20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underAustraliaCabernet SauvignonLanghorne CreekMcLaren ValeUncategorized

SHOTTESBROOKE 20116 Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA

 
Some of the most complex, hedonistic and individualist Cabernet Sauvignon for your dollar, can be found down under.  The grape, which is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc has a long history in Australia dating back to the mid 1800’s.  Luminaries Penfolds, Leeuwin and Cape Mentelle have helped to canonize Australian grown Cabernet as a serious contender on the world stage.  Shottesbrooke’s 2016 reminded me how great these can be at our tasting, with classic and profound notes of eucalyptus, blue plums, juniper berry and baking spices.  As the wine opened in my glass it became increasingly complex with layers of dark berries, sandalwood, black licorice. It wasn’t a big surprise to learn this beauty earned 95 Points from Australia’s leading wine critic and author James Halliday.
 
Created from the Langhorne Creek AVA located inside the Fleurieu zone, which is also home to the McLaren Vale region.  The area is well-known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, and Shottesbrooke’s 2016 perfectly expresses the area’s rich terroir.  The 2016 is deeply aromatic, wildly complex and very approachable and at $19.99 offers extraordinary value.
 
SHOTTESBROOKE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LANGHORNE CREEK, AUSTRALIA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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From James Halliday: “While not particularly deep, the hue is youthful, and the fragrant eucalypt nuances that accompany the fresh cassis of the palate are regional (and shared with Coonawarra). The finely spun tannins are a feature of a medium-bodied cabernet made to be drunk whenever the idea pleases you. Screwcap. 14.5% alc. To 2030″  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Shottesbrooke Langhorne Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon
 2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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Famiglia Bianchi is our number one selling International brand of all time, by far… So much so, that it may never be surpassed. When you taste them, each wine in the brand offers a palpable sense of value that’s absolutely unmistakable, and we were recently reminded of that in a glass of their new 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine offers luscious dark fruits, followed by a cavalcade of dark spices, black chocolates, slate and minerals that unwind methodically across your palate.  Their 2012 Malbec won the Grand Trophee, for the “World’s Best Red Wine” at the prestigious 2014 Vinalies Internationales Wine Competition in Paris, France, where it outperformed 3,500 wines from 41 countries. 
VISTA
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista  Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.” 94 – 96 Points
2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

MAURITSON 2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
When asked why I love Zinfandel so much, the answer is simple…  Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives in California and nobody produces better Zin than California, period.  One of the best illustrations of classic California Zinfandel is Mauritson’s Dry Creek Valley.  With perfectly balanced, expressive, inviting fruit, the 2016 escapes from the glass with floral infused raspberry, black cherry, baking spices and incense.  With substantial vineyard holdings in Sonoma’s iconic Rockpile AVA, the Mauritson’s were influential in helping Rockpile become an AVA in 2002.  The family has been farming for more than 140 years, and at around forty bucks, their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel completes with the best of the best… At $29.99/btl, it’s a steal…
 
A blend of Block 5, Rockpile Ridge, Madrone Spring and Cemetery vineyards, the 2016 perfectly expresses Dry Creek Valley terroir, emphasized by the gravelly nuance, firm tannins and a rich mouthfeel.  Peeling back layers of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum reveals wild flowers, truffle, and cracked pepper.  Our veteran tasting panel unanimously agreed that this wine drinks well beyond it’s modest price. Don’t wait too long to secure yours.
 
MAURITSON
2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $39.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Perfumed aromas of black boysenberry cobbler with graham cracker crust waft from the glass. Hints of anise, fresh fig, and earthiness beautifully complement the fruit profile. The entry is full but inviting, exhibiting flavors of mocha, wet gravel, and black cherry. The mouthfeel is seamless from start to finish, indicative of perfectly integrated tannin and acid. Please enjoy this wine for the next 7-10 years.”
 
Customers that enjoy Mauritson Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Winery Notes: “... a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”  94 Points
2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 Château De Haute-Serre Malbec

with No Comment $30 and underCahorsFranceKevin VogtMalbec

CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE 2014 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec

2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE

 
Did you know the Malbec grape originates in France, and thrives in the Cahors region in the South of France, but today, around 70% of the Malbec planted worldwide is in Argentina… However, Château de Haute-Serre’s Vineyards in Cahors, France date back to middle ages… In 2009, Haute-Serre got a little help from the Master of Malbec Paul Hobbs, who’s been pushing the boundaries of Malbec on multiple continents for decades.  With Paul  as consulting winemaker, their 2010 went on to earn a place on the Spectator Top 100.  Most are familiar with the style of Argentine Malbecs, which are known for their fruit-forward, plummy/blackberry and velvety texture. For those looking for a more densely packed, concentrated Malbec with savory undertones, firm tannins and meaty character, Old-World Malbec from Cahors may be just what they’re looking for. 
 
Malbec is a thick-skinned grape that needs more sun than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to mature and Château de Haute-Serre’s parcel has excellent Southwest and Southeast exposure allowing the grapes to reach optimum maturity.  They’ve been making news long before earning a spot on the WS Top 100 list…  Back in 1889 their Malbec was honored by being placed on a Gala menu in line with the famous Château Margaux and Pommard wines.  I strongly recommend trying a case… you’ll be really glad you did.  
 
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $25/btl 
 
 

  
 
“On some of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this estate has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. This latest vintage from this major estate has a firm structure and cool texture. Allied to acidity and dark tannins, the rich black fruits are going to need time to mature. Drink from 2020.” 90 Points

 
 “A concentrated red, building ripe cherry, plum pudding and licorice drop flavors that are detailed with floral, cocoa powder and raspberry accents. Fresh acidity and mineral elements give focus through the orange peel-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022...” 90 Points

 

 

Customers who enjoy Chateau De Haute-Serre Malbec may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
RICCITELLIhttp://bit.ly/2014RiccitelliMalbec
2014 MALBEC
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL 
FAR FROM THE TREE
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Deep purple in color, with beautiful aromas of wild dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate in the nose. This is a complex and rich vine with smooth ripe tannins and a long finish…”  95 Points, Decanter
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS
APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 

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From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy…”  91 Points

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA 

2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK

How do you get an incredible Atlas Peak Cabernet Blend for $23? Quite honestly, you don’t, unless something very unusual  occurs… Originally intended to be single vineyard Cabernets, a winemaking  miscommunication led to a portion of two separate high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the wrong tanks.  The result is two absolutely stunning blends that became the Vista wines… and both batches were originally slated to sell for $95/btl, had the original concept gone smoothly.  We knew when we previously offered Vista Rutherford Blend, we would make some die-hard fans… and we were right. We bought everything that they made and in a relatively short time, we sold-out of all 728 cases of the Rutherford… Our single biggest seller of all time.
 
Luckily, but almost miraculously so, there is this Atlas Peak version of Vista, and it is even better than the Rutherford… Atlas Peak is an area long celebrated for its concentrated flavors and rocky terroir, and this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Atlas Peak Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductively deep black berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and crushed rock.  If you like the idea of a top quality Napa Cabernet blend at an incredible value, I highly recommend loading up on this one before it also sells out all too soon… 
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.”  94 – 96 Points
2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou ‘Cotes du Rhone’ Cuvee Unique VV

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone ValleyUncategorized

CLOS Du CAILLOU

2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV

2016 Clos Du Caillou 'Cotes Du Rhone" Cuvee Unique VV
When searching for the greatest value in wine, it pays to look at any winery that’s capable of producing 100 Point scores.  Le Clos du Caillou is a paragon producer of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and they make hundred-pointers look easy.  Their Old Vine Cotes-du-Rhone is a stunning value and comes from a parcel that’s completely walled by renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards.  It’s predominantly old-vine Grenache, accentuated with Syrah and Carignon and the 2016 leaps from the glass with a palate energizing perfume of sweet raspberries, dried cherry, lavender and a touch of spices… At under thirty per bottle, it’s one of the highest quality, complex gems out there…
 
It’s created from vines averaging over 45 years old, which are grown in quartz river stones, clay and sand. If you love classic Cotes du Rhone wines, or would like to experience a wonderful expression from this renowned region, this is one of the best, at a fantastic price.  The 2016 is bright, loaded with minerals and offers vivid red fruits, toasted spices, and wild rose.  Robert Parker’s review below is on their lower tier Cotes du Rhone, not the VV (old vines) which is even better… Trust me on this one… You’ll be glad you did.
 
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 
 
Customers that enjoy Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone VV may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2014 Lavau Gigondas
 2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.” 90 Points
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Vinous: “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.“ 90 Points

 

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

SKRYNE ROAD

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red
Looking at the varietal makeup of Skryne Road’s 2016 Proprietary Red you might think you’re contemplating a Super Tuscan Blend with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon met with Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.  Of course, the moment this wine hits your palate you’ll know it’s entirely New World in style with a rich, voluptuous texture, laced in holiday spices, sweet oak, sassafras, supple berries and black chocolates.  When we first offered this wine last Fall, we know it would make a lot of friends, and especially at this incredible price.  Now there are just a handful of cases left, so if you’ve been on the fence about this one, or you want to re-order before it’s too late, don’t wait too long to hit the order button.
 
The name Skryne (pronounced screen)  Road pays tribute to the winery owners routes and family home on Skryne Road in Ireland.  After arriving in Napa Valley in 1994 they embarked on the path towards producing a wine.  The first descriptors that come to mind when tasting this wine are riveting, deep and enchanting and you simply won’t believe how great this wine is…
 
SKRYNE ROAD
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $62/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Blend is bright with flavors of bramble-berry and black cherry combined with vanilla bean. The palate is round and supple, with fruity characteristics of raspberry jam and soft, silky tannins. Culminating with hints of peppercorn and baking spices” 
 
Customers who enjoy Skryne Road Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Blind Tasting Proprietary Red
 2015 Hoopla The Mutt Napa Valley Proprietary Red
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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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

 
HOOPLA
2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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2014 Enos Totem Ridge Vineyard Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtKnight's ValleyNapaUSA

ENOS 

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY

 
How great can a wine really be at this price? Anybody that’s tasted VISTA and JOSEPH JEWELL knows first-hand the quality of wines that we’ve been able to find at that price.  The new 2014 ENOS Cabernet is in the same category.  The vintage brought a fuller, richer and more structured wine, which is exactly what this wine needed to become something you are going to think about for a long time.  When you taste it for the first time you’ll be shocked by the level of quality, which is amplified in all the right places… The vineyard is located on the Southern edge of the Knight’s Valley, which is an appellation shared with icons like Peter Michael and Anakota and at $60/btl this Cabernet would likely make you very happy.  At our price it’s one of the best wines that I’ve ever tasted.
 
Commanding a presence from one of Napa Valley’s best vintages, one that the Wine Spectator describes as producing “dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines,” the 2014 bursts from the glass with intense dark fruits, beautifully intertwined with vivid red currants, veins of minerals, lavender, chocolates, and slate.  On the palate the wine is deep and rich with intriguing, expansive flavors that bring you back for more.  This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages, so don’t wait for the next one to secure yours… 
 
ENOS 
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY
Retails at:  $60/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “An enticing wine that has a beautifully pungent nose of bright red fruits, fresh black currants, green sage and cracked black pepper.  The approach is rich, concentrated and envelopes your palate with focused pressed blackberries, graphite, crème de cassis and cigar box.  The wine is vibrant and intense with impressive balance and brimming with crushed blueberries and ripe blackberry fruit followed by tobacco leaf and vanilla spice box.  The finish is long, and expansive with slightly dusty tannins… Unbelievable for the price”  93 Points 
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment.’ The sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wines rich, opulent texture.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a CRU9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2014 Luca Paraje Altamira Malbec

2014 Luca Malbec Paraje Altamira

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaMalbecSouth AmericaUco Valley

LUCA 2014 Luca Paraje Altamira Malbec

2014 MALBEC
PARAJE ALTAMIRA

A winemakers vision can sometimes transform a category of wines for an entire region and propel them to an even higher level.  Laura Catena did just that and it began with a vision to create a new breed of Argentine wines that would express individual terroirs from low-yielding, high-elevation vineyards in some of Argentina’s best wine growing regions.  It didn’t take long for consumers and critics to catch on… Their wines have had a string of stellar reviews and her 2012 Malbec was featured as the #19 wine on the Wine Spectator top 100 list in 2014.  Luca offers a truly vivid interpretation of high-elevation Malbec that’s expressive, profound and hedonistic, yet manages to do so while staying true to the varietal and region from which it was hewn.
 
Paraje Altamira is a small sub-appellation within the renowned Uco Valley, which is an area that has likely produced more 95 – 100 Point wines than any other region of Argentina. The fruit was grown at 3,600 feet in elevation and in rocky, alluvial soils and offers stunning power, depth and superior focus.  When tasting this wine it’s almost hard to believe the realistic price level…
 
LUCA
2014 MALBEC
PARAJE ALTAMIRA
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “There is a big jump in quality from the 2013 to the 2014 Malbec Paraje Altamira that matured in 500-liter oak barrels for eight months. There is much more freshness here, the fruit is a mixture of red and black and there are violets and some spices. The palate is juicy and soft with clean flavors that are easy to drink. The nose grows in the glass to become more floral. Delicious Malbec...” 91 Points

 
Customers who enjoy Luca Malbec may also enjoy these two terrific Argentine Reds…
2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Catena Cabernet Franc
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI 
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Famiglia Bianchi is our number one selling International brand of all time, by far… So much so, that it may never be surpassed. When you taste them, each wine in the brand offers a palpable sense of value that’s absolutely unmistakable, and we were recently reminded of that in a glass of their new 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine offers luscious dark fruits, followed by a cavalcade of dark spices, black chocolates, slate and minerals that unwind methodically across your palate. 
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS
APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 

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From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe, dusty tannins and excellent breadth and length. Terrific berry intensity here.”  91 Points
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

When a winery’s Pinot Noir ranks as the best value wine that I’ve ever experienced, my expectations are set really high for their Chardonnay as well.  I’m happy to tell you that Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Russian River Chardonnay exceeded every expectation… Stunning on every level, and just like their Pinot, the mouthfeel and textures are absolutely sublime, which is a a hallmark of their brand.  The compelling textures are achieved in part from fermenting in both stainless steel tank and French oak Barrels.  At the winery’s $35/btl retail price this wine will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9,  but if you join our Insider’s Club email list (it’s free) you’ll unlock special offers.
 
The 2014 Russian River Valley combines two unique Chardonnay clones, Old Wente and Starr Ridge.  The grapes were forged from steep hillside vineyard and the flavors are clear and precise and wash over your palate with energy and momentum.  Kept for 15 months in barrel, the 2014 is simply gorgeous right now… the only downside is there were less than 400 cases made.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $35/btl
 
 

Tasting Notes: “Yellow straw color in the glass, this beauty has classic aromas of lemon curd, ripe apple, spring flowers and toast. Elegant and bright on the palate with succulent flavors of mixed citrus and apple with a supple opulence. It is beautifully constructed, impeccably balanced and finishes long and smooth with all of the elements integrated in a seamless, beautiful wine.”

 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 

Click to Order

The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Pinot combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.