2018 Top Source Red Blend Columbia Valley

2018 Top Source Red Blend Columbia Valley

with No Comment $30 and underColumbia ValleyGrenacheKevin VogtProprietary RedSyrahUSAWashington State

TOP SOURCE

RED BLEND 2018
COLUMBIA VALLEY

2018 Top Source Red Blend Columbia Valley
Meredith Hyslop is a Walla Walla native who graduated from the Walla Walla Wine Institute in 2007 before moving to Dijon, France, to complete a Master’s program in International Wine business. After her studies, Meredith moved to the Languedoc-Roussillon in Southern France, where she spent 12 years working in the wine industry and found many significant similarities to the climate of her home in Eastern Washington.
 
Realizing that Syrah and Grenache thrive in Columbia Valley’s volcanic soils and high diurnal range, Meredith founded Top Source to showcase Rhône-style blends from the AVA’s idyllic conditions and terroir. 
 
Meredith hand-selected three organically farmed sites for her 2018 Red Wine, blended at bottled at her partner’s winery, Cayuse Vineyards, one of Washington State’s most iconic producers. The Blend combines 70% Syrah with 30% Grenache, aged in neutral oak, highlighting the region’s fruit and world-class growing conditions.
 
TOP SOURCE
RED BLEND 2018
COLUMBIA VALLEY
Retails at: $30
 
 
 
“The 2018 Red Wine Columbia Valley combines Syrah (70%) with Grenache (30%). The palate is wonderfully stony with bright red fruits that mingle with orange rind, umami and pretty pomegranate seed flavors. The salty accents really make this sing.”
93 Points
2019 Saracina Old Soul Red Mendocino County

2019 Saracina Old Soul Red Mendocino County

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoMendocino RidgeProprietary RedUSA

SARACINA

OLD SOUL RED
MENDOCINO COUNTY 2019

2019 Saracina Old Soul Red Mendocino County
Saracina Vineyards thrives at the southern end of Mendocino County along the foothills of the Mayacamas range and the headwaters of the Russian River, in an area that prizes sustainable viticulture. Mendocino has the most significant percentage of certified organic grape growers, and most producers are less interested in building extravagant tasting rooms, focusing instead on naturally crafting exceptional wines that express the region’s identity.
 
Saracina was founded in 2001, and in 2018, the Taub family purchased the property and took over as proud stewards of the vineyards. Their team studies the differences in each microclimate with extensive soil analysis and rootstock matching to ensure each vine planted thrives to the fullest extent. 
 
The Old Soul red is a field blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Malbec that changes slightly with each vintage to give the best expression of the growing season. The 2019 vintage was aged in a combination of American and French oak with only 10% new barrels allowing a gentle integration of flavor complexity while retaining a sense of place.
 
SARACINA
OLD SOUL RED
MENDOCINO COUNTY 2019
 
 
 
“This is a rich, full-bodied red blend. Integrated aromas and flavors of boysenberry, marionberry, black and red plum, bramble, chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak and anise greet the nose and palate. Ripe, plush tannins coat the mouth and are well-matched by the ripe nature of the fruits. Acidity adds a line of freshness right down the center.”
93 Points
2019 Sixteen By Twenty Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2019 Sixteen By Twenty Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

SIXTEEN by TWENTY

CHARDONNAY 2019
SONOMA COAST

2019 Sixteen By Twenty Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Sixteen by Twenty Winery is named after an artist’s most common canvas dimension because it provides ideal balance, aligning with their wines’ guiding philosophy. Self-taught viticulturist David Dunphy and his wife Karen purchased their first parcel in Napa Valley in 2004. Today, they own 15 acres of vineyard land scattered throughout the valley, ranging from Howell Mountain to Coombsville.
 
As artists, David and Karen apply the precision of a 16×20 canvas philosophy to each wine in their portfolio, focusing on small productions from selected vineyard sites that are tended to by hand by the vineyard team. The Sonoma Coast AVA gives Chardonnay a distinct minerality, ripe fruits, and fresh acidity due to the oceanic influence, and the 2019 production portrays a beautiful balance of opulence and finesse while retaining its coastal roots with minerality and bright acidity. 
 
SIXTEEN by TWENTY
CHARDONNAY 2019
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The Sixteen by Twenty 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe peach, melon, roasted almonds, cinnamon, and toasted bread. On the palate, the wine has flavors of apricot, Werther’s Original candies, roasted marshmallow, and fresh minerality. The wine has a creamy texture balanced by acidity and a bright, pleasant finish.”
94 Points
2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPortugalProprietary White

QUINTA DA RAZA

ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021

2021 Quinta Da Raza Alvarihnho Trajadura Vinho Verde Portugal
Quinta da Raza is a family-owned winery located in the Vinho Verde DOC in Northwestern Portugal. The estate has been in operation for five generations, and they are passionate about producing high-quality wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
 
Vinho Verde is a coastal region that is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. This combination of maritime influences and granite soils creates an ideal environment for growing white grape varieties. These grapes are often blended together to create both complex and refreshing wines.
 
The 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is a perfect example of this type of wine. It is a blend of 60% Alvarinho and 40% Trajadura, and it was fermented in stainless steel and aged on the lees for four months. This results in a wine that is bright, refreshing, and full of flavor.
 
This wine is perfect for enjoying by the pool on a hot summer day. It would also be a great pairing for seafood dishes or light salads.
 
QUINTA DA RAZA
ALVARINHO TRAJADURA
VINHO VERDE PORTUGAL 2021
 
Your Price: $22
 
 
“The Quinta da Raza 2021 Alvarinho Trajadura is light, bright, and opens with playful notes of lime blossom, jasmine, grapefruit, white peach, fresh ginger, and a chalky minerality. On the palate, the wine is slightly effervescent with zesty acidity and flavors of blood orange, lime zest, cantaloupe, and freshly squeezed lemonade. This wine is a quintessential necessity for summertime with its opulence and levity and leaves a lasting impression accompanied by an impressive finish.”
97 Points
Helfrich Cremant D'Alsace Brut Alsace France

Helfrich Cremant D’Alsace Brut Alsace France

with No Comment $30 and underChampagne/SparklingFranceKevin Vogt

HELFRICH

CREMANT D’ALSACE BRUT
ALSACE, FRANCE

Helfrich Cremant D'Alsace Brut Alsace France
The Helfrich family has been in the wine and spirits business for three generations in Alsace, France, and is proud to craft traditional Alsatian wines from the region’s prized grape varieties. Alsace boasts 13 major soil types and is the second northernmost wine region after Champagne, experiencing a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, sunny summers. The sunny weather promotes full physiological ripeness, while the cool nights preserve fresh acidity.
 
The Helfrichs strive to create wines with complexity, elegance, and balance that are lively and refreshing, and the Crémant is that and more. The wine is made by the traditional method, resting on the fine lees for three months before the second fermentation in the bottle and aging 24 months before disgorgement giving complexity, focus, and delightful drinkability. It’s my new favorite value sparkler.
 
HELFRICH
CREMANT D’ALSACE BRUT
ALSACE, FRANCE
 
 
 
“The Helfrich Crémant d’Alsace begins with fresh floral notes of jasmine and chamomile highlighted with green apple, lemon zest, and starfruit, with hints of wet stones. On the palate, the wine is refreshing with crisp acidity and flavors of quince, grapefruit, meringue, and pastry dough. This wine is the epitome of freshness in a glass and finishes with a snappy vibrance.” 
95 Points
2018 Coho Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch Vineyard Los Carneros

2018 Coho Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch Vineyard Los Carneros

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

COHO

PINOT NOIR
STANLY RANCH VINEYARD
LOS CARNEROS 2018

2018 Coho Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch Vineyard Los Carneros
COHO Wines was founded in 2002 by Gary Lipp, following principles he learned from his 35 years of experience working in multiple aspects of wine production. To help achieve his goal of crafting powerful yet perfectly balanced wines, Gary hired renowned winemaker Phillip Titus, who has been with Chappellet for nearly three decades and producing award-winning wines.
 
The Stanly Ranch Vineyard is the easternmost vineyard on the Napa side of the Los Carneros AVA, first planted in 1870 and supplied Louis Martini with fruit leading up to his purchase of 200 acres of the site in 1942. COHO has produced a Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir since their inaugural vintage, and the 2018 release is a blend of Pommard clones, planted in 1970, and younger Dijon clones, giving a vast array of complexity from Napa’s cooler, southern edge near the San Pablo Bay.
 
Sadly, this is Coho’s final vintage. We hate seeing them go, as their wines have always over-delivered with substantial quality and value, making them a favorite among many of our customers. 
 
COHO
PINOT NOIR
STANLY RANCH VINEYARD
LOS CARNEROS 2018
Retails at: $45
 
 
 
“Notes of raspberries, strawberries, baking spices and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with plush tannins. Juicy and fruity with floral and spicy character on the finish. Rich and layered. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

ECO TERRENO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019

2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Eco Terreno is a certified biodynamic and organic farm that uses modern techniques to strengthen and restore the soils within the vineyards to their original state. The winery’s sustainably farmed vines and founder Mark Lyons’ years of experience as the lead winemaker for Sebastiani Vineyards result in these sensational bottles.
 
The winery receives coastal fog through the Petaluma Gap each evening, blanketing the vineyards throughout the night into the morning. This helps to preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes, resulting in a balanced and polished Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
The 2019 growing season was nearly perfect for Alexander Valley, and it shows in this incredible value at this price.
 
ECO TERRENO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $32
 
 
 
“The Eco Terreno 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has signature notes of earth and minerality with violet, blackberry, plum, cassis, crushed graham crackers, and black olives. On the palate, the wine has soft tannins and a smooth texture with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, mushroom, baking spices, and cocoa powder. The wine has a silky finish with a structure that should age well over the next decade.”
96 Points
2015 Chateau Mascard Haut-Medoc Bordeaux

2015 Chateau Mascard Haut-Medoc Bordeaux

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU MASCARD

HAUT-MÉDOC
BORDEAUX 2015

2015 Chateau Mascard Haut-Medoc Bordeaux
Château Mascard resides in the Haut-Médoc AOC on the left bank of the Garonne River, a few miles west of the world-famous Pauillac AOC in Bordeaux, France. The soils in the region consist of dense gravel topsoil above clay beds. Well-drained gravel soils are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot prefers water-retaining clay. The Château’s vineyards are planted accordingly and sustainably farmed.
 
Each lot is fermented separately after harvest before carefully blending into a wine representing the Chateau’s mixed terroir. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels before being bottled. This 2015 vintage is a 65% Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 35% Merlot that has developed sensationally well in the bottle, with black cherry, red currant, and hints of pepper and pencil shavings. Enjoy it on its own or with grilled meats or wild game. At $25, this is one of the best values in Bordeaux that we’ve discovered and is sure to impress.
 
CHÂTEAU MASCARD
HAUT-MÉDOC
BORDEAUX 2015
 
 
 
“The Château Mascard 2015 Haut-Médoc has a developed nose with aromas of lavender, plum, red currant, cocoa powder, mushrooms, clove, black olive, and dusty earth. On the palate, the wine has layers of intense flavors, including blackberry, black cherry, baking spices, truffle, and dark chocolate. This wine has savory, nuanced characteristics and soft tannins from its time maturing in the bottle, and though it could age longer, it has reached a sublime point in its journey and is very enjoyable right now.”
95 Points
2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough

2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough

with No Comment $30 and underNew ZealandPinot Noir

AWATERE RIVER

PINOT NOIR 2020
MARLBOROUGH

2020 Awatere River Pinot Noir Marlborough
The Awatere Valley within Marlborough, New Zealand, was created by ancient glaciers that left pockets of alluvial soils excellent for growing and producing wines with a distinct flinty minerality. This relatively cool climate is in one of the South Island’s sunniest locations, ideal for a long, slow ripening season, enhancing the fruit’s complexity and depth.
 
Awatere River Winery is a collection of 100% sustainably produced, premium wines from low-yielding vines that depict the originality of the valley’s rich, alluvial deposits from intensely aromatic fruit with nuanced flavor characteristics. 
 
The 2020 growing season in Marlborough saw idyllic weather from bud break to harvest, and the Pinot Noir from Awatere River highlights this flawless vintage with bright fruit, fresh acidity, and a long distinguished finish. 
 
PS: When we tasted this Pinot last week, everybody on our panel wanted to buy a case.
 
AWATERE RIVER
PINOT NOIR 2020
MARLBOROUGH
 
 
 
“The 2020 Awatere River Marlborough Pinot Noir begins with a bright and vibrant nose of wild raspberries, sweet baking spices, cola bean, elegant florals, and spearmint hints. The racy palate continues with focused tart red cherries, pomegranate, saline minerality, black tea, and sage. The finish is long and focused with bright acidity and integrated tannins that make it a delight to enjoy. It drinks so far beyond its price point that I was compelled to write about it even though there were professional reviews already published.”  Tasted July 2023
94 Points
2022 Soalheiro Mineral Rose Alvarinho and Pinot Noir Portugal

2022 Soalheiro Mineral Rose Alvarinho and Pinot Noir Portugal

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPortugalRosé

SOALHEIRO 

MINERAL ROSÉ
ALVARINHO & PINOT NOIR
PORTUGAL 2022

2022 Soalheiro Mineral Rose Alvarinho and Pinot Noir Portugal
The founders of Soalheiro planted Alvarinho (Albariño) in 1974 in the Portuguese region of Monção and Melgaço, which was unheard of at the time. Today the third generation of the family runs the winery and has implemented sustainable viticulture to ensure the health of the vines and the surrounding environment.
 
The Soalheiro Mineral Rosé was inspired by the famous rosés of Provence, boasting minerality in a light, dry style of wine while giving prominence to two varieties from two different regions in Portugal. 
 
This unique blend showcases 70% Alvarinho and 30% Pinot Noir harvested and fermented separately before spending six months in stainless steel with lees contact. The 2022 release projects crisp mineral notes with light spice and fresh, exotic fruits, mirroring qualities I look for in the world’s top-level Rosés. 
 
SOALHEIRO 
MINERAL ROSÉ
ALVARINHO & PINOT NOIR
PORTUGAL 2022
 
 
 
“The Soalheiro 2022 Mineral Rosé of Alvarihno and Pinot Noir is exuberant and elegantly layered with aromas of wet stones, rose petals, lime zest, blood orange, lychee, and white strawberry. On the palate, the wine is crisp and complex with flavors of strawberry cream, grapefruit, pear, and lychee. This wine has bright acidity that perfectly complements the fresh fruit and minerality that dances into a brilliant finish.”
98 Points