2022 Frederic Magnien Croix-Violette Cote De Nuits-Villages

2022 Frederic Magnien Croix-Violette Cote De Nuits-Villages

with No Comment $40-$50BurgandyFranceKevin VogtPinot Noir

Frédéric Magnien

Croix-Violette 2022
Côte De Nuits-Villages

2022 Frederic Magnien Croix-Violette Cote De Nuits-Villages

Frédéric Magnien’s 2022 ‘Croix Violette’ whispers of place, patience, and precise artistry. Emerging from a storied vineyard in the village of Brochon, steps from the prestigious terroirs of Gevrey-Chambertin, this wine distills the spirit of the Côte de Nuits into a singular, vivid expression. Here, beneath ancient stone walls, vines 50 years old dig deeply into limestone-clay soils, lending the wine a profound mineral resonance.

Guiding this narrative is Frédéric Magnien, a fifth-generation vigneron whose winemaking philosophy bridges tradition with exploration. Frédéric’s formative experiences include working alongside visionary Josh Jensen at Calera Vineyards. Today, he meticulously oversees each organically farmed parcel, ensuring his wines convey authenticity.

Magnien’s hands-off approach is evident: native yeast fermentations in stainless steel and gentle maturation in French oak barrels, as well as carefully selected clay amphorae. This unique aging process imparts an elegant, silken texture while preserving the pristine clarity of the vineyard’s identity. At $49.99, the 2022 Croix Violette is an exceptional value that invites contemplation, stirs emotion, and lingers vividly in memory.

Frédéric Magnien
Croix-Violette 2022
Côte De Nuits-Villages

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“The 2022 Côte de Nuits-Village Croix Violette from Frédéric Magnien is a well-structured Pinot Noir that shows good concentration and balance. The nose offers aromas of ripe strawberries and dried rose petals, accented by mandarin peel, mild baking spices, dusty earth, cola, and mushrooms. On the palate, flavors of bright red cherries, black tea, and sweet red berries emerge, supported by a liquid saline note and a velvety, mouth-quenching texture. The finish is long and elegant. Drink now through 2032.”

94 points

2019 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection Napa Valley

2019 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtMt VeederNapaOakvilleRutherfordSpring MountainSt HelenaSt. HelenaUSA

Conn Creek

Cabernet Sauvignon
Special Selection
Napa Valley 2019

2019 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection Napa Valley

Conn Creek’s 2019 Special Selection delivers a commanding portrait of Napa Valley’s most grand terroirs: Rutherford, Oakville, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Spring Mountain, Mt. Veeder, and St. Helena, each woven together with meticulous precision. This wine serves as a sweeping symphony of the valley’s finest, where each site contributes its voice to a blend that’s layered, pedigreed, and full of vitality.

Winemaker Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant, with experience at Beaulieu, Tamber Bey, and Stag’s Leap, brings a steady hand and sharp instinct to the blend. Her 2019 Special Selection, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with precise touches of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, showcases her gift for balancing bold structure with lifted aromatics and polish.

The 2019 Special Selection is a culmination of Conn Creek’s deep relationships with Napa’s most esteemed growers, offering a blueprint of Napa’s greatness distilled through the winery’s decades-long commitment to meticulous vineyard selection. Every bottle captures a moment in time, layered with the legacy of sites that rarely share the same label.

Conn Creek
Cabernet Sauvignon
Special Selection
Napa Valley 2019
Retails at: $150

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“The Conn Creek ‘Special Selection’ is a blend of appellations that were among the original sources of the estate (established in 1973) and from sites around Napa Valley. The idea is to frame a classically fashioned snapshot of Napa Cabernet through the eyes of Elizabeth DeLouise-Gant, who has been making the wines since 2017. Previously, she worked at Beaulieu Vineyard, Tamber Bey, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. This 2019 is over a classic vintage expression, with fruit from Mt. Veeder, Oakville, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Atlas Peak, and Spring Mountain AVAs. Very pretty blackberry fruit aromas, nuanced by tobacco, cedarwood, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied with tobacco-laced blackberry fruit, Bing cherry, and spiced plums, with delicious vanilla-kissed sweet oak spices and an undercurrent of mocha with fine-grained tannins and a finish of chalky minerality.”

95 Points

2022 Solena Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard Willamette Valley

2022 Solena Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard Willamette Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

Soléna

Pinot Noir 2022
Hyland Vineyard
Willamette Valley

2022 Solena Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard Willamette Valley

The 2022 Soléna Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir is a wine of paradox: light on its feet yet unshakably grounded. Born from one of the Willamette Valley’s oldest sites, it captures the vineyard’s legacy in every shimmering layer, offering a profile that is earthy, lifted, and pure. This is Pinot Noir as poetry, delivered with grace and precision.

 

Hyland Vineyard occupies a distinctive corner of the McMinnville AVA, where cooling marine winds and elevated slopes converge to slow ripening and heighten complexity. The result is a Pinot Noir shaped as much by climate as by place: layered aromatics that lift and evolve, with a palate that pulses with red fruit, wet stone, and subtle floral tones.  

Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, the 2022 vintage is a study in varietal clarity. This is a wine that invites reflection rather than demands attentionand reminds us that greatness in Pinot Noir often comes not from force, but from finesse, patience, and a deep respect for the land. 

Soléna
Pinot Noir 2022
Hyland Vineyard
Willamette Valley
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“A transparent medium red, the 2022 Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard comes from 50-year-old vines grown on Jory volcanic soils in McMinnville. On the nose, it offers perfumed notes of potpourri, fresh redcurrants, a hint of cinnamon spice, roses, and fresh, lifted mountain herbs. Medium-bodied and approachable, it fills the palate with fine tannins, a weightless feel, and a clean finish. It offers a lot of finesse and charm, with a refreshing feel. Drink it over the next 15 years.”

94 Points

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2023

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

Le Clos de Caillou’s 2023 Cuvée Unique emerges from a domaine synonymous with perfection, revealing that excellence is measured not by appellation but by the integrity of its terroir and the hands that bring it to life. With ‘Cuvée Unique,’ the estate channels its mastery into a red of remarkable elegance, offered at a fraction of its more famous counterparts.

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 2023′ Cuvée Unique’ is a symphonic blend of 70% Grenache, harmonized with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vines rooted in ancient, mineral-rich soils. In it, there’s a quiet power and earnest confidence. For lovers of Rhône wines, this is not just a hidden gem but a compelling testament to place, heritage, and vision.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2023

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“The 2023 Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique is a strong performer from this appellation, reflecting a vintage of balance and consistency. It combines elegance with freshness and moderate ripeness, avoiding excess weight or overextraction. The nose opens with clear notes of pomegranate, backed by iron minerals, violets, and a touch of scorched earth that adds complexity without heaviness. On the palate, it delivers fresh cranberries and spicy minerals, integrated with vibrant, fresh, and penetrating red fruits. The acidity provides lift and focus, supporting a medium-bodied structure that feels precise and well-proportioned. Tannins are fine-grained, contributing to a clean, persistent finish. This is a versatile Côtes du Rhône that drinks well now, or that will age gracefully for 5-10 years, gaining further nuance. A standout value at this level.”

95 points

2022 Recoltant Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Recoltant Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Recoltant

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Recoltant Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Born from the heart of Napa Valley and shaped by one of its most skilled hands, the 2022 Récoltant Cabernet Sauvignon is a study in elegance, restraint, and quiet confidence. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Julien Fayard, whose artistry was honed at legendary estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa, this Cabernet radiates the meticulous precision and refined elegance that have defined his distinguished career. 

Committed to capturing Napa’s purest expression, Récoltant partners with some of the region’s most respected growers. The result is a Cabernet that gracefully avoids extravagance, instead embracing a poised and elegant demeanor. 

Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 vintage invites immediate enjoyment while holding the promise of a captivating evolution in the cellar. Elegant yet grounded, this wine speaks not with flash but with quiet conviction. For those who appreciate nuance over opulence, the 2022 Récoltant offers a soulful reflection of Napa Valley, one that rewards both contemplation and celebration.

Recoltant
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022
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“The Recoltant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 displays a deep ruby color with good concentration. The nose offers ripe blueberries, sweet lavender notes, subtle vanilla, dusty minerals, and juicy blue and black fruits. On the palate, it delivers blackberries and red currants upfront, with ripe, smooth fruits that provide a generous core. The tannins are supple and integrated, supporting the big fruit profile without overwhelming it. Full-bodied and easy to drink, it finishes with medium-long length, showing balanced acidity and a touch of oak influence. Approachable now, it should evolve well over the next 5-7 years.”

93 Points

2021 Guthrie Electric Syrah Mendocino County

2021 Guthrie Electric Syrah Mendocino County

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMendocinoSyrahUSA

Guthrie

Electric Syrah
Mendocino County 2021

2021 Guthrie Electric Syrah Mendocino County

Guthrie’s 2021 Mendocino County ‘Electric’ Syrah radiates with energy from the dramatic, volcanic slopes of Eagle Point Vineyard. Set high amid Mendocino’s rugged terrain, this site’s red soils instill a distinctive intensity into the grapes, translating directly into a wine that pulses with mineral character and savory depth. 

The visionary behind this electric expression is Blair Guthrie, a winemaker whose journey has traversed both hemispheres. Born in New Zealand, Blair absorbed lessons from some of the world’s most revered wine regions before settling into California’s embrace. At Guthrie Wines, he champions an ethos rooted in sustainable farming and minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards to express themselves with authenticity. 

Blair’s meticulous craftsmanship finds its ultimate expression in this pure, organically farmed Syrah, vinified with care and respect through whole-cluster fermentation. Ten months in French oak impart a subtle polish without overshadowing the wine’s vibrant character. The resulting Syrah balances beautifully on the palate: texturally rich, elegantly structured, and irresistibly nuanced.

Guthrie
Electric Syrah
Mendocino County 2021

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“The Guthrie Family 2021 Mendocino County Syrah gives a captivating expression of cool-climate Syrah with vibrancy and elegance, presenting blooming notes of lavender, violets, fresh roses, dried herbs, juicy blackberries, boysenberries, and a touch of white pepper. On the palate, the wine is balanced with a bright acidity enhancing the wine’s stony minerality, complemented by black tea leaves, sweet tobacco, and black fruits that unfold gradually with fresh energy and complexity.”

96 Points

2022 Wentworth Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

2022 Wentworth Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Anderson ValleyKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

Wentworth

Pinot Noir 2022
Anderson Valley

2022 Wentworth Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

From the mist-shrouded hills of Anderson Valley, Wentworth’s 2022 Pinot Noir weaves a vibrant melody, blending Burgundian finesse with a distinctly Californian spirit. Cultivated at Wentworth’s organically farmed Nash Mill Vineyard, nestled in the cool-climate “Deep End” of Anderson Valley, this Pinot Noir exudes authenticity and refinement.

Guided by a Burgundian philosophy, the winemaking team deftly employs partial whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts, allowing the wine’s truest character to emerge. Matured in French oak barrels, this Pinot Noir embodies the vineyard’s essence, delivering a textured, layered, and deeply natural experience.

Vibrant, layered, and irresistibly nuanced, the Wentworth 2022 Pinot Noir offers a sensory journey that lingers long after the final sip. A harmonious dance of acidity, fruit, and finely textured tannins, it vividly exemplifies the meticulous artistry that defines Wentworth’s winemaking.

Wentworth
Pinot Noir 2022
Anderson Valley

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“This lively wine offers aromas of youthful berries, red plums, dried herbs, florals and sea breeze. Flavors are of fresh strawberry, raspberry, yellow plum, sea salt and black tea, interwoven with pink grapefruit zest, dried sage and a dry, supple finish. Decant and pair with grilled lamb loin and seasonal berry relish.”

94 Points

2022 Ty Caton Proprietary Red Moon Mountain District

2022 Ty Caton Proprietary Red Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMoon MountainNapaProprietary RedUSA

Ty Caton

Proprietary Red
Upper Bench Block Three
Moon Mountain District 2022

2022 Ty Caton Proprietary Red Moon Mountain District

From a vineyard carved into the volcanic ridges of Moon Mountain, the Upper Bench Block Three Red emerges with striking poise and presence. This is Ty Caton’s crown jewel, sourced from the vineyard’s highest, most expressive block, where red clay and fractured basalt yield fruit of uncommon depth. The resulting wine is dense yet lifted, shaped as much by the rugged mountain elements as by Ty’s intuitive hand in the cellar.

The wine unfurls as a masterful Bordeaux-style blend: roughly two-thirds Merlot for its plush texture and expressive fruit, rounded out by one-third Cabernet Sauvignon that brings tension, depth, and structure. Together, they create a wine that’s supple yet focused, dark-fruited and lifted, with just enough muscle to command attention and enough polish to leave a lasting impression.

Crafted with restraint and a clear vision, the 2022 vintage embodies both place and philosophy. Its supple power, lifted aromatics, and finely etched tannins are born of thoughtful farming and minimalist winemaking. For lovers of site-driven blends, this wine delivers rare authenticity at a price that makes it even more compelling.

Ty Caton
Proprietary Red
Upper Bench Block Three
Moon Mountain District 2022
Retails at: $48

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“The 2022 Red Wine Caton Vineyard Upper Bench Block Three Red Wine includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend and is a deeper shade of ruby red. It’s very pretty on the nose, with cassis shining through as well as some red-fruited highlights and notes of pine, pressed flowers, and forest earth. It’s generous on the palate and has a kiss of sweet fruit, with pliant, ripe tannins and a creamy texture. It’s a charming wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years.”

92 Points

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $50-$60Chateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Domaine De La Solitude

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

The 2023 vintage from Domaine de la Solitude delivers a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that balances its muscular frame with breathtaking nuance. Anchored in deep tradition but lifted by a modern sense of elegance, it’s a wine that leaves a lasting impression: vivid, authentic, and unmistakably alive.

The estate carries a rich legacy that stretches back to the 15th century, through the venerable Barberini-Martin family. The label itself bears witness to this ancestry with three bishops’ hats symbolizing the family’s connection to Pope Urban VIII and his cardinal nephews, a lineage that echoes through every sip.

Their 2023 vintage, built on the classic triumvirate of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, includes trace amounts of all other permitted Rhône varietals, organically farmed and co-fermented, bringing this storied region to life. The wine is opulent without excess, layered yet precise, feeling both rooted and refined. It’s an articulation of place, and a vivid reminder of what makes this corner of the Rhône Valley so enduringly magnetic.

Domaine De La Solitude
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

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“Very rich and spicy, with impressive concentration and stacks of fine, soft tannins on the full-bodied palate. There’s licorice and meaty intensity in the crescendo finish. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 20% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% each counoise and cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes. A small crop due to hail damage in May. Matured mostly in concrete tanks with a small number of oak casks. Drink or hold.”

95 Points

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

La Rasina

Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy, 2019

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

From one of Brunello’s most celebrated vintages emerges La Rasina, a captivating synthesis of meticulous craftsmanship, organic stewardship, and authentic expression of terroir. With a stellar 95-point score, and from a vintage recognized by Wine Spectator for its remarkable blend of elegance and intensity, La Rasina stands as a luminous example, delivering exceptional quality and compelling value.

Set upon the northeastern slopes of Montalcino, La Rasina’s vineyards have been carefully tended by the Mantengoli family through three generations. Committed to organic farming and minimal intervention, their efforts allow the vineyard’s unique character and vivid fruit purity to resonate profoundly in every sip.

La Rasina’s Brunello spends over two years in large oak, carefully harnessing the elegance of tradition to deliver a wine that’s vibrantly alive. Its remarkable architecture promises decades of evolution, yet its lush complexity and elegant depth invite you to experience it right away.

La Rasina
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy, 2019

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“A firm, velvety-textured wine and not overbearing, offering red cherries and hints of cedar and mushrooms. Chewy and structured. Excellent structure and a savory finish. Cool, structured red. From organically grown grapes. Best in three to four years and beyond. Try in 2026.”

95 Points