2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT

2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Oakville Cabernet SauvignonCABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

 
How much would you expect to pay for a bottle of Oakville Cabernet from a vineyard bordering Opus One? I’m sure you know that Oakville is Napa Valley’s crown-jewel AVA and it’s widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  But this particular Oakville Cabernet comes from a secret vineyard that borders OPUS ONE on the North Side…  Sounds expensive right?  Fortunately for us, this one was created by Nick Goldschmidt whom many of you recognize from his Crazy Creek Cabernet which is arguably the best value in California Cabernet.  The 2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet is a classic representation of Oakville Cabernet with plenty of blackberry, plush tannins, depth and charisma.  The only thing missing is the high price… At $34.99/btl, you’ll definitely want a case.
 
Nick Goldschmidt’s 2016 Charming Creek is a wine with enormous upside potential.  It’s made obvious by the wine’s dense and extracted core, which unfurls a flurry of mountain berries, crushed rock, spice box and subtle tobacco.  With little coaxing in the glass the wine begins to impersonate some of Oakville’s giants, with remarkable detail, poise and extraction.  It’s easy to forget that you only paid $35/btl, when this wine starts showing off…  Just don’t wait too long, because values this great are always in high demand.
 
HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 CHARMING CREEK
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 30%
 
Tasting Notes: “Inky black intensity with an opulence and richness carrying a complex center core of fruits that include black mountain berries, red raspberry, and minerals. The palate further unfolds with crushed dewberries, kirsch, and ripe black cherry and tobacco flavors. The perfect balance of both red and black fruits perfectly defines the signature style that makes Oakville so famous.”
 
Customers who enjoy Hilary Goldschmidt Charming Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Goldschmidt Game Ranch Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
GOLDSCHMIDT
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GAME RANCH VINEYARD
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $89.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

Click to Order

 
Napa Valley has an untold number of microclimates, which are small pockets of land where the climate differs substantially from the surrounding areas.  This is one of the leading factors why some of the best Napa Valley wine Estates are clustered closely together. Hence, Goldschmidt’s Game RanchVineyard in Oakville… It has immediate neighbors that include Plumpjack, Rudd, Groth and Screaming Eagle.
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at:  $24.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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From The Tasting Panel: “Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate.  It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality.“ 94 Points
2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 Muga Selección Especial Rioja Reserva

with No Comment $30-$40HaroKevin VogtProprietary RedSpain

MUGA

2012 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja

2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL

 
When I tasted Muga’s 2012 Selección Especial, the first three adjectives that came to mind were appealing, engaging and irresistible.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve tasted a Rioja that I love this much.  It immediately dazzles your palate with seductive black fruits, intriguing complexity, and focused, penetrating flavors that simply make you want to keep sipping.  Muga is one of Rioja’s most idolized producers and they have the scores to back it up.  At under forty per bottle the 2012 Selección Especial has already earned a monster 95 point score, and I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
 
Muga’s Selección Especial comes from a high elevation vineyard located in the Rioja Alta region of Haro.  The blend is dominated by 70% Tempranillo, enhanced with other indigenous varietals.  The wine spends 26 months in oak and now with a few years in the bottle the 2012 is firing on all cylinders… Don’t miss it…
 
MUGA
2012 RIOJA RESERVA
SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20%
 
From James Suckling: “A linear and super-fine wine with black cherry and berry character and hints of flowers. Full body yet very tight and closed. Beautiful texture.” 95 Points
 
 
Customers who enjoy Muga Selección Especial Reserva Rioja  may also enjoy these two fantastic wines…
2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red 2015 Quinta Do Vallado Reserva Douro
VIK
2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator: “Rich and refined, delivering unctuous dark fruit and spice flavors that offer a creamy svelteness. Slate and mineral accents linger on the complex finish, with dark chocolate and olive notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2022…”  94 Points
QUINTA DO VALLADO
2015 RESERVA 
DOURO, PORTUGAL
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Reserva is a field blend of very old vines (100+ years old)… Reasonably concentrated for the producer’s subregion and the vintage, this actually has fleshed out since I last saw it. Yet it retains that graceful, textured feel, the freshness and the fine fruit. I suspect the wine will show even more elegance as it continues to age… This is going to be a hard-to-resist wine when it hits the table at dinner.”  93 Points
2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2013 Petit Batard Napa Valley Red by Xtant

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

PETIT BATARD

2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…

2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red
As the second label for Xtant, an ultra-premium producer whose reds go for $85-$175/btl, Petit Bâtard delivers a wine of remarkably high quality, and without the lofty price tag that generally accompanies them.  With access to the same tools, techniques and terroir that go into creating their flagship wine, the 2013 Petit Bâtard merits significant attention at $39.99.  It was forged from the same three iconic vineyards that go into Xtant, Lewelling, Kletter  and Oakville Station, and after a meticulous sorting process, each wine spends an identical 40 months in barrel before the blends are complete…
 
Created with three of the five Bordeaux Varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, this deep and enchanting blend was thoughtfully composed by winemaker Jeff Gaffner.  You might recognize Jeff from Saxon Brown and Black Kite.  He was responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you love deep, richly layered red blends, you’ll want a case of Petit Bâtard before it disappears…
 
PETIT BATARD
2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Rich and supple, our 2013 Petit Bâtard is a beautiful reflection of a premier Napa Valley vintage. Deep purple hues set the stage for layers of blueberry, cranberry, and bing cherry on the nose. On the palate smooth tannins give way to notes of sweet tea, clove and black licorice. Well balanced acid and bright fruit ensure that this will be a wine to be enjoyed for many years to come!“
 
Customers who enjoy Petit Bâtard may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Kobalt Window Pane Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
KOBALT
WINDOW PANE
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $37.99/btl

Click to OrderCo-authored by Kevin Carriker, who’s been in the wine industry for nearly 40 years and Mark Herold who’s responsible for having crafted some of the greatest wines in California including Merus, Hestan, Buccella, and his own label Herold. At under forty bucks, Kobalt’s Window Pane packs enormous value…
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

Click to Order

 
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.

 

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirSonomaUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD

Many of the most profound examples of Pinot Noir come from areas where there’s a gap between two land masses, creating a funnel that allows cool coastal air in.  This keeps the wine’s natural acidity higher and allows the grapes to achieve their highest overall potential.  One prime example of this geological masterpiece is the Petaluma Gap. Wineries like Kosta-Browne and DuMOL source fruit from this area, and vineyards like Gap’s Crown and Grand Vent have become notorious for producing world-class Pinot Noir grapes.  Fruit from these areas will typically go for a premium, so when you can find one at under forty, and from a great producer, go all in… We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality single-vineyard Pinots from DANIEL, but this is by far the best bottling yet.  I’m buying a case… 
 
This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem… Created in a remarkably deep and hedonistic style with a sturdy core of concentrated dark berries, exotic spices, liquid floral and maritime qualities.  With a total production four barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.  
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 33%
 
Tasting Notes: “It is extremely rare for a wine to absolutely transcend what is possible at a certain price point, but the the Daniel Grand Vent Pinot Noir 2015 has done just that.  Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop. I honestly cannot recall a more enticing Pinot Noir anywhere close to this price point.  This one is simply stunning!”  Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo

2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo ‘Altenasso’ Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BaroloBaroloItalyKevin Vogt

CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO

2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo
In wine, how important is the vintage?  A great vintage usually means the grapes had the ideal conditions needed to develop flavors gradually, and to optimal maturity.  Things like heat spikes can prematurely advance the fruit, affecting the depth, structure, acid and balance. Rains near harvest can balloon grapes with un-needed water, diluting flavors.  Weather is unpredictable and when an area experiences optimum conditions, it always piques my interest for the wines that will come out of it.  Hence, the 2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo Altenasso Barolo. The 2013 vintage in Piedmont is one of the areas best, earning a vintage rating of 97 Points. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage Chart goes back to 1978 and there have only been 3 other 97 point vintages and none that have scored higher.  Not only are 2013 vintage Barolos hard to find due to increased demand, but they’re nearly impossible to find under forty bucks…
 
An absolute classic depiction of 2013 Barolo that offers up a flower-infused bouquet of dried rose petals, crushed violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of leather.  It’s unbelievably good for the price. And don’t just take my word for it…  This wine is poured by the glass at Michael Chiarello’s popular Bottega restaurant in Yountville.  Keep in mind that Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  
 
CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO
2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 50%
 
From The Wine Spectator: “This is spicy, with a touch of medicinal herbs shading the core of cherry, leather and tobacco. Tar and mineral elements chime in on the lengthy finish. Lean and sinewy. Best from 2021 through 2026. 800 cases made.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Cavalier Bartolomeo’s Altenasso Barolo may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco...”  93 Points
2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

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

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

ANTHILL FARMS

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
I’ll always remember Anthill Farms as the micro-produced Pinot Noir that was kept hidden behind the counter at The Wine Shop. It was so completely under-the-radar that unless you overheard a conversation, or came across some inside information, most people wouldn’t have known it existed.  The scarcity of this brand hasn’t changed much since then.  Their first vintage in 2004 was just 8 1/2 barrels and now they produce around a dozen small-lot Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay.  The founders all met while working in the cellar at Williams-Selyem winery and they’ve been able to limit the brands exposure and produce absolutely brilliant wines.  At $39.99 a bottle, don’t let this one scurry away.  
 
Created from two of the coolest sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the first of which comes from the edge of the Petaluma Gap, and the second from a Ridge near the Pacific Ocean.  While both locations are geographically distinct, they’re also linked by the direct influence of the Pacific’s cool, marine air. Both vineyards give the grapes a long, cool hang-time so they can develop profound flavors, but with enough acidity to keep them lively and fresh.  If you love tiny production Pinot Noirs that won’t be found in your neighbors cellar, this one’s for you… 
 
ANTHILL FARMS
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Vinous: “The 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is endowed with terrific depth in this vintage. Beautifully expressive and resonant, the 2016 offers notable richness in its succulent red cherry, plum and spice nuances. This open-knit, juicy Pinot will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a fabulous appellation-level Pinot.“ 92 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Anthill Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and dried herbs draw you into the glass. A forceful attack of delicious dark cherry fruit expands in the mouth, carrying over to a finish with respectable intensity and a burst of acidity.” 92 Points
2012 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District Proprietary Red

2012 Anantaah Bella’s Blend Spring Mountain District Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSpring MountainUSA

ANANTAAH

2012 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2012 Anantaah Bella's Blend Spring Mountain District Proprietary Red
There’s something magical that happens when a powerful mountain blend has a few extra years in the bottle…  As good as they can be at release, they really blossom into something even more incredible with a little extra age.  Anantaah’s 2012 Bella’s blend is a prime example and it was created in a deep and elegant style that added to it’s ability to age.  And coming from a mountainous area where the bottle prices are generally as steep as the terrain, it’s extremely rare to come across a wine like this at under $80/btl. 
 
Originating from the Madrone Vineyard located at 1,900 feet in elevation, this deep, velvety red possesses a treasure chest of layers and remarkable balance.  Perpetually changing and evolving in the glass, layer after layer of impeccably well-balanced flavors coat your palate in an abundance of dark fruits and sweet, velvety tannins.  Aged for nearly two full years in barrels and now with around 3 1/2 years of development in the bottle, this wine is gorgeous right now and has the structure to go another decade.  
 
ANANTAAH
2012 BELLA’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “… Deep dark purple in color, with the initial aromatics of blackberries. After you roll it around on your palette the dark plum, blackberries and dark cherries open up with a touch of minerality; the finish is long and lingering as the flavors continue to unravel. Wait for the finish….is that a bit of spice…”

2014 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMt VeederNapaOld Vine ZinfandelUSA

BLIND TASTING

PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY

 
Have you ever wondered why New World Blends are so good? The reason is the unrestricted rules that allow winemakers to blend any varietals together, unlike what you might find in some areas of the Old World.  A perfect example is the unabashedly Californian 2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red.  It has a core of Old Vine Zinfandel, amplified by 19% Petite Sirah, which adds depth and succulent blue fruits and then it’s taken up yet another notch with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder, adding even more structure and backbone.  This wine is absolutely perfect with everything from BBQ to Burgers and everything in between, and it’s always a crowd-favorite.  If you haven’t experienced this truly California style Red Blend, here’s a great opportunity to do so, but don’t wait too long because there were only 6 barrels produced.
 
A virtual bungie-jump for your palate, with a free-falling burst of blackberry pie, interwoven with violets, crushed blueberries and black raspberries, the 2014 is firing on all cylinders right now.  A wine of deep power and focused intensity, the 2014 blend spent 20 months in oak and benefiting from over a year of development inside the bottle, it’s drinking absolutely beautifully now.  Hitting the palate with incredible fervency, giving way to a rush of irresistible fruit, displayed with terrific clarity.  strongly recommend you jump at the chance to secure a case.  You’ll thank me later.  
 
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackberries, white Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla jump from the glass. A dense core of perfectly balanced black cherry, crushed blueberries, blackberry preserves with a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being too heavy, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to make your mouth water and beg for the next sip.  Absolutely delicious and ready to drink right now, or you can hold until 2024.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Blind Tasting may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyard Zinfandel
 2015 Westwook Legend Proprietary Red
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
 
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel: “This proprietary red blend (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) is sourced [mostly from] the estate vineyard, situated between Mt. Hood and the Sonoma Mountains. The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.” 95 Points
 
2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

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

DANIEL

2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD

In the wine world, history dictates that all roads eventually lead to Pinot Noir. The reason is because Pinots have a supple richness and elegance coupled with a balanced bright acidity that refreshes your palate.  So when your palate needs a reset with a red that’s refreshing and has a mouth quenching opulence, Pinot Noir is usually my answer. Daniel’s 2014 Laguna Vineyard Pinot is one of those wines and with just a 75 case production that satisfies on every level. It was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem and created in a deep, enchanting style full of wild and complex nuances that compel you for another sip.  At $60/btl this Pinot brought a smile to my face but at $39.99/btl… You’ll want to grab enough to share, or not (grin.)
 
Daniel Winery has a talent for finding unique sites that are capable of producing profound fruit with compelling flavors and firm structure.  This one was brought to life from the organically farmed Laguna Vineyard and created from heritage clones, Calera, Eden and Martini, this Pinot Noir.  With a deep core and satin texture, this Pinot opens up beautifully to dark berries, wild flowers, hints of graphite and vanilla.  With a total production of 75 cases, this Pinot will go fast…  
 
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 33%
 
From PinotFile: “Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and dried herbs draw you into the glass. A forceful attack of delicious dark cherry fruit expands in the mouth, carrying over to a finish with respectable intensity and a burst of acidity.” 92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Daniel’s Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 

  

2015 Two Sisters Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
TWO SISTERS
2015 PINOT NOIR
LINDSAY’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Plump red cherry, rust, dried sage, wild thyme and baking spices show on the nose of this top-end regional wine from Bill Foley. The palate shows cohesive well-woven flavors of strong red fruits, turned earth, brown spice, cracked pepper and a menthol-like finish. The acidity is perfect, the tannins soft but structural.”  93 Points
SOLAMENTE
2014 PINOT NOIR
TERRA BLANCA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Cellar Tracker Tasting Notes: “This deep ruby wine flaunts bright aromas of cranberries, black cherries, raspberries, pickling spice and violets. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium-weight but grippy tannins, it has impressive presence on the mid-palate. The medium length finish concludes with a wisp of oak. This is an outstanding Pinot...”