2022 Maquis Revela Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley

2022 Maquis Revela Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonChileKevin Vogt

Maquis

Revela Gran Reserva
Cabernet Sauvignon
Colchagua Valley 2022

2022 Maquis Revela Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley

The 2022 Maquis Revela Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon captivates with its bold, intricate, and elegantly crafted profile. Viña Maquis, rooted in one of Chile’s oldest estates, traces its origins to the 18th century, when Jesuit priests produced sacramental wine on this storied land. Since 1916, the Hurtado family has upheld this heritage, refining the vineyards and embracing a meticulous, hands-on approach to winemaking that vividly captures the essence of the terroir.

In 2022, a cool growing season followed a dry winter, yielding fruit of remarkable balance—crisp acidity, vibrant aromatics, and rich concentration. Sourced primarily from a rare 1997 block planted on ungrafted European rootstock, the Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Chile’s phylloxera-free soils, safeguarded by the Andes’ natural barrier. The result is a wine of exceptional purity and character, rarely matched elsewhere.

Blended with Cabernet Franc, Carménère, and Petit Verdot, this wine evokes a Left Bank Bordeaux spirit while distinctly reflecting its Chilean roots. Lively spice, refined structure, and elegance unite in a wine that narrates a compelling story of heritage, resilience, and place—far surpassing its price.

Maquis
Revela Gran Reserva
Cabernet Sauvignon
Colchagua Valley 2022

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“I like the restraint of this cabernet sauvignon, which almost delivers a Bordelais touch with its lead-pencil and graphite character. Structured and medium-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a tight finish. Sustainable. Better from 2025.”

92 Points

2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

L. Foppiano

1896 Red Blend
Sonoma County 2023

2023 L. Foppiano 1896 Red Blend Sonoma County

L. Foppiano’s 2023 ‘1896’ Sonoma County Red captivates from the first sip, revealing layers of lush blue and red fruits interwoven with vibrant spices. This wine embodies a storied legacy that began over a century ago when Italian immigrant Giovanni Foppiano established his visionary estate in 1896. Today, under the inspired leadership of Martin Ray, the winery embraces a new chapter, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

Central to this revival is winemaker Raemy Paterson, whose refined artistry elevates the vineyards’ bounty into something extraordinary. Having sharpened her skills at Ridge Vineyards and Jordan Winery, Raemy masterfully blends Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, employing meticulous techniques to craft a wine of harmonious complexity and polished elegance.

The 2023 ‘1896’ Red vividly reflects Foppiano’s rich heritage and bright future. This distinctive vintage invites you to share in its narrative—a wine perfectly suited for memorable gatherings, complimenting grilled meats and elevating family barbecues with its timeless character. Grab some now… It’s a small price for such a big wine.

L. Foppiano
1896 Red Blend
Sonoma County 2023
Retails at: $28

Your Price: $23

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“The L. Foppiano 2023 “1896” Sonoma County Red Blend opens with a vibrant mix of hibiscus, cardamom, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, and a hint of fruit punch with a sangria-like brightness. On the palate, the mirrors the aromatic profile, showing ripe fruit tones, subtle notes of dried herbs, and a hint of pretzels dipped in milk chocolate. Balanced and unpretentious, this crowd-pleasing red is perfect for casual sipping or weeknight pairing.”

92 Points

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Black Pine

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Black Pine’s 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir captures California fruit’s sophistication with a deft balance of depth and subtlety. It embodies the spirit of Sonoma Coast grapes—lush and sun-warmed, yet tempered by coastal winds that lend it structure and finesse. For years, Black Pine has remained a standout among value Pinot Noirs, drawing in seasoned collectors and intrigued novices alike with its consistent quality and appeal.

Drawn from a mosaic of thoughtfully chosen vineyards, this Pinot Noir reflects a winemaker’s distinct perspective. Each parcel is crafted with care, letting the unique traits of every site emerge. The outcome is a harmonious portrayal of the region—rich in layers, textured, and effortlessly refined.

The 2023 vintage achieves a subtle victory—a wine that doesn’t clamor for notice but secures it with each taste. It invites dialogue, reflection, and those fleeting moments that resonate long after. Beyond the glass, it carries a sense of connection, a gentle nudge that life’s most enduring impressions often arrive with quiet clarity.

Black Pine
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $38

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“The 2023 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers a compelling value in quality Pinot Noir. On the nose, it delivers ripe black cherries and dried cranberries, with hints of cola bean, Darjeeling tea, and violets adding floral elements. The palate brings juicy black raspberries and vibrant pomegranate, showing a ripe yet fuller-bodied profile that remains fresh and lively. A thread of liquid minerals runs through it, and the fruit intensity exceeds expectations for the price point. Well-balanced and approachable now, with a long, satisfying finish.”

93+ Points

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMendocinoUSA

Slingshot

Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast 2021

2021 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast

Slingshot was born from a desire to craft premium California wines that deliver purpose without pretense. Since its founding in 2005, Slingshot has focused on the North Coast AVA—a mosaic of world-class vineyard sites spanning Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. Each bottle reflects the region’s coastal influence, diverse soils, and vibrant microclimates, all while honoring the founder’s belief that great wine should be inspiring and accessible.

Guiding this vision is winemaker Blair Guthrie, whose global experience and restrained approach define Slingshot’s signature style. A native of New Zealand, Blair honed his craft across hemispheres before planting roots in California. Today, he champions sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, allowing the vineyards to speak clearly. The result is wines of transparency—unforced, expressive, and deeply rooted in their origins.

The 2021 Slingshot exemplifies this vision. Sourced from the Testa and Johnson Vineyards—two acclaimed sites in Mendocino and Lake Counties—it showcases the North Coast’s signature depth and vibrancy. For those seeking a Cabernet that speaks with clarity, character, and coastal charm, this is a bottle you’ll return to time and again.

Slingshot
Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast 2021
Retails at: $23

Your Price: $19.99

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“The 2021 Slingshot North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an elegant floral notes of violets, complemented with vibrant blueberry, blackberry, and black currant aromas. On the palate, the wine has a savory core of spice, balsamic reduction, dark chocolate, and a subtle hint of fresh mint. This wine has a refined structure, with dusty tannins and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of petrichor, and though slightly lighter-bodied than a typical California Cabernet, this wine gives finesse, impressive concentration, and depth, carrying through to a long, polished finish.”

94 points

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtLoire ValleyRosé

La Villaudiere

Sancerre Rosé
Loire Valley 2024

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

Domaine Jean-Marie Reverdy’s La Villaudière 2024 Sancerre Rosé glows with the vivid, luminous essence of Loire Valley Pinot Noir, its refined allure reflecting the heartbeat of the Reverdy family. Across four generations, their deep commitment and respect for the land shine through in every bottle. This devotion has yielded a rosé of striking clarity and poise, a wine that gently speaks of its origins, unveiling the soul of its place and the care of those who nurture it.

While Sancerre is widely cherished for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Jean-Marie Reverdy presents a rarer treasure from its Pinot Noir vineyards. Tucked into the Caillotes soils—strewn with stones and basked in sunlight—the vines thrive in exquisite balance. This distinctive union of terroir and grape lends the 2024 vintage its graceful depth, offering a rosé that flows with precision and resonates with subtle complexity.

Every careful step in shaping this rosé reflects a harmony between nature’s gifts and the craft of winemaking. Fermented in stainless steel to capture its vibrant freshness, the 2024 Rosé resonates with purity and precision—a wine that not only delights the senses but lingers in memory well beyond the final sip.

La Villaudiere
Sancerre Rosé
Loire Valley 2024

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“The La Villaudière 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir opens with inviting aromas of wet stones, white cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries complemented with subtle hints of lemongrass and ginger. On the palate, the wine strikes a perfect balance between refreshing crispness and smooth elegance, showcasing its naturally bright acidity and a pure, clean profile. Flinty minerality adds depth, while a delicate nuance of passion fruit brings a touch of exotic vibrancy and ends with a light, satisfying finish.”

95 Points

 

2020 VIK Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Millahue Valley Chile

2020 VIK Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Millahue Valley Chile

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonChileKevin Vogt

VIK

Omega 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon
Millahue Valley, Chile

2020 VIK Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Millahue Valley Chile

Chile has long been a land of untamed beauty, where nature’s extremes converge to shape wines of breathtaking precision. At the forefront of this movement is VIK, a winery that has rewritten the script for South American excellence. 

With a relentless pursuit of perfection, VIK has captured global attention, earning a flawless 100-point score on its flagship release. Within this legacy of greatness lies the 2020 Omega—a hidden treasure in its own right. A blend led by 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, elegantly intertwined with Carménère and a touch of Syrah, Omega is a wine that offers an opulent yet finely chiseled expression of its extraordinary terroir.

The 2020 Omega is a masterclass in balance, having spent 18 months in French oak barrels to refine its complexity. It is a wine that offers immediacy in its plush textures yet rewards patience with the promise of deepening complexity.

Omega embodies the relentless ambition of VIK—a winery that continues to push the limits of what Chilean wine can be.

VIK
Omega 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon
Millahue Valley, Chile
Retails at: $35

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“This wonderfully balanced, approachable, French oak-aged red way overdelivers.”

92 Points

2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtSauvignon BlancUSA

Langtry

Sauvignon Blanc
Lillie Vineyard 2023
Guenoc Valley

2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

Langtry’s 2023 Lillie’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc emerges as a luminous reflection of Guenoc Valley, captivating with its pristine clarity, vibrant energy, and harmonious balance—all offered at a remarkable value. This historic estate, rooted in the vision of British actress Lillie Langtry, began in 1888 when she, enchanted by the wild allure of California’s wine country, claimed the sprawling 4,200-acre property. Her bold embrace of viticulture set the stage for a legacy that continues to define the region’s winemaking character.

The Guenoc Valley terroir is as compelling as its past. An alluvial fan of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam soils ensures superb drainage, while the region’s dramatic day-to-night temperature swings lend the grapes uncommon depth and vitality.

Meticulously crafted to retain its vivid freshness, this Sauvignon Blanc spends four months in stainless steel, locking in its bright, fruit-driven essence, followed by four months in neutral barrels to weave in delicate layers of texture and nuance. The result is a wine of radiant finesse—each sip honors Lillie Langtry’s vision, blending a glimpse of history with contemporary brilliance.

Langtry
Sauvignon Blanc
Lillie Vineyard 2023
Guenoc Valley
Retails at: $30

Your Price: $26

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“This wine is fresh, zesty, with aromas of green guava, kiwi, citrus blossom, and notes of white florals on the nose. The flavors on the palate are kaffir lime, white grapefruit, white nectarine, sedimentary rock, interwoven with good acidity, and a long juicy finish. pair with tinned fish, marinated green olive, red bell pepper, herbed olive oil.”

94 Points

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Thistle & Thorn

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Thistle & Thorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Exceptional wines often emerge from careful intent, yet occasionally, they owe their existence to the whims of chance. The tale of Thistle & Thorn unfolds as a fortunate twist of fate—a wine that almost slipped through the cracks. When a coveted batch of Napa Valley grapes found itself without a home, winemaker Blair Guthrie faced a pivotal decision: let the fruit wither on the vine or embrace the opportunity to shape something remarkable. Guided by intuition, he chose to act.

Blair Guthrie’s path is as captivating as the bottles he produces. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, he pursued the study of enology and viticulture with a steady resolve that would eventually lead him across continents. His formative years under the tutelage of Paul Hobbs refined a winemaking approach centered on the purity of fruit, harmonic balance, and a vivid sense of origin.

Drawn from the organically tended Juliana Vineyard, this wine embodies Napa Valley’s finest qualities. It unfolds with rich, dark fruit, finely woven tannins, and a poised intricacy that elevates its allure—an inviting portrait of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, born not by chance but from the vision of a winemaker who recognized possibility amid uncertainty.

Thistle & Thorn
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $50

Your Price: $25

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“The Thistle & Thorn 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon begins with aromas of green peppercorns, sweet rose, black currants, blackberries, black tea leaves, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine has penetrative flavors of black fruits, balsamic reduction, and baking spices with a warm, inviting character and a pleasant finish. This wine has an excellent concentration of fruit and spice notes, adding layered complexity and extra enjoyment.”

92 Points

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

with No Comment $30 and underChateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

Le Clos de Caillou, celebrated for its flawless 100-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, reveals that true distinction need not carry an extravagant price. The 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) ‘Cuvée Unique’ emerged as the highlight of our recent tasting, a vivid demonstration of this estate’s remarkable skill in crafting wines that surpass all anticipation.

Its tale is as compelling as its character. In 1936, surveyors seeking to include Le Clos de Caillou in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC faced armed opposition, leaving an enigmatic void on the map that persists to this day. Only in the 1950s did vines take root, allowing this singular terroir nestled within the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to flourish under the Côtes-du-Rhône banner.

The 2022 ‘Cuvée Unique’ weaves together 70% Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vineyards echoing the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape landscape. This wine unfolds with grace, its focused intensity reflecting the meticulous artistry behind it.

If one Rhône wine deserves your attention this year, let it be this striking and memorable Cuvée Unique.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

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“The Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique 2022 unfurls with an inviting and nuanced bouquet, where crushed cranberries and ripe red cherries intertwine seamlessly with hints of lavender. A subtle iron note lends complexity, while delicate pie spices round out the aromas. This wine is a vibrant tapestry of mixed juicy red and black berries on the palate, their brightness amplified by a liquid mineral component that elevates each sip. Concentrated yet lively, the flavors penetrate with precision, revealing a black tea character that lingers. It’s a wine of remarkable energy—mouth-wateringly delicious, with a vitality that dances across the tongue, leaving a vivid and refined impression.”

95 Points

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Château Claud-Bellevue

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Château Claud-Bellevue won over our panel with its striking freshness, layered depth, and precise character—qualities that reflect the rising distinction of this appellation. Situated just east of Saint-Émilion, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from a comparable terroir of limestone and clay, lending its wines a poised structure, vibrant energy, and a refined mineral thread. These attributes deliver exceptional quality at a value that outshines its more renowned neighbor.

Château Claud-Bellevue carries a rich history dating back to 1663, shaped by generations of local visionaries who understood the promise of its land. The estate’s 10-hectare vineyard crowns a limestone plateau, where soils of weathered clay and fractured stone weave finesse and complexity into every vintage. This unique foundation yields a wine that balances vivid fruit, crisp vitality, and subtle, earthy undertones with grace.

Maison Kavaklidere has elevated this legacy further, blending tradition with a forward-thinking pursuit of excellence. Committed to sustainability, the estate adheres to rigorous regenerative practices, earning the prestigious HVE3 environmental certification. With a series of well-earned accolades, the 2020 Château Claud-Bellevue unites heritage, place, and skillful craft in a wine that invites appreciation with every glass.

Château Claud-Bellevue
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

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“Deep and searching, brimming with youthful exuberance. Earthy cherry blossom and black tea aromatics meet plum preserve and cherry fruit as spiced oak tannins prevail.”

95 Points