2019 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red

2019 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

SANS LIEGE

2019 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY RED

2019 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red
Inspired by the kaleidoscope of complex aromas and flavors found in the Southern Rhône wines, winemaker Curt Schalchlin seeks vineyards with finesse, distinct terroir, and unrestrained character. He relies on his intuition, carefully monitoring each microclimate from Paso Robles to Solvang, creating some of the Central Coast’s best examples of Southern Rhone-inspired wines with New World fruit and flair. 
 
The winery describes The Offering as a quest for independence, giving an homage to the Southern Rhone but made with the freedoms of New World winemaking. The 2019 vintage includes 30% whole cluster Grenache fermentation, then destemmed Syrah with 25% of stems returned, along with 100% destemmed Mourvèdre, giving a firm structure with a juicy body and a vast range of complexity.
 
SANS LIEGE
2019 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Coming from throughout the Central Coast and a blend of 42% Grenache, 38% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, the 2019 Offering delivers a delicious, Côtes du Rhône-like vibe in its peppery red and black fruits as well as leafy herbs, earth, and subtle meaty, spicy aromas and flavors. It’s nicely textured, medium-bodied, and has the depth to keep for 4-5 years.” 
90 Points
2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona, Italy

2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona, Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin Vogt

TINAZZI

COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA
2018 VERONA CORVINA
VERONA, ITALY

2018 Tinazzi Collezione Di Famiglia Verona, Italy
Tasting Tinazzi’s 2018 Corvina last April, we were entranced by the outrageous quality, unfitting at its value price. However, when recently re-tasting each potential selection for our top five list this year, the fact that our panel preferred drinking this over $150 – $250 Napa Cabs on the table solidified our choice. 
 
Corvina is an Italian grape variety with an integral role, mandated by law in all Valpolicella wines, including Amarone, which must include a minimum of 45% in their blends. This late-ripening variety is low in tannin and high in acidy. Tinazzi’s version is varietally classic, manifested with bright cherry, transitioning to juicy dark cherry, spice, and classic hints of almond, a signature of the variety. Fans of juicy Rhone blends, Zinfandel, and of course Valpolicella wines (and well, anybody with a pulse) would love this, and especially at $25.
 
TINAZZI
COLLEZIONE DI FAMIGLIA
2018 VERONA CORVINA
VERONA, ITALY
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“The 2018 Tinazzi Verona Corvina is concentrated with juicy fruit aromas such as cranberries, red cherries, and black raspberries with spicy hints of cardamom, nutmeg, white pepper, and dried oregano. This medium to full-bodied wine is fresh and delightful with soft tannins and a succulent finish. The depth and complexity of flavor this wine displays puts it on a well-deserved pedestal and can be enjoyed tonight and over the next few years.”
94 Points, #5 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2021
 
“Deep bright red; Ample and harmonious, ranging from red fruits to spices; Velvety, persistent and full, with great harmony.”
96 Points, Luca Maroni
2018 Brevity Pinot Noir Mission Ranch Vineyard Monterey County

2018 Brevity Pinot Noir Mission Ranch Vineyard Monterey County

with No Comment $30 and underArroyo SecoKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirUSA

BREVITY

2018 PINOT NOIR
MISSION RANCH VINEYARD
MONTEREY COUNTY 

2018 Brevity Pinot Noir Mission Ranch Vineyard Monterey County
Brevity is an exciting new project by Bobby Moy, a talented winemaker who got his feet wet in the wine industry mentoring under Thomas Rivers Brown. He sourced his Pinot Noir from the Mission Ranch Vineyard, the oldest commercial vineyard in the Arroyo Seco AVA, an area defined by its unique geography resulting from the Arroyo Seco River and its influence from the Pacific Ocean. 
 
The 2018 vintage combines three iconic Pinot Noir clones, offering the powerful dark fruits and structure of Pommard, the richness and expressive fragrance of 777, and the concentrated cherry and bright acidity of 115. At $30, this is a stunning bottle of Pinot Noir that’s shining right now and was a highlight of our recent tasting, outperforming wines at twice its price.
 
BREVITY
2018 PINOT NOIR
MISSION RANCH VINEYARD
MONTEREY COUNTY 
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The Brevity Mission Ranch Vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir 2018 is a shimmering ruby color in the glass and begins with a nose of bright red fruits, elegant florals, cola, chalk, and light spice. The palate is medium-bodied yet lush, with cherry liqueur, red raspberries, black tea, cola bean, and hints of vanilla. There is a silky elegance to it that keeps you coming back for more.”
91 Points
2018 Chateau Guillon Bordeaux Graves

2018 Chateau Guillon Bordeaux Graves

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU GUILLON

2018 BORDEAUX
GRAVES

2018 Chateau Guillon Bordeaux Graves
Graves, named for its deep gravel soils, is historically significant as the home of the first vineyards in Bordeaux and famed first-growth Chateau Haut-Brion. Bordeaux is now one of the most sought-after wine regions globally. Its top producers sell their wines for monumental prices; however, most wines produced in this classic region are surprisingly affordable.
 
Chateau Guillon manicures their pristine vineyards with an attention to detail that artistically translates into their gloriously structured red wine. This Left Bank blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon scored an impressive 95 points at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards, securing its spot as one of the more collectible wines in the fantastic 2018 vintage.
 
CHÂTEAU GUILLON
2018 BORDEAUX
GRAVES
 
Your Price: $24.99
 
“Sweet, full and mellow, with settled, attractive, bright red berries, blackberry, cedar and leather. Extremely elegant and well put together, this is an accomplished and hugely satisfying wine”
95 Points
2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta Rita HillsUSA

LULI

2020 PINOT NOIR
SANTA RITA HILLS

2020 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
Seeking to create a new line of handcrafted wines from top-notch fruit at affordable prices, Luli was launched in 2007 by the combined knowledge, skills, and experience of Master Sommelier Sara Floyd, vineyard manager Mark Pisoni, and winemaker Jeff Pisoni. The Pisoni brothers grew up farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands with their father Gary, one of California’s most respected growers, sourcing fruit for Luli from vineyards in or near the same land they call home.
 
Wine is life for Sara and the Pisoni brothers, so the desire to bring family and friends together to swirl a glass of fine wine for a reasonable price is a passion for all three. Possibly one of the best winemaking teams in history, this successful partnership illustrates the talents and strengths of three different masterminds in each vintage and every glass poured.
 
LULI
2020 PINOT NOIR
SANTA RITA HILLS
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2020 Luli Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir begins with an intriguing nose that includes fresh strawberries, English rose petals, cotton candy, and Autumn baking spices. The palate mimics these traits, adding cherry cola, red plums, liquid minerals, and a bright freshness combined with a supple texture that beautifully rounds this wine out. Drink it now, and over the next six to eight years.”
92 Points
2019 Aniello 006 Malbec Riverside Estate

2019 Aniello 006 Malbec Riverside Estate

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaKevin VogtMalbec

ANIELLO

2019 006 MALBEC
RIVERSIDE ESTATE
PATAGONIA ARGENTINA

2019 Aniello 006 Malbec Riverside Estate
Vines have been growing in Patagonia for over 100 years, and today a large number of low-yielding, old vines are thriving and producing some of the most exciting wines in Argentina. The latitude in Patagonia ranges from 38 to 42 degrees South, providing one more hour of sunshine each day and lower temperatures during the vegetative cycle, slowly ripening the grapes and resulting in complex, elegant flavors, and profound aromatic intensity.
 
The grapes retain their natural acidity due to the wide diurnal temperature range in the region, and the windy, desert climate forces the development of thick skins that give more tannic structure, deeper colors, and more concentrated flavors. Destined to become a new favorite, Bodega Aniello’s 006 Malbec has intriguing aromas, juicy fruit, spicy undertones, and a refined finish that vastly over-delivers at its modest $20 price.
 
ANIELLO
2019 006 MALBEC
RIVERSIDE ESTATE
PATAGONIA ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99
 
 
“A rich, ripe wine that shows dried berries and hints of figs and spice. Medium body, medium-chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Juicy blackberry finish that’s really fresh and zesty.”
92 Points
 
“Grown at an estate vineyard in Mainque, this malbec fermented in concrete tanks and a third of it aged for 12 months in oak barrels. It needs air to settle down, the cinnamon spice taking a backseat to an orange zest volatility. Wild and meaty. Best Buy” 
91 Points
2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana

2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtSangioveseTuscany

QUERCIABELLA

2018 MONGRANA
MAREMMA TOSCANA

2018 Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana
Querciabella represents the most significant extension of certified organic vineyards in Italy, emphasizing respect for the vine’s natural cycles through plant-based compost and cover crops that protect the soil by naturally replenishing vital nutrients. After reaching the height of success in Chianti, Querciabella looked to the Tuscan coast in Maremma for its future endeavors, planting 33 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines in 2000, producing outstanding fruit. 
 
Featured on the Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 List” in 2013 and their “Top 100 Value Wines” in 2019 and 2020, Querciabella’s Mongrana is an exceptional value and a joy to drink. Following gentle fermentation, the wine is aged 12 months in stainless steel and cement vats, allowing the vivid, fresh fruit and rustic mineral notes to shine in this brilliantly ruby red Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 
 
QUERCIABELLA
2018 MONGRANA
MAREMMA TOSCANA
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“Plenty of fresh blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, pepper and licorice on the nose. It’s full-bodied with delicious, wild brambleberry and herb notes, framed by firm, elegant tannins. Long, fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2021.”
94 Points
 
“Ripe and polished, this red offers plum, black cherry, licorice and spice flavors. Vibrant and harmonious, with slightly chewy tannins gracing the lingering aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2024.”
92 Points
2016 Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Metodo Antiguo

2016 Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Metodo Antiguo

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

MARIMAR ESTATE

2016 PINOT NOIR
METODO ANTIGUO

2016 Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Metodo Antiguo
Marimar Torres, of the renowned Familia Torres winemaking family in Spain, immersed herself in the wine business early, bringing an old-world, quality-minded approach to her Sonoma-based estate. Método Antiguo, which translates to “Old Method,” refers to the original way of making wine with whole cluster fermentation that is still used today by many of Burgundy’s top estates as a stylistic tool for increased savory complexity, textural qualities, and tannin structure.
 
Doña Margarita Vineyard is planted at high density, creating increased competition amongst the vines, slowing vigor, and deeply concentrating flavors, later enhanced by whole cluster fermentation. The inclusion of stems during vinification adds gentle tannins, improving the structure, adding heady freshness to the aromatics, which is particularly complementary to Pinot Noir, and this one is drinking beautifully.
 
MARIMAR ESTATE
2016 PINOT NOIR
METODO ANTIGUO
Retails at: $64
 
 
 
“The Marimar Estate Doña Margarita Vineyard Metodo Antiguo Pinot Noir 2016 has an intriguing nose which includes candied strawberries, cherry cola, dried mushrooms, baking spices, fresh thyme, and violets. On the palate, it has fresh mixed berries, saline with a unique savory note, and a clean, minerally component. The finish is balanced and bright, with elegance and finesse.”
92 Points
2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano

2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

SAN VICENTI

2017 CHIANTI CLASSICO
PODERE DI STIGNANO

2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano
As Chianti wines increased in popularity throughout the centuries, Chianti’s borders expanded, including land that didn’t have the same terroir as historical Chianti, therefore Chianti Classico DOCG was created to protect the original wine’s identity. San Vincenti is in the region’s heart, overlooking villas and farmhouses among vines planted on gently rolling hills protected by the Patron Saint of Wine, St. Vincent, whom the winery was named after.
 
San Vincenti Chianti Classico Podere di Stignano is an authentic example from this ancient wine-producing district, encompassing the region’s cultural commitment to crafting world-class wines. By law, Chianti Classico must be at least 80% Sangiovese. San Vincenti’s Chianti Classico is 100% single varietal and displays the pure integrity of Sangiovese in a crowd-pleasing and memorable style that exceeds expectations at this price level.
 
SAN VICENTI
2017 CHIANTI CLASSICO
PODERE DI STIGNANO
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The San Vicente Podere di Stignano Chianti Classico 2017 begins with an alluring nose of tart cherries, licorice, Christmas cake, and geraniums. The palate mirrors the nose and includes focused red currants, red plums, dried sage, cocoa powder, and spice. The finish is bright and fresh, with a satisfying, lingering finish.”
92 Points
2016 Espirit De Fonrozay Bordeaux

2016 Espirit De Fonrozay Bordeaux

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

ESPRIT DE FONROZAY

2016 BORDEAUX

2016 Espirit De Fonrozay Bordeaux
The Bordeaux AOC growing region in France does not allow irrigation, period, no exceptions. In 2016, the magic of Bordeaux proved itself again when not one drop of rain fell during the summer, yet the natural water-retaining qualities of the clay and limestone soils of the area fully sustained the vines. The 2016 vintage is considered one of the most outstanding vintages of Bordeaux, with Jeb Dunnuck rating it as “Extraordinary” and Wine Enthusiast asking, “Is 2016 the Perfect Bordeaux?”
 
The 2016 vintage of Espirit de Fonrozay is blended from select vineyard sites throughout Bordeaux, adding a mosaic of complexity to the vintage’s intensely concentrated flavors. Wines of this caliber often sell at triple-digit prices, but this wine has an “every night sipper” price that you shouldn’t miss.
 
ESPRIT DE FONROZAY
2016 BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $16.99
 
 
“Warm and ripe, this wine is full of black fruits and rich tannins. It is structured but this foundation is already well integrated with the fruit. Spice and a touch of licorice indicate the wood aging and also the potential of this wine. Drink from 2021.” 
90 Points