2020 Grand Napa Pinot Noir Los Carneros

2020 Grand Napa Pinot Noir Los Carneros

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

GRAND NAPA

PINOT NOIR
LOS CARNEROS 2020

2020 Grand Napa Pinot Noir Los Carneros
Grand Napa Vineyards in Rutherford is known for sourcing grapes from sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the Napa Valley that produce wines with depth, character, and balance with plush tannins and intense concentration. Winemaker Dwight Bonewell is involved in the vineyards and the winery, ensuring that only the best fruit is harvested and sorted by hand before coaxing each vineyard’s unique character into its purest expression.
 
The Los Carneros AVA receives cooling breezes from the San Pablo Bay that benefit cooler-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir, helping retain the variety’s crisp, bright acidity. The 2020 Los Carneros Pinot Noir was aged for six months in 20% new French oak, emphasizing the fruit characteristics and site-specific terroir of the AVA, resulting in a superbly balanced and deeply satisfying Pinot Noir at a price too low to pass up.
 
GRAND NAPA
PINOT NOIR
LOS CARNEROS 2020
Retails at: $90
 
 
 
“The 2020 Grand Napa Los Carneros Pinot Noir has a bright nose of pie cherries, cola, dried mushrooms, white flowers, and brown sugar. The seamless palate has flavors of red cherries, mixed berries, vanilla hints, and liquid minerals. It’s a lush, easy-drinking wine, balanced by the fresh acidity. The wine team bottled it in May of 2022 and, although drinking nicely now, will certainly benefit from more time in the bottle. Drink now through 2028.”
92 Points
2019 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

2019 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancKevin VogtNapaUSA

SMITH WOOTON

CABERNET FRANC
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc Napa Valley
Smith Wooton is Croze Napa Valley Winery’s boutique label, designed to showcase small lots and highlight local growers that share the same passion for the land and the vines as the estate. Daniel Benton is the mastermind behind the wines and spends valuable time in the vineyards to understand the nuances each small parcel contributes to the whole.
 
Daniel creates Smith Wooton’s 2019 Cabernet Franc from a single-acre Cabernet Franc Vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, where the grapes are cooled nightly by breezes from the San Pablo Bay, producing ideal levels of fresh acidity. The grapes were fermented at cool temperatures, promoting the fruit’s natural purity and creating intricate layers of complexity, revealing the classic characteristics of Cabernet Franc in an eloquent fashion.
 
SMITH WOOTON
CABERNET FRANC
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $55
 
 
 
“The 2019 Smith Wooton Cabernet Franc brings notes of peony, rose petal, red currant, cloves, earthy spice, and leather. The wine has an elegant mouthfeel with flavors of bramble, black cherry, and cocoa with bright, fresh acidity and soft tannins that glide each flavor into a pleasant finish. This wine is drinking enjoyably right now and has a sold backbone making it suitable to age for another decade or so.”
94 Points

2015 I FavatiI Aglianico Iripina Campi Taurasini

with No Comment $30-$40ItalyKevin Vogt

I FAVATI

IRPINIA CAMPI TAURASINI
CRETAROSSA AGLIANICO 2015

This wine is a mouthful of flavor and syllables, so let me unpack both a bit. I Favati estate is located in the Irpinia region in central Campania, nearby the classic, key winemaking towns of Avellino, Tufo, and Taurasi. Aglianico is one of Italy’s noble red grapes and Campania’s most celebrated red variety, given the nickname “Barolo of the South” because of its notably high tannins and acidity, leading to long-lived wines with complexity and deep flavors.
 
‘Cretarossa’ is the name of the single-vineyard parcel near the village of Taurasi, where I Favati sourced fruit for this remarkable wine, and also represents the namesake DOCG of one of the most famous regions for Aglianico. This stunning example of Aglianico falls under the newer Irpinia-Campi Taursini DOC because of its less stringent aging regulations to produce a more approachable and accessible wine but with all the earth, dark fruit, spice, and mineral-driven components classic to the varietal.
 
I FAVATI
IRPINIA CAMPI TAURASINI
CRETAROSSA AGLIANICO 2015
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“The 2015 I Favati, Irpinia Campi Taurasini Aglianico ‘Cretarossa’ opens with fresh bergamot, rose petals, black cherry, cloves, dusty earth, cigar box, and leather. On the palate, the wine has flavors of plum, black olive, black peppercorn, and balsamic glaze. This rustic style of wine is supported with bright acidity, well-structured tannins, and intensity of flavor that allows the wine to age gracefully for those who have the patience. The 2015 vintage has a few years in the bottle and is seriously impressive at the moment.”
95 Points
Purecru Brut Rose Cuvee XXI California

Purecru Brut Rose Cuvee XXI California

with No Comment $30-$40Champagne/SparklingKevin VogtUSA

PURECRU

BRUT ROSÉ
CUVEE XXI CALIFORNIA

Purecru Brut Rose Cuvee XXI California
PureCru’s magnetic energy and engrossing charm have touched just about everybody coming into our shop since we introduced it in January, and we’ve urged everybody to try it. The Los Angeles International Wine Competition recently confirmed our enthusiasm for this wine. A panel of judges at the competition rated it 98 points and Best of Class, making it their highest-rated Sparkling wine. 
 
Mitch Cosentino is the mastermind behind PureCru; calling on his half-century of experience, he uses a single-stream fermentation to make it. Midway through fermentation, he transferred the partially fermented juice into a custom pressure-controlled tank, resulting in a wine with remarkable fruit intensity, balance, and freshness. Created from 100% Sangiovese grapes, PureCru Brut Rosé releases a sensational bouquet of aromas and flavors unique to the spicy, seductive Sangiovese variety brought forward by the single-stream fermentation method.
 
PURECRU
BRUT ROSÉ
CUVEE XXI CALIFORNIA
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“The PureCru Brut Rosé XXI opens with an abundance of bright aromas beginning with jasmine, lime zest, wild strawberries, raspberries, lychee, passion fruit, pomegranate, and lemongrass. The aromas carry over onto the palate bursting with intensity and zesty fruit flavors accented by fresh acidity and a creamy effervescence. The finish is long and delightful as it slowly fades away, causing you to crave sip after sip.”
96 Points
2021 Sanna Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valle

2021 Sanna Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

SANNA

SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Sanna Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valle
Kristof Nils Anderson has been making wine in the Napa Valley since the early 1990s and is the founding winemaker of Gargiulo Vineyards in Oakville and Scribe in Sonoma. He gained invaluable experience on the scientific side of winemaking while working at ETS Wine Labs in St. Helena and is now known for his terroir-distinctive style that presents with precision balance, finesse, and length. 
 
Sourced from a single vineyard in Coombsville, this 100% Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel, preserving its purity, fresh fruit character, and zesty vibes. Kristof created this wine as a homage to his daughter, and with just 75 cases produced in 2021, don’t hesitate to secure yours to enjoy and enliven your summer.
 
SANNA
SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY 2021
Retails at: $42
 
 
 
“The Sanna 2021 Sauvignon Blanc opens with fresh aromas of elderflower, pink grapefruit, lime zest, fresh-cut grass, and passion fruit. On the palate, the wine’s lively acidity perfectly complements the bright fruit flavors like honeydew melon and lychee. This wine is an excellent pairing for warm summer days but still has the sophistication to accompany a fine dining experience.”
94 Points
2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

WIGHTMAN

PINOT NOIR 2018
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley produces some of California’s most distinguished Pinot Noirs due to the sandy loam and Goldridge soils and their proximity to the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean. Wightman’s founder and vintner Justin Harmon worked under 100 Point winemaker Russell Bevan for several years, honing his craft, so he understands how to capture the texture and intensity of the region’s terroir with its opulent, ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and spice.
 
Justin sourced the fruit for this outstanding Pinot Noir from an assortment of Heritage clones: Wadenswil, Pommard, and Martini, harvested from vineyards in the rugged hills on the edge of the Russian River AVA. The wine was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak giving some spice but allowing the beautiful fruit to shine, making a grand impression on our tasting panel. Now, we can’t wait to share it with you.
 
WIGHTMAN
PINOT NOIR 2018
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $49
 
 
 
“The Wightman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 begins with a nose that includes cotton-candied raspberries, cola bean, delicate fresh green herbs, light florals, and cinnamon hints. The palate has bright, elegantly concentrated red cherry/berry fruit with a liquid saline complexity, hints of toasty oak, and a beautiful combination of fruit extraction and mouth quenching acidity. This release is a lovely, classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is ready to drink now but will cellar nicely over the next eight years.”
93 Points
2018 Alex Gambal Bourgogne Aligote Burgundy

2018 Alex Gambal Bourgogne Aligote Burgundy

with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyFranceKevin VogtWhites

ALEX GAMBAL 

BOURGOGNE ALIGOTE
BURGUNDY 2018

2018 Alex Gambal Bourgogne Aligote Burgundy
Burgundy is synonymous with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; however, a few vineyards grow lesser-known varieties, such as Aligoté. It takes a lot to stand up to the quality and hierarchy of the region. Still, Aligoté currently represents six percent of plantings in Burgundy, and it’s beginning to make a comeback thanks to increased knowledge in the vineyard, restricting yields and creating more intensely captivating fruit.
 
Vines aged 25 to 40 years in the southern part of the Côte d’Or in Auxey-Durresses are the source of the concentrated, complex fruit for this profound example of Aligote. The grapes are hand-picked, fermented in neutral oak, and aged for 12 months, adding body to the light, refreshing nature of the variety.
 
ALEX GAMBAL 
BOURGOGNE ALIGOTE
BURGUNDY 2018
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“The Alex Gambal 2018 Bourgogne Aligoté opens with fresh notes of elderflower, honeycomb, lime zest, a hint of vanilla, brioche, and bright minerality. On that palate, the wine has a crisp acidity with flavors of green apple, lemon, and pastry dough. The invigorating style of this wine makes it very easy to sip in the afternoon, especially on a warm summer day.”
94 Points
2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva

220520 2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

BIBBIANO

CHIANTI CLASSICO
RISERVA 2018

2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva
Tenuta di Bibbiano lies in the historic center of the Chianti Classico DOCG, where wine has been a part of the culture for thousands of years. Two brothers, Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi, own the winery, and their family has lived on the property for over 150 years in harmony with nature by incorporating organic farming methods.
 
The University of Florence helped identify several different soil types and aspects used to select the proper indigenous clone for each site, with Sangiovese Grosso reigning supreme. The Chianti Classico Riserva is 100% Sangiovese Grosso aged 18 months, half in concrete and half in French oak, creating a balanced integration of complex flavors and offering remarkable quality at this price level.
 
BIBBIANO
CHIANTI CLASSICO
RISERVA 2018
 
Your Price: $34
 
 
“Iron and sanguine elements complement cherry and plum flavors in this old-school red. Loam, tobacco and leafy underbrush elements mingle with dense, dusty tannins as this unwinds through the finish. Best from 2023 through 2032. 420 cases imported”
92 Points
2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley

2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MARITANA

PINOT NOIR
LE RUSSE 2019
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley
Donald Patz made wine at Patz & Hall for 29 years, working with Pinot Noir from some of California’s premier vineyards, spanning from the northern coast of Mendocino County to the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 2017, Don created the Maritana Vineyards brand to take his wines in a slightly different direction, focusing on fruit from the Russian River Valley.
 
Donald’s love for Pinot Noir comes from the varietal’s complex perfume of intriguing aromas that he believes are enhanced by the valley’s hillsides and valley floor sites, providing a variety of microclimates. Sourcing from some of his favorite vineyards, including Martaella, Browne, and Martinelli River Road, Don gives the 2019 Maritana “Le Russe” his signature style and flair, offering it at a sensational value.
 
MARITANA
PINOT NOIR
LE RUSSE 2019
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Aromas of redcurrants, cherries, cola, nutmeg and flowers. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins. Juicy and fruity with a silky, caressing texture and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
93 Points
2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona Corvina

2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona Corvina

with No Comment $30-$40CorvinaItalyKevin Vogt

TINAZZI

COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA
VERONA CORVINA 2018

2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona Corvina
Corvina is an Italian grape variety with an integral role in all Valpolicella wines, including Amarone, which must include a minimum of 45% in their blends. This late-ripening variety is low in tannin and high in acidy. Tinazzi’s version is varietally characteristic, manifested with bright cherry, transitioning to juicy dark cherry, spice, and classic hints of almond, a signature of the variety.
 
Located near Verona in Northern Italy, Tinazzi sits in the heart of where the Corvina grape reigns supreme. Proprietor Gian Andrea Tinazzi is passionate about accurately expressing territorial character in his wines, and his Corvina from Verona is a classic example. Fans of juicy Rhone blends, Zinfandel, and Valpolicella wines (and well, anybody with a pulse) would love this 96 Point Red, especially at $25.
 
TINAZZI
COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA
VERONA CORVINA 2018
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“Deep bright red; Ample and harmonious, ranging from red fruits to spices; Velvety, persistent and full, with great harmony.”
96 Points, Luca Maroni
 
“The 2018 Tinazzi Verona Corvina is concentrated with juicy fruit aromas such as cranberries, red cherries, and black raspberries with spicy hints of cardamom, nutmeg, white pepper, and dried oregano. This medium to full-bodied wine is fresh and delightful with soft tannins and a succulent finish. The depth and complexity of flavor this wine displays puts it on a well-deserved pedestal and can be enjoyed tonight and over the next few years.”
94 Points, #5 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2021