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2016 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo

with No Comment $30 and under Italy Kevin Vogt Nebbiolo Piedmont

AZELIA

2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

In the same way that Rosso di Montalcino is considered baby Brunello, Langhe Nebbiolo is a more ready to drink, affordable cousin to Barolo and Barbaresco. These Italian icons are both made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes and while Langhe can include declassified Barolo and Barbaresco but can also be from other regions within Piedmont, and doesn’t need to meet the same aging requirements. Stylistically Langhe wines are flashy with more forward, vibrant fruit, and they’re styled to be much more approachable in their youth. One of my favorites is by Azelia and at $25/btl it’s simply one of the best values in the shop.

When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerts readers that “wines from… Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” The 2016 enters your palate with marvelous intensity, and is chock full of vibrant red fruits, toasted spice, dried rose petals and finely grained tannins. 2016 was an idyllic vintage in Piedmont producing larger than average yields of perfectly ripened grapes.

AZELIA

2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO

PIEDMONT, ITALY

Retails at: $28/btl

Your Price: $25/btl

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo gives us a very encouraging glimpse into the future. Nebbiolo from this cool vintage is phenomenal, and we should have some beautiful surprises very soon when the 2016 Barbarescos and Barolos are released. For now, we can enjoy a wine like this. Aged in stainless steel, this expression opens to a beautiful ruby hue with dark garnet highlights. The effect is crisp, luminous and bright. The varietal purity is especially evident on the bouquet, thanks to cassis, wild rose, blueberry and fresh almond aromas. The vines are 20 years old on average.” 91 Points

Customers that enjoy Azelia’s Langhe Nebbiolo may also enjoy these two stunning wines…

2016 Clos Du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Unique VV

2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

CLOS Du CAILLOU

2016 COTES Du RHONE

CUVEE UNIQUE VV

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)… “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.” 90 Points

LIVIO SASSETTI

2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

MONTALCINO, ITALY

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by LivioSassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons. With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.

2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and under Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast USA

ALMA de CATTLEYA

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY

The “Are you kidding me?” moments regarding value pricing of fine wines are getting harder and harder to find. Wine prices escalate each year, but Alma de Cattleya seems to be suspended in a perfectly insulated time capsule. This beauty was expertly created by Columbia born, French trained winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave, whom many of you may recognize as the winemaker for Pahlmeyer… She’s previously made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France as well. Her new Alma de Cattleya and Cattleya labels are rapidly increasing in popularity with each cork pulled and are setting the bar for what can be achieved at each respective price level.

A blend of several methodically selected vineyard blocks centered around the Sonoma Coast AVA and focused primarily around sites positioned very close to the Pacific Ocean, this gorgeous interpretation of cool-climate, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot was authored using the same exacting standards as the Cattleya single vineyard wines which retail for around $70/btl and garner enormous scores. Remarkably plump and velvety on the palate, this stunning Pinot covers your taste buds in ripe, penetrating fruit, layered in wild rose and violets. I strongly recommend a case or two, because a Pinot this good, at this price, certainly won’t be available for long. And no, I’m not kidding…

ALMA de CATTLEYA

2017 PINOT NOIR

SONOMA COUNTY

Your Price: $27.99/btl

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale ruby purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir opens with Bing cherries, tart cranberry, blackberry, violet and tobacco leaf aromas with tangerine peel nuance. Light to medium-bodied, it’s fresh and soft in the mouth with crunchy red fruits and citrus accents, framed by soft, grainy tannins and juicy freshness to lift the finish…” 90 Points

Customers that enjoy Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR

SONOMA COAST

Retails at: $30/btl

Your Price: $23/btl

Winery Notes: “The wine shows appealing aromas of Bing cherry mixed with vanilla and baking spice. The deep ruby and purple wine reveals candied red plum that lingers in the glass…. sensuous and mouth filling and shows black cherry and strawberry flavors. Medium bodied flavors of perfumed Cherry, lush red fruit and clove give way to the bright natural acidity and fine tannins that draw out a long and impressive finish.”

JOSEPH JEWELL

2015 PINOT NOIR

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Retails at: $40/btl

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine.” 92 Points

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé

with No Comment $30 and under Central Coast Kevin Vogt Rosé USA

VANDELLA

2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN

When describing Rosé, words like expansive, full-bodied, depth, and length are rarely used, but that’s only because there aren’t many Rosés quite like this one… Vandella’s 100 case production of 2018 Rosé was created from 100% Touriga Nacional, which is widely considered to be Portugal’s finest grape variety. Of course these vines were grown in California, and it’s a varietal that induces profound structure and terrific spice qualities. Each individual grape was hand harvested by the winemaker and specifically chosen for the sensory attributes he knew would eventually translate into a wine that was truly intriguing and unlike any other rosé out there. The grapes were then pressed whole cluster, which contributed to the wines deep garnet color and full-bodied style.

Defined by a surreal presence on the palate and long, expansive flavors, the 2018 is laced with vivid red berries, detailed spices, and intense floral notes. On the palate the mouthfeel is scrumptious and full, and as the flavors begin to expand, you’ll have one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments. You can actually sense the care that went into producing this remarkable wine when you taste it, and at less than $30/btl you’ll want to grab a case or two before it vanishes.

VANDELLA

2018 ROSÉ

LA FEMME NOREN

Retails at: $32.00/btl

Your Price: $29.99/btl
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Winemaker’s Notes: “A vivid, utterly distinctive rosé with intense floral aromatics and layers of scrumptious bright fruit notes: early spring strawberries, watermelon rind, passion fruit, cotton candy, and green banana. There is a lot of complexity sewn into the subtlety of the mid-palate- as spice notes work to compliment the zippy juiciness. Perhaps what makes this rosé so truly exceptional, is the surreal mouthfeel and profoundly long finish that are most uncommon in rosé, and of which showcases the true artistry and vision in the winemaking approach.” 100 Cases Produced

Customers that enjoy Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé may also enjoy these two stunning wines…

2016 Vandella Scarrow Paso Robles Proprietary Blend

0218 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rose of Pinot Noir

VANDELLA

2016 SCARROW

PROPRIETARY BLEND

Retails at: $48.00/btl

Your Price: Insider Club Members Only
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Winery Notes: “The deepest, darkest, most brooding Vandella to date. Satsuma plums and vivid white pepper take the lead on this rendition of our flagship blend, bolstered by purple flowers, anise, cherry cola and razzleberry pie. The bright juicy red stone-fruit characteristics remain dominant from start to finish, working to juxtapose the soft, velvety mid-palate. Rounded tannins and delicate acid make this wine irresistible and dangerously easy to drink.“

FLOWERS

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR

2018 SONOMA COAST

Retails at: $32.00/btl

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Winery Notes: “Elegant and distinct with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and subtle hints of mint. Bursts of fresh citrus colorfully drive the palate and are delicately balanced with flavors of nectarine and stone fruit. A silky entrance coupled with fresh and uplifting acidity leaves you with our signature coastal expressiveness. Sourced from a small selection of family-owned coastal vineyards as well as our Sea View Ridge estate...”

2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino Italy

with No Comment $30 and under Italy Kevin Vogt Montalcino Rosso Tuscany

LIVIO SASSETTI

2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

Ever wonder why Rosso di Montalcino is so much less expensive than Brunello di Montalcino? After all, they’re both produced from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in the Italy’s iconic Montalcino region. While legal requirements dictate that Brunello is aged for two years in oak and 4 months in bottle, they are typically aged for a total of 50 months total before release. Rosso’s are only required to be aged for one year before release, often resulting in a fresher, more vibrant red that can be enjoyed young. A gorgeous example is from Livio Sassetti and I always jump at the chance to taste any wine from an Iconic producer of Brunello. Their Brunello is one of the best in the shop and scored 98 Points and is also a favorite of Robert Parker. Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest.” At under thirty per bottle, their Rosso is an excellent value.

Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by Livio Sassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons. With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack. I strongly recommend securing your case… You’ll be seriously glad you did.

LIVIO SASSETTI

2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

MONTALCINO, ITALY

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Winery Notes: “Ruby red color with purple hues. Deep black plum, cassis, violet, fresh dark earth and herb flavors flow on a silky palate to a deliciously long, velvety finish.”

Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti Rosso di Montalcino may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…

2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

2013 Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montelpulciano

LIVIO SASSETTI

2013 PERTIMALI

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

Retails at: $80.00/btl

Your Price: $69.99/btl

From James Suckling: “This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty. Better after 2021 but already a joy to taste.” 98 Points

SALCHETO

2013 RISERVA

VINO NOBILE DI MONTELPULCIANO

SANGIOVESE BLEND

Your Price: $29.99/btl

From Vinous: “... Powerful and ample, with tons of depth, the 2013 is impressive. Fresh dark cherry, spice, licorice and menthol notes abound in this vibrant, beautifully resonant Vino Nobile…. In a word: superb!” 94 Points

2017 Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and under Cabernet Sauvignon Kevin Vogt Sonoma Sonoma Valley USA

VALRAVN

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 SONOMA COUNTY

We occasionally come across a new project so captivating that by the time it hits our palate, we’re left with absolutely no question that it’s going to be a success. In the case of Valravn, it wouldn’t be the first giant success for founder Baron Ziegler… Baron started Banshee wines in 2008, which quickly grew to over 50,000 cases before striking a deal to sell the brand to Billionaire Bill Foley last year. With a goal of producing approachable, delicious wines with single-vineyard level of quality from Sonoma County, and at prices far less than their counterparts, you can bet that they’ll make a lot of friends along the way. At under $25 their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is velvety and opulent without any hard edges. If you’re searching for the next value Cab to share with your friends, this is it…

Valravn really hit the ground running, and they had a head start by already having established relationships with growers and winemakers which they formed over the last decade while growing the Banshee brand. Their 2017 Cabernet encompasses fruit from Alexander Valley, Moon Mountain and the Russian River Valley, and it’s made in a showy and velvety style that’s really easy to love.

VALRAVN

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2017 SONOMA COUNTY

Your Price: $24.99/btl

Winery Notes: “Reminiscent of classic ripe-vintage Bordeaux – refined and well defined with a lovely play of savory and sweet. Cassis, black cherry and blackberry fruit is accompanied by opulent notes of dark chocolate, espresso roast, and graphite. Silky tannins with amazing richness on the palate.“

Customers who enjoy Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…

2014 Enos Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Vista Rutherford Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend

ENOS

2014 ESTATE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

DRY CREEK VALLEY

Retails at: $60/btl

Your Price: Insider Club Members Only
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Tasting Notes: “This intriguing Cabernet begins with a compelling nose of black cherries, red currants and cocoa powder, followed by pipe tobacco, toasted hazelnuts and sweet vanilla spice. On the palate, focused blackberry and chocolate covered cherries intertwine beautifully with a complex, earthy wet clay character along with slightly dusty tannins. The finish is detailed, long and fresh, without be heavy or cloying. A delight to enjoy now and will age beautifully for a decade or so. Serious wine at a not-so-serious price…” 93+ Points

VISTA

2017 RUTHERFORD

PROPRIETARY RED

Your Price: $23/btl

Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice. The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate. Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.” 92-95 Points

2015 POP 300 Oakville Rosé

2018 Pop 300 Oakville Rosé

with No Comment $30 and under Kevin Vogt Napa Oakville Rosé USA

POP 300

2018 ROSÉ
OAKVILLE

For wine lovers, being in-the-know can sometimes result in drinking a wine that performs so stratospherically above the realm of possibilities, that you feel like you stole something when you taste it. POP 300’s Oakville Rosé hands you all of that on a sterling silver platter, and here’s why… Many would argue that the To Kalon Vineyard in the heart of Oakville is the greatest vineyard in California. A little known secret is that there’s a tiny block of Pinot Noir in the center of this magical vineyard. It’s called Wilsey-To Kalon and in a case where location and being connected takes you the distance, POP 300 has my vote. The aromas alone give you a rush, and compelling notes of bright raspberry, crushed sea shells, minerals, pink grapefruit and pomegranate let you know what you’re about to get into… Oh yeah and at $29.99/btl, it’s truly one of the best Rosé wines produced in California.

It’s well known that Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, but very few people would know that Pinot Noir even exits in this iconic region. This is a truly unique, Rosé of Pinot Noir with a dash of Viognier tossed in, is made by Luke Russ, whose day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessy Winery. Beware, it might just leave you in disbelief of just how good it is. Just don’t let the shock last too long, because it will be gone before you know it…

POP 300

2018 ROSÉ

OAKVILLE

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Tasting Notes: “What a delight to find an absolutely one-of-a-kind wine that is immensely delicious too. The nose begins with ripe peach, nectarine and fresh, ripe raspberries intermingled with a whiff of banana and spring flowers. The palate is bursting with flavors including Bosc pear, white strawberries, Meyer lemon, along with a saline minerality and bright acidity. It is a complex, dry wine with very little if any residual sugar and a zesty mouthfeel that perfectly balances the powerful flavors. I highly recommend this for your Spring and Summer enjoyment.” 94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2017 Malene Central Coast Rose

2017 Malene Central Coast Rosé

with No Comment $30 and under Central Coast Kevin Vogt Rosé Uncategorized USA

MALENE

2017 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST

When a winery combines Old World thought with new world fruit, the results can be absolutely inspiring. With Malene’s 2017 Rosé from the Central Coast, the fruit is sourced from top vineyards the Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles, where the climate is similar to Southern France. Many would argue that it’s the best area in California for growing Rhone varietals like Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre which are three of the main grapes used to make Provence Rosé wines. Malene embodies many of the qualities that I love about Provence Rosé and adds an element of new world plump, juicy fruit. Our panel wasn’t the only one’s that liked it… It also earned an impressive 91 points and Editor’s Choice from the Wine Enthusiast.

One sip of Malene’s 2017 Rosé and you might think you’re in Provence, France, transporting your mind with underripe-raspberry, delicate rose, lime peel, rock minerals and hints of lavender. It was fermented using three different types of vessels to add even more complexity. At $19.99/btl, I’m planning on enjoying this beauty all Spring and Summer long, and I invite you to do the same…

MALENE

2017 ROSÉ

CENTRAL COAST

Retails at: $22.00/btl

Your Price: $19.99/btl

From Wine Enthusiast: “This rosé, by the team at Chamisal, is a superstar in the category, offering a little bit of everything for all palate preferences. Perfumed aromas of peach, strawberry and wet gravel combine fruit with minerality, while the palate is framed by a compelling texture. Flavors of red apple and plum sail into the finish.” 91 Points Editors’ Choice

Customers who enjoy Malene Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés…

CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES

2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ

CÔTES DE PROVENCE

Your Price: $23/btl

Importers Tasting Notes: “Blessed by the same sun and sea breezes as Tahiti Beach, Cap 21, and the memory of Voile Rouge, it embodies the delicate, romantic taste of 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault and 10% Rolle, marrying the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry, mixed with mineral nuances into one glass...”

FLOWERS

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR

2017 SONOMA COAST

Retails at: $32.00/btl

Your Price: $29.99/btl

From California Wine Review: “Layered aromatics of strawberry, raspberry, starfruit and rose petal highlight the complex palate, driven by orange marmalade countered with fresh citrus peels, and balanced by the signature coastal mineralogy and defined salinity.“

95 Points

2015 Daniel Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah

2015 Daniel Soberanes Vineyard Syrah

with No Comment $30 and under Kevin Vogt Santa Cruz Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah Uncategorized USA

DANIEL

2015 SYRAH
SOBERANES VINEYARD

One of the fastest growing categories in our shop is high-quality California Syrah at value prices. Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah and because of this, that you can occasionally find a ridiculous deal on a fantastic wine. A perfect example is the 2015 DANIEL Syrah from the iconic Soberanes Vineyard. This two barrel production Syrah opens up to sweet violets, pulverized blackberries, compact black cherries, smoked meats, white pepper and charcuterie. And while you might expect to pay around $50-$70/btl for a single vineyard Syrah from Soberanes, you might just want to grab 2.5% of their entire production… Which in this case is a 15-pack.

Some of the greatest California Syrah comes from the Santa Lucia Highlands, and one of the best spots there is the Soberanes Vineyard. The 2015 perfectly illustrates the best qualities from this vineyard which were brought to life by winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem. As the wine unfolds in the glass, rich and inviting flavors envelope your palate in pure elegance, and become increasingly compelling as the wine opens up. At this price, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours…

DANIEL

2015 SYRAH

SOBERANES VINEYARD

Retails at: $50/btl

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Winery Notes: “Deep plum red in color, the nose is fragrant with crushed peppercorns, wildflowers and rhubarb. The palate is full bodied with lovely, fine tannins, finishes with blackberry reduction, gamey toffee notes, wet clay and violets.”

Customers who enjoy DANIEL Soberanes Vineyard Syrah may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…

ANARCHIST WINE CO.

CONSPIRACY THEORY

2013 PROPRIETARY RED

Retails at: $36/btl

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Tasting Notes: “This unique blend begins with a compact nose of Bing cherry, wet slate, cotton candy and a touch of sweet vanilla spice. On the palate, it begins with focused black plum, penetrating wild red and black berries and Ibarra Chocolate. The finish is mouth-filling without being cloying, with just the right amount of dusty tannin, cocoa powder and a touch of baking spices.”

CORNERSTONE

2015 SYRAH

RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

Retails at: $85/btl

Your Price: Insider Club Members Only
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Winery Notes: “French by heritage, California in spirit. These head trained

Syrah grapes were lovingly grown high on a steep hillside at 1,800 feet… The aromas are a complex combination of ripe black berries, boysenberry and earthy sage. You’ll also likely find typical Syrah notes of smoked bacon, tar and black pepper…”

Best In Class | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2014 Amapola Creek Estate Sonoma County Cuvee Alis

2014 Amapola Creek Estate Sonoma County Cuvee Alis

with No Comment $30 and under Kevin Vogt Proprietary Red Sonoma Uncategorized USA

AMAPOLA CREEK

2014 CUVEE ALIS
ESTATE, SONOMA COUNTY

If a deeply compelling, complex red from a site that neighbors the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma County doesn’t pique your interest, how about getting the same wine at a special price? Add to that a 92 Point Score from Robert Parker and it being produced by legendary winemaker Dick Arrowood, and your taste buds might already be salivating to try it… Beautifully elegant and remarkably individualistic, this wine simply pops on your palate with an explosion of flavors that linger on and on. The grapes were sourced from the Amapola Creek Estate Vineyard which I mentioned above borders the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, made famous by Ridge in the 1960’s… It was expertly authored by renowned winemaker Dick Arrowood who rocketed to fame crafting some of Sonoma’s most notable wines, including Chateau St. Jean from 1974 through 1990.

Created from a collection of various vineyard blocks, diversity is what truly sets this wine apart. After resting for 18 months in French oak barrels, this wine is made in an approachable style that will immediately bring a smile to your face… At the winery price of $48/btl, this wine will take you to that happy place, but with our special offer you may want to clear some serious room in the cellar. This is the perfect Red Blend to share at Spring and Summer barbecues.

AMAPOLA CREEK

2014 CUVEE ALIS

ESTATE, SONOMA COUNTY

Retails at: $48.00/btl

Your Price: Insider Club Members Only
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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Blended of 69% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 22% Mourvedre, the 2014 Cuvee Alis Estate Vineyard has a medium garnet color and a beautifully spicy nose of Chinese five spice and Sichuan pepper with a good core of cherry preserves, blueberries and dried plums, plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is led by spice box and savory notes with velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence.” 92 Points

2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and under Cabernet Sauvignon Kevin Vogt Napa Rutherford Uncategorized USA

VISTA

2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED

Being part of a wine brand that’s shattering records and has everybody talking is always fun, and Vista turns out to be our single most popular wine we’ve ever offered… This is a $23 Rutherford Blend that tastes like it should cost many many times its price. When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label. After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics, and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out, the intended retail was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet under a different brand name. If you look for value reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one…

Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust. At $23 bucks this wine shatters expectations of how great a value wine can possibly be in this price.

VISTA

2017 RUTHERFORD

PROPRIETARY RED

Your Price: $23/btl

Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice. The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate. Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.” 92 – 95 Points