2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Italy

with No Comment $30 and underBrunelloItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoPiedmont

Idi Di Marzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

The Idi di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from De Cerchio is more than a wine; it’s a testament to the Abruzzo region’s rich viticultural heritage. Crafted from sustainably farmed Montepulciano grapes, this wine embodies the essence of the region’s rugged landscape, where vines flourish between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Each sip reveals the terroir’s mineral-rich soul, imparting a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

For four generations, the De Cerchio family has refined the art of winemaking, each vintage building upon the passion and knowledge passed down. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the 2020 Idi di Marzo, which has garnered acclaim from renowned Italian wine critics James Suckling and Luca Maroni.

The 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo showcases a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. This wine is not merely a reflection of the land but a testament to the De Cerchio winemaking team’s passion and expertise poured into every bottle.

Idi Di Marzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

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“The nose is savory, but in a warm, comforting way, like a mountain cabin in autumn, with aromas of chocolate, berries, leather, soil and herbs. On the palate, grilled, peppery meat underscores the herbaceousness, but lingering berries bring brightness and levity. Great value, especially considering this wine bears the top sustainable certification.”

90 Points

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

BLACK PINE

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022

2022 Black Pine Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

For over four decades, Roger Roessler honed his craft in fine dining. Yet, amidst the delectable plates and discerning palates, a deeper passion blossomed – a love for wine. This passion is now bottled in the exceptional Roger Roessler Black Pine Pinot Noir.

Black Pine is more than just a wine; it’s a testament to Roger’s dedication to producing value Pinot Noir. Crafted from meticulously hand-selected vineyards along the Sonoma Coast, this Pinot Noir offers remarkable consistency across vintages. Each bottle reflects the artistry of his cherished grower partnerships, culminating in a symphony of flavors sure to impress.

The 2022 release is a vibrant expression of this dedication. Its silky texture caresses the palate while brilliant notes of fruit and spice dance on the tongue. This Pinot Noir transcends expectations, offering an unparalleled experience at a truly inviting price point.

BLACK PINE
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022
Retails at: $38

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“The 2022 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir opens projecting a captivating nose with red cherries leading the way, mingling with baking spices. A hint of dried mushrooms adds an earthy complexity, while a floral lilac note infuses elegance. On the palate, the wine is a delightful dance between bright fruit and subtle earthiness. Tart cranberries and juicy pomegranate dance with cola bean, creating a dynamic flavor profile. A liquid mineral element adds complexity, complementing the lush texture and keeping the wine fresh. The vibrant, supple fruit combines with a lush palate, creating a smooth, harmonious drinking experience. It offers a complex, intriguing aromatic profile and a juicy, vibrant palate. The combination of bright fruit, subtle earthiness, and a touch of minerality makes this a truly enjoyable Pinot Noir.”

94 Points

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

with No Comment $30 and underChampagne/SparklingFranceKevin Vogt

MARCEL CABELIER

CREMANT DU JURA
NON-VINTAGE BRUT

NV Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura Brut

Proving that delicious sparkling wines don’t have to be expensive, our tasting panel was delighted to discover Marcel Cabalier Crémant du Jura Brut ($26), and let me tell you why. Marcel Cabelier is part of Maison du Vigneron, the top producer of wines in the Jura region. Jura is found in eastern France, located between Burgundy and Switzerland, and has diverse terroirs, including limestone and marl soils, which contribute to the identity of its wines.

The AOC’s cool climate with a high elevation is perfect for a diverse range of high-quality sparkling wines. Meticulously crafted using the traditional method, like Champagne, Crémant du Jura represents unparalleled value and impressive quality. 

This bottling presents fine bubbles, crisp acidity, a lively palate with a delicate balance of fruitiness and minerality, and an appealing choice for those seeking sparkling wines with regional character.

MARCEL CABELIER
CREMANT DU JURA
NON-VINTAGE BRUT

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“The Marcel Cabalier Crémant du Jura Brut is zesty and fresh with aromas of peony, hibiscus, pink grapefruit, and strawberry. On the palate, the wine has vibrant acidity and flavors of blood orange, lime zest, and lemonade. This wine is refreshing and bright and definitely over-delivers for wines in this category.”

93 Points

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin Vogt

PESOLILLO

MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

Established in 1961, the Pesolillo Estate thrives in a hilly area known as “Colle Rotondo” in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where Montepulciano is the star grape variety. There, Montepulciano flourishes from an ideal balance of sun, wind, rainfall, and clay soils, and the rules state that it makes up at least 85% of red wines labeled Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

The estate’s southern-facing vineyards receive maximum sunlight, allowing for full ripeness, sugar development, and aromatic complexity, resulting in thrilling wines. 

The fruit for the 2020 vintage was destemmed, crushed, and fermented at controlled temperatures before spending five to six months in a combination of oak and stainless steel, ensuring a seamless integration of flavors and tannins with a delightful, velvety texture.

PESOLILLO
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

Your Price: $29.99

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“The wine’s creamy fruit is dense, mature, powerful, and full of blackberry and raspberry flavor. The tannins are strong and well-integrated, adding structure and complexity. The fruit and spice flavors are perfectly balanced, with a clean and refreshing finish. The alcohol is high, but not overpowering, and adds a rich, velvety texture. Overall, this is a great wine with a complex and expressive flavor profile.”

94 Points

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

HARVEY & HARRIET

RED BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO

2021 Harvey & Harriet Red Blend San Luis Obispo

In each vintage since its creation, the Harvey & Harriet Red from Paso Robles impresses critics and consumers alike with its remarkable depth of flavor and harmonious marriage of classic varieties at a very modest price. Eric Jensen, Booker Vineyard’s founder and winemaker, was named the 2022 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year for his years of passionate winemaking, outstanding leadership, and vision.

The Harvey and Harriet brand is a tribute to Eric’s parents, who loved wine but most likely couldn’t afford today’s upper-echelon wines. Still, this bottling consistently offers superior quality at an incredible value. 

The 2021 release delivers depth of flavor, balanced tannins, and a rich tapestry of fruit and earthy notes, and its complex yet approachable profile makes it a standout.

HARVEY & HARRIET
RED BLEND 2021
SAN LUIS OBISPO

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“…a smoking good blend based on Bordeaux varieties that tastes like it costs three times the price. Cassis, graphite, violets, and classy oak define the aromatics, and it’s beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. Don’t miss this crazy value in Bordeaux blends from California!”

93 Points

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyFranceKevin VogtSauvignon Blanc

DOMAINE FILLON ET FILS

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
SAINT-BRIS, BURGUNDY

2022 Domaine Fillon Et Fils Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris Burgundy

Domaine Fillon & Fils’ roots trace back to the early 1900s, with the winery’s first tasting cellar and headquarters established in 1935 in the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. The winery ownership remains under the same family today, building on a legacy of wines proudly crafted on-site and sourced from 90 acres of vineyard holdings throughout Burgundy.

Saint-Bris is the only appellation in Burgundy that allows the production of Sauvignon Blanc, and the variety thrives due to the cooler microclimate and limestone-rich, calcareous soil. 

The 2022 release captivated our tasting panel with its vibrant acidity, expressive citrus notes, and distinctive minerality, leaving us all wanting to add this unique wine to our own personal cellars.

DOMAINE FILLON ET FILS
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022
SAINT-BRIS, BURGUNDY

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“The Domaine Fillon & Fils 2022 Saint-Bris Sauvignon begins with subtle floral hints, lemon zest, creamy nuances, brioche, and a wet stone mineral essence. On the palate, the wine has a light, refreshing body with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, peach yogurt, and bread dough. The wine concludes with an animated finish and an irresistible ease of enjoyment.”

94 Points

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtSpainTempranillo

PETRICOR

by PINEA
RIBERA DEL DUERO
SPAIN 2021

2021 Petricor By Pinea Ribera Del Duero Spain

A force in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, Pinea Winery produces high-scoring Tempranillos ranging from $65-$175, and they’re the makers of “17”, one of our most popular Spanish wines over the years. The winery has a well-established reputation for 100% varietal Tempranillo, locally called Tinto Fino.

Now entering the value market, Pinea released a new wine, Petricor, named after the enchanting aroma that frequently arises following a rainstorm, particularly after long dry spells, which the Ribera del Duero commonly experiences.

Crafted with meticulous attention to the region’s terroir, the 2021 Petricor captures the essence of the vines with an average age of over 30 years and the rich, sun-soaked soils. This wine presents itself at a price point that delivers remarkable value compared to wines of similar caliber, especially if you’re already a fan of Pinea’s remarkable quality and style.

PETRICOR
by PINEA
RIBERA DEL DUERO
SPAIN 2021

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“The Petricor 2021 Ribera del Duero by Pinea is fresh and bright with notes of red cherry, plum, black raspberry, and black tea leaves. On the palate, the wine has soft tannins and flavors of bright, ripe black and red fruits, dark chocolate, and earthy undertones. This wine was vinified in a lighter style than some of the more robust examples in the region and provides a delightful, easy-drinking Tempranillo with an impressive intensity of flavor.”

93 Points

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

ERIKSON & CARADIN

ARCHER & THORN
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Erikson & Caradin proprietors are keenly aware that soil, elevation, and climate play crucial roles in fine wine production; however, expertise and ambition can take wine to the next level. Erikson & Caradin began in 2013, selling their small production to friends, and continue to remain craft-focused, with only around fifty barrels produced across eight different designations.

Their specialty is producing terroir-driven wines, which aligns with winemaker Kevin Morrisey’s skillset after interning at Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux before Stags’ Leap Winery, Etude, and Ehlers Estate. 

Based around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Petite Sirah, the winery’s 2019 Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red, from Calistoga, Yountville, and Oakville, captures the essence of Napa Valley, delivered with penetrating fruit framed by firm tannins and remarkable balance. 

At $90, this wine earned well-deserved scores, but at $30, I’ll let you decide…

ERIKSON & CARADIN
ARCHER & THORN
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $90

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“Aromas of black cherries, plums, fresh herbs and fresh mint. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Succulent black fruit with light dried-citrus character. Earthy herbal notes as well. Best after 2025.”

93 Points

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

Back and better than ever before, Vista’s 2021 Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend is another paradigm-shifter for superior quality, value-priced Mountain wines. This stunner has the concentration, depth, complexity, and balance you’d expect from an exceptional $50+ Napa wine, but at $25, it’s almost unfathomable how great it is for this low price.

Harvested at 2,000 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Vista’s 2021 Reserve Blend was wrought from the rocky red Aiken soils that perfectly display the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous.

Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon at 61%, balanced with Merlot and Malbec, the 2021 vintage has the power of a thoroughbred, tamed by the skilled hand of winemaker Grant Long Jr, whom you might know from Aonair, Reverie II, Steps, and James Joseph. If you’re looking for a fabulous wine that tastes like it should be double or triple the price, look no further.

VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

Your Price: $25

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“Unparalleled in their ability to create rich, powerful, high-quality Napa Valley wines at an exceptionally low price, Vista continues to raise the bar with the release of their 2021 Reserve Atlas Peak Red Blend. This beautiful creation begins with a vibrant nose, including crushed Blackberries, blueberry cobbler, lavender, and hints of wood spice. The powerful palate continues with concentrated red currants, mixed berry compote, Bing cherries, pipe tobacco, saline minerality, and cocoa powder. The firm volcanic mountain structure beautifully balances the intense fruit with a style, grace, and energy, leading to a long finish that simply satisfies.”

95 Points

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

DIEVOLE PETRIGNANO

CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

Dievole is a renowned winery in the heart of Tuscany in the Chianti Classico region near Castelnuovo Berardenga. Celebrated for exceptional wines and a commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, the estate has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.

The winery’s flagship wine, Dievole Chianti Classico DOCG, is outstanding and hails from the 2019 vintage, a year the Wine Spectator describes as producing “fresh, balanced reds with finesse and the structure to age.” 

Dievole’s Chianti Classico wines effortlessly showcase the region’s quintessential characteristics; combined with an outstanding growing season and the DOCG’s aging regulations, this wine is already shining brightly.

DIEVOLE PETRIGNANO
CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019

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“Petrignano is a new wine for Dievole, the result of the estate’s collaboration with Chilean soil specialist, Pedro Parra. It comes from a recently planted 15ha site between 300 and 330 metres above sea level, distinguished by an abundance of limestone near the surface. The nose is flinty and iron-speckled, giving way to sun-soaked wild berries. It balances the generous warmth of the south with freshness and long, chalky tannins, sneaking some vibrant acidity in there too.”

91 Points