2016 Department 66 Grenache Cotes Catalanes

2016 Department 66 Grenache Cotes Catalanes

with No Comment $30-$40GrenacheKevin VogtUSA

DEPARTMENT 66

2016 GRENACHE 
COTES CATALANES

2016 Department 66 Grenache Cotes Catalanes
Inspired by the raw beauty of ancient Grenache vines grown on steep hillsides of Cotes Catalanes, France, Department 66 was created by Dave Phinney, founder of Prisoner and Orin Swift brands, a talented winemaker and visionary. He purchased 300 acres of gnarley vines and constructed a winery when he saw the potential of these 60-year-old vines. Today, the wine team produces gorgeous wines, including this brilliant 95 Point Grenache blend, which Jeb Dunnuck glows is a “bonafide blockbuster.” 
 
The wine team harvested the 2016 vintage from the old vines grown in black schist, with small granite and limestone deposits scattered in red, rocky soils known as angile. The region is deep in France’s southwest corner, adjacent to the Pyrénées-Orientales mountain range, where old vine Grenache thrives. 
 
Combining a core of old vine Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre, aged 18 months in oak, the 2016 release is intensely captivating, exuberantly textured, and laced with intriguing spices, perfectly ripe berries, and savory undertones. 
 
DEPARTMENT 66
2016 GRENACHE 
COTES CATALANES
Retails at: $38
 
Your Price: $34.99
 
 
“The 2016 Côtes Catalanes D66 is a bonafide blockbuster from winemaker Richard Case that does everything right. Loaded with notions of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, chocolate, ground pepper, licorice, and leafy herbs, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth yet stays nicely balanced and light on its feet. Rich, opulent, and decadent are the buzzwords here, and it should keep for 7-8 years. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged 12 months in barrel.”
95 Points
2016 Zuidema Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherfor

2016 Zuidema Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherford

with No Comment $30-$40GrenacheKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

ZUIDEMA

2016 GRENACHE
MCGAH VINEYARD
RUTHERFORD

2016 Zuidema Grenache McGah Vineyard Rutherfor
Freed from a one-acre block of gnarly head-trained Grenache vines that were nearly re-planted to Cabernet, Zuidema Grenache was 30 years in the making and is a passion project by one of Napa’s most respected winemakers. Rudy Zuidema is the winemaker for Mastery and has held winemaking positions at Robert Craig, Honig, and Ehlers Estate, to name a few. His pensive winemaking style results in balanced, complex wines, deep with individuality and varietal truth. At $38, the value is unmistakable. 
 
Sourced from the McGah Vineyard in Eastern Rutherford, Zuidema Grenache powerfully reflects the area’s nutrient-rich, rocky soils and ideal microclimate. The Gobelet trained vines yield various ripeness levels, and that lack of perfect consistency is what Rudy looks for to create the naturally rustic complexity in his wine.
 
Analytically hand-harvesting, de-stemming, native yeast fermenting, and three times daily punch overs for 10-12 days, Rudy’s cumulative knowledge over the past 30 years is commanding in this wine. If you’re looking for something a little different from one of Napa Valley’s greatest terroirs, this is it. 
 
ZUIDEMA
2016 GRENACHE
MCGAH VINEYARD
RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $38
 
 
“The 2016 expresses incredible fruit purity and opens with aromas of cherry blossom, ripe plum, cinnamon spice, fresh strawberries, and vanilla bean. Flavors of cherry pie, wild berry jam, licorice, and orange zest, layer with subtle herbal nuances. The well-knit tannins are juicy and rustic, integrating with a clean, crisp acid profile. The wine finishes with rolling waves of black raspberry, new leather, dark spice, and graham cracker piecrust.
131 cases produced. 100% Grenache”
2017 Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Garnacha-Carinena-Mataro Colchagua Valley

2017 Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Garnacha-Carinena-Mataro Colchagua Valley Chile

with No Comment $30 and underChileGrenacheKevin Vogt

VENTISQUERO

GREY [GLACIER] 2017 GARNACHA-CARINENA-MATARO 
COLCHAGUA VALLEY CHILE

2017 Ventisquero Grey [Glacier] Garnacha-Carinena-Mataro Colchagua Valley
Ventisquero winery is where Chile’s most renowned growing regions merge with creativity, drive, and honoring tradition. Global winemaker Felipe Tosso guides them to craft accessibly priced wines representative of their origins. Their Grey [Glacier] Single-Block Garnacha-Cariena-Mataro seizes the essence of the La Roblería Vineyard in Colchagua Valley and transports it to your glass with expert balance, rich flavors, and site-specific nuance. Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate notes, “concentration and power,” and at $23, the value is apparent. 
 
Carved from a single hillside Block within the La Roblería Vineyard and selected for its colluvial, rocky, nutrient-deficient soils and western exposure, which is very important for Cariñena and Mataro to reach their optimum maturity. 
 
Stretching value to the limits, Ventisquero’s avant-garde approach to winemaking emphasizes blending unique varieties. Creating an alliance of Spanish grapes Garnacha, Cariñena, and Mataro, this traditional Mediterranean blend matches New World fruit with Old World balance and complexity.
 
VENTISQUERO
GREY [GLACIER]
2017 GARNACHA-CARINENA-MATARO 
COLCHAGUA VALLEY CHILE
 
Your Price: $23
 
 
“I found ripe red fruit in the 2017 Grey GCM, a Mediterranean blend of 62% Garnacha and 19% each Cariñena and Mataró (Monastrell) with more concentration and power, still fresh for a warm year and a warm place like Apalta. It has fine-grained tannins and a soft texture, nice balance…”
92 Points
 
“A clean and fruity wine with juicy fruit, lemon rind and apple skin aromas and flavors. Medium body, light tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of garnacha, carinena and mataro… ”
91 Points
2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache

2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache

with No Comment $30-$40GrenacheKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPPORT

2018 Rapport Napa Valley Grenache2018 GRENACHE 
NAPA VALLEY

 
In the wine business, it’s not just who you know, but it’s who you surround yourself with that can help pave the way for success in a new brand.  Outpost winery on Howell Mountain has always been a breeding ground for talent… Some of their clients included Schrader, GTS, Maybach and Gemstone to name just a few. That’s also where Brent Sloan, owner of Rapport wines and former GM at Outpost met Anne Fogerty, who happens to be Thomas Rivers Brown’s assistant winemaker.  Her wife Camille is the director of winemaking for Fayard wines, and the combined talent of all three is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boutique wine production.  Their 2018 Grenache is sourced from vines located along the Eastern edge Rutherford, and if I could name the vineyard, you’d of already ordered a case…  The wine is profoundly detailed, penetrating and intense, and it’s absolutely one of the most stunning examples of Napa Valley Grenache that I’ve tasted.
The 2018 vintage provided idyllic growing conditions that were perfect for ripening Grenache, with a mild summer and extended Fall sunshine.  Rapport Grenache spends minimal time in oak in order to preserve the most pure expression of the fruit.  It was fermented whole-cluster, which is an old-world method of fermenting the fruit on the stems, and lends structure and depth to the wine. Trust me on this wine… You’ll be seriously glad you did.  
 
RAPPORT
2018 GRENACHE 
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our Rapport 2018 Grenache opens with soaring aromatics of kirsch liqueur, black cherries, and strawberry jam. It is lush, medium-bodied and unfiltered while offering complex flavors of red fruit savoriness which should be consumed in its first decade of life.”

Inventory Reduction ~ All Red Other Than Cabs & Cab Blends

with No Comment BaroloBordeauxBrunelloCarménèreChiantiGrenacheMalbecMeritageMerlotNebbioloOld Vine ZinfandelPetite SirahPinot NoirRed BurgandySyrahZinfandel
 
We have an absolutely spectacular array of reds that don’t fit into the Cabernet realm, from plush and juicy Merlots to rich and spicy Syrahs, firm and gripping Barolo to silky and complex red Burgundies and everything in between. Helping to clear room for next year’s new releases, our 2018 Inventory Reduction is the biggest ever. 
 
With thousands of bottles of wine that have to move, this is the last of 3 days of dramatic discounts, making this a wonderful opportunity to try out some new amazing wines and re-stock your cellar for 2019. 
 
Each day we’ve focused on a specific area of the warehouse, and today is all the reds of the world that don’t include Cabernet and Cab blends…  
 
Offer valid through 12-31-18 at 12:00PM PST and only while supplies last.
 
2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

with No Comment $30 and underFranceGrenacheKevin VogtRhone Valley

PAUL JABOULET AINÉ2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE 

 
Paul Jaboulet Aîné is considered by many to be one of the greatest producers in the Rhone Valley in France.  You’ll even find their 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle included on the Wine Spectator’s list of the top 12 wines of last Century, alongside Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Chateau d’Yquem and other absolutely iconic wines.  Jaboulet’s 2013 Gigondas  Pierre Aiguille made a lasting impression on me at our recent tasting.  I was struck by the overall balance of the wine, and intermixed were classic notes of white pepper, vivid red berries, subtle smoke and wild game.  Gigondas is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France where Grenache is reigns superior.  If you’re looking for an easy drinking, classic Rhone red wine to enjoy, this is it… Especially at under thirty bucks… 
 
The Pierre Aiguille is a textbook combination of 80% Grenache blended with equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre and comes from nearly 1/2 century old vines grown in the shadows of Les Dentelles de Montmirail.  In the glass, the wine opens up to wild berries, liquid floral, cured meats and subtle woodsmoke.  The wine is firm and persistent with plenty of well integrated, finely grained tannins that support the plush, round mouthfeel.  At $27.99, you may want to get enough to share.    
 
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20% 
 
From Vinous:“Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.” 90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Paul Jaboulet Ainé Pierre Aiguille Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $29/btl 

Click to Order

 
Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points
2014 Horse & Plow Blockhouse Vineyard Grenache

2014 Horse & Plow Blockhouse Vineyard Grenache

with No Comment $30 and underGrenacheKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

HORSE & PLOW

2014 GRENACHE 
BLOCKHOUSE VINEYARD

 
2014 Horse & Plow Blockhouse Vineyard GrenacheA farmer needs faith that a bountiful harvest will come, and sometimes when trying new wines, faith plays a role when discovering one that could completely change your perspective on an unfamiliar varietal. It just might open up new fields of curiosity and paths to enjoyment. Horse & Plow’s single vineyard Grenache is from Yountville, just a stone’s throw from our shop, and it completely rocked my world when I tasted it.  This beautifully proportioned and profoundly pleasing red should be the wikipedia reference for California Grenache.  With a round, velvet lined core, the 2014 envelopes your palate in a bumper crop of plump, juicy flavors with red plum, wild berries, mineral, cocoa and subtle spice.  The only down-side comes from the realization that there were only 6 barrels produced.
Unearthed by husband and wife winemaking team Chris Condos and Suzanne Hagins, who combined their talents to really shine in this remarkable expression of Grenache. Chris began his career as winemaker at Pine Ridge, and he’s also consulting winemaker at Kathryn Kennedy, and Suzanne gained valuable experience in the cellar at DeLoach, David Bruce and Goldeneye wineries… I strongly recommend filling your saddle bags with as much as you can carry… You’ll be glad you did.  
 
HORSE & PLOW
2014 GRENACHE 
BLOCKHOUSE VINEYARD
Retails at:  $34.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Lovely notes of cherry and vanilla, wild herbs and black plum compose this bright and fruity red with plenty of spice to balance.”
 
Customers that enjoy Horse & Plow’s Grenache may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2013 Titus Napa Valley Malbec
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $29/btl 
Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
TITUS 
2013 MALBEC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake.