2021 Grail Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch West Sonoma Coast

2021 Grail Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch West Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Grail

Pinot Noir 2021
Campbell Ranch
West Sonoma Coast

2021 Grail Pinot Noir Campbell Ranch West Sonoma Coast

Grail 2021 ‘Campbell Ranch’ Pinot Noir is Dan Kosta’s defining achievement, embodying decades of dedication to mastering Pinot Noir. Reverently described as his “Grand Cru,” this wine reflects the precision, depth, and artistry that first brought Kosta Browne international acclaim. With this exceptional release, Dan reignites his innovative spirit, showcasing the vast potential of New World Pinot Noir.

Dan Kosta, a visionary co-founder of the legendary Kosta Browne Winery, transformed American Pinot Noir. Entrusting the gifted Shane Finley, who honed his craft under Dan’s mentorship, this collaboration marks a thrilling new expression of excellence in winemaking, rooted in meticulous craftsmanship and creative synergy.

Crafted from Sonoma Coast’s celebrated Campbell Ranch vineyard, this inaugural vintage is a blend of the elegant 777 and refined 115 Pinot Noir clones. After 15 months in French oak, the wine offers an enchanting, silky texture with savory spices harmonizing beautifully with pristine, ripe fruit. The Grail 2021 promises an unforgettable adventure of contemplation and indulgent pleasure.

Grail
Pinot Noir 2021
Campbell Ranch
West Sonoma Coast

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“Dan Kosta’s Convene wines are aged in 30% new oak, while his elevated DK label is closer to 50% for 15 months and encompasses specific blocks or barrel selections from single vineyards. Campbell Ranch vineyard in the Russian River Valley is the winery’s largest holding, with clones 777 and 115. There’s more power and intensity to these single vineyard wines. A wonderful minty freshness mingles with crushed river stones, white pepper, and intriguing umami notes. Medium to full-bodied with very present, substantial tannins that have beam-like qualities, a bit sappy and balanced by mocha notes. The entire wine has a broad feeling on the palate and builds with spicy richness. It’s layered with dense black cherry, pomegranate, spiced plums, and blood orange fruits, which have real staying power. The long finish is marked by warming brown sugar spices, toffee, and espresso beans. Plenty of heft balanced by great tension. 503 cases made.”

97 Points

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

Paradigm

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

2021 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon has long been a hidden gem of Oakville—a wine that marries remarkable heritage with exceptional value, quietly cherished by discerning collectors until its recent emergence. That shift began when Jonathan Cristaldi, a noted writer for Decanter, discovered Paradigm on a Napa Valley wine list. Captivated by its rich complexity and finesse, he paid an unscheduled visit to the winery, where he affirmed what those in the know have always understood: Paradigm stands apart.

Situated just south of the renowned To-Kalon Vineyard, Paradigm Estate lies in the company of Napa Valley’s most celebrated neighbors—Opus One, Martha’s Vineyard, and Harlan Estate. This distinctive terroir lends the wine an indelible character, where Oakville’s signature balance of strength and grace shines through.

Shaped by the legendary Heidi Barrett—whose expertise has defined some of the region’s most coveted bottlings—Paradigm reflects the depth, structure, and composure that mark Oakville’s finest. Yet, in an age when Napa’s top wines reach ever-loftier heights of acclaim, Paradigm remains a rare find: an estate whose offerings rival the splendor of their storied peers while staying refreshingly attainable.

Paradigm
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2021

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“This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot was fermented in stainless steel with a small percentage of whole berries included. Winemaker Mark Fasi explains that pressing off the wine before it goes dry helps to soften the tannins. The wine is then aged 18–20 months in approximately 50% new French oak. The Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignons are medium-bodied and exude utmost elegance, showcasing soaring tannins that are assertive yet beautifully integrated and framed by crisp, juicy acidity. The palate reveals pure and gorgeous red berry fruit, complemented by a panoply of brown spices, wild herbs like sage, and floral notes of lilacs and violets. This wine is absolutely pure, brimming with energy and tension, and delivers a stunningly refined expression. A remarkable effort, embodying balance, vitality, and sophistication. Truly impressive. The winemaker is legendary Napa icon Heidi Barrett. Mark Fasi, who joined the winery in 2010 and has worked hand-in-hand with Barrett, takes the helm as winemaker with the 2023 vintage.”

97 Points

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

with No Comment $90-$100Central CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta BarbaraSanta Rita HillsUSA

Kosta Browne

Pinot Noir 2022
Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

The star of our recent Kosta Browne tasting, the 2022 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, redefines expectations with its unforgettable expression of California’s Central Coast. This remarkable vintage highlights fruit from the iconic Rita’s Crown Vineyard, a gem in Kosta Browne’s portfolio. Perched on windswept slopes near the Pacific, this vineyard lends the wine a vibrant energy that captures the rugged beauty and unique spirit of the Santa Rita Hills.

As part of Kosta Browne’s acclaimed Appellation Series, this Pinot Noir reflects the winery’s unwavering dedication to storytelling. The Santa Rita Hills AVA, shaped by tectonic forces over 20 million years, is a geological marvel where cool marine breezes and fog flow through coastal ranges. This rare microclimate slows ripening, allowing grapes to achieve exceptional depth, complexity, and balance—a signature of this world-class region.

The 2022 vintage was expertly crafted, fermented in a masterful combination of stainless steel, concrete, and oak, followed by 16 months of aging in premium French oak barrels. The result is a captivating symphony of vibrant red fruit, exotic spice, and velvety tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. Elegant and layered, this stunning wine is a must-try for every Pinot Noir lover—a true celebration of Kosta Browne’s artistry.

Kosta Browne
Pinot Noir 2022
Sta. Rita Hills
Retails at: $115

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“This Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Kosta Browne is a truly captivating wine. The nose opens with alluring aromas of strawberry preserves, delicate spring blossoms, and a touch of earthy wet stones with hints of subtle pie spices. On the palate, the wine unfolds with vibrant flavors of wild strawberries and briary boysenberries, complemented by a refreshing note of black tea. The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and supple, with ripe fruit tannins providing elegant structure and a touch of grip. The finish is long and graceful, leaving a lasting impression of pure elegance and refined fruit expression. This wine exemplifies the exceptional quality and terroir-driven character that Kosta Browne is renowned for. It is a wine that will undoubtedly reward careful cellaring and provide many years of enjoyment.”

95 Points

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

Mastery

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Mastery’s 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking expression of one of Napa’s most celebrated vintages. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this release captures the essence of a vintage renowned for its “fresh, vibrant, and powerfully fruited wines showing precision, floral lift and a sense of place,” as praised by Wine Spectator.

Winemaker Rudy Zuidema’s cumulative knowledge over the past 30 years is commanding in this bold Cabernet Sauvignon, which beautifully articulates the terroir of Rapp Ranch and Shadybrook Estate Vineyards in Coombsville. His intimate understanding of Coombsville terroir is on full display, crafting a wine that harmonizes power with nuance, allowing the land’s identity to come alive in the glass.

Forged from Coombsville’s volcanic soils, the 2021 Mastery Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates its origins, offering concentrated flavors and refined complexity. With only two barrels produced, this limited release reflects the pinnacle of varietal purity and balance. At $95, Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t get any better!

Mastery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

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“The Mastery 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with alluring aromas of freshly baked Marionberry pie, blueberries, black plums espresso with frothy milk, and crushed volcanic rock. The wine expands on the palate, adding to the aromas and flavors of blackberries, cassis, baking spices, and warm gingerbread on a Christmas morning while sitting in front of the crackling fireplace. This wine is powerful and has a strong backbone of structural tannins and acidity that will provide years of longevity.”

96 Points

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

Bevan’s Ontogeny is swiftly becoming a paragon of exceptional Napa Valley wine. Just last year, the 2021 vintage claimed the top spot on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 10 Napa Bordeaux Blends Under $125 list, following a similar accolade for the 2019 vintage, which was #1 in Dunnuck’s Top Ten Values for Valley Cabernet. The takeaway? You’ll want to secure the 2022 vintage before more scores come out, as it’s poised to continue this remarkable trend.

The 2022 Ontogeny draws its strength primarily from the esteemed Tench Vineyard across from Screaming Eagle in Oakville. Russell crafts a single-vineyard Cabernet from Tench that retails for over $200, but Ontogeny, as the most accessible of his flagship reds, offers an unparalleled entry into the Bevan experience. Despite being the least expensive Red in his portfolio, it’s a wine that never compromises on the depth, power, and intensity that have become Bevan’s trademark.

Russell Bevan, alongside his partner Victoria De Crescenzo, launched Bevan Cellars in 2005, seizing the opportunity to create wines that stunned the Napa Valley scene. Under Russell’s visionary leadership, Bevan Cellars has consistently delivered extraordinary wines. The 2022 Ontogeny Red Blend stands out for its brilliance, cementing its place as a must-have in any serious collector’s cellar.

Bevan Cellars
Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

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“The Bevan Cellars 2022 Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Wine is rich and supple, opening with notes of violets, rocky minerality, blackberries, dark chocolate, and blueberry pie. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and penetrating with flavors of black plums, blueberries, toasted baking spices, black tea leaves, and hazelnuts. The wine evolves in the glass as it opens up and its long lingering finish is complex and warms the soul.”

95 Points

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Krupp Brothers

Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

In the mid-1990s, the Krupp brothers were captivated by a rugged 750-acre parcel atop Atlas Peak. Despite its formidable challenges—water scarcity, isolation, and volcanic, rocky terrain—the brothers were determined to cultivate a vineyard. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate an underground water source, they succeeded with the unconventional aid of a water witch.

The Stagecoach Vineyard, a testament to the Krupps’ perseverance and vision, has become one of Napa Valley’s most iconic properties. It produces bold, penetrating wines with extraordinary structure. The Wheelman, a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its exceptional quality, robustness, and volcanic minerality. Aged 22 months in 70% new French oak, the 2021 release is approachable now but promises to evolve gracefully for years to come.

Embrace the legacy of the Stagecoach Vineyard by experiencing the extraordinary Wheelman Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krupp Brothers
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

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“The Krupps Brothers The Wheelman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is loaded with enticing dark fruit and spice, delivering a complex and elegant experience. The nose is initially brooding, revealing rich notes of black plums, ripe Bing cherries, and a touch of chocolate-covered espresso beans. Indian spices and a subtle hint of fresh lavender add complexity, while rocky mineral nuances provide an earthy element. The wine is supple and silky on the palate, with a concentrated yet elegant structure. Pure and linear, the distinctive flavors of sweet red and black berries and vanilla spice dance across the tongue, creating a vibrant, complex tapestry. The finish is lingering, leaving a lasting impression of the wine’s great depth and character. Drink or cellar until 2036.”

93 Points

2021 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Haze Napa Valley

2021 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Haze Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CARTER CELLARS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
THE HAZE 2021
NAPA VALLEY

2021 Carter Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Haze Napa Valley

Carter Cellars, a creation born out of Mark Carter’s historic Carter House hotel and his Wine Spectator’s Grand Award-winning wine list, has become synonymous with excellence. Mark’s unwavering dedication to producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley’s top vineyards has produced more than a dozen perfect 100-point scores and a distinguished reputation for crafting captivating and unforgettable wines of unparalleled quality.

The 2021 vintage is the third release of “The Haze” Cabernet Sauvignon, predominantly sourced from the young vines planted in the Fortuna Vineyard, nestled alongside the renowned Plumpjack and Groth estates on the volcanic Eastern slopes of Oakville. Complemented with intensely flavored grapes from Soda Canyon, winemaker Russell Bevan delivers an ideal combination of concentrated Mountain fruit and lush valley-floor fruit. 

This wine beautifully embodies the winery’s distinctive house style, showcasing ripe fruit, smooth tannins, and remarkable depth that gracefully lingers through a multi-layered, intricate finish.

CARTER CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
THE HAZE 2021
NAPA VALLEY

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“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Haze, which includes 7% Merlot, is another tiny production release, with only 186 cases made. It has a beautiful nose of ripe, mint-laced blue fruits, leafy tobacco, graphite, and spring flowers. Deep purple-hued, concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it has a good spine of acidity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The power of the vintage is present, yet it has a pure, pretty, balanced character. It’s a beautiful wine as well as a smoking value from Napa’s 2021 vintage.”

94 Points

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

ROCHIOLI

ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

From a vineyard synonymous with excellence and terroir expression, the Rochioli family understood the potential of their land from very early on. Tom Rochioli’s deep interest in producing terroir-driven wines with little human intervention helped make his grapes some of the most valuable in the Russian River Valley. 

In 1968, Tom’s father, Joe Rochioli Jr., planted Pinot Noir clones from France in the Russian River Valley and began selling fruit to Davis Bynum and Williams-Selyem. Tom took over as the business manager of the winery in 1983 and soon after became the winemaker, convincing his father they needed to release their first estate-bottled Pinot Noir under the Rochioli name. 

The 1985 Pinot Noir debuted in 1987, and the wine was immediately honored as the “Best Pinot Noir in America” by Wine Spectator. The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir is a blend of estate sites, including Little Hill, Sweetwater, West Block, Big Hill, and East Block, aged for 15 months in French oak, and showcases the charm of the Russian River Valley with a rich body and complex spices.

ROCHIOLI
ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

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“A deep transparent ruby, the elegant 2021 Pinot Noir Estate displays a refined, classic appeal in its notes of wild raspberry, fresh roses, and forest herbs. Medium-bodied, it reveals fine tannins and remarkable purity throughout its fresh, well-balanced layers of orange peel, ripe red cherry, and floral, spicy notes that continue long on the palate. A beautiful Pinot with a lot of immediate appeal, it will continue to drink well over the next 6-8 years. This stunning wine far exceeds its entry-level status. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

96 Points

2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

JAYSON BY PAHLMEYER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2020

2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Jason Pahlmeyer was drawn to the rugged terroir of Atlas Peak over 35 years ago to grow grapes with the intense concentration and soulful structure that comes from mountain-grown fruit. His wines became an instant success, and over the years, Pahlmeyer Winery has attracted some of California’s most accomplished winemakers, beginning with Randy Dunn in the inaugural 1986 vintage, followed by Bob Levy of Harlan Estate and Helen Turley, with Katie Vogt taking the reins in 2019.
 
Notably, in the 2020 vintage, the small crop of estate Cabernet Sauvignon typically intended for their flagship wine, Pahlmeyer Red ($240 retail), went into this year’s Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the limited yield, winemaker Katie Vogt decided not to produce Pahlmeyer Red and, instead, create a wine with exceptional character and undeniable prestige for a fraction of the price.
 
JAYSON BY PAHLMEYER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2020
 
 
 
“Aromas of blackcurrant, sliced plum, coriander and cardamom. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Nicely concentrated, without being overblown. Sweet spice and black fruit wash over the palate, with some black-tea notes coming through as well. I like the subtlety here. Drink or hold.”
93 Points
2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

SILVER OAK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019

2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Silver Oak’s founders envisioned creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak, that could be cellared and enjoyed for decades. Founded in a dairy barn in 1972, Silver Oak has maintained a seductive house style from oak from their cooperage in Missouri and is now one of California’s leaders in sustainability.
 
The driving philosophy behind Silver Oak wines is that they have yet to make their best wine, and the vineyard team uses precise viticulture techniques to evaluate each vineyard block and make informed farming decisions on a block-by-block basis. The Alexander Valley Estate sits upon the benchland of the Mayacamas mountains, rich in mineral soils with excellent drainage key for Cabernet Sauvignon, which develops savory-like characteristics. 
 
Until 2011 and a 40-year tradition, Silver Oak Alexander Valley was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but blending experiments have since proven to enhance the wine, with the 2019 vintage seeing 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged in an even 50-50 split of new and used oak barrels for complete integration.
 
SILVER OAK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019
 
 
*Released August 5th*
 
 
“The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla and clove. Ruby in color, this elegant wine has great acidity and lift on the mid-palate. Black currant and warm baking spices linger with a deep and fruity finish. It will provide drinking pleasure through 2047 given proper cellaring.”