2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

with No Comment $60-$70BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

Romitorio

Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2020

2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

The 2020 Brunello from Castello Romitorio captures the essence of Montalcino with striking clarity, reflecting both the region’s storied past and the unwavering vision of its creators. Since its inception in 1984, the winery has remained a guardian of tradition, tirelessly exploring and refining the potential of Sangiovese. This flagship Brunello embodies their dedication—a wine celebrated by critics and collectors alike for its layered depth, poised refinement, and vivid connection to its origins.

Born in a year that tested the world’s resolve, the 2020 vintage radiates intensity and vitality, distinguishing itself with uncommon grace. While much of the world paused, the vineyards flourished under the attentive hands of those who sought refuge in their craft. This quiet strength echoes through the wine, revealing itself in waves of dark cherry, wild herbs, and crushed violets that unfold with mesmerizing complexity.

Fermented in stainless steel to safeguard the fruit’s luminous purity, then matured for 24 months in oak, this Brunello strikes a delicate equilibrium between vigor and finesse. Time has softened its contours, blending its elements into a fluid, silken whole that showcases Sangiovese at its most refined. With its profound depth and elegance, the 2020 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is a tribute to the artistry and resilience that define exceptional winemaking.

Romitorio
Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2020
Retails at: $70

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“This is a remarkable Brunello from a COVID-19 vintage that launched many curveballs at producers. The Castello Romitorio 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is noticeably a step above its peers thanks to its seamless mouthfeel, its bright fruit concentration and its balanced freshness. It ages in oak for 24 months, and the grapes are picked from a site with cool clay soils. The finish is soft and polished. If you were to buy one village Brunello from the accessible 2020 vintage, let me direct your attention to this wine…”

96 Points

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Matthew Wallace

The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Matthew Wallace presents an unparalleled opportunity for Cabernet enthusiasts to experience world-class pedigree without the premium price tag—an impeccably crafted wine shaped by two of Napa Valley’s most revered talents. This estate-driven Cabernet is the culmination of a longstanding partnership between Matt Hardin, a sixth-generation Napa grower and masterful viticulturist, and Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the region’s most celebrated winemakers. For over fifteen years, their collaboration has defined some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines, including Maybach, Outpost, Pulido-Walker, Casa Piena, and Caterwaul—each a benchmark of excellence. 

With an intimate connection to his estate vineyard, Matt Hardin hand-selected 18 of its most prized rows, ensuring only the most pristine clusters made the cut. Each grape was meticulously sorted, upholding an uncompromising quality standard. In Thomas Rivers Brown’s masterful hands, the fruit is transformed into a wine of profound depth and complexity. Crafted in his signature style—richly textured, impeccably balanced, and seamlessly layered—the 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon captivates—a wine of both power and finesse, it leaves an indelible impression long after the last sip.

Matthew Wallace
The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

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“This wine unfurls with a captivating nose, where black currants and crushed blueberries weave together, accented by elegant cloves and nutmeg. Subtle, alluring, sweet vanilla emerges, leading to delicate spring florals that linger. On the palate, it reveals itself with generosity—rich, juicy, and enveloping, brimming with ripe, vibrant fruit. The texture is supple and seamless, flowing like satin across the tongue, carrying waves of blue and black fruits that echo the aromas. It builds gracefully into a complex, lingering finish, leaving a refined impression of depth and harmony. A wine that speaks quietly of its elegance, yet resonates long after the glass is set down.”

96+ Points

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaSyrahUSA

Sequum

Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

Sequum’s Kidd Ranch Syrah beautifully captures the essence of its Napa Valley origins. Crafted in small batches at their Saint Helena estate, this wine reflects the meticulous care and dedication of Paul Skinner. A respected viticulturist and soil scientist, Skinner’s intimate understanding of the land informs every vintage, creating a wine that speaks of its unique terroir.

The Kidd Ranch Vineyard is Skinner’s expression of Napa’s rich viticultural heritage. His daily presence in the vineyard is a constant dialogue with the vines, each row nurtured with meticulous attention. By carefully selecting different Syrah clones, each matched to specific rootstocks and soil types, Skinner pays homage to the traditions of the Northern Rhône.

The 2022 vintage displays both poise and elegance. Sequum’s dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking results in a wine that authentically expresses the interplay of nature and skilled craftsmanship. This Syrah presents exceptional value, offering a quality comparable to much higher-priced wines, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fine wine without unnecessary formality.

Sequum
Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

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“The 2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah is a compelling expression of Napa Valley fruit. The nose opens with a dynamic interplay of kirsch and boysenberry syrup, grounded by a distinct minerality reminiscent of iron dust and delicate violets. On the palate, this wine showcases a concentrated complexity. Wild mountain blackberries are interwoven with bright red currants and juicy, ripe blueberries. The fruit profile is penetrating and complex, accented by subtle baking spices. A beautiful balance of richness and freshness defines the wine, with vibrant, mouth-quenching fruit supported by soft, supple tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and ultimately satisfying. This is, without a doubt, the finest Sequum Syrah to date.”

96 Points

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Pont Neuf

Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Pont Neuf’s Pont Royal Chardonnay is a masterful expression of Russian River Valley terroir, seamlessly marrying California’s opulent fruit with the restraint of great Burgundian wines. This Chardonnay doesn’t simply impress—it enchants, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

At the helm of this artistry is Douglas Danielak, a winemaker whose deep reverence for Burgundian tradition shapes every nuance of his craft. A graduate of UC Davis with further training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune, Danielak employs a low-intervention philosophy, allowing the vineyard’s voice to shine. Native yeasts, meticulous bâtonnage, and a slow, deliberate malolactic fermentation yield a wine that is both texturally sumptuous and vibrantly pure.

The 2023 vintage is a radiant testament to this vision. It unfolds in layers of golden-hued complexity, where Meyer lemon, white peach, and toasted hazelnut intertwine with hints of crushed rock and delicate spice. A luminous thread of acidity lends tension and precision, balancing the wine’s sumptuous depth with an elegance that lingers long on the palate. Pont Royal Chardonnay delivers a harmonious interplay of richness and restraint, destined to captivate all who discover it.

Pont Neuf
Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023
Retails at: $70

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“The Pont Neuf 2023 “Pont Royal” Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley elegantly balances the finesse of French Burgundy with the richness of California fruit. Aromas of ripe apricot and nectarine intertwine with white blossoms, a touch of orange zest, and a refined mineral character reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, subtle nuances of golden apples, toast, vanilla, chantilly, and crème brûlée add layers of depth. The wine’s concentrated flavors unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, silky finish.”

95 Points

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Paul Hobbs

Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Paul Hobbs masterfully captures the essence of the Russian River Valley in his 2022 Pinot Noir, showcasing the vibrant character and alluring qualities of this celebrated varietal.

Renowned as a visionary in the wine world, Hobbs, often compared to Steve Jobs for his innovative approach, began his journey with Robert Mondavi at the pioneering Opus One. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master’s in Viticulture and Enology, he built a career that has shaped the wine industry.

In 1991, Paul Hobbs embarked on his independent path, driven by a bold vision. He sought out legendary vineyard owners Larry Hyde and Richard Dinner, securing five tons of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes formed the foundation of his inaugural releases, establishing Paul Hobbs Winery as a beacon of quality and innovation. His Appellation Tier wines reflect his philosophy of blending exceptional vineyard sources into a single, harmonious expression.

The 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir exemplifies Hobbs’ meticulous craftsmanship. This wine unveils concentrated fruit flavors interwoven with remarkable complexity and depth—each sip an unfolding journey of sensory delight. Awarded an impressive 95 points, this Pinot Noir invites wine lovers to experience the magic of Hobbs’ artistry and the extraordinary character of the Russian River Valley.

Paul Hobbs
Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $69.99

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“Sliced strawberry with bark and stone with some sand undertones. Graphite. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with spices such as pepper and bark. Flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.”

95 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

with No Comment $60-$70BurgandyChablisChardonnayKevin VogtUSA

Domaine de Villaine

Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

Few wines possess the allure of Domaine de Villaine’s 2022 Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé. This Chardonnay encapsulates the very essence of Burgundy’s finest white wines, offering a harmonious blend of precision and elegance. Each sip reveals vibrant fruit notes, meticulously layered flavors, and a balanced profile that firmly places it among our top five wines of 2024.

The legacy of Domaine de Villaine is intertwined with the renowned Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Founded in the 1970s, Domaine de Villaine embodies Aubert’s vision of crafting wines rooted in tradition and terroir. Today, under the guidance of his nephew, Pierre de Benoist, the estate continues to uphold its commitment to organic farming and artisanal viticulture, producing wines of exceptional finesse.

Priced at a remarkable $65, this stunning offering invites you to experience the magic of Burgundy firsthand. It offers a glimpse into the world of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking families, providing an accessible and unforgettable journey into the heart of Burgundy.

Domaine de Villaine
Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

Your Price: $65

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“The 2022 Domaine de Villaine Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Le Clous Aimé is immediately captivating on the nose. Bright citrus notes of lemon curd elegantly swirl with lightly toasted hazelnuts. Hints of white spring flowers add a touch of feminine beauty, while subtle butterscotch promises a touch of richness. On the palate, the wine explodes with concentrated, penetrating fruit flavors. Meyer lemons and touches of Granny Smith apples intertwine in a vibrant dance, their bright freshness balanced by an underlying layer of liquid saline. This sensation lingers on the incredibly long finish, leaving a decadent impression. The wine is undeniably opulent, yet very nimble, styled with remarkable finesse – a testament to the producer’s masterful touch.”

96 Points, #3 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2024

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

FACETS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Facets Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The second label from the esteemed Yountville producer Gemstone, Facets, embodies exceptional quality at a more approachable price point. Crafted under Julian Fayard’s expertise, his philosophy emphasizes the importance of expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard site and grape variety. His notable work and expertise from his past began with his education at the University of Bordeaux, where he studied Viticulture and Enology, leading to his work at wineries including Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa.

Facets fruit is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in Yountville, Calistoga, and cooler sites in the southern part of the Valley, ensuring a precise balance of fruit, body, and spice. 

Gemstone aged the 2021 vintage for 20 months in French oak, and in its youth, the wine’s depth, intensity, and structure hint at a long and beautiful journey for this delightful Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

FACETS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

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“The Facets 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet opens with floral and spicy notes, including anise, bergamot, violets, plush black fruits, and backing spices. On the palate, the wine has flavors of black plums, black currants, toast, and coffee ice cream. The tannins are powdery and coat the mouth as the flavors coalesce with bright acidity into a long, soft finish.”

96 Points

2018 Maroon Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve Coombsville

2018 Maroon Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve Coombsville

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

MAROON

SPECIAL RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
COOMBSVILLE 2018

2018 Maroon Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve Coombsville
Paul Maroon obtained 37 acres in Coombsville over two decades ago, with 17 of those acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon that he tended and sold to several of Napa Valley’s top wineries until 2009 when he decided to produce the first vintage of Maroon. Coombsville became an AVA in 2011 and quickly established a reputation for delivering sophisticated wines with elegant structure due to the cooler climate in the southern end of the Valley.
 
Chris Corley has been the winemaker since Maroon’s inaugural vintage and has worked with Paul for over 20 years, creating a symbiotic relationship built around their passion for the vineyards, the beautiful wines, and a solid commitment to quality. The wine team hand-picked the 2018 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maroon estate in Coombsville, fermented the grapes, and aged the resulting wine for 30 months in 75% new French oak for a complex flavor development that will continue to evolve and express this fantastic vintage.
 
MAROON
SPECIAL RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
COOMBSVILLE 2018
Retails at: $174
 
 
 
“The 2018 Maroon Special Reserve Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon opens with lavender, sage, red plum, blackberry pie, mocha, and crushed rocks. The wine has flavors of dark berries, baking spices, cassis, and dark chocolate with a tension that will soften with time. This beautifully balanced 100% Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of the Coombsville AVA with refreshing acidity, structured tannins, and long aging potential that will reveal more profound layers of complexity.”
94-95 Points
2019 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast

2019 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

RAEN

2019 PINOT NOIR 
ROYAL ST. ROBERT CUVEE
SONOMA COAST

2019 Raen Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert Cuvee Sonoma Coast
Carlo and Dante Mondavi grew up at their grandfather’s OPUS ONE Winery and further sharpened their winemaking skills at their father Tim’s cult brand Continuum, so it’s no surprise that the cult and culture of wine runs deep in their veins. The Mondavi family has a keen talent for selecting vineyards capable of producing premium wines and has been one of American wine’s most influential families.
 
RAEN Royal St. Robert Cuvée Pinot Noir is a tribute to their grandfather, who taught them the art of winemaking and commitment to excellence. The 2019 bottling is a selection of their finest barrels from Freestone, Occidental, Bodega, and Fort Ross Seaview Sea Field Vineyards, showcasing the cool-climate Pinot Noir coming from the rugged coastal hills and now scoring a whopping 97 points from James Suckling.
 
RAEN
2019 PINOT NOIR 
ROYAL ST. ROBERT CUVEE
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $65
 
 
“The aromas of strawberry and raspberry with conifer and hints of bark are impressive. Full-bodied, but so reserved and linear with super long, tightened tannins that melt into the wine. 100% whole cluster. Drinkable now, but much better to wait a year or three.”
97 Points