Merlot wine bottle from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2014 vintage.

2014 La Jota Merlot Howell Mountain

with No Comment $80-$90Howell MountainKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

La Jota

Merlot 2014
Howell Mountain

Merlot wine bottle from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, 2014 vintage.

The 2014 La Jota Howell Mountain Merlot arrives with an authority that immediately distinguishes it. Born at high elevation, it forgoes plushness in favor of precision and generosity in favor of structure, delivering a wine that is both powerful and exacting. This is Merlot with genuine mountain backbone, shaped by volcanic soils, cool nights, and a long growing season that prizes depth, tension, and longevity.

La Jota’s roots run deep on this mountain. Founded in 1898 by Frederick Hess, the estate has endured cycles of abandonment and renewal, yet its commitment to Howell Mountain has never wavered. Today, under the direction of Chris Carpenter, that legacy is honed with precision. His approach is measured and site-driven, allowing the character of these historic vineyards to emerge fully.

At twelve years of age, the 2014 demonstrates precisely why Howell Mountain wines command such respect for their longevity. The structure remains firm, but the edges have softened, revealing a more expressive, layered profile. A natural freshness keeps the wine vibrant and lifted. It is a compelling reminder that wines from this elevation are built not merely to endure, but to evolve.

La Jota
Merlot 2014
Howell Mountain
Retails at: $100

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“Blended with 10% Petit Verdot, this age-worthy beauty is impressively oaked and tannic in its youth, with a concentration of densely packed red and black currants. Coconut shavings and vanilla appear from the background alongside black pepper and cinnamon. This should drink best from 2024–2034.”

94 Points, Cellar Selection

2023 Beaux Freres Chardonnay Willamette Valley

2023 Beaux Freres Chardonnay Willamette Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Kevin VogtOregonUSAWillamette Valley

Beaux Frères

Chardonnay 2023
Willamette Valley

2023 Beaux Freres Chardonnay Willamette Valley

The 2023 Beaux Frères Chardonnay reads like a topographic map of the Willamette Valley, each line drawn with intention. It captures the region’s cool poise and underlying energy in a distinctive way, translating site into sensation. This is a Chardonnay defined by articulation, where freshness and depth move together without compromise.

That articulation emerges from a deliberate mosaic of vineyards rather than a single voice. Fruit from Doration, the Beaux Frères Estate, and Star Mooring spans the Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge AVAs, uniting elevation, exposure, and soil nuance into a coherent whole. Each site adds its own inflection, creating a wine that feels layered and dimensional while remaining firmly centered.

In the cellar, the same approach guides every decision. Whole-cluster pressing and ambient yeast fermentation set the tone from the outset, while time in French oak builds texture without softening the wine’s edges. A final period in stainless steel sharpens line and preserves lift, carrying the Chardonnay to a finish marked by poise, persistence, and confidence.

Beaux Frères
Chardonnay 2023
Willamette Valley

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“So layered, textural, minerally and savory in character. This offers brilliant acidity, lemon zest and chalky minerals with light almond and toast nuances. A slight flinty, reductive aroma adds an enticing edge, then the palate delivers lemon curd, marzipan and hazelnuts that expand on the finish. Drink now or hold.”

97 Points

2023 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon One Liters Napa Valley

260116 2023 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon One Liters Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Caymus

Cabernet Sauvignon
One Liters 2023
Napa Valley

2023 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon One Liters Napa Valley

Few names in Napa Valley command the same immediate recognition as Caymus, and the 2023 Napa Cabernet reaffirms why. Shaped by more than five decades of family stewardship, this wine arrives with a confidence that only time can earn. It reflects a philosophy built on consistency, intuition, and a belief in Napa Valley’s capacity to produce Cabernet of unmistakable richness and presence.

That confidence is rooted in a lineage that began in 1971, when the Wagner family set out to craft Cabernet that captured the valley’s character with purpose. Generations of hands-on experience have refined that vision, sharpening decisions around vineyard selection, harvest timing, and balance. The 2023 vintage carries that accumulated wisdom, translating tradition into a wine that feels both instantly recognizable and freshly composed.

Harvested at peak maturity, the 2023 release delivers the signature richness that defines the Caymus style. Full-bodied and expressive, it unfolds with depth and assurance, honoring more than half a century of dedication while continuing to capture the bold, sunlit spirit of Napa Valley. This is not simply a vintage, but a continuation of a story that has secured its place among Napa’s most enduring classics.

Caymus
Cabernet Sauvignon
One Liters 2023
Napa Valley
Retails at: $110

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“This clear and dark ruby red colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus opens with a shy black licorice and cherry-cola bouquet with hints of tobacco leaf, violet, and chocolate. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, smooth, and a little lush. The flavor profile is an extracted black cherry and cedar blend with notes of cola and licorice. We also detected hints of toffee, clove, and menthol. The finish displays friendly and fine-grained tannins that linger nicely. We would pair this Cab with a beef bourguignon or with a pan-seared duck breast. Enjoy”

93 Points

2021 White Lane 1005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

2021 White Lane 1005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

with No Comment $70-$80$80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt. HelenaUSA

White Lane 1005

Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena 2021

2021 White Lane 1005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

Certain wines emerge unexpectedly, while others seem fated to cross our paths. The 2021 White Lane 1005 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon belongs to the latter group—a remarkable find and among the most captivating revelations of the year. With a mere 76 cases crafted, its scarcity matches its allure, drawn from a vineyard quietly nestled along unassuming White Lane near V. Sattui Winery. Once a closely guarded treasure, savored solely by family and trusted companions, it now opens its doors—but only to a fortunate handful.

This Cabernet Sauvignon portrays a vivid expression of its grape, reflecting all that distinguishes the 2021 vintage—a season Wine Spectator praises for shaping Napa’s contemporary character, where freshness, vibrancy, and power align with striking precision. From the initial taste, it reveals itself with lucidity, effortlessly weaving richness with vibrancy while echoing the deep-rooted heritage of St. Helena’s landscape.

Matured for 37 months in neutral oak, it strikes a balance of authority and grace, unveiling a tapestry of lush dark fruit, smooth tannins, and a sophistication that resonates long after the glass is empty. Through careful cultivation and an exceptional year, something rare and distinctive has emerged—a wine once hidden, now poised for discovery.

White Lane 1005
Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena 2021

Retails at: $90

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“The 1005 White Lane Saint Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 offers a compelling aromatic profile, showcasing fresh blackberries and red currants alongside subtle hints of milk chocolate and violets. A distinct minerality, evocative of wet slate, adds complexity. The palate is concentrated and focused, displaying a linear structure. Flavors of black currants and black raspberries dominate. While initially reserved, the wine opens with aeration, gaining considerable weight and revealing a core of remarkably penetrating fruit—a characteristic rarely encountered. The finish is exceptionally long and memorable. This is a truly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon, a “WOW” wine from beginning to end.”

96 Points

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Silver Oak

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Silver Oak is a quintessential expression of American winemaking, with a steadfast commitment to American oak. Sourced exclusively from their Missouri cooperage, where this noble wood flourishes, the oak imparts a signature character to every bottle.

Founded in 1972 within the walls of a dairy barn, Silver Oak emerged from a partnership between Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. Their visionary goal: crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s premier vineyards near Oakville and the Silverado Trail. This aspiration is encapsulated in the winery’s name.

Today, Silver Oak cultivates vineyards in Napa and Alexander Valley, each terroir contributing its unique essence to the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. While oak aging remains constant, the wines evolve with the subtleties of the land.

The 2020 Alexander Valley is a testament to this philosophy. A precise blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec, this wine is a meticulous composition that showcases the innovation and unwavering dedication behind this enduring classic.

Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020
Retails at: $100

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“The Silver Oak 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is elegantly opulent and opens with aromas of lavender, dill, cedar, blackberry pie, baking spices, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine has a round, supple texture and flavors of black cherries, plums, coconut, cinnamon raisin toast, and savory spice. This wine is enjoyable immediately after the cork is pulled, and still has the concentration and structure to age for years to come.”

95 Points

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

Double Diamond

by Schrader Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2022

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon further solidified its reputation in 2022, building on the success of its 2019 vintage, crowned Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine-of-the-Year. Born from the legacy of Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond offers an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy world-class craftsmanship without the ultra-premium price tag.

 

Founded in 2001 by Fred Schrader, Double Diamond shares the same commitment to quality as its sister winery, guided by the talented winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

This wine is a stunning expression of its vintage, showcasing concentrated black fruit, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins. Crafted entirely from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine benefits from meticulous aging in French oak, including second-use Schrader Darnajou barrels. The result is a balanced, elegant expression with a silky texture and robust structure, ready to be enjoyed now or cellared for future appreciation.

Experience the iconic terroir of Oakville with every sip of this extraordinary wine.

Double Diamond
by Schrader Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2022

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“The 2022 Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of profound elegance and power. The nose is a captivating blend of dark fruit aromas, with notes of blackberry cobbler and boysenberry preserves leading the way. A subtle floral note of lavender adds complexity, while a hint of minerality, eucalyptus, and milk chocolate rounds out the bouquet. The wine is seamless and opulent on the palate, with rich, ripe, concentrated, and lush flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The tannins are finely-grained and well-integrated, providing structure and a long, complex finish. This is a wine of remarkable depth and intensity, showcasing the exceptional quality of the 2022 vintage. A true gem from Oakville.”

96 Points

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Caymus

Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

Founded in 1971 by the visionary Wagner family, Caymus Vineyards has become an iconic name in Napa Valley winemaking. Their inaugural vintage in 1972, born from 55 acres of carefully tended vines, set the stage for a legacy of excellence that continues today.

Under the stewardship of the Wagner family’s second and third generations, Caymus Vineyards remains committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a milestone marking the winery’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to this enduring passion.

This exceptional vintage was shaped by a season of challenging conditions characterized by low crop yields and minimal irrigation. These factors allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and aromas, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and complexity.

Harvested at their peak ripeness, the 2022 release delivers the signature richness that defines the Caymus style. Full-bodied and bold, it stands as a tribute to half a century of dedication, and the Wagner family’s enduring love for the art of winemaking.

Caymus
Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $110

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“A creamy, forward style, with a core of warmed raspberry and boysenberry preserves infused liberally with mocha and melted licorice. Shows a late flicker of chaparral. This is meant for near-term hedonism. Drink now through 2034.”

91 Points

2021 Arietta Quartet Napa Valley Red

2021 Arietta Quartet Napa Valley Red

with No Comment $80-$90Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

ARIETTA

QUARTET 2021
NAPA VALLEY RED

2021 Arietta Quartet Napa Valley Red

Powerhouse Napa Valley Winery, Arietta, specializes in Bordeaux-style blends from carefully chosen cooler-climate vineyards. In 2005, the winery enlisted Andy Erickson as their winemaker to further the quality of their wines. Andy is known for his expertise in producing some of Napa Valley’s finest wines, including Screaming Eagle, Staglin, Mayacamas, and Harlan Estate.

The 2021 vintage ushered in a temperate growing season with stable weather that allowed the grapes to ripen to perfection with fully developed flavors and tannins. 

Arietta’s wines are known for their finesse, balance, and prototypical Napa style, celebrated by wine lovers worldwide, and this flagship Quartet red blend continues that legacy.

ARIETTA

QUARTET 2021

NAPA VALLEY RED

 

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“The 2021 Quartet wonderfully captures the vibrancy and depth of the 2021 vintage… The wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, and it exhibits the full range of aromas and flavors that the blend implies. The Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the cooler climes of Napa Valley, drives the profile of the wine, with dark, savory tones of graphite, sage, mocha, and mint underpinning a core of black and red fruits. The Cabernet Franc provides the perfect level of spice and aromatic interest, showing notes of lavender, cardomom, and subtle fennel seed. Merlot adds a juicy blue-fruited element, and a small dose of Petit Verdot grounds the wine with earth tones and a hint of wood extract.”

2018 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

2018 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

with No Comment $80-$90BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin Vogt

LIVIO SASSETTI

PERTIMALI 2018
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

2018 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
Revered for consistently producing world-class Brunello di Montalcino, the Sassetti family is one of Tuscany’s top producers, cultivating terroir-driven fruit with immense character. 
 
Their Estate is perched upon the hill of Montosoli, north of Montalcino, reputed for some of the most outstanding examples of Sangiovese, alluring and enchanting wine lovers and critics worldwide.
 
Robert Parker once mentioned that if he had to drink one Brunello for the rest of his life, “it would have to be Pertimali.” 
 
The 2018 release shows beautifully, displaying an array of fabulous aromas and flavors that define the region. This outstanding wine should be a part of any Italian wine collector’s cellar.
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
PERTIMALI 2018
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
 
 
 
“Intense aromas of black cherries, lavender and spice, such as nutmeg. Some sandalwood and bark, too. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins for the vintage. Rather chewy, suggesting that additional bottle age is needed. Try after 2026.”
96 Points

2019 Chapellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CHAPPELLET

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019

Donn Chappellet dreamed of making Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that would rival First Growths of Bordeaux. In 1967, with the advice of André Tchelistcheff, he and his wife Molly established Chappellet and were some of the first to plant vines on Pritchard Hill. Their vineyard ranges 800 to 1,800 feet in elevation and reaps critical acclaim, even being called “Napa Valley’s Rodeo Drive” and “Napa Valley’s Grand Cru.”
 
The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon has been their flagship wine for over 50 years, laying a foundation for structured, mountain fruit with concentrated varietal character lending years of longevity. The 2019 growing season yielded Cabernet Sauvignon with seductive aromatics, radiant energy, and supple tannins that glide into a long finish and a lasting impression.
 
CHAPPELLET
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019
 
Your Price: $89.99
 
 
“This is very complex, with blackcurrants, tobacco and cedar. Some sandalwood and terra-cotta, too. Medium-to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are creamy-textured and so long and pure. Attractive and complex. 77% cabernet sauvignon with petit verdot, malbec and merlot. So good now to drink, but will age beautifully. Drink or hold.”
95 Points