2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Selection

2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaReviewSt HelenaUSA

CALCULATED RISK

BARREL SELECTION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel SelectionI love watching a brand that we’ve featured from their early days gain momentum, with high scores and well-deserved acclaim. Grand Napa Vineyards in Rutherford also produces the Calculated Risk and Heir Apparent brands, and top publications like James Suckling and Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate feature all three brands with high scores. With a mere 178 cases produced, the 2017 Calculated Risk Barrel Selection Cab impressed our panel, as well as James Suckling. 

Owner Dwight Bonewell produces multiple brands, all under one umbrella, and that’s a good thing because Grand Napa has access to a selection of Napa Valley’s top vineyards. When creating the 2017 Calculated Risk Barrel Selection, his team selected fruit from Coombsville and St. Helena AVA’s to create a wine that’s powerful, penetrating, and balanced.  

The 2017 Barrel Selection is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and it lights up your senses with cocoa dusted black fruits, graphite, and crushed flowers. The wine perfectly fuses the elegance and restrained power of Coombsville, with St. Helena structure and depth. 

CALCULATED RISK
BARREL SELECTION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

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“Wild flowers and roses with a fresh, blackberry and blackcurrant edge to the nose, too. The palate has soft, ripe and almost creamy tannins on offer, in a soft, easy mode. Drink or hold.”  91 Points

2017 Turley Old VInes Zinfandel

2017 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtOld Vine ZinfandelReviewUSA

TURLEY

2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

 

2017 Turley Old VInes ZinfandelTurley is an American Icon that’s been a benchmark producer of Old Vine Zinfandel for nearly three decades. Their first vintage of 1993 Hayne Zinfandel ranked #11 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, and they’ve remained a paragon in their field ever since. They now produce an eye-popping forty-seven separate wines from over fifty Certified Organic Vineyards, and they specialize in ancient vines. Their Old Vines Zinfandel beautifully displays their undeviating winemaking philosophy that’s an anthem of their brand.

The 2017 Old Vines Zinfandel was carefully stitched together from a vast collection of ancient vineyards spanning across seven iconic regions across California and created from vines ranging from 41 to 129 years old, the 2017 showcases old vine depth, and with no shortage of personality. 

The winery has always attracted some of California’s most talented winemakers, beginning with Helen Turley. Helen passed the torch to winemaker Ehren Jordan, and now Ehren to Tegan Passalacqua, who worked under Jordan before becoming Director of Winemaking. 

 

TURLEY
2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

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“… the 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines features exotic spice accents over a core of blueberry and boysenberry compote, crushed black cherries and berries with notes of cinnamon stick and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, it has loads of spicy black and blue fruits in the mouth with firm, ripe tannins to frame and juicy acidity, finishing long and very spicy.”  92 Points

“The 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines is rich, ample and fleshy. The heat of the year gave the Old Vines a little extra kick. Dried cherry, licorice and spice add an exotic flair to this super-expressive wine loaded with class and pedigree.” 91 Points

“Sleek and briary, with generous black cherry, licorice and toasty spice flavors. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

RECOLTANT

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

2018 Recoltant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

It feels great to be on the leading edge of a new brand that’s destined to make an impact in the competitive $40 Napa Cabernet category. Recoltant is the younger brother to Le Pich and Purlieu, and the wine is produced by Julien Fayard, who is absolutely at the top of his game… 

Recoltant is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium Cabernet that didn’t quite fit into Le Pich or Purlieu. The final blend was stitched together from several celebrated regions throughout Napa Valley, and Julian made the wine with the same standards of excellence that he practices in all of his projects.  

Julien Fayard learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild, before gaining even more valuable experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka at elite Napa Valley producers like Lail, Gemstone, Hundred Acre, and Mastery. The result is so great at this price that you really have to try it.

RECOLTANT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 NAPA VALLEY

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“The Recoltant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 mimics sibling wines Purlieu and Le Pich in many ways. It is inky black in color, with a nose of mixed black berries, black currants, glove leather, and rose petal. On the palate, the wine is deep and rich with flavors of blackberry cobbler, kitchen spice, and grandma’s pie crust combined with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Winemaker Julian Fayard’s genius shines through because even with all of these powerful characteristics, this wine is not the least bit cloying or overly heavy.”  94 Points

2014 Maroon Special Reserve Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Maroon Special Reserve Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

MAROON 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPECIAL RESERVE
2014 COOMBSVILLE 

 
2014 Maroon Special Reserve Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon
There are many styles of California Cabernet, ranging from big, ripe, and inky, to silky, elegant, and linear, and both can be equally powerful and hedonistic, although in very different ways. Maroon’s 2014 Special Reserve Cabernet from Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region, falls into the more elegant style, with laser-like focus, powerfully hedonistic flavors, and Classic Coombsville attributes. At the winery’s $160 retail, Maroon priced it in line with Coombsville icons Favia, Merus, and Meteor. At our price it’s the most significant discount on premium Cabernet that we’ve ever offered.  
 
This stunning 2014 Cabernet arose from the winery’s Estate Vineyard in Coombsville, where for years the winery sold fruit to Joseph Phelps for their iconic Insigna Blend. On the palate, the wine is classic Coombsville and made in a focused, highly detailed style with sweet red fruits, vibrant red currants, clay, wet earth, and black raspberries.
 
Entering from one of Napa Valley’s best vintages, one that the Wine Spectator describes as producing “dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines.” The 2014 Special Reserve is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for a full 24 months in oak before bottling. If you’re looking for an elegant, medium-bodied Cabernet with plenty of power and personality, this is it. 
 
 
MAROON 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPECIAL RESERVE
2014 COOMBSVILLE
Retails at: $160
 
 
“Brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of spiced dried berries, honeycomb, leather bag filled with coffee, chocolate and spice, and wet clay with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, very long finish with notes of cassis pie a la mode, honey glazed carrots, cherry cola, and chocolate mint with silky, soft tannins. A stately, seamless cabernet with deep rich flavors, finely balanced oak, and a long satisfying finish.” 96 Points, Cellar Selection
2013 Shottesbrooke Eliza Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz

2013 Shottesbrooke Eliza Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz

with No Comment $30-$40AustraliaKevin VogtMcLaren ValeSyrah

SHOTTESBROOKE

ELIZA RESERVE SHIRAZ
2013 MCLAREN VALE

2013 Shottesbrooke Eliza Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz

We seized an opportunity to work with Shottesbrooke’s 97 Point Eliza Reserve Shiraz last year, and although the wine sold in a flash, it made a grand impression on everybody who tried it. Re-order requests were abundant, due to the wines’ chillingly intense nature and substantial hedonistic style. As luck would have it, we just procured another shipment, and at a rock-bottom price…. 

Named after the founders’ daughter, Eliza is the top Reserve Shiraz produced by the winery and is produced only in exceptional vintages. They created this wine from an individual patch of vineyard on the winery’s McLaren Flat property that naturally produces tiny yields of high-quality fruit.

Due to low yields and high-demand for Eliza, only a limited number of cases make their way to the US. The wine is kept for 19 months in oak before bottling, and the 2013 vintage is brimming with vivid red berries, roasted meats, black chocolate, and spices.

 
SHOTTESBROOKE
ELIZA RESERVE SHIRAZ
2013 MCLAREN VALE

Retails: $46.99

Your Price: $33
 

“Cloudy indigo color. Attractive, roasted, meaty aromas and flavors of mocha maple fudge, smoked nuts, jerky, and toasty cedar and clay with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, involved, long finish that exhibits suggestions of blackberry creme brulee, pomegranate-tomato chutney on rye raisin toast, beef consommé, and tamari with moderate oak flavor. A decadently delicious and savory shiraz that will stimulate and satisfy.” 97 Points, Platinum Medal, Superlative 
2015 Leto Cellars Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc

2015 Leto Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUSA

LETO

CABERNET FRANC
2015 MT VEEDER

2015 Leto Cellars Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc
If Napa Valley Cabernet is gold, then Cabernet Franc is platinum, due to its scarcity and cult following. There’s around twenty times as much Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Napa Valley, and on average, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sell for less than Cabernet Franc. The coveted grape is revered for its stunning power, concentration, delineation, and mouthwatering acidity. Leto’s 2015 Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc, which retails at $78, is simply brilliant. What’s left of this 50 case production is going to fly.
 
Leto sourced their 2015 Cabernet Franc from a single-vineyard perched at 1,100 feet elevation on Mount Veeder. They chose this site for the incredible volcanic soils and vines that yield small, powerful berries with intense flavor. 
 
Mt Veeder is the coolest Mountain in Napa, which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic. With a production of only 50 cases, you might want to keep this one secret, at least until you get your case.
 
LETO
CABERNET FRANC
2015 MT VEEDER
Retails at: $78
 
 
 
“The Leto Cellars Mount Veeder Cabernet Franc 2015 begins with a beautiful nose of red cherries, fresh sage leaf, Spring lavender, and Italian glove leather. On the palate, it is vibrant, with penetrating red cherries, black licorice, nutrient-rich earth, with sweet vanilla oak and spice box, and a gorgeous, lingering finish. Drink now through 2028.” 93 Points
2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HUNTER GLENN

PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Hunter Glenn Napa Valley Proprietary RedWith roots in Sonoma County and a shop in Yountville, we meet our fair share of farmers that produce a small amount of their own wine… So when Jeffrey Shifflett, Jr. pulled up to our weekly tasting in his farm truck, we were looking forward to trying the wines. When he placed them on the table, the sleek packaging was a bit of a surprise, but when the wines hit the glass, we realized that he wasn’t just a farmer, but an incredibly gifted winemaker.

The Shifflett family’s ranch neighbors icons Dominus and Trethefen, and the vines lie in the shadow the Mayacamas Mountain range, in an area that has a micro-climate that’s cooler than further up Valley. The 2017 proprietary red was built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon that’s enhanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Based on the sheer quality of the wine, we knew Jeff must have mentored under some outstanding winemakers. As it turns out, Jeff worked harvest in Australia before spending time at both Cakebread and Elyse wineries. At $40, I guarantee you’ll be stunned by the quality…

HUNTER GLENN
PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $45

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“In the glass the wine showcases our signature color, dark ruby, like polished Garnet. Aromas of cedar, baking spices and vanilla hint at the restrained use of oak, followed by cherries and sarsaparilla. The first sip bursts with red fruit, cherry cola, and hints of violet. Subtle tannins integrate with fruit on the palate, leading to a long and pleasing finish.” 90 Cases Produced

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

RED MARE

2016 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley ChardonnayMy favorite wines are those that illuminate the best qualities and characteristics of the vineyard and vintage foremost over any winemaker’s unique style. Anne Vawter, who’s experience includes working alongside Heidi Barrett as the assistant winemaker at Paradigm for years, did a perfect job giving this Chardonnay from the iconic Dutton Ranch vineyard a bright, beautiful voice. At $48, it’s an absolute steal, but at $36, I would saddle up and secure a case (or two) before this one rides off into the sunset.
 
Red Mare sources their Chardonnay from the famed Dutton Ranch Vineyard located in the Russian River Valley, and fans of Kistler, Patz & Hall, & DuMOL likely recognize this iconic site. On the palate, the wine is plump without being heavy, and offers a kaleidoscope of Granny Smith apple, honeyed pair, pressed lemon and subtle spice.
 
The 2016 is fresh and lively, appealing to anyone looking for a balanced, site-specific wine, but with just enough richness to satisfy fans of a more powerful, California style Chardonnay.
 
RED MARE
2016 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $36
use code mare36
 
Winery Notes: “Honey, dried hay, and poached pear come together to create a very complex and interesting nose. Stewed apple and freshly rained-on gravel increase the autumnal associations with this wine. In the mouth this wine has a bright, clean entry with a zesty acidity leading through to notes of brioche and stone fruits, finally finishing with a hint of warmth that leads to a round, voluminous and clean finish.”
2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel

2017 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel

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

GAMBA 

2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH

2017 Gamba Starr Ranch Road Zinfandel
Over the years, We’ve offered some of the best brands out there, but few have developed the kind of love affair that Gamba has. It’s their undeviating style of matching fruit intensity with old vine depth and balance, and then delivering it all with immaculate detail that’s made them so beloved. Each release is a joy to behold…
 
Gamba birthed the Starr Road Ranch Zin from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920. The ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years, and they yield just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit. 
 
The 2017 is hugely appealing, with intense raspberry, sweet plum, briery cherry, and cracked black pepper. This vintage is rocking right now and will continue to provide copious amounts of enjoyment over the next decade.
 
GAMBA 
2017 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at: $52
 
 
 
 “…. the 2017 Zinfandel Starr Road Ranch Old Vine is similarly colored and offers a sweet plum, blueberries, sandalwood, and spice-driven bouquet. This carries to a medium-bodied, elegant, silky Zinfandel that has loads of character, as well as length. Aged 16 months in 40% new American oak, it’s going to keep nicely for upwards of a decade.” 91 Points
2016 Westwood Estate Annadel Gap Pinot Noir

2016 Westwood Estate Annadel Gap Pinot Noir

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

WESTWOOD

ESTATE PINOT NOIR
2016 ANNADEL GAP 

2016 Westwood Estate Annadel Gap Pinot Noir
When a winery farms their vineyard biodynamically, and the site is ideally suited for Pinot Noir, AND they hire a world-class winemaker to help achieve their goal, great things happen. Westwood’s winemaker is Philippe Melka, whose vast experience includes winemaking at Bryant Family, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, and Dominus. At around $40, this Pinot absolutely should not be missed.
 
Westwood’s Estate Pinot Noir arose from the cool, wind-swept Annadel Gap, located between Mt. Hood and Sonoma Mountain. The 2016 vintage is remarkably individualistic and laces together some of the top Pinot clones, including Calera, Pommard, 777, and Martini. 
 
Philippe and his winemaking team pay attention to every detail, and picked each clone at the pinnacle of ripeness, before being carefully sorted by hand and fermented individually. The wine was gravity-fed into French oak barrels, where it spent the next 16 months developing on the lees. The result is stunning.
 
WESTWOOD
ESTATE PINOT NOIR
2016 ANNADEL GAP
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
“This exuberant wine from the estate site offers rich tones of forest floor and black tea. The palate brings wild strawberry, boysenberry and dried herb tones that veer into an intriguing note of white pepper on the finish.” 93 Points, Editors’ Choice