2016 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2016 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA
MORGAN 2016 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
2016 PINOT NOIR
TWELVE CLONES
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
 
Odds are, when three top wine critics in the country positively agree on a wine, it will appeal to a broad audience. Yes, taste is  subjective, but truly great wine can transcend subjectivity and appeal to a much wider range of palates, simply because it’s an excellent representation, is perfectly balanced and has a set of indescribable qualities that is compelling for just about any wine lover.  Morgan Twelve Clones has always made my short-list of California’s best value Pinots and the reasons why were abundantly clear at our recent tasting where it outshined multiple Pinots at a much higher price level.  With triple 91-93 point scores and a price that’s fairly easy to swallow (pun, intended), I strongly recommend locking up a case.  
 
When you begin to dig into the specifics on why this wine is such a stunning value, the first thing you might note is that nearly 1/3 of the fruit comes from the winery’s flagship Double L Vineyard and their single vineyard from there rings in at $65.  You might also note the care that goes into crafting this wine, with fruit being hand-sorted, twice… The most obvious reason is unequivocal the moment this wine hits your palate, and you’ll find the multi-dimensional flavors, balanced acidity and supple fruit will induce a smile on even the most discerning palate.
 
MORGAN
2016 PINOT NOIR
TWELVE CLONES
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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“Brilliant red. Spice-accented raspberry and cherry accents along with hints of woodsmoke cola and Asian spices. Silky and energetic on the palate offering appealingly sweet red berry and floral pastille flavors that deepen slowly as the wine opens up. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to an impressively long mineral- and spice-laced finish that shows excellent clarity and repeating florality.” 91 Points
“Aromas of strawberries, tar and light earth follow through to a medium body with fine and light tannins. A floral, watermelon and citrus aftertaste. A pleasing purity of fruit to this. Drink now.”  92 Points
“Moving to the reds, the 2016 Pinot Noir Twelve Clones (aged ten months in 38% new French oak) offers ample black cherry, violet, and scorched earth aromatics, hints of background oak, medium body, and a beautiful fruit forward, balanced, layered style on the palate. It’s a winner.“ 93 Points
2012 Rudius Fion Bainise Proprietary Red

2012 Rudius Fion Bainise Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNorth CoastProprietary RedUSA

RUDIUS

2012 Rudius Fion Bainise Proprietary Red

2012 FION BAINISE
PROPRIETARY RED

 
What do you get when you combine one of Napa’s most talented winemakers, whose day job is crafting the high-scoring TOR wines, with ancient Mourvedre from Bedrock, Syrah from Hudson and nearly century old Grenache vines from Sceales Vineyard?  The net result is a wine so outrageously good, that at thirty bucks it’s not even fair…  Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Jeff Ames, who mentored under Thomas River Brown at Schrader, Maybach, Outpost and TOR before becoming head winemaker at TOR in 2005.  At TOR he’s made crafting high-90’s rated wines look easy, and with his own label Rudius, he’s applied that same skill-set to creating value wines with unrestrained character and profound hedonism.  Words can’t express how brilliant this wine is showing right now, but maybe actions can?  We bought every single bottle available just after we tasted it.
 
How do you take a wine like this and make it even better?  You allow it to blossom for 5 years in the bottle… The Fion Bainise blend is build around a core of 57% ancient vine Grenache and enhanced with 130 year old Mourvedre vines from Morgan Twain Peterson’s Iconic Bedrock Vineyard. It’s then amplified with 7% Syrah from Hudson Vineyard.  A wine this great, likely won’t last the day…
 
RUDIUS
2012 FION BAINISE
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
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Winery Notes: “Jeff always allows this wine to take on a life of its own, letting the brilliance of the vintage guide his blend, and in 2012 the Grenache is the shining star. Head-trained, 84 year- old Grenache gives the wine a deep ruby color and commands your attention from the first whiff with spicy aromas, sweetened by lush raspberry and subtle lavender undertones. On the palate, the Grenache dominates the entry with bright acidity and tannins that demand a little time in the cellar (or at least 30 minutes to breath once you pop the cork). The minerality of the 126 year-old Mourvédre wows you in the end, filling out the finish with flavors of silky ripe elderberry. And as the 2012 vintage would dictate, this is a bigger wine than previous incarnations, but fans of this bottling will recognize the bright acidity and appreciate its incredible ability to go with almost any food.“
 
Customers that enjoy Rudius Fion Bainise may also enjoy these two stunning blends…
2016 Clos Du Caillou Cotes Du Rhone Cuvee VV Unique 2016 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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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
SANS LIEGE
2016 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $29/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “Distinctive, refined and well-built, offeringexpressive black cherry, cigar box, green olive and cured meat accents that build richness on the long finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2026.” 94 Points

2017 Prisoner Wine Co Blindfold Proprietary White

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteUncategorizedUSA

PRISONER WINE CO.

2017 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE

 
In the wine world, thinking outside-of-the-box, ingenuity, experimentation and innovation are the best ways to create something that people will remember. Prisoner Wine Company embodies all of these qualities.  As the sister version to the popular Prisoner Red, the Blindfold White projects what feels like Cirque du Soleil performance on your palate, and the wine encompasses a truly unique varietal combination, built around a core of Chardonnay and enhanced with Rhone varietals that add energy, lift and a myriad of complex nuances.  The 2017 wears a cloak of bright yellow fruits, silky layers and stunning balance.  Finding a wine of this quality, at under thirty per bottle is enough to make even red wine only drinkers smile with delight.
 
Formulated from dozens of distinguished vineyard sites throughout California, the 2017 Blindfold sings with honey drizzled pear, apricot preserves, yellow orchard fruits, and whisps of orange zest.  Resting for 10 months in a combination of fermentation vessels, the new Prisoner white casts a tremendous amount of enjoyment and simply has to be experienced to truly be appreciated.
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2017 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Retails at:  $32/btl
 
Your Price: $27/btl 
YOU SAVE 15%
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Offering a tropical fruit-cocktail mix of coconut, apricot, peach cobbler and pear flavors, this is ripe and round, with an edge of cream soda. Very smooth and juicy, showing good intensity on the finish...” 89 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Blindfold White may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Prisoner Wine Company…
 
2016 Prisoner Wine Co Cuttings Caberner Sauvignon 2017 The Prisoner Proprietary Red
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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The 2016 Cuttings is a larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon that always makes an indomitable entrance with a spectacular display of unbridled richness, voluptuous textures and satin layers. The wine was thoughtfully inspired by steep, hillside vineyards and expert blending, and the 2016 was built around a core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel.
THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY RED
2017 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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Electric, jubilant, infectiously charming, the new 2017  Prisoner unshackles a posse of vibrant and elaborate flavors that are both intense and broadening, and become even more complex with aeration. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2017 permeates with unsweetened cherry cobbler, wild strawberries, chocolate dipped blueberries and liquid floral.
2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Crocker & Starr AVA Nap Valley Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

CROCKER & STARR 2018 Crocker & Starr Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY

 
Of all of the Sauvignon Blancs produced in California, some of the most sought after are those made by Pam Starr.  Through her work at Spottswoode and her own label Crocker & Starr, she built her reputation as one of California’s top winemakers, with an emphasis on high quality Sauvignon Blanc.  Her new AVA Napa Valley white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, (formerly named Bridesmaid,) is an entry-level version of Crocker & Starr’s pricier Sauvignon Blanc, and at $24, it’s absolutely one of the best we’ve tasted this year.  The 2018 blend includes 6% Semillon, which adds a candied lemon element and contributes to a richer, more opulent texture.
 
The 2018 was founded around a collection of secret vineyards in St Helena, Rutherford and Calistoga, and spent 8 months in a combination of barrels, cement eggs and stainless tanks. On the palate the 2018 has copious energy and brilliant focus, with a light richness, superb acidity and lingering complexity.  If you’re searching for a delicious palate refreshing white to share with your friends and family this summer, this is it.
 
CROCKER & STARR
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
AVA NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Vibrant and forward aromas of nectarine and lime blossoms set the expectation for the juicy, round and fresh flavors which are very true to the aromas. The addition of the Semillon brings a roundness to the more austere and citrusy Sauvignon blanc. This wine is so good!“
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr AVA Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…
2017 Grey Stack Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Laird Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl

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From The Wine Enthusiast:  “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.”  94 Points
LAIRD
2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Black Pine is one of the best values we’ve discovered in Pinot Noir over the years, and none have surpassed it in numbers of cases shipped and sheer popularity.  There’s one simple reason why… The quality of what you get inside the bottle far exceeds what most would think possible at this modest price.  It delivers outstanding weight, balance and a stunning presence on the palate, then opens up to a tapestry of vivid dark berries, candied plum, caramelized cherries, dried rose and hints of clove.  If you’ve enjoyed  any of their earlier vintages, you already know what to expect… If you haven’t experienced Black Pine Pinot Noir, I absolutely guarantee you’ll love it once you do.
 
Conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Black Pine has a lush mouthfeel, terrific intensity and balance.  Aged for 10 months in French oak, and a true model of Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast, the 2017 continues to gracefully evolve in the bottle and drinking better than ever right now.  I strongly recommend a case before the 2017 runs out.
 
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
YOU SAVE 23%
 
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.“
 
“Ripe berry nose; smooth texture with tangy black cherry. Rich and generous with intensity and finesse.”   91 Points, Anthony Dias Blue
 
Customers that enjoy Black Pine Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl 

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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
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
2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

2013 Anarchist Wine Co The Philosopher Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

ANARCHIST WINE CO. 2013 Anarchist Philosopher Proprietary Red

THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED

 
When tasting Anarchist’s 2013 Proprietary Red The Philosopher, we knew it would be easy to theorize about how it’s a wine with wide appeal, and based on the steady stream of re-orders, we were right.  The rich, supple mouthfeel and silky smooth layers make the wine really easy to love… It wasn’t a big surprise to read that this wine earned 97 Points and a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and another Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  For a wine to receive a Double Gold, it needs to first earn unanimous Gold medals from every professional judge on the panel… Next the rare Double Gold earners are then reviewed by the panel and this one scored 97 Points. At $38/btl it not only has a big score, but it is a big score… from Cherry Picked Wines it’s a complete steal…
 
Built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah, the 2013 transcends from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality.  The quality was so apparent when this wine was in barrel the winemaker advocated for no label at all since the wine speaks for itself.  That wasn’t legal, so lo and behold they did label it…
 
ANARCHIST WINE CO.
THE PHILOSOPHER
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “…Classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, plum, and violets, along with toffee, anise and hints of soy. Mouth-filling palate with ripe cherry, vanilla, cigar box and a bit of graphite. Nicely balanced acidity in a full-bodied wine, with well-integrated tannins...”

2016 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtNebbioloPiedmont

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 

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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

Click to Order

 
 
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

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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 underPinot NoirSonoma CoastUSA

ALMA de CATTLEYA 2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir

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

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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

Click to Order

 
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
 

Click to Order

 
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 underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

VANDELLA 2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

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
 Click to Order
 
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
 
 
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 underItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoRossoTuscany

LIVIO SASSETTI 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

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

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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

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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