2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 William Knuttel D. Rafanelli Vineyard Mary’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon

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WILLIAM KNUTTEL 2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK

 
When it comes to the most Iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Vineyards in Sonoma County, the Rafanelli Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is foremost.  Their wines are nearly impossible to acquire and are mailing list and restaurant only… What many people don’t know is that William Knuttel produces two Cabernets from Rafanelli Vineyard, so as you can imagine, we couldn’t wait to try them.  Their 2014 D. Rafanelli Mary’s Block is remarkably stunning, and it’s made in an elegant, long and expansive style that keeps you coming back for more.  At around $40, this makes my list of the best Cabernets in Sonoma County.
 
Proprietor William Knuttel isn’t a stranger to high-quality Sonoma County Cabernet.  He was the Vice President and winemaker at Chalk Hill from 1996 through 2003 and he was also winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards through 2011.  The Mary’s Block produced minuscule yields of just 1.4 tons per are of intensely flavored, BB sized berries, and the resulting wine spent 19 months in oak.  In this realistic price category, this will compete favorably with the best Cabernets produced in Napa Valley and in fact, it did at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition where it earned a Gold Medal.  You simply need to try it.  8 barrels produced.
 
WILLIAM KNUTTEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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Winery Notes: “Mary’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon combines black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry fruit, spiced with brooding herbs. Oak and toast highlight and focus the ripe berry and cherry flavors, completely complementing the aromas. Hillside tannins are fully resolved, leading to a full, balanced and supple finish…”
Gold – 2018 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
 
Customers who enjoy William Knuttel Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Kuleto Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “....The nose has a sultry opulence with pungent berry intensity followed by blueberry tart, creme de cassis, hints of bay leaf, liquid mineral and sweetened dark chocolate.  The palate begins with penetrating, focused flavors of crushed blackberries and red currants, followed by secondary characteristics including wet stone, cigar box and vanilla spice.  For this price point, this wine is approaching perfection… I can’t remember having a wine that costs less and drinks better… Simply fabulous!”  97 Points
KULETO
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “From the producer’s estate at over 1,000 feet in elevation, this seamlessly textured wine grabs one’s palate from the start and doesn’t let go. Huckleberry and cedar notes meet bay leaf accents and grippy tannins, all enveloped in smoky oak. It finishes with bright, fresh blackberry.”  92 Points
0217 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

2017 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

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QUIVIRA 0217 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

2017 ZINFANDEL
PILLSBURY VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
As much as I love a great California style Zinfandel that’s classically deep, jammy, and intensely flavored, there’s something refreshing about finding a pure expression of the varietal, with brilliant detail and stunning balance.  When I came across Quivira’s 2017 Pillsbury Zinfandel it reminded me just how much I love the Zinfandel grape.  Imagine a basket filled with fresh blueberries, wild plums, boysenberries, black cherries and mulberries and being able to taste each one simultaneously and with absolute clarity?  That’s exactly what you’ll find in a glass of this Zin… At $48 it’s an experience worth taking, but at $39.99, it’s a rush that you’ll want to experience over and over again…
 
Carved from the dry-farmed Pillsbury Vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation.  You can see the crushed oyster shells scattered abundantly throughout the vineyard which are used to supplement the soils and strengthen the vines.  The wine was carefully guided from grape to bottle by Hugh Chappelle, former winemaker at Flowers, Lynmar and Charles Heintz to name a few…  We taste quite a few new Zinfandels every week and this is simply the best Zin that I’ve tasted this year.  Trust me… You’ll be glad you did.
 
QUIVIRA
2017 ZINFANDEL
PILLSBURY VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “… the 2017 Zinfandel Pillsbury Vineyard (100% Zinfandel) has a classic bouquet of plums, mulled currants, cedary spice, and incense. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, rounded, and fleshy on the palate, with good purity, it’s another beautiful Zinfandel from this estate.” 93 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valedez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “… a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.“
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”  94 Points
2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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FOLEY JOHNSON 2013 Foley Johnson Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

ESTATE CABERNET 
2013 RUTHERFORD 

 
Napa Valley’s Iconic Rutherford appellation is one of THE most revered regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s celebrated for producing wines with palpable character.  Paragons Quintessa, BV and Scarecrow all set a precedence for quality in Rutherford.  I recently checked the average retail price of the more than fifty 2013 vintage Rutherford Cabernets listed in the Wine Spectator and they averaged well over $130/btl…  This is a real barometer to the quality of this appellation, and if you’ve followed my emails for a while, you know that one of my favorite Rutherford producers is Foley Johnson.  Their name is synonymous with epic value, and even at the winery retail price of $75 it’s a terrific find.  At our price, it’s a complete steal…
 
Arising from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this exemplary 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon shines with all of the hallmarks that I love most about Rutherford.  It’s brimming with concentrated black fruits, crushed violets, graphite, freshly ground coffee and of course, beautiful Rutherford dust.  After nearly 4 years blossoming inside the bottle, words can hardly describe how great this wine is drinking right now.  
 
FOLEY JOHNSON
ESTATE CABERNET
2013 RUTHERFORD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 

Winery Notes: “The nose of our 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit forward with very deep and concentrated notes of blackberry, black currant and hints of toasted characters. The body follows the aroma and is fruit forward with nice tannin balance throughout the palate. The fruit on the palate shines and provides flavors from blackberry to slight hints of light raspberry and as it opens up there is a light hint of sweetness and licorice. Although the tannins are still quite prevalent, they are not overwhelming and are approachable now, but will age nicely over next 5-10 years.”

2015 Bibbiano Vigna Del Capannino Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2015 Bibbiano Vigna Del Capannino Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

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BIBBIANO 2015 Bibbiano Vigna Del Capannino Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

GRAN SELEZIONE
2015 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO

 
When our panel tasted Bibbiano’s 2015 Gran Selezione Chianti back in April, we knew immediately that it was a picture-perfect example of stunning Chianti Classico.  We went BIG, and bought all we could… If you read the most recent issue of Wine Spectator Insider, this one might have caught your eye with an incredible 96 Point score and modest price.  After all, it is from Tuscany’s best vintage in nearly 2 decades… The wine was created from 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) and aged for 30 months before bottling. It has a lovely satiny texture and long resonant finish, and at under forty per bottle this 96 Point Blockbuster has everything that I look for in great Chianti Classico.  If you missed our offer on this one back in April, here’s one more chance, but this time, it may not last the day…
 
Chianti Classico fans had a lot to be thankful for when the Italian Wine Authority approved a new classification above Riserva called Gran Selezione (Great Selection.)  It represents the pinnacle of quality for Chianti Classico.  The new class must be created from 100% Estate grown fruit, or a selection of the Estate’s best parcels…  It also has higher extract restrictions and longer oak aging requirements. If you want to taste a seriously high-quality Chianti at a value price, this is the perfect opportunity.
 
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2015 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Wine Spectator: “Alluring aromas of wild rosemary, thyme and sage complement the black cherry, blackberry, iron and tobacco flavors in this powerful red, which is supple and fluid, yet muscular too, with a long, resonant finish. Best from 2021 through 2040. From Italy.”  96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti may also enjoy these two stunning Italian Reds…
2013 Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano
 2012 Aria Di Caiarossa IGT
SALCHETO
2013 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTELPULCIANO
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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ARIA DI CAIAROSSA
2012 TOSCANA
ROSSO IGT
TUSCANY, ITALY
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “A savory and fruity style, boasting blueberry, boysenberry, leather, earth and spice flavors. Quickly yields to firm tannins, yet there is sweetness and length on the finish… Best from 2019 through 2025...”  91 Points
2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRutherfordUSA

CORNERSTONE 2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 BENCHLANDS

 
When it comes to the highest quality, most powerful Cabernet Sauvignons in our shop that sell for less than $75, there’s one brand that’s been a Cornerstone (figuratively and literally) in that category for years… It’s a wine that has every component necessary to be truly outstanding, and it begins with winemaker Kari Auringer who worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming, and Corra to name a few.  Adding another level of greatness to the wine is winemaker Charles Thomas who has more than 30 years winemaking experience crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, or his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  And then there’s the vineyards…
 
Cornerstone’s 2015 Benchlands Cabernet is built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Oakville and Rutherford.  The 2015 is made in a rich, opulent style with remarkable intensity and stunning length.  On the palate, the wine is rich and elegant with wonderful energy, and flavors that unwind methodically across your palate.  At $75/btl you’d be thrilled by the quality. From us, you’ll want to make extra room in the cellar, and go deep…
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 BENCHLANDS
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Cornerstone Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon is another beautiful rendition, picking up right where the 2014 left off.  The elegant, sultry nose begins with captivating ripe blackberries, toasty oak and black olives, followed by hints of beechnut gum, lavender and rock dust.  The palate starts with a pristine elegance and balance, paralleling the focused flavors of black cherries, red currants and black tea, then followed by beautifully integrated, toasty, sweet vanilla spice.  The orchestrated finish lingers with elegant acidity, dusty fruit tannins and a wonderful freshness.  Drink now, or drink later, but I’m  going back for a second glass now...” 94 Points

2016 Château Moulin De La Grangère Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

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CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE LA GRANGÈRE

2016 BORDEAUX
SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU

 
In many ways, wine is like a puzzle, and each piece would be factors such as vintage, winemaker, location, and price. Based upon these, Château Moulin De Grangère is a masterpiece.  Each sip is as satisfying as placing the last piece firmly in place, because finding a Grand Cru Bordeaux that drinks as well as this one and at this price level is incredibly rare.  The winery’s consulting winemaker is Michel Rolland who many would argue is THE top winemaker in the world, with customers spanning 13 countries.  The winery neighbors Château Pavie, one of Saint-Émilion’s most revered wineries that earns regular 100 point scores and goes for many hundreds of dollars per bottle…  And the Vintage?  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 94 Points, noting “a very homogenous vintage”, and under $40 this wine needs to be experienced.
 
Saint Émilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199.  The Château Moulin La Grangère sits at the foot of the finest slopes of Saint-Émilion and the certified organic vines are planted in clay-limestone soils.  The 2016 is 100% Merlot and like many 2016’s, it’s profoundly structured, with great depth, penetrating fruit, beautifully integrated tannins, and perfectly balanced acidity.  I strongly recommend a case of this remarkable Grand Cru.
 
CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE LA GRANGERE
2016 BORDEAUX
SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU
 
Your Price: $33/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “This Saint Emilion Grand Cru is made from 100% Merlot grapes and aged in oak barrels. The elegant red wine exudes a spicy-fruity bouquet with aromas of red and black berries. The palate is characterized by ripe red fruits with fine tannins. The taste is rounded off by subtle woody notes with vanilla and some licorice.”
 
Customers that enjoy Château Moulin De La Grangere Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, may also enjoy these two terrific Bordeauxs…  
2015 Chateau Grand Puy-Ducasse Prelude Pauillac Bordeaux 216 Chateau Clarisse Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY-DUCASSE
2015 PRELUDE
PAUILLAC BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “Quite brambly summer-berry and dark-plum aromas with a thread of violets and cassis. The palate has a smooth, pastry-like tannin texture and is gently grainy and layered. Very fresh and elegant finish. Try from 2021.“ 90 Points
CHÂTEAU CLARISSE
PUISSEGUIN-SAINT-EMILION
2016 BORDEAUX
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “Very attractive, darker fruit on the nose with deep plums and mulberries, leading to a palate that has a smooth, concentrated and balanced feel with long, polished tannins, carrying plenty of flavor…”  93 Points
0215 Reynolds Persistence Proprietary Red

2015 Reynolds Persistence Proprietary Blend

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REYNOLDS 0215 Reynolds Persistence Proprietary Red

2015 PERSISTENCE
PROPRIETARY BLEND

 
Have you ever tasted a wine so inspiring that you felt as if you could taste the passion, hard-work and persistence that went into creating it? Steve Reynolds wines, and in particular his 2015 Persistence Blend completely embodies every little attention to detail.  Steve’s passion for wine came from his father who was an avid wine collector, so in 1995 Steve bought an old chicken ranch on Silverado Trail, bordering the iconic Stags Leap AVA.  Through hard-work and persistence, Steve became a self-taught winemaker who’s now one of Napa’s most respected in the valley. He was recently featured in the Netflix documentary Decanted where he gives insight into his winemaking techniques, and his 2015 Persistence perfectly shows off his skills. BTW, it took no small amount persistence on our part to be able to negotiate this special price…
 
Conjured from Steve’s Persistence Vineyard located in Oak Knoll, the 2015 marries 56% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot, and makes an entrance from one of Napa Valley’s greatest vintages.  Jeb Dunnuck, formerly with Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, wrote the 2015’s “are rich, powerful, and concentrated wines. At their best, the 2015’s share similarities to the 2013’s, yet with the intensity turned up, slightly more exuberance to their fruit, and a more open, exotic style.” Don’t miss this opportunity to try one of the best in the under $100 range.
 
REYNOLDS
2015 PERSISTENCE
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $59.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The intriguing nose of this Reynolds Persistence 2015 begins with black cherry, pomegranate and red currants, followed by mild aromas of violets, sweet vanilla, fresh sage, herbs de Provence and baking spices.  The palate starts with a beautiful balance of concentrated red and black fruits that are very focused and penetrate your palate with depth and intensity.  The finish is long and elegant and leave you wanting more. 93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2015 Angela Abbott Clark Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Angela Abbott Claim Vineyard Pinot Noir

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ANGELA  2015 Angela Abbott Clark Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 ESTATE PINOT NOIR
ABBOTT CLAIM VINEYARD

 
When a winemaker works closely with the same vineyard for more than a decade, and has the ability to farm it however they want, the best will guide the grapes into producing truly world-class fruit.  A perfect example is the Abbott Claim Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton, which Iconic Oregon winemaker Ken Wright purchased in the late 1990’s and planted to Pinot Noir in 2001.  Ken’s first Pinot Noir bearing the Abbott Claim moniker was in 2004 and by the 2012 vintage, it ranked #1 in the World on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100. As a winemaker, he has more accolades that we can list, and he was also the founding winemaker at Domaine Serene.  He was also the first Oregon winemaker to be featured on the cover of the Wine Spectator where he was named a Master of Oregon pinot Noir.
 
In 2017 the Beck Family who own Angela Winery purchased the vineyard from Wright, and they hired Ken as their winemaker.  They have Mark Gould who originally planted the vineyard, managing it now and the results simply need to be tasted.  If you’d like to try a Ken Wright made single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Abbott Claim at a price that’s too good to pass up, here’s your chance.
 
ANGELA
2015 ESTATE PINOT NOIR
ABBOTT CLAIM VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 

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From James Suckling: “This has a sense of complexity and some restrained and composed fruit. Aromas of strawberries and ripe cherries lead to a juicy and serene palate with attractively fleshy presence at the finish. Very silky. Drink or hold.” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Angela Abbott Claim Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 Alexana Terroir Series Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “This is a juicy exploration of the coast-a well-made effort that showcases notes of forest floor, black tea and savory pine. The black cherry and currant fruit leans dark and brooding, with an impressively balanced, medium-bodied hold on the palate.”  90 Points
ALEXANA
2016 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “Precise and harmonious, offering layered raspberry and cherry flavors laced with smoky anise and spice notes, building richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025.” 94 Points, Highly Recommended
2013 Chateau De Vie Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Chateau de Vie Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

CHATEAU DE VIE 2013 Chateau De Vie Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 CALISTOGA

 
Looking for a new wine that has a high likelihood to be one you’ll love?  One of the best places to look is other wines made by famous winemakers.  When it comes to Napa Valley’s most gifted talents, Dave Phinney is one of the foremost.  Anybody that’s followed the creation and success of The Prisoner as well as the Orin Swift and Locations brands knows what he’s capable of.  Many don’t know that Dave also consults on a handful of much smaller projects like Chateau de Vie in Calistoga… Located on the North end of Calistoga almost directly behind Tamber Bey and close to Chateau Montelena’s vineyards, the vines surrounding Chateau de Vie produce fruit of exceptional quality.  At $68 this is a stunning bottle of Calistoga Cabernet… From Cherry Picked Wines it might just become your new favorite.
 
Entering from one of Napa Valley’s most sought after vintages, the 2013 Chateau De Vie Cabernet Sauvignon offers the perfect mix of rugged power and supple elegance.  The weather in Calistoga is warmer than the AVA’s to its South and in turn the area is known for producing some of the biggest, richest and most robust Cabernet Sauvignons in the Valley.  When we introduced this wine at the beginning of the year, we knew it would be a hit and now that it’s nearly gone, we thought we would offer one last chance to stock up.
 
CHATEAU DE VIE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 CALISTOGA
Retails at:  $68.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “The finish is long and sweetly ripe and this wine will serve as nicely with ripe cheeses and fruits as it will with dark roasts or sauced filet. If essentially ready to drink it will grow softer and more aromatic over the next few years.”
 
Customers that enjoy Chateau De Vie Cabernet may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2017 The Prisoner Proprietary Red
2016 Prisoner Wine Co Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon
THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY RED 
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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Electric, jubilant, infectiously charming, the new 2017  Prisoner unshackles a posse of vibrant and elaborate flavors that are both intense and broadening, and become even more complex with aeration. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2017 permeates with unsweetened cherry cobbler, wild strawberries, chocolate dipped blueberries and liquid floral.  
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 CUTTINGS 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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The 2016 Cuttings is a larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon that always makes an indomitable entrance with a spectacular display of unbridled richness, voluptuous textures and satin layers. The wine was thoughtfully inspired by steep, hillside vineyards and expert blending, and the 2016 was built around a core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel. 
2015 Hill Family Estate Origin Proprietary Red

2015 Hill Family Origin Proprietary Red

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HILL FAMILY  2015 Hill Family Estate Origin Proprietary Red

2015 ORIGIN
PROPRIETARY RED

 
If you’re a fan of California red blends, you’ve likely heard many being described as Bordeaux-styled.  It’s most commonly used a reference to the varietal makeup of the blend, and most often refers to Bordeaux’s “Top Five” which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.  Hill Family’s 2015 Origin Estate Blend is absolutely stunning and includes 4 of Top Five, but it’s completely Californian in style.  It’s purposefully created in a plush, enchanting style, with lavish, extracted flavors, ranging from intense dark fruits, complex spices and sweet vanilla.  The wine was crafted by talented winemaker Alison Green Doran who worked under legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff at her father’s Simi winery, and was also the winemaker at Lewis Cellars.  Fans of rich, voluptuous Red Blends should be all over this one.
 
Rising from a blockbuster vintage in Napa Valley, and one Vinous describes as producing “opulent, voluptuous wines with real personality…” Hill Family’s 2015 Origin is a stunning specimen of the vintage.  Composed using fruit from seven vineyards, and ranging 4 appellations, the 2015 blend is built around a core of 47% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with Malbec and Petit Verdot.  The wine was kept for 16 months in barrel and around 2 full years in bottle before release.  I highly recommend a case while supplies last.
 
HILL FAMILY
2015 ORIGIN
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “The 2015 Origin has lovely aromas of blackberry and raspberry fruit with dark roses. The broad entry has a big mouthful of berries and crunchy cherry. The ripe and intense mid palate rolls into more sweet fruit – blueberry, red currant, and plum, with some chewy tannins hanging around the edges.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hill Family Origin may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
STEPS
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015StepsReserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.