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

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

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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

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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

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Matthew Wallace

The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Matthew Wallace The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Matthew Wallace presents an unparalleled opportunity for Cabernet enthusiasts to experience world-class pedigree without the premium price tag—an impeccably crafted wine shaped by two of Napa Valley’s most revered talents. This estate-driven Cabernet is the culmination of a longstanding partnership between Matt Hardin, a sixth-generation Napa grower and masterful viticulturist, and Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the region’s most celebrated winemakers. For over fifteen years, their collaboration has defined some of Napa’s most acclaimed wines, including Maybach, Outpost, Pulido-Walker, Casa Piena, and Caterwaul—each a benchmark of excellence. 

With an intimate connection to his estate vineyard, Matt Hardin hand-selected 18 of its most prized rows, ensuring only the most pristine clusters made the cut. Each grape was meticulously sorted, upholding an uncompromising quality standard. In Thomas Rivers Brown’s masterful hands, the fruit is transformed into a wine of profound depth and complexity. Crafted in his signature style—richly textured, impeccably balanced, and seamlessly layered—the 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon captivates—a wine of both power and finesse, it leaves an indelible impression long after the last sip.

Matthew Wallace
The Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2022

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“This wine unfurls with a captivating nose, where black currants and crushed blueberries weave together, accented by elegant cloves and nutmeg. Subtle, alluring, sweet vanilla emerges, leading to delicate spring florals that linger. On the palate, it reveals itself with generosity—rich, juicy, and enveloping, brimming with ripe, vibrant fruit. The texture is supple and seamless, flowing like satin across the tongue, carrying waves of blue and black fruits that echo the aromas. It builds gracefully into a complex, lingering finish, leaving a refined impression of depth and harmony. A wine that speaks quietly of its elegance, yet resonates long after the glass is set down.”

96+ Points

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

ADAMVS

TÉRES 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain

2019 Adamvs Teres Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

Few wineries embody the untamed elegance of Howell Mountain with the depth and finesse of ADAMVS. Guided by the skilled hand of winemaker Alberto Bianchi and enriched by the insightful expertise of consultant Philippe Melka, ADAMVS is a pinnacle of precision, strength, and poise within one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated regions.

Set high above the valley, Howell Mountain is renowned for crafting Cabernet of extraordinary depth and intricacy. Its rugged, volcanic soils—stony and quick to drain—challenge the vines, producing small berries bursting with concentrated flavor. In 2008, Denise and Stephen Adams saw the rare promise of this terrain and founded ADAMVS across five unique vineyard blocks spanning elevations from 1,500 to 2,000 feet.

The 2019 TÉRES is a refined reflection of this distinctive estate, a carefully curated barrel selection drawn from all five soil profiles to weave a field blend of striking unity. After four years of bottle aging, it has matured into a wine of captivating power and grace. This vintage enthralled our tasting panel, unfolding with a poised interplay of lively youth and the layered complexity that signals a vibrant evolution ahead.

ADAMVS
TÉRES 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain

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“This generous and plush wine shows elegance along with brawn. A tempting aroma of red and black fruit, violets and dark chocolate leads to deep and complex raspberries, cherries, blueberries and mocha flavors as firm but polished tannins wrap them up snugly. Best from 2027.”

95 Points

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BaroloBaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

Figli Luigi Oddero

Convento Barolo
Piedmont, Italy 2018

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

Convento Barolo intertwines the rich legacy of tradition with the profound influence of its terroir, yielding a wine that blends Barolo’s innate nobility with a remarkable value rarely encountered in bottles of this stature. Crafted under the expert guidance of Dante Scaglioni—whose 25 years as winemaker shaped the illustrious Bruno Giacosa wines—this creation draws from a deep well of heritage and masterful artistry.

Barolo has long been revered as the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings,” a distinction earned through its commanding structure, vibrant acidity, and firm tannins, which ensure a graceful evolution over decades. The 2018 Convento Barolo upholds this heritage with distinction. Its complexity unfurls in layers of dark cherry, crushed violets, and the earthy aroma of forest floor, interwoven with subtle hints of anise, leather, and a hint of truffle.

Figli Luigi Oddero is more than a winery; it is a custodian of Piemonte’s past and a beacon for its future. Since the early 1800s, the family has tended the land that would come to shape Barolo’s very identity. Drawn primarily from La Morra, one of the region’s most celebrated terroirs, the 2018 Convento Barolo achieves a rare balance of lineage, craftsmanship, and accessibility. Priced under $50, it offers an effortless opportunity to enjoy one of Italy’s most treasured wines with confidence.

Figli Luigi Oddero
Convento Barolo
Piedmont, Italy 2018

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“The Figli Luigi Oddero 2018 Barolo “Convento” opens with inviting aromas of dried rose petals, red cherries, and ripe strawberries, with hints of licorice, tar, and dried herbs. On the palate, flavors of black tea, leather, and sweet spices emerge alongside subtle earthy undertones. The wine is vibrant and structured, with firm, refined tannins and a lively acidity that carries through the finish. While already approachable, this wine will continue to develop over the next decade or more.”

94 Points

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaSyrahUSA

Sequum

Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

Sequum’s Kidd Ranch Syrah beautifully captures the essence of its Napa Valley origins. Crafted in small batches at their Saint Helena estate, this wine reflects the meticulous care and dedication of Paul Skinner. A respected viticulturist and soil scientist, Skinner’s intimate understanding of the land informs every vintage, creating a wine that speaks of its unique terroir.

The Kidd Ranch Vineyard is Skinner’s expression of Napa’s rich viticultural heritage. His daily presence in the vineyard is a constant dialogue with the vines, each row nurtured with meticulous attention. By carefully selecting different Syrah clones, each matched to specific rootstocks and soil types, Skinner pays homage to the traditions of the Northern Rhône.

The 2022 vintage displays both poise and elegance. Sequum’s dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking results in a wine that authentically expresses the interplay of nature and skilled craftsmanship. This Syrah presents exceptional value, offering a quality comparable to much higher-priced wines, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fine wine without unnecessary formality.

Sequum
Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

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“The 2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah is a compelling expression of Napa Valley fruit. The nose opens with a dynamic interplay of kirsch and boysenberry syrup, grounded by a distinct minerality reminiscent of iron dust and delicate violets. On the palate, this wine showcases a concentrated complexity. Wild mountain blackberries are interwoven with bright red currants and juicy, ripe blueberries. The fruit profile is penetrating and complex, accented by subtle baking spices. A beautiful balance of richness and freshness defines the wine, with vibrant, mouth-quenching fruit supported by soft, supple tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and ultimately satisfying. This is, without a doubt, the finest Sequum Syrah to date.”

96 Points

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

Silver Ghost

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2023

2023 Silver Ghost Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Silver Ghost’s Napa Valley Cabernet has consistently delighted even the most refined palates, offering a compelling combination of elegance, genuine character, and exceptional value. The 2023 vintage upholds this tradition, presenting a remarkable expression of Napa Valley terroir, skillfully crafted by winemaker Weston Eidson. Sourcing fruit from carefully chosen vineyards in Oakville, Yountville, and Sugar Loaf Mountain, Eidson conducts a harmonious blend of flavors that captures the essence of Napa Valley.

Comprising 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and a subtle touch of Petit Verdot, the 2023 vintage captivates with poise and equilibrium. Eidson’s meticulous selection from each vineyard results in a wine of both power and grace, showcasing the brilliance of Napa’s diverse landscape and the skill of a winemaker who respects its heritage while elevating its quality at this accessible price point.

Weston’s path to winemaking mastery is a story of unwavering commitment. Apprenticing with Jason Moore of Modus Operandi and the renowned Russell Bevan, Eidson has refined his art with precision and fervor. His 2023 vintage is a celebration of his tireless quest for quality—an enduring narrative of artistry, terroir, and vision.

Silver Ghost
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2023
Retails at: $45

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“The Silver Ghost 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich, opulent aromas of blackberry pie, ripe blueberries, and black plum, layered with rich dark berry preserves, boysenberry, and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, unfolding with decadent flavors of chocolate-covered raisins, carob, cassis, and sweet tobacco leaves, lending a slightly savory edge. Notes of anise and cedar add to the wine’s complexity on the finish with silky tannins and well-integrated oak.”

92 Points

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet FrancKevin VogtNapaPritchard HillUSA

Haute Montagne

Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

The Haute Montagne Cabernet Franc was the brightest shining light at our recent tasting. Its seamless blend of dark fruit, intricate complexity, and striking elegance immediately captivated everyone present. Winemaker Douglas Danielak has skillfully captured the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill. The high-altitude terrain and cool microclimate produce wines of remarkable depth and character. Minimal intervention allows the vines to flourish in a natural balance, resulting in exceptional purity.

Danielak’s expertise is the product of extensive experience. With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis and training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune in Burgundy, he has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft. His work at Knights Bridge has earned significant critical acclaim, and Wine Spectator recognized him as a “Winemaker to Watch” for his visionary approach. Each bottle he crafts showcases a rare harmony of technical skill and artistic inspiration.

Crafted using traditional French oak and the time-honored Bordeaux method, this wine elegantly combines the classic refinement of old-world winemaking with the opulent character of California fruit. The resulting Cabernet Franc possesses power and grace—a compelling and sophisticated expression of this distinguished varietal.

Haute Montagne
Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley 2021
Retails at:$90

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“This Pritchard Hill Cabernet Franc possesses a captivating allure. The nose unfolds with briary red and black berries, their vibrant fruitiness entwined with a mineral core of crushed granite and a hint of iron. Licorice adds a touch of intrigue, while cocoa powder and dried sage contribute to the complex aromas. A subtle lavender perfume lingers, adding a unique floral note. On the palate, the wine delivers a powerful yet refined expression of mountain fruit. Intensely penetrating flavors of concentrated boysenberry and black currant are complemented by the brisk acidity of Darjeeling black tea. Dusty tannins provide a firm yet elegant structure, while a touch of espresso bean adds complexity. The wine is incredibly focused and balanced, with a brilliantly orchestrated interplay of fruit, acidity, and tannin. The finish is remarkably long and mouth-watering, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit and savory spice. This Cabernet Franc is a truly exceptional wine that beautifully showcases the unique terroir of Pritchard Hill.”

97 Points