2016 Crane Assembly Disciples Proprietary Red

2016 The Crane Assembly ‘Disciples’ Proprietary Red

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THE CRANE ASSEMBLY 2016 Crane Assembly Disciples Proprietary Red

2016 DISCIPLES
PROPRIETARY RED

  
Forged from ancient vines dating back to the 1880’s, and including the iconic Morisoli and Milat vineyards in Rutherford and St. Helena, Crane Assembly Disciples was named for these vineyards which can be considered “disciples” of the ancient vines of G.B. Crane, which the winery owns.  The G.B. Crane vineyard was originally planted around 1885, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley… The 2016 release is incredibly appealing and comes layered with wild raspberries, black cherries, clove and incense.  The wine was masterfully blended by winemaker Kevin Fox and consulting winemaker Dave Phinney, and with a 93 Point score from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, I wouldn’t wait too long to assemble your case.  
 
Absolutely thrilling to swirl and taste, this wine has every quality that I look for in an ancient vine Zinfandel Blend.  The final blend includes bits of Charbono, Grenache and Petite Sirah which enhance color, depth and structure.  The 2016 is bursting with pristinely focused, seductive fruit and is incredibly hedonistic on the palate as flavors continue to expand throughout the extremely long finish. 
 
THE CRANE ASSEMBLY
2016 DISCIPLES
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 13% Charbono, 6% Grenache and 5% Petite Sirah, the 2016 Disciples is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with gorgeous notions of hoisin, Black Forest cake, prunes and potpourri with hints of black pepper, unsmoked cigars and cloves. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and oh-so-spicy, it fills the palate with decadent fruit and a plush texture, finishing with a lively lift.” 93 Points
 
2015 Blind Tasting Napa Valley Proprietary Red
 2017 The Prisoner Proprietary Red
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Alluring aromas of ripe blackberries, red plums, sweet floral notes and a touch of vanilla spice seduce your nose. A compact core of perfectly balanced cherry preserves, muddled blueberries, wild blackberries and a touch of black pepper unfurl and expand across your palate.  Opulent without being inky, the supple fruit tannins combine with a very long finish to simply make you smile. Drink right now, or you can hold until 2025.“
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.  
2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

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FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA 2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
Some of the best things in life are emotionally resonating, and that sensation can come from anything that moves us.  A great speech, poem, song, play, picture, and in this case, Fratellia Alessandria Barolo…  At a recent trade tasting at Farmstead in St Helena, this wine moved us more than ANY other wine at the event and if you could only see what it was up against, you’d have already ordered a case.  The wine is stunningly detailed and powerfully expressive.  It bounds from the glass with black cherries, wild plum, pipe tobacco, crushed mint and candied orange peel.  With brilliant evolution and finesse, this remarkable illustration of Barolo has already earned solid reviews from two of the Country’s top critics.  Of course, with the limited number of cases of this gem that make their way into the US, you’ll want to move quickly… 
 
We certainly weren’t the first to discover this gorgeous Barolo… It was originally recognized by King Carlo Alberto in 1843 for having notable quality.  The Fratelli Estate crowns the small hilltop village of Verduno, and the 2014 includes fruit from Riva Rocca, Rocca dell’Olmo, Neirane, Campasso and Bosco vineyards, and it’s truly one of the best 2014 Barolo’s under $100/btl that I’ve tasted.  I strongly recommend securing a case. 
 
FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl 
 
Vinous Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
“Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria’s 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won’t be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.” 
 
91 + Points
“The Fratelli Alessandria 2014 Barolo is a streamlined and elegant wine that imparts delicate tones of wild berry, spice, licorice, rosemary twig and candied orange peel. This is a classic expression and an absolute embodiment of Barolo tradition. The finish is long and silky with lingering tones of smoke and crushed mineral. This wine is very nicely done. It ages slowly in large Slavonian oak casks for three years...” 
 
91 Points
Customers who enjoy Fratelli Alessandria may also enjoy these two stunning Barolos…
 
2014 Rocche Costamagna Barolo
 2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA
2014 BAROLO 
ROCCHE DELL’ANNUNZIATA
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “This opens with red berry, new leather and eucalyptus aromas. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, star anise and a hint of white pepper alongside close-grained tannins and bright acidity…”  90 Points
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator:  “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…”  92 Points
2016 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

2016 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

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DUCKHORN  2016 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

2016 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

 
Duckhorn Vineyards unquestionably dominates the category of California Merlot, and they’ve done so for the last 40 years.  It’s their unwavering consistency that’s made them a mainstay in our shop, and that same level of dependability and value that thrusts them into the forefront on wine lists and in shops across the country.  I can think of no other wine brand that defines iconic for a varietal than Duckhorn does for Merlot. The newly released 2016 vintage is complemented with 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s even bigger, richer and more full-bodied than the previous couple of vintages.  Our panel was quite literally stunned by the even higher quality, and we can’t wait to start pouring this by the glass in Yountville.
 
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2016 offers a seamless combination of concentrated fruit, wrapped in a rich, supple elegance.  The bouquet has terrific intensity, offering detailed black cherries, freshly picked blackberries, black tea and wild rose.  Held in oak barrels for 15 months the 2016 is powerful and really easy to love…
 
 
DUCKHORN
2016 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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Tasting Notes: “The 2016 growing season yielded a beautifully complex expression of Napa Valley Merlot, with inviting aromas of fresh black raspberry, vanilla, tea leaves, pie crust and licorice. On the palate, luxurious red-fruit flavors of strawberry, plum, Bing cherry and loganberry are supported by silky tannins and a bright, mouthwatering acidity that carries the wine to a lingering finish, with hints of maple, cedar and sweet spice.”
 
Customers that enjoy Duckhorn Napa Merlot may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Duckhorn Wine Co… 
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.“
DUCKHORN
2016 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at: $110.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Once again, the revered Three Palms Vineyard has yielded a benchmark expression of New World Merlot, with a complex, age-worthy structure, silken tannins, and radiant fruit. On the nose, aromas of huckleberry, plum, Bing cherry, cinnamon and rose petals are underscored by hints of cocoa and sweet French oak. As it evolves in the glass, flavors of cardamom, cranberry, blueberry and figs are revealed, as well as elements of earthy minerality that add drama to the long, complex finish.”

2017 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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FLOWERS

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 

Flowers is a winery that helped shape Pinot Noir production along the extreme Sonoma Coast through style, consistency and quality.  They began their journey nearly 30 years ago and they helped pioneer the plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in what’s now known as the Fort Ross Seaview AVA.  In 2011, it was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast region.  The area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli Martinelli, Fort Ross and Pahlmeyer, to list a few.  The 2017 is wonderfully energetic and blooms with intense raspberry, wild strawberries, lavender and baking spices.  At under fifty bucks, I highly recommend harvesting some for your cellar.

With attention to every detail, Flowers hand-sorts their fruit on their custom-built shaker table before gently dispersing the berries onto the next sorting table where six sorters assess every cluster before allowing only the best fruit to pass through into the fermenters.  Blossoming after 10 months in oak, this Pinot is indescribably beautiful now and will continue to bear gorgeous fruit for the next decade…

 
FLOWERS
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast gives up intense scents of kirsch, violets, rose hip tea and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of garrigue and dried Provence herbs. Medium-bodied with delicate floral and red fruit layers in the mouth, it has wonderfully satiny tannins and a long, lively finish.”  90 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Flowers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 Castalia Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “This is a juicy exploration of the coast-a well-made effort that showcases notes of forest floor, black tea and savory pine. The black cherry and currant fruit leans dark and brooding, with an impressively balanced, medium-bodied hold on the palate.”  90 Points
CASTALIA
2016 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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Arising from one of California’s Grand Cru Vineyards, this Pinot Noir is so enchanting, that it will literally speak to your soul.  A penetrating ruby/purple in the glass, the 2016 is beautifully layered with baked raspberries, warm cranberries, back cherry, roses, shaved chocolates and was carefully guided from grape to bottle by Terry Bering, Cellar Master for Rochioli Vineyards for over two decades…
2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino

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LA FIORITA 2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2011 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Not all wines are meant for aging, but Brunello di Montalcino certainly is.  It’s required to be aged for a minimum of 5 years after harvest, with at least 2 years in oak, and there’s good reason behind this…  One of the biggest is that Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) is a thicker-skinned grape and is known for producing bold flavors, high acids and big tannins.  When you age Brunello, those same traits that can be astringent when they’re young, transform into a soft, complex wine with an irresistible presence on the palate over time.  When you taste a Brunello that’s been perfectly aged, you’ll know right away… The 2011 La Fiorita Brunello is velvety soft, perfectly balanced, delightfully long and complex and absolutely stunning right now .  If I paid $150/btl for this in a restaurant I would be thrilled.  At fifty bucks, I want that experience every time I can get it…
 
It’s not easy to make a wine that’s going to be singing this beautifully nearly a decade after the fruit was harvested.  It takes a great winemaker to accomplish this and La Fiorita is made by one of the best… Roberto Cipresso made a name for himself while consulting with icons Poggio Antico, Archival Ferrer and Case Basse…  If you’re searching for a perfectly ready to drink Italian wine, this one should absolutely not be missed.
 
LA FIORITA
2011 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
Retails at   $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl  

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“Sweet cherry flavors are framed by licorice, tobacco and spice notes in this smooth red. Firms up enough on the finish to warrant a year or two of aging, but this should find equilibrium soon. Best from 2017 through 2026...”  91 Points
 “… opens to delicate tones of wild berry, wet earth and dried rose petal. It delivers these aromas with a soft touch and lasting intensity. These ethereal aromas glide by the senses with smooth transitions. The wine leaves an equally graceful impression in the mouth…” 91 Points
Customers who enjoy La Fiorita Brunello may also enjoy these two stunning Brunellos…
2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 La Rasina Brunello Di Montalcino
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
LA RASINA
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling, “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.”  96 Points

2015 Pavillon De Taillefer Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

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PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER

2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX

Across the world, critics are raving about the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The vintage set a record for perfect 100 Point wines from Wine Enthusiast, and around half of those were from Saint Emilion.  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 Points, noting Saint Emilion was the sweet spot, and this was the appellation’s highest rated vintage since 2010.  Saint Emilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199.  This stunning representation of a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion was created by Catherine Cohen, who interned with the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet at Château Petrus.  Jean-Claude immediately recognized her talents and installed Catherine at the famous La Fleur Petrus where she made the wines from 1995 to 2001.  At $45/btl, this wine had our entire panel in awe…
 
Created from half-century old vines, and revealing textbook Saint Emilion crushed red fruits, shaved rock and plush black plum, this wine leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.  Catherine and her husband Phillippe purchased the Estate in 2006 after it was personally recommended by Jean-Claude Berrouet.  This Estate is now clearly on a positive trajectory and this is one journey that you don’t want to miss.
 
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 vintage of Pavillon de Taillefer has enticing aromas of black cherry, red plum, licorice, and spice, with hints of smoke, fine herbs, glove leather, cocoa powder, violets and dried tobacco. The elegant, velvety palate begins with plush Bing cherry, dried blueberry, baker’s chocolate, wet slate and crushed minerals.“
93+ Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Chateau Pontete Bellegrave, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2015 Chateau Pontete Bellegrave Graves De Vayres Bordeaux
 2015 CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
CHÂTEA PONTÊTE 
BELLEGRAVE
2015 BORDEAUX 
GRAVES DE VAYRES
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Chateau Pontete Bellegrave’s 2015 is beautifully detailed and firmly concentrated and packed inside of a generous yet muscular frame are micro-layers of red and black fruits, crushed violets, cocoa dusted chocolate truffles and hints of graphite.  A terrific value, this lovely Bordeaux is rarely imported into the US, and when it is, it unfailingly generates plenty of flattering comments and re-orders.   If you enjoy complex, delicious, full-bodied reds, this one’s an excellent value at under forty per bottle. 

 
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
2015 BORDEAUX 
 
Your Price: $33/btl 

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Did you know that one of the most expensive wines in the world upon release is Chateau Petrus, and that it’s made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Pomerolregion in Bordeaux?  Lalande-de-Pomerolborders the Pomerol region to the north and of the two main villages Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Néac has clay and gravelly soils commonly seen in Pomerol.   Chateau Vieux Potana comes from Néac and exhibits the dusty, chalky tannins, dark berries and gravely undertones that are classic to the region.

 

 
   
2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

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CROCKER & STARR

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red2015 BRIDESMAID
PROPRIETARY RED

Taking things to the next level, the new vintage of Bridesmaid Red not only has a new look, but the wine is now sourced exclusively from Napa Valley’s iconic St Helena AVA…  The wine was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at Spottswoode and Gemstone and over the years it’s amassed a remarkable following.  The 2015 is powerful, compact and dangerously hedonistic, with a seductive bouquet spanning blue and red fruits, spring flowers, pipe tobacco and exotic chocolates.  Sensual flavors cascade over the palate with incredible energy and an effortless nature.  The blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine, carefully selected from the winery’s Estate, as well as other top Napa Valley wineries after their own blends are complete.  The wine that makes it into these bottles often had an intended retail of more than 2-3 times the price…
 
Using Cabernet Franc as the base and layering in Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Bridesmaid Red is highly detailed and captures the diverse terrain of the St Helena AVA faultlessly.  Those of you that have enjoyed any of the earlier vintages of this wine, just know one thing…  This is the BEST one yet.   If you haven’t experienced this absolutely stunning blend, here’s the perfect opportunity to do so…
 
CROCKER & STARR
2015 BRIDESMAID 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Franc Blend Bridesmaid gives gorgeous kirsch, raspberry pie and blackberries scents with a beautiful undercurrent of roses, cinnamon stick, potpourri and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and great vivacity, finishing long and perfumed...” 93+ Points
 
Cabernet Franc 60% | Merlot 23% | Petit Verdot 11% | Malbec 6%
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Red may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
 
2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Reserve 2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red
STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The Hourglass HGII Blend was authored by legendary winemaker Tony Biagi…Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring  Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.
2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo

2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo Piedmont, Italy

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GIACOMO GRIMALDI 2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
There’s a renaissance happening in Piedmont, with some Italian producers moving towards a more elegant and approachable style of winemaking. The more traditional approach is to produce wines that are more tightly-wound, compact and need more time in the cellar before they’re ready to enjoy.  One of the best examples of the newer style of winemaking is Giacomo Grimaldi’s 2014 Barolo.  Their method of combining 12 months in oak barrels and 18 months in larger casks lends to the wines balance and approachability.  The wine still hasn’t lost its sense of history and antiquity that comes from the Barolo vineyards, one of which the Grimaldi family has owned and farmed since 1930. In fact, it’s that feeling combined with the new approach to winemaking that truly makes this wine special. We loved it so much that we bought every bottle available in California before our glasses were even emptied, and we taste pretty fast.
 
Scrumptious, focused and harmonious all come to mind when tasting this remarkable wine.  The 2014 is big and round, with penetrating fruits wrapped in black chocolates, dusted with savory spices.  This could be the poster child for that “new school” style of winemaking that once you taste it, you’ll have a tough time going back.  It is extremely limited and will most likely sell out today!
 
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo may also enjoy these two Barolos… 
2014 Parusso Anniversary Barolo   2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo  
PARUSSO
2014 BAROLO
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 

From Vinous: “…one of the most stunning wines of the vintage… Rich, deep and explosive on the palate, with stunning aromatic presence and overall intensity, the 2014 is remarkably vivid. Beams of supporting tannin give the wine its energy and persistence….”   94+ Points
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points

 

2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir

2016 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir(s)

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

WALTER HANSEL

2016 PINOT NOIR(S)
CUVEE ALYCE | NORTH SLOPE

 
Showcasing the best of Russian River Valley, Walter Hansel produces profound wines with sense of place, harmonious balance and elaborate texture. When they come up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.
 
Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none… Their 2016 Cuvee Alyce and North Slope Pinots have already earned monster scores from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, and when your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments. Walter Hansel took that as a challenge and their 2016’s stand tall as some of their best Pinot Noirs in the last decade.  Don’t miss this opportunity to secure yours… There’s simply never enough of these brilliant Pinots to satisfy demand.

 

2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir 2016 Walter Hansel North Slope Pinot Noir
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, pomegranate and cranberry notes with touches of red roses, lavender and dried Provence herbs plus a waft of black soil. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, it is simply packed with taut fruit and finishes on a lingering mineral note…” 95 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $42/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Pinot Noir The North Slope is medium ruby-purple in color and scented of crushed red plums, mulberries and black cherries with touches of baking spices, violets and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, it offers bags of rich berry flavors in the mouth with a sexy, plush texture and scintillating freshness, finishing long...” 94 Points
2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

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HOURGLASS

2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED

2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary RedYour palate immediately recognizes a wine that is absolutely remarkable, and mine instantly identified the 2016 HG III as a wine that deserved a top spot on my top 5 wines of the year.  Locking in my #2 spot with a bouquet that makes my skin tingle, and at first taste, a wave of thrills and excitement ensues.  The wine was authored by legendary winemaker Tony Biagi… Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley. Their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is an exceptionally low price of admission for wine with this outstanding pedigree.  
 
With an exhilarating, velvety texture and endless layers of sweet blueberries, cherry pipe tobacco, dried flowers and black chocolate, the HG III combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah into an exhilarating wine of pure brilliance.  After spending around 16 months in French oak, the 2016 is stunningly gorgeous now, and it’s undoubtedly the best version of HG III yet.  Don’t hesitate to secure your case… 
 
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes:  “Finding a wine that is rich and deep, but also has a liveliness and freshness that gives it complexity and length is rare.  This beauty starts with a nose of black cherries, bakers chocolate, Autumn spices and white flowers. The rich and supple palate is focused and pure with sweet blackberries, vanilla bean and ripe black plums. The finish is balanced, concentrated, long and very satisfying.  The tannins are soft enough that you may enjoy this now, but it’s concentrated enough that you can cellar it for a decade or more.” 95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier