2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPetite SirahSaint HelenaUSA

Stanton

Petite Sirah
St. Helena 2021

2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

Doug Stanton’s Petite Sirah is a gem of Napa Valley, embodying the Stanton family’s legacy of exceptional winemaking. Their journey began in 1947 when Jesse Stanton purchased a 100-acre vineyard in Napa Valley, laying the foundation for a generational story rooted in the land. In 1999, the family took a bold step forward, launching their label to showcase the fruits of their labor. Today, they tend three vineyards—Oakville, Mills Lane, and J.B. Ranch in St. Helena. Their grapes are so coveted that they supply top producers like Merryvale, Del Dotto, Orin Swift, and Groth. 

Doug Stanton, Jesse’s grandson and the current steward of this winemaking legacy, has an affinity for Petite Sirah. In 2004, inspired by the varietal’s bold character, Doug crafted a 100% Petite Sirah, marking a milestone for the winery. This decision gave rise to one of Stanton Vineyards’ hallmark wines, celebrated for its robust structure, velvety tannins, and vibrant fruit. 

Aged for 20 months in premium oak, this wine reveals layers of spice that meld seamlessly with its dark berry core, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors. Bright acidity provides lift and energy, while the tannins promise longevity, making this wine equally captivating now or after years in the cellar.

Stanton
Petite Sirah
St. Helena 2021

Your Price: $49.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Spicy and earthy character with dark berries, cloves and hints of undergrowth. Full-bodied, rich and fruit-forward, with a deep core of succulent berry fruit and creamy tannins. Long and intense. Drink or hold.”

91 Points

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakCabernet SauvignonDiamond MountainHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

Boomslang

Cabernet Sauvignon
NV Napa Valley

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Innovation fuels the spirit of Thurlow Cellars, and their Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold embodiment of this ethos. This dynamic, multi-vintage blend – artfully combining fruit from the 2019 to 2022 harvests – defies convention, earning an impressive 94-point rating and captivating wine enthusiasts with its exceptional quality at an accessible price. Decanter Magazine has lauded this groundbreaking approach, encouraging more wineries to explore the untapped potential of multi-vintage winemaking.

Guided by the visionary winemaker Kevin Morrisey, formerly of Ehlers Estate, Boomslang is a symphony of Napa Valley’s finest high-elevation vineyards. Grapes sourced from esteemed sites like Atlas Peak, Diamond Mountain, and Howell Mountain converge to showcase a captivating interplay of terroir and time. Embracing a minimalist, hands-off approach complemented by cutting-edge technology, the Thurlow Cellars team allows the vineyards to speak for themselves, preserving the unique character and complexity of each parcel.

Boomslang Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon invites you on a journey through Napa’s diverse landscapes and vintages, weaving together the essence of each growing season. This captivating blend entices you to savor the layers of innovation, terroir, and artistry, all offered at a compelling value.

Boomslang
Cabernet Sauvignon
NV Napa Valley
Retails at: $68

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Boomslang is a multi-vintage blend of 2019, 2021, and 2022 fruit, and is crafted by Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate). It’s an incredibly easy-drinking, smooth Cabernet with just enough fine-grained tannins to layer in a bit of grippy texture, but for the most part, it’s a pretty, red-fruited elegant Cabernet with good tension and energy. This makes me wish California wineries would do more non-vintage blends.”

94 Points

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Jordan

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

In the heart of Alexander Valley, Jordan Winery shines as a symbol of sustainable practices and exceptional winemaking. Nestled amidst 1,200 acres of pristine land, over 75% of which remains untouched, the estate reflects a profound respect for the natural environment. This commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship underscores Jordan’s dedication to responsible viticulture.

Founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan and now proudly carried forward by their son, John, the winery embodies a harmonious blend of passion and purpose. This philosophy is beautifully expressed in the 2020 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crafted from a selection of estate vineyards and trusted family growers, this vintage is a masterful composition, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with complementary notes of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. After 13 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with captivating elegance. Vibrant fruit flavors dance alongside velvety tannins, culminating in a complex finish that lingers on the palate.

A timeless expression of Alexander Valley’s unique terroir and Jordan’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, this wine is destined to age gracefully, offering years of enjoyment.

Jordan
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

Your Price: $59.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“With lower alcohol than most California Cabs, this elegant beauty revives an old-world acidity that levels out with freshness on the palate that relates to its excellent food-pairing abilities. Plum, anise, tilled soil, and Italian herbs integrate with a luxe mouthfeel.”

96 Points

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

Martin Ray

Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2021

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

Steeped in history and unwavering in its commitment to terroir, Martin Ray has been crafting memorable wines since 1943. Their acclaimed 2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a shining reflection of their mastery—here’s what makes it truly extraordinary.

Few regions hold the allure of Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA, a landscape revered for its famed ‘Rutherford dust,’ a hallmark minerality that elevates its wines to legendary status. Home to storied vineyards like BV Georges de Latour, Inglenook, and Scarecrow, this hallowed ground is where the 2021 Martin Ray Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon takes root, embodying the AVA’s timeless prestige.

Sourced from coveted vineyards on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, this wine benefits from volcanic soils and ideal sun exposure, imbuing it with vibrant energy and depth. The 2021 vintage is a masterclass in Rutherford Cabernet—a bold yet elegant symphony of flavors with layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and velvety tannins. Its complexity promises years of evolution, making it as wonderful for savoring now as it is for the cellar. 

Martin Ray
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2021
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $49.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Aromas of spices and currants with some graphite that follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle and polished. A reserved character to this appellation for cabernet. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.”

94 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

Your Price: $69.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

Sans Liege

The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

Sans Liege wines capture the vibrant spirit of California’s Central Coast, drawing inspiration from the esteemed Rhône Valley. Winemaker Curt Schalchlin, influenced by his experiences in France, set out to cultivate Rhône varietals in California’s sun-drenched terroir. Each vintage showcases his dedication to sourcing exceptional fruit from across Paso Robles to Solvang—a diverse landscape that distinctly shapes each wine.

The Offering is Sans Liege’s nuanced take on the classic GSM blend. It begins with 30% whole-cluster Grenache, lending a lively energy, complemented by Syrah’s deep intensity and Mourvèdre’s grounding earthiness. The result is a compelling, textured wine that gracefully unfolds with every sip.

The 2021 vintage is remarkably complex. A bright, fresh acidity balances velvety tannins, enhancing the wine’s layered flavors while maintaining perfect harmony. It truly reflects Curt’s unwavering passion and artistry, with each bottle expressing not only his craftsmanship but also a connection—to the land, to tradition, and to those who share in its story.

Sans Liege
The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast
Retails at: $33

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“Sans Liege 2021 The Offering from the Central Coast is a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend and has complex aromas of lavender, rose petals, white pepper, ripe raspberries, maraschino cherries, and a graphite minerality. On the palate, the wine has a soft texture with supple tannins, juicy red fruits, wild blackberries, dark chocolate, cloves, and red licorice. The wine’s concentrated flavors are balanced by refreshing acidity and carried into a pleasant, long finish. This wine has a friendly approachability and nuanced layers that make it enjoyable from beginning to end.”

93 Points

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonChalk HillKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Ludus

Cabernet Sauvignon
Chalk Hill 2020

2020 Ludus Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill

The 2020 Ludus Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the artistry of Robert Goyette, a visionary co-founder of La Crema and a former assistant winemaker at Chalk Hill. Deeply rooted in this celebrated region, Goyette masterfully captures the essence of Chalk Hill’s unique terroir.

Nestled on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, this renowned AVA boasts chalk-white ash and quartzite-rich volcanic soils, providing an ideal environment for Bordeaux varieties to flourish.

The 2020 vintage showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beginning with carefully cultivated vines thriving at 1,000 feet above sea level. Only the finest berries are selected, ensuring exceptional quality in every bottle. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this wine reflects Robert Goyette’s profound connection to the Chalk Hill AVA.

Each sip unveils a symphony of flavors: juicy black fruits intertwine with subtle spices and earthy undertones, all elegantly framed by velvety tannins. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth, capturing the essence of Chalk Hill’s terroir while offering exceptional value.

Ludus
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chalk Hill 2020
Retails at: $50

Your Price: $29.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The Ludus 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chalk Hill AVA opens with elegant notes ripe blackberries, black cherries, subtle hints of cedar, tobacco, graham crackers, and a volcanic minerality. On the palate, the wine has flavors of cassis, plum, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and black olives, complemented by a touch of baking spices. The finish is long and lingering and leaves a lasting impression.”

94 Points

2021 Vigerons Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County

2021 Vigerons Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta BarbaraUSA

Vignerons

Pinot Noir 2021
Santa Barbara County

2021 Vigerons Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County

A standout value from Santa Barbara County, the 2021 Vignerons Pinot Noir encapsulates the essence of the Central Coast with grace and vibrancy. Bursting with wildflowers and fresh cherry aromas, its bright raspberry flavors unfold alongside whispers of forest floor and delicate spice. The fruit comes from the celebrated North Canyon and Bien Nacido Vineyards, where fog-draped mornings and brisk ocean breezes sculpt a wine of remarkable clarity and structure.

Santa Barbara County’s unique microclimates, shaped by cool Pacific winds, infuse the grapes with a refreshing acidity and complexity, making each sip a balanced, food-friendly delight. From the sunlit hills to the maritime mornings, the land whispers into the glass, creating a Pinot Noir that’s as versatile as it is memorable and distinct.

This exceptional value wine spent ten months in French oak barrels, where its vibrant fruit and fresh acidity came together, resulting in a Pinot Noir that celebrates Santa Barbara’s signature style—bright, refined, and irresistibly inviting. Whether paired with your favorite meal or enjoyed on its own, this wine is a shining example of why Santa Barbara remains a hallmark for Pinot lovers everywhere.

Vignerons
Pinot Noir 2021
Santa Barbara County
Retails at: $38

Your Price: $25

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“This value Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir delivers a captivating performance, elegantly presenting the region’s vibrant fruit expression with finesse and complexity. The nose is a farm basket of red raspberries, ripe black cherries, and lavender potpourri, all woven together in layers of alluring aromas. The palate is a vibrant expression of medium-bodied fruit dominated by red raspberry and wild strawberry notes with youthful fruit tannins. A refreshing crispness and zesty acidity enliven the palate, while subtle earthy elements and a saline minerality add complexity. This captivating Pinot Noir lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and poise.”

92 Points

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

Double Diamond

by Schrader Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2022

2022 Double Diamond by Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon further solidified its reputation in 2022, building on the success of its 2019 vintage, crowned Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine-of-the-Year. Born from the legacy of Schrader Cellars, Double Diamond offers an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy world-class craftsmanship without the ultra-premium price tag.

 

Founded in 2001 by Fred Schrader, Double Diamond shares the same commitment to quality as its sister winery, guided by the talented winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

This wine is a stunning expression of its vintage, showcasing concentrated black fruit, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins. Crafted entirely from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine benefits from meticulous aging in French oak, including second-use Schrader Darnajou barrels. The result is a balanced, elegant expression with a silky texture and robust structure, ready to be enjoyed now or cellared for future appreciation.

Experience the iconic terroir of Oakville with every sip of this extraordinary wine.

Double Diamond
by Schrader Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2022

Your Price: $89.99

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The 2022 Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of profound elegance and power. The nose is a captivating blend of dark fruit aromas, with notes of blackberry cobbler and boysenberry preserves leading the way. A subtle floral note of lavender adds complexity, while a hint of minerality, eucalyptus, and milk chocolate rounds out the bouquet. The wine is seamless and opulent on the palate, with rich, ripe, concentrated, and lush flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The tannins are finely-grained and well-integrated, providing structure and a long, complex finish. This is a wine of remarkable depth and intensity, showcasing the exceptional quality of the 2022 vintage. A true gem from Oakville.”

96 Points

2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

Evesham Wood

Pinot Noir 2023
Willamette Valley

2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir embodies the heart and soul of Oregon Pinot Noir: elegant, balanced, and remarkably affordable. Since its inception in 1986, Evesham Wood has adhered to a minimalist approach, prioritizing sustainable vineyard practices and gentle winemaking. This philosophy allows the true character of the fruit to shine through, resulting in authentic, expressive wines from some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards.

The 2023 vintage showcases the brilliance of this approach. Sourced primarily from Mahonia and Illahe Vineyards, with complementary contributions from renowned Eola-Amity Hills sites like Prophet, Koosah, Jubilee, Cortell Rose, and Sojeau, this Pinot Noir captivates with layers of bright red fruit, delicate spice, and refreshing acidity. Its silky texture and inviting charm make it the perfect companion for any occasion, and encapsulates the vibrant, approachable spirit of the Willamette Valley at an incredible value.

Evesham Wood
Pinot Noir 2023
Willamette Valley

Your Price: $27

Click Here to Join Our (Free) Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Click to Order

 

“The Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 begins with a delicate ballet of red fruit that unfolds on the nose, with tart cherry and pomegranate leading the way. A floral bouquet of spring blossoms and potpourri adds elegance, while subtle earthy notes of dried mushrooms, wet stone, and cola bean round out the complex aromatic profile. The palate projects elegance, showcasing a lighter body and bright, refreshing fruit flavors. The wine’s crisp acidity provides a mouth-quenching quality, leaving a clean and satisfying finish.”

92 Points