simonsberg, and the winery monitors each block independently for acid/pH levels, natural sugars and flavors, before vinifying the blocks separately. The final blend is a stunning representation of the Estate, and at $28, don’t miss getting this delightful wine. 
 
RUSTENBERG 
2014 JOHN X MERRIMAN 
BORDEAUX BLEND
SIMONSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $28
 
 
“The 2014 John X Merriman is the spiciest vintage to date according to Murray Barlow, due to the cooler growing season that did not go past 30 degrees Celsius during the season. Matured in 35% new oak for 20 months, that spice-box element does percolate through the red berry fruit on the nose, touches of bay leaf and melted tar emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin on the entry, a fine seam of acidity, grippy and quite assertive at first, but calmer towards the finish with that long spicy/pepper tail on the aftertaste. Give this 2-3 years in bottle. This is discretely classy even if it is just missing that “X” factor.” 90 Points
2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma County

2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma County

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

WORKS AND DAYS

2016 PINOT NOIR
HILL JUSTICE VINEYARD
SONOMA COUNTY

2016 Works and Days Pinot Noir Hill Justice Vineyard Sonoma CountyI often hear about a winemaker’s hands-off approach to winemaking, but one of many things that struck me about Cabell Coursey’s winemaking is his hands-on approach. He believes that the more time spent in the vineyard directly results in better wine. He also picks early and ferments longer, which is a technique that he learned in Burgundy, and it creates balanced wines with fruit, acidity, and tannin. Once you taste it, I’m confident that it’s a wine that you’ll want to enjoy a lot more of in the future. 

Inspired by Burgundy, Cabell learned winemaking from the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. Then he honed his skills in New Zealand and the Willamette Valley before working at iconic producers DuMOL and Kosta Browne.
 
The Hill Justice Vineyard is perched at 1100 feet on Sonoma Mountain, and the rocky, red-soils are rich in clay and produce exceptional quality fruit. The Swiss clonal selection is rare in California but thrives in the extreme environment. If you love Pinot Noir, you should try this beauty before its days are done.
 
WORKS AND DAYS
2016 PINOT NOIR
HILL JUSTICE VINEYARD
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
 
 
“Lavender aromatics accent a delicately built body that develops intensity as it opens. Asian spice, white pepper and toasted oak burnish on the palate before settling into a soft rounded finish of dark cherry.” 91 Points
2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel

MIKE AND MOLLY

2017 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD

2017 Mike and Molly Zinfandel R.W. Moore VineyardThe only thing deeper than the roots of the ancient vines in the 1905 planted R.W. Moore Vineyard, is the combined family ties in the Napa Valley wine industry of Mike & Molly Hendry. Mike’s grandparents purchased 120 acres at the base of Mount Veeder in the 1930s, where the Hendry Winery sits today, and Molly grew up visiting her uncle Bill at his R.W. Moore Vineyard, which Turley and Biale fans recognize. 

The historic R.W. Moore Vineyard is located in Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region and is an entirely dry-farmed vineyard, where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation. The vines are a field blend of approximately 95% Zinfandel intermixed with Petite Sirah, Carignane, Mourvedre, and Mourtaou. 
 
The wine team made the 2017 vintage in a richly elegant, enchanting style that envelopes your palate in plush dark fruits, satiny tannins, and compelling spice notes. At $36, this Old Vine Zinfandel is an absolute joy.
 
MIKE AND MOLLY
2017 ZINFANDEL
R.W. MOORE VINEYARD
Retails at: $40
 
 
 
 
“This graceful wine is aged in French oak, one-third of it new. Brambly, rich red fruit remains lifted and structured on the palate, alongside a grip of baking spice, black pepper and leather.” 91 Points
 
 
 
“A blend of 95% Zinfandel and 1% each of Petite Sirah, Carignan and Mourvèdre as well as 2% of the rare Cabernet Pfeffer. In some years it shows red fruits like raspberry and cherry; in others, dark fruits like black cherries and blackberries. The vines are dry-farmed, giving small, peppery, intense berries. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028” 91 Points
2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancKevin VogtMerlotNapaProprietary RedUSA

LATERAL 

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa ValleyLateral is a wine inspired by the Bordeaux region of St. Emilion and influenced by the interplay and tension created between Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Proprietor Marty Mathis, whom you might recognize from his super high-scoring Kathryn Kennedy wines, decided to showcase how each of these iconic grapes can harmonize to compliment yet contrast each other way that’s different from other Bordeaux style blends, and the results simply have to be tasted.  

 
Lateral’s 2016 vintage slants towards cooler-climate, expressive vineyards, primarily located in the Southern portion of Napa Valley. On the palate, it’s a highly detailed wine with spiced red fruits, wild mint, rock minerals, rose and cocoa dusted plum. 
 
A stunning example of just how inspiring Right Bank influenced blends from Napa Valley can be, Marty loves to showcase the lush textures and richness of Merlot entirely opposing the aromatic qualities and structure of Cabernet Franc.  At under $40, you might grab a case quickly, before this deal goes sideways.
 
LATERAL 
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
 
“Very deep dark royal purple color. Classic Bordeaux style nose with tobacco leaf herb notes and dark brooding black berry aromas plus hints of cherry cream candies. Ideal amounts of subtle creamy oak barrel influences. Soft ripe plums, vanilla cream and loamy earth notes are complex and very inviting. Fresh but rich in the mouth (like so many wines of 2016), lithe and elegant mouth-feel leads to cranberry, minerals and dark cocoa flavors. Tannins are still youthful and acid balance portends well for cellar development; This is a bigger style of LATERAL to be en- joyed now and over a longer period of years”  67% Merlot | Cabernet Franc 33%
2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

LIMERICK LANE

2018 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

 
When a winery employs the right combination of talent and drive, the sky is the limit… Limerick Lane is owned by fourth-generation winemaker Jake Bilbro who grew up at his father’s Marietta Cellars, where he spent 16 years running the winery with his dad. The wines are made by Chris Pittenger, who gained first-hand experience working at iconic wineries Biale, Torbreck, Marcassin, and Williams-Selyem. The delicious result is in each bottle of this impressive 95 Point Russian River Zinfandel.
 
Limerick Lane’s Russian River Zinfandel at the core is a field blend, which includes ancient Zinfandel vines interplanted with other rare varieties like Pelousin and Negrette. The fruit is co-fermented and offers unparalleled power, depth, and stunning definition.  
 
The 2018 was built around a base of Estate fruit and includes grapes from Sodini, which Bedrock and Carlisle fans might recognize. The vintage also perfectly balances fruit from Webber, Katz-Ponzo & Banfield Vineyards. The result is a brilliant wine that Zinfandel fans will be rejoicing over for years to come.
 
LIMERICK LANE
2018 ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“The 2018 Zinfandel Russian River Estate shows the quality of the vintage beautifully. Classic black and blue fruits, violets, peppery herbs, and spiced orange zest notes all emerge from the glass, and this puppy hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges, a seamless texture, and just everything in the right places. Flawlessly balanced and already a joy to drink, it’s going to keep for 10-12 years in cold cellars.” 95 Points
2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPP RANCH

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

 

Some of the most memorable Chardonnays offer a brilliant play between tension and elegance. Rapp Ranch’s 2017 Napa Chardonnay is a stunning example and arose from two different sites that work beautifully together, and harmoniously accentuate the best qualities from one another. This liquid gold was also made by Rudy Zuidema, whom you might recognize as the winemaker for Mastery.

 
The 2017 vintage intertwines fruit from the Truchard Vineyard, which lies just up the hill from Lee Hudson’s Vineyard, as well as the Poseidon Vineyard, which sits directly on the Napa Valley Marina. The Truchard block sits between Far Niente and Nickel and Nickle’s rows and contributes the incredibly opulent and expressive fruit. 
 
The Poseidon Vineyard is planted in clay soils and contributes an electric acidity that lifts the richer fruit from Truchard. It’s the power and muscle behind the pure and delicious Truchard fruit. This beauty is simply one of my favorite Napa Chardonnays that I’ve tasted this year. With 232 cases made, don’t wait to stake your claim. 
 
RAPP RANCH
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at: $40
 
Your Price: $36
Click to Order
 
 
 
“The Rapp Ranch Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of grace and elegance from the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley. Golden straw in color, the aromas of Asian pear, oats and French vanilla ice cream remind you of an inviting warm cobbler. The rich and round mouthfeel coats your palate with flavors of candied citrus, macadamia nuts, and cinnamon. A beautiful balance of weight and acid, this wine is sure to disappear quickly!”
2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

V12

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

After a fast-paced racing career, growing premium grapes seems to go hand-and-hand. Just look at what Randy Lewis and Mario Andretti have accomplished. Indy-car Champion Jimmy Vassar owns V12, and he brings to his wine the same focus and determination needed to be a successful race car driver. And wait until you see where his vineyard is… 
 
The V12 Estate Vineyard is on Soda Canyon Road, Southeast of Stags Leap Winery, and above Odette and Joseph Phelps La Rocas Vineyards. The vineyard itself was blanketed with several feet of solid surface rock and had to be blasted with dynamite before top viticulturist Davie Piňa could plant it. 
 
Chad Alexander makes the wine, and he’s well-versed in hillside Cabernet, spending years as the head winemaker at Hess Collection and Robert Craig wineries. The 2014 444 Cabernet is a concentrated and solidly-built wine, with an incredible core of fruit that’s decorated with rocky minerals, cassis, and crushed violets… 
 
V12
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard

2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

MALDONADO 

2017 CHARDONNAY
LOS OLIVOS VINEYARD

2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos VineyardMaldonado Chardonnay is the delicious result of nearly four decades spent immersed in Napa Valley agriculture, including managing iconic vineyards like Newton Cellars. The results speak volumes, and fruit from their remarkable vineyard has attracted top producers like Venge and B Cellars to craft Chardonnay from it. The Maldonado’s passion for the grape is transparent in their flagship Los Olivos bottling, which is made in a richly layered style with beautiful weight, balance, and gloriously defined fruit. 

The Los Olivos Vineyard is near the Southeastern edge of Napa Valley, in a cool, windswept region that experiences strong maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. These influences funnel through the Coastal Mountain ranges, and allow the grapes a long growing-season, with temperatures cool enough to maintain acidity and structure. 
 
Maldonado perfectly balances nectar-like texture with balanced acidity and detailed candied lemon, tropical fruits, and vanilla bean. The wine team barrel ferments the grapes, and then the wine is aged sur lie, which contributes to this wine’s incredible richness and buttery aromas. 
 
MALDONADO 
2017 CHARDONNAY
LOS OLIVOS VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
Click to Order
 
 
“Inviting aromas of maple, Meyer lemon curd and ripe nectarine. Bright and clean with spiced maple, green apple, citrus, wet slate and subtle hint of oak. A classic style Chardonnay, yet re-imagined!”  
2017 Bodegas Pinea 17 Ribera del Duero

2017 Bodegas Pinea 17 Ribera del Duero

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtSpainTempranillo

BODEGAS PINEA 

2017 “17” by PINEA
RIBERA del DUERO 

2017 Bodegas Pinea 17 Ribera del Duero

When one of Spain’s top-producers who’s flagship Ribera del Duero retails for around $150, creates a fresh and new wine inspired by the younger vines from their Estate Vineyards, AND retails it for nearly a quarter of the price, I want to try it… We introduced their 2015 last year, and the wine was an instant hit that incited a flurry of re-orders. The 2017 vintage is stunningly detailed, long, and complex and offers old-world power and antiquity with new-world fruit and lush textures that make it incredibly appealing.
 
Pinea is located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, and their high-elevation and dry-farmed vineyards are grown in chalky sand and limestone with deep, healthy root systems. The vines there produce powerfully concentrated fruit with a remarkable sense of place. The blend is 100% Tempranillo, which is Spain’s most iconic grape and revered for producing full-bodied red wines. 
 
Isaac Fernandez, whom the Wine Spectator dubbed One of Spain’s brightest young winemakers, and who trained under his uncle Mariano Garcia, who was the former head winemaker at Vega Sicilia, brought this wine to life. If you love big, rich red wines that offer unimaginable bang-for-your-buck, this is definitely for you…
 
BODEGAS PINEA 
2017 “17” by PINEA
RIBERA del DUERO
 
Your Price: $39.99
Click to Order
 
“It is clean, of medium-high intensity on the nose…. aromas of red fruits like strawberries and black fruits, particularly blackberry, ripe black plum and blueberry. These are joined by the subtle and elegant aromas of new oak, with hints of spices, vanilla, chocolate and toast. On the palate, the wine comes together in a daring and powerful profile, with noticeable, silky tannins. It is very intense with a palate-filling body that shows the same perfect balance between fruit and toast as on the nose. The finish is long and persistent.”
 
2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirUSA

LORING

2018 PINOT NOIR
SPANISH SPRINGS VINEYARD
ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY

2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot NoirWhen a passionate winemaker immerses into a single varietal like Pinot Noir, then crafts around a dozen individual wines, it can be challenging to choose just one. Brian Loring’s Pinots are always captivating, expressive, and will make you fall in love with the wine and its origin. We tasted through a half-dozen of his 2018 single vineyard releases, and they were all great, but the Spanish Springs Vineyard was everything that I look for in Pinot, and it was a real highlight during our tasting.

The Spanish Springs Vineyard drew Brian in for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and not only is it the closest in all of San Luis Obispo County, but it’s also the closest in the entire Golden State. 
 
The vines are grown in a complex mix of sandstone, shale, and limestone at the base, and the grapes themselves perfectly reflect the earth beneath, as well as the powerful maritime influences that make this site so unique. 
 
LORING
2018 PINOT NOIR
SPANISH SPRINGS VINEYARD
ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY
Retails at: $54
 
 
“Sour red-plum and dewy sagebrush aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate is more ripe with wild berry and cranberry flavors, cut by orange-rind and bay leaf touches.”  90 Points