2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Timeless

Proprietary Red
Soda Canyon Ranch
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Timeless Proprietary Red Soda Canyon Ranch Napa Valley

The 2021 Timeless Soda Canyon Ranch Red reflects the enduring vision of one of Napa Valley’s most storied wine families, capturing their craft at its pinnacle. Created by the Duncan family as a tribute to Silver Oak co-founder Ray Duncan, Timeless stands as a link between heritage and horizon—the finest gem of their wine estates.

This wine emerges from the striking landscape of Soda Canyon Ranch, a vivid expression of its singular terroir. Tucked within the Vaca Mountains, the site blends diverse microclimates with intricate volcanic soils, infusing the fruit with richness and nuance.

A masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a hint of Petit Verdot, the 2021 vintage draws from carefully chosen blocks to reveal the estate’s distinctive character. Guided by winemaker Nate Weis, it unfolds with both strength and finesse—a harmonious balance of deep, layered power and smooth, refined elegance. This is a wine that candidly speaks of its origins, its lineage, and the skill that shaped it.

Timeless
Proprietary Red
Soda Canyon Ranch
Napa Valley 2021
Retails at: $225

Your Price: $199.99

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“This Timeless Napa Valley Red 2021 is a captivating expression of Napa Valley terroir, earning a well-deserved 96 points. The nose is immediately engaging, a complex tapestry woven from rich black currant compote and the delicate perfume of elderflower. There’s a sultry, almost exotic allure here, underscored by intriguing notes of crushed rocks and the subtle warmth of brioche. A whisper of sweet vanilla adds a final touch of elegance. On the palate, the wine is focused and concentrated, yet maintains an elegant balance. Fresh currants and kirsch dance on the tongue, revealing the wine’s vibrant core. The skillful use of French oak is evident, adding a refined layer of complexity without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, with supple, beautifully integrated fruit tannins promising graceful aging potential. This is a truly timeless red blend, showcasing the best of Napa Valley.”

96 Points

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

with No Comment $30 and underChateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

Le Clos de Caillou, celebrated for its flawless 100-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, reveals that true distinction need not carry an extravagant price. The 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) ‘Cuvée Unique’ emerged as the highlight of our recent tasting, a vivid demonstration of this estate’s remarkable skill in crafting wines that surpass all anticipation.

Its tale is as compelling as its character. In 1936, surveyors seeking to include Le Clos de Caillou in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC faced armed opposition, leaving an enigmatic void on the map that persists to this day. Only in the 1950s did vines take root, allowing this singular terroir nestled within the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to flourish under the Côtes-du-Rhône banner.

The 2022 ‘Cuvée Unique’ weaves together 70% Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vineyards echoing the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape landscape. This wine unfolds with grace, its focused intensity reflecting the meticulous artistry behind it.

If one Rhône wine deserves your attention this year, let it be this striking and memorable Cuvée Unique.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

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“The Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique 2022 unfurls with an inviting and nuanced bouquet, where crushed cranberries and ripe red cherries intertwine seamlessly with hints of lavender. A subtle iron note lends complexity, while delicate pie spices round out the aromas. This wine is a vibrant tapestry of mixed juicy red and black berries on the palate, their brightness amplified by a liquid mineral component that elevates each sip. Concentrated yet lively, the flavors penetrate with precision, revealing a black tea character that lingers. It’s a wine of remarkable energy—mouth-wateringly delicious, with a vitality that dances across the tongue, leaving a vivid and refined impression.”

95 Points

2022 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

2022 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirUSAWashington StateWillamette Valley

Bethel Heights

Estate Pinot Noir
Eola-Amity Hills 2022

2022 Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills

The 2022 Pinot Noir from Bethel Heights reveals the Willamette Valley’s distinctive terroir with striking clarity and allure. This exceptional vintage unfolds with vibrant complexity, showcasing flawlessly ripened fruit and a layered depth that delights. As one of the valley’s original trailblazers, Bethel Heights played a key role in shaping the region’s worldwide acclaim, channeling the intricate nature of its hillside soils and the subtle pull of cool ocean breezes into every bottle.

Rooted in family ownership since its founding, Bethel Heights remains devoted to sustainable stewardship of the land. Through organic and biodynamic practices, they nurture wines of remarkable character. The winery’s 80 acres of estate vineyards—Bethel Heights, Justice, and Lewman—stretch across a diverse terrain, sculpted over time by ancient volcanic activity and lava flows. This rich foundation yields wines with a rare and compelling nuance.

The Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir unites fruit from these three vineyards, blending their individual traits into a harmonious whole. What emerges is a wine that captures a fleeting convergence—of the season, the soil, and the artistry that singularly defines Bethel Heights.

Bethel Heights
Estate Pinot Noir
Eola-Amity Hills 2022

Your Price: $36

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“A delightful wine that punches so far above its price point. Black tea aromatics are married to freshly churned topsoil, dried lavender and sun-baked blackberries. The palate is distinguished in this well-priced wine. Chinese five spice, black tea and white pepper make room for ripe black bramble fruits and red plum skin. This wine is distinguished and complex, so refreshing to see such deference paid to a wine priced under $40.”

94 Points

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Bruliam 

Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Tucked seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, Bruliam Chardonnay shines as a vivid expression of the Heintz Vineyard, a standout treasure along the Sonoma Coast. Perched at 1,000 feet, this site channels the cool, coastal ocean breeze, locking in the fruit’s vibrant freshness. For more than forty years, the Heintz family has tended this remarkable vineyard, its grapes gracing the cellars of California’s most admired winemakers—names like Williams Selyem, DuMOL, and Littorai among them.

Guiding Bruliam Wines is Kerith Overstreet, a physician who traded medicine for the art of winemaking. Her sharp intellect and precise hand in the cellar bring a lively clarity to every bottle. In this Chardonnay, the Heintz Vineyard speaks with striking purity, leaving a lasting echo that resonates with each sip.

Awarded an impressive 96 points, this Chardonnay captures the Sonoma Coast’s character—bright fruit woven with intricate, alluring layers. It reveals the profound possibilities of the region’s Chardonnays, reaching heights that command attention and invite appreciation.

Bruliam
Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $65

Your Price: $49.99

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“The 2022 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay slowly unfurls to offer evocative notes of grapefruit, fresh pineapple, white peaches, and chalk dust plus touches of Marcona almonds and nutmeg. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound at this youthful stage, delivering great tension with mineral-laced stone and tropical fruit layers, finishing with great length.”

96 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

Your Price: $98

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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

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Château Claud-Bellevue

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Château Claud-Bellevue won over our panel with its striking freshness, layered depth, and precise character—qualities that reflect the rising distinction of this appellation. Situated just east of Saint-Émilion, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from a comparable terroir of limestone and clay, lending its wines a poised structure, vibrant energy, and a refined mineral thread. These attributes deliver exceptional quality at a value that outshines its more renowned neighbor.

Château Claud-Bellevue carries a rich history dating back to 1663, shaped by generations of local visionaries who understood the promise of its land. The estate’s 10-hectare vineyard crowns a limestone plateau, where soils of weathered clay and fractured stone weave finesse and complexity into every vintage. This unique foundation yields a wine that balances vivid fruit, crisp vitality, and subtle, earthy undertones with grace.

Maison Kavaklidere has elevated this legacy further, blending tradition with a forward-thinking pursuit of excellence. Committed to sustainability, the estate adheres to rigorous regenerative practices, earning the prestigious HVE3 environmental certification. With a series of well-earned accolades, the 2020 Château Claud-Bellevue unites heritage, place, and skillful craft in a wine that invites appreciation with every glass.

Château Claud-Bellevue
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

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“Deep and searching, brimming with youthful exuberance. Earthy cherry blossom and black tea aromatics meet plum preserve and cherry fruit as spiced oak tannins prevail.”

95 Points

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMerlotMt VeederNapaUSA

Claudio Family Cellars

Merlot 2022
Mt. Veeder

2022 Claudio Family Cellars Merlot Mt. Veeder

Claudio Family Cellars’ 2022 Merlot captures the vivid essence of mountain viticulture, blending intensity and grace into a wine of striking harmony. Grown on the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder, it reveals Merlot’s potential for depth and distinction when shaped by such untamed terroir. Winemaker Chris Jones has deftly crafted a wine that echoes the mountain’s raw energy while delivering a refined vibrancy that distinguishes it from the ordinary.

Jones’ journey to this creation is as compelling as the wine itself. Beginning as a home winemaker in Minnesota, his curiosity and drive carried him to Napa and Sonoma. There, he refined his craft through an internship at Sojourn Cellars before founding Claudio Family Cellars. His 2022 Mount Veeder Merlot reflects this arc—bold yet poised, it channels the mountain’s strength with clarity and elegance.

Mount Veeder, a scarce source of Napa’s output at under two percent, yields wines of rare concentration from its steep inclines and ancient, mineral-rich soils. The 2022 Merlot embodies this duality—rich yet precise, with layers of black cherry, violet, and wild sage unfolding alongside dark fruit and earthy nuance, culminating in a smooth, lingering finish. It’s a vivid example of Merlot’s ability to flourish in the high, wild reaches of the mountains.

Claudio Family Cellars
Merlot 2022
Mt. Veeder
Retails at: $40

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“The Claudio Family Cellars 2022 Merlot from Mt Veeder opens with fresh aromas of lavender, subtle herbal notes, cherry, raspberry, cloves, white pepper, and a graphite minerality. On the palate, the wine has a plush texture balanced with mountain fruit characteristics and flavors of red plum, vanilla, baking spices, and mocha. Mt Veeder is one of Napa Valley’s cooler growing environments, giving this wine elegance but with an excellent structure from this mountainside location.”

94 Points

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUSA

Gro

Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

The 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay from GRO Wines captures the wild allure of Mount Veeder, where steep volcanic slopes and the gentle chill of San Pablo Bay shape a wine of striking clarity. Subtle notes of orchard fruits like Meyer lemon and ripe golden apple mingle with a faint trace of crème fraîche, unfolding across the palate with a crisp, mineral edge that lingers beautifully.

GRO Wines is the vision of Lars Bjorkman and Molly Hill, both honed by their UC Davis training and deeply tied to Napa Valley’s legacy. Lars, who refines his craft under Nils Venge at Saddleback Cellars, views GRO as a creative pursuit—a chance to illuminate Napa’s diverse landscapes through small-batch winemaking. Alongside Molly, he seeks out vineyards with distinctive souls, and Haspel Vineyard shines as a rare discovery.

Mount Veeder demands care and finesse in winemaking, yielding wines that balance grace with intensity. At this remarkable price, the 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay offers a privileged glimpse into the raw elegance of this storied region—a chance to savor Mt. Veeder’s essence in its purest form.

Gro
Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022
Retails at: $44

Your Price: $32

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“The nose is mineral-driven, with aromas of lemon pith, grapefruit, struck match and river stones. The plate is full-bodied with racy acidity, giving generous notes of lime curd, white chocolate and creme brulee. Flashy and vibrant, with some sophisticated reduction. Drink or hold.”

92 Points

2021 Feather by Long Shadows Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

2021 Feather by Long Shadows Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonColumbia ValleyKevin VogtWashington State

Feather

by Long Shadows
Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley 2021

2021 Feather by Long Shadows Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Feather represents a pinnacle of Washington State Cabernet, distinguished by its profound depth, meticulous craft, and vivid reflection of its origins. Far beyond a mere showcase of Columbia Valley terroir, this wine embodies a daring vision, uniting some of the world’s most skilled winemakers to create bottles of remarkable individuality.

The story begins with Allen Shoup, once the guiding force behind Château Ste Michelle, who launched Long Shadows with an audacious goal: to bring together exceptional vintners, each lending their unique artistry to Washington’s finest grapes. Leading this innovative endeavor is Gilles Nicault, a French-born winemaker whose mastery ensures every vintage achieves its truest expression.

Feather emerged from a partnership between the renowned Napa winemaker Randy Dunn and Gilles Nicault, resulting in a pure 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that remains a reference point for the varietal in Washington. The 2021 release strikes a seamless balance of strength and grace, shaped by the year’s richly concentrated fruit. It offers a Cabernet Sauvignon of poised structure, lush texture, and intricate layers—an elegant yet powerful wine that underscores Washington’s place among the world’s great wine regions.

Feather
by Long Shadows
Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley 2021
Retails at: $85

Your Price: $79.99

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“All Cabernet Sauvignon and a blend put together by Randy Dunn, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Feather is inky purple-hued and offers a brilliant nose of cassis, new leather, graphite, and truffly earth. This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass. Drink this remarkable Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming two decades.”

97 Points

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

Your Price: $65

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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