2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

December 21, 2018

with No Comment $90-$100 Cabernet Sauvignon Kevin Vogt Sonoma USA

KINSELLA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD

I love tasting a new wine that is so compelling, it reminds me just how stunning a varietal can be. Meticulous farming practices, vineyard source, clonal selection and winemaking all combine to make the sum of the parts much greater than the individual pieces. I experienced this excitement in a bottle of Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet, which is absolutely one of the finest examples of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s made by Thomas Rivers Brown, whom you may recognize from Schrader, Revana, Maybach, and Outpost… The 2015 Cabernet from Spencer Vineyard is stunningly elegant, rich and extracted, offering pulverized dark berries intertwined with graphite, dried violets and black currant… The previous vintage scored 95 points from Robert Parker, and I think the new vintage is even better.

With clones hand-picked by Thomas River Brown, Kinsella’s organically farmed vineyard is composed of three separate blocks. Heirloom, Jersey Boy and Spencer. The 2015 Spencer stole the show with our panel and we were captivated by the wine’s elegance and authoritative flavors that unwind methodically across the palate. The 2015 was built for the cellar and will effortlessly go for 15+ years, but if opened now, it will surely put on a performance of a lifetime.

KINSELLA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2015 SPENCER VINEYARD

Your Price: $99.99/btl

Winery Notes: “This vintage certainly picks up where the 2014 left off. Engaging right out of the bottle, this bright cuvee is chock full of notes of ripe black currant, graphite and clove. Cigar box and violet mesh wonderfully with this higher acid cabernet and would be smashing with a dry aged ribeye!” Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Petit Verdot 8%

Customers that enjoy Kinsella Spencer Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two fantastic Cabs.

2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Kinsella Jersey Boy Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

REVANA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2015 TERROIR SERIES

Your Price: $105/btl

From The Wine Spectator: “Strikingly vibrant, featuring complex flavors, innate balance and pure dark berry, spice, licorice and light oak shadings, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2030...” 93 Points

KINSELLA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2012 JERSEY BOY

Retails at: $124.99/btl

Winery Notes: “The 2012 Jersey Boys Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. The wine possesses a very aromatic nose of orange blossoms, fennel, and freshly picked raspberries. This gorgeous, heady fragrance leads into a juicy mouth-feel with flavors of bright red raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and mocha. A full-bodied pallet with fine, precise and well-integrated tannins is followed by a long finish.”

2014 Luca Paraje Altamira Malbec

2014 Luca Malbec Paraje Altamira

December 20, 2018

with No Comment $30 and under Argentina Malbec South America Uco Valley

LUCA

2014 MALBEC
PARAJE ALTAMIRA

A winemakers vision can sometimes transform a category of wines for an entire region and propel them to an even higher level. Laura Catena did just that and it began with a vision to create a new breed of Argentine wines that would express individual terroirs from low-yielding, high-elevation vineyards in some of Argentina’s best wine growing regions. It didn’t take long for consumers and critics to catch on… Their wines have had a string of stellar reviews and her 2012 Malbec was featured as the #19 wine on the Wine Spectator top 100 list in 2014. Luca offers a truly vivid interpretation of high-elevation Malbec that’s expressive, profound and hedonistic, yet manages to do so while staying true to the varietal and region from which it was hewn.

Paraje Altamira is a small sub-appellation within the renowned Uco Valley, which is an area that has likely produced more 95 – 100 Point wines than any other region of Argentina. The fruit was grown at 3,600 feet in elevation and in rocky, alluvial soils and offers stunning power, depth and superior focus. When tasting this wine it’s almost hard to believe the realistic price level…

LUCA

2014 MALBEC

PARAJE ALTAMIRA

Your Price: $29.99/btl

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “There is a big jump in quality from the 2013 to the 2014 Malbec Paraje Altamira that matured in 500-liter oak barrels for eight months. There is much more freshness here, the fruit is a mixture of red and black and there are violets and some spices. The palate is juicy and soft with clean flavors that are easy to drink. The nose grows in the glass to become more floral. Delicious Malbec...” 91 Points

Customers who enjoy Luca Malbec may also enjoy these two terrific Argentine Reds…

2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Catena Cabernet Franc

FAMIGLIA BIANCHI

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Your Price: $19.99/btl

Famiglia Bianchi is our number one selling International brand of all time, by far… So much so, that it may never be surpassed. When you taste them, each wine in the brand offers a palpable sense of value that’s absolutely unmistakable, and we were recently reminded of that in a glass of their new 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine offers luscious dark fruits, followed by a cavalcade of dark spices, black chocolates, slate and minerals that unwind methodically across your palate.

CATENA

2014 CABERNET FRANC

SAN CARLOS

APPELLATION SERIES

Retails at: $30.00/btl

Your Price: $22.99/btl

From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe, dusty tannins and excellent breadth and length. Terrific berry intensity here.” 91 Points

2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

December 18, 2018

with No Comment $30-$40 Anderson Valley Kevin Vogt Mendocino Pinot Noir Uncategorized USA

DANIEL

2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

If you’ve been reading my emails for the last few years, you know how I feel about Pinot Noirs produced by DANIEL. They’re simply some of the best micro-produced Pinot Noirs that I’ve tasted at this price point. I’m not the least bit surprised that their 2015 Anderson Valley Pinot earned a phenomenal 96 point score from the Wine Enthusiast last month… After all, their wines are composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start by working at Williams-Selyem… And the 2015 Anderson Valley includes fruit from the iconic Ferrington Vineyard, which was made famous by producers like Williams-Selyem and McPhail. The wine is texturally compelling, bright and penetrating and transcends everything that you would hope for at this price level. As thrilled as I am to see that the winery is now they’re getting the accolades that they deserve, it also means you’ll want move quickly to get yours… 96 Point Pinots at this price are few and far between…

Combining fruit from both warm and cool portions of Anderson Valley, this brilliant Pinot has abundant energy, focus, stamina and complexity. It’s brimming with bright red fruits, holiday spices, candied cherries and sassafras. We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality Pinots from DANIEL, and this is yet another profound example of Pinot Noir. With a total production of 200 cases, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.

DANIEL

2015 PINOT NOIR

ANDERSON VALLEY

Retails at: $45.00/btl

Your Price: $39.99/btl

From Wine Enthusiast: “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve…” 96 Points, Cellar Selection

Customers that enjoy DANIEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Pinot Noir

DANIEL

2014 PINOT NOIR

LAGUNA VINEYARD

Retails at: $60.00/btl

Your Price: $39.99/btl

This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem…

Winery Notes: “This Daniel Pinot Noir is brilliant ruby red in color. The bouquet opens with Huckleberry coulis and black cherry, followed by charcuterie and cedar. This pinot boasts incredibly concentrated red and dark fruit that lingers with a silky texture on the palate. A wine capable of long term aging, every sip offers new nuance.” 75 Cases Produced (3 Barrels)

DANIEL

2015 PINOT NOIR

GRAND VENT VINEYARD

Retails at: $60.00/btl

Your Price: $39.99/btl

Tasting Notes: “…. Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff. Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom. Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop…” 97 Points

2015 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere Chile

2015 Montes Purple Angel Carménère Apalta Vineyard, Chile

December 15, 2018

with No Comment $60-$70 Carménère Chile Kevin Vogt

MONTES

PURPLE ANGEL
2015 CARMÉNÈRE
APALTA VINEYARD, CHILE

2015 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere Chile

I love the thrill of tasting a 99 point wine that induces a profound feeling of “where have you been all my life?” I recently had that feeling in a bottle of Purple Angel Carménère from Chile. Carménère is Bordeaux’s 6th red varietal which originates from the Medoc region of Bordeaux, where it has been known for producing deep, powerful red wines. It’s thought to be a member of the Cabernet Sauvignon family and now rarely found in France, but Carménère found its place in Chile where it reigns king. Interestingly, Chilean growers inadvertently preserved the grape during the last 150 years, mistaking it for Merlot. Carménère at its best, produces wines that are as vivid as they are deep, with penetrating, focused flavors that unwind methodically across your palate and exhibit tremendous power and structure.

From the moment Carménère was first found in the Medoc, it has been complimented with a touch of Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot softens the edges and bridles the intense power and depth with a velvety, voluptuous embrace. Montes recognized that and added 8% Petit Verdot to their 2015 Purple Angel and after silently developing for 18 months in barrel, the 2015 is stunningly brilliant. We offered a small amount of this wine back in July and we’ve been turning down re-orders since then… Don’t miss this second chance to secure yours.

MONTES

PURPLE ANGEL

2015 CARMENERE

APALTA VINEYARD, CHILE

Retails at: $90.00/btl

Your Price: $64.99/btl

YOU SAVE 27%

From James Suckling: “This is perhaps the greatest Purple Angel ever. Full body, tight and compressed with an amazing texture and density. Fantastic fine tannins that are silky and polished. I love the energy and intensity. A blend of 92% carmenere and 8% petit verdot. One for the cellar but I can’t wait to drink it again.” 99 Points

2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

December 12, 2018

with No Comment $30 and under Cabernet Sauvignon Kevin Vogt Napa Stags Leap USA

TEXTBOOK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

How often do you come across a great Napa Valley Cabernet at under thirty per bottle? According to the Napa Valley Register, the average grape cost of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon grew by 8.6% in 2017 to $7,474/ton… With each ton of grapes producing just a little more than 2 barrels of wine, the number of wineries that are able to produce a quality Cabernet Sauvignon in this range is dwindling. One of the best thirty dollar Napa Valley Cabernets is the new 2016 Textbook. This classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet has stunning balance, length and it’s remarkably complex… These three qualities are rare at this price point and those of you who’ve been on my list for years likely remember how great this wine was when we offered it years ago. The new vintage is even better, so don’t hesitate to secure yours.

Created using 65% Stag’s Leap, 25% Oak Knoll and 10% Oakville fruit, the 2016 Textbook bears qualities from each of these iconic regions. The diversity of fruit sources is palpable in the 2016, and offers enormous complexity in both flavors and textures. The winery also produces an Oakville Cabernet and Proprietary Red Blend at $80… At $29.99, their Napa Valley Cabernet offers superior quality at a value price.

TEXTBOOK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016 NAPA VALLEY

Retails at: $33.00/btl

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Winery Notes: “Vintage 2016 followed the small 2015 and was also less challenging than 2015. We had a warm, wet spring followed by mild weather at flowering which set a healthy crop size. The growing season was excellent with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The tiny berries were packed with color and flavor and while fermenting, our 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon lots were deeply colored, richly textured and thus showed great promise.”

Customers who enjoy Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning value Cabs…

2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

SAILOR’S GRAVE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016 NAPA VALLEY

Retails at: $40.00/btl

Your Price: $29.99/btl

With origins in Yountville, Coombsville and Oakville, the 2016 was housed in oak barrels for 22 months. In the glass the 2016 is incredibly hedonistic, with layers of rich and supple dark berries that are intermixed with black coffee, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate. The finish is long and expansive and makes it impossible to resist diving in for another sip… another glass and another.

FORTUNE 1621

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2016 NAPA VALLEY

Your Price: $29.99/btl

Fortune 1621 is a brand that’s become synonymous with value Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. With the Bump family at the helm, and a crew that include winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, Fortune1621 is clearly a voyage worth taking. The 2016 is strikingly concentrated, yet poised and balanced with a layers of crushed black fruits, freshly roasted coffee beans, dried violets with hints of blueberries.

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

2015 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Proprietary Red

December 11, 2018

with No Comment $40-$50 Kevin Vogt Napa Proprietary Red St Helena USA

CROCKER & STARR

2015 BRIDESMAID
PROPRIETARY RED

Taking things to the next level, the new vintage of Bridesmaid Red not only has a new look, but the wine is now sourced exclusively from Napa Valley’s iconic St Helena AVA… The wine was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at Spottswoode and Gemstone and over the years it’s amassed a remarkable following. The 2015 is powerful, compact and dangerously hedonistic, with a seductive bouquet spanning blue and red fruits, spring flowers, pipe tobacco and exotic chocolates. Sensual flavors cascade over the palate with incredible energy and an effortless nature. The blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine, carefully selected from the winery’s Estate, as well as other top Napa Valley wineries after their own blends are complete. The wine that makes it into these bottles often had an intended retail of more than 2-3 times the price…

Using Cabernet Franc as the base and layering in Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Bridesmaid Red is highly detailed and captures the diverse terrain of the St Helena AVA faultlessly. Those of you that have enjoyed any of the earlier vintages of this wine, just know one thing… This is the BEST one yet. If you haven’t experienced this absolutely stunning blend, here’s the perfect opportunity to do so…

CROCKER & STARR

2015 BRIDESMAID

PROPRIETARY RED

Your Price: $49.99/btl

From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Franc Blend Bridesmaid gives gorgeous kirsch, raspberry pie and blackberries scents with a beautiful undercurrent of roses, cinnamon stick, potpourri and fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and great vivacity, finishing long and perfumed...” 93+ Points

Cabernet Franc 60% | Merlot 23% | Petit Verdot 11% | Malbec 6%

Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Red may also enjoy these two stunning wines…

2015 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Reserve

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

STEPS RESERVE

BARREL SELECT

2015 PROPRIETARY RED

Your Price: $49.99/btl

Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels. Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.

HOURGLASS

2016 HG III

PROPRIETARY RED

Your Price: $49.99/btl

The Hourglass HGII Blend was authored by legendary winemaker Tony Biagi…Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores… At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.

2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir

2013 Fort Ross FRV Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

December 10, 2018

with No Comment $30-$40 Fort Ross Seaview Kevin Vogt Pinot Noir Sonoma USA

FORT ROSS

2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST

2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir

There are plenty of reasons why we love Fort Ross Pinot Noirs. Their winemaking is second to none with Jeff Pisoni calling the shots. Further, their prices have also remained realistic over the years, despite the growing fan base and well-deserved scores. The number one thing that keeps me coming back year-after-year is the ideal location of their vineyard… It’s centered in the idyllic Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast, the area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers and Pahlmeyer, to list a few… Their 2013 FRV Pinot Noir is a wine marked by stunning detail, length and character, and at this price, I can’t wait to experience it again…

Beautifully expressing the exceptional terroir found in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA with perfectly nit flavors, If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Fort Ross, you likely need no further commentary, other than to know the 2013 is now available. If you haven’t tried a Pinot from this beloved producer, here’s a chance to enjoy one at a truly fantastic price.

FORT ROSS

2013 PINOT NOIR

FRV, SONOMA COAST

Retails at: $52.00/btl

Your Price: $39.99/btl

YOU SAVE 23%

From Jeb Dunnuck: “The 2013 Pinot Noir FRV Fort Ross Vineyard sports a ruby color as well as an open knit, ready-to-go bouquet of dried cherries, tobacco, menthol, and dried herbs. It’s pretty, medium-bodied, rounded, and supple, with an evolved style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 90 Points

Customers who enjoy Fort Ross FRV Estate Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…

2016 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

ORRIN-SAGE

2016 PINOT NOIR

SONOMA MOUNTAIN

Retails at: $49.00/btl

Your Price: Click Here to Join Our Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers

Arising from the rugged Sonoma Mountain AVA, a unique area which gains some of the cooling influence from the Petaluma Gap and produces brilliant Pinot Noir fruit. Bevan, Siduri and Flowers are just a few of the wineries that have crafted Pinots from this unique area. The 2016 has stunning balance and opens up to vivid red fruits, dried rose, wild blueberries and tea leaf. This remarkable expression of Pinot Noir was was expertly made by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.

DANIEL

2015 PINOT NOIR

GRANDVENT VINEYARD

Retails at: $60.00/btl

Your Price: $39.99/btl

YOU SAVE 33%

Tasting Notes: “… Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff. Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom. Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop...”

2015 Cornerstone Ram's Horn Vineyard Syrah

2015 Cornerstone Ram’s Horn Vineyard Syrah

December 8, 2018

with No Comment $30 and under Kevin Vogt Mendocino Syrah USA

CORNERSTONE

2015 SYRAH
RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

2015 Cornerstone Ram's Horn Vineyard Syrah

Syrah is a darling varietal among many in the wine industry, and a friend of consumers looking for wines of stunning quality and character at a value price. It’s one of the classic varietals of the world, and was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines from Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah. Because of this, you can occasionally find a remarkable value… There’s no better example than Cornerstone’s 2015 single vineyard Syrah which is a stunning bottle of wine at it’s $85 retail price… Join our Insider’s Club email list and you’ll see this ranks among one of the best values that I’ve come across in my career.

This remarkable expression of California Syrah was authored by talented winemaking duo Kari Auringer and Charles Thomas. Kari worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming and Corra. Charles has more than 30 years winemaking experience including crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, and his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd. This beauty also defeated EVERY wine in the Syrah & Shiraz over $41/btl category at the SF Chronicle Competition, and was named “Best of Class.” At this price, you may want to grab all you can…

CORNERSTONE

2015 SYRAH

RAM’S HORN VINEYARD

Retails at: $85/btl

Your Price: Click Here to Join Our Insider’s Club & Unlock Special Offers
Click to Order

Winery Notes: “French by heritage, California in spirit. These head trained Syrah grapes were lovingly grown high on a steep hillside at 1,800 feet, overlooking the little town of Hopland in Mendocino. Small berries on petite clusters struggle on this dry farmed ranch, which gives this wine a dark and concentrated color. The aromas are a complex combination of ripe black berries, boysenberry and earthy sage. You’ll also likely find typical Syrah notes of smoked bacon, tar and black pepper. Lush and fleshy on the palate, this wine is ripe from long sun-drenched days. More new world in style than old world, but there is plenty of backbone that Syrah is known for. The finish lingers with a melody of mocha, licorice and a hint of allspice wrapped up in silky integrated tannins.” Best In Class | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2015 Mastery Napa Valley Proprietary Red

December 7, 2018

with No Comment $90-$100 Coombsville Kevin Vogt Napa Proprietary Red USA

MASTERY

PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY

There is a rock-solid reason the 2015 vintage in Napa has been touted for having more 100 point wines than any other… It was simply a spectacular vintage that produced more incredible wines than ever before. The new 2015 MASTERY is a perfect reflection of this wonderful vintage. With just two barrels produced, MASTERY is not only our most limited wine, but it’s also one of our most requested wines every year. In producing those two barrels, winemaker Rudy Zuidema and Master Sommelier Kevin Vogt collaborate to oversee every minute detail surrounding the winemaking and use rigorous sorting practices to create a wine with not only a sense of place, but with stunning precision, length, and balance. The 2015 is finely detailed with a sweet inner core of focused red and black berries, supple tannins, and flavors that build layer upon layer of pure bliss. With a total production of 46 cases, this vintage of Mastery will disappear far too early…

Wrought from Napa Valley’s highly acclaimed Coombsville region, the vineyard is located on volcanic soils on the Eastern outskirts of the town of Napa. This elegantly styled, yet focused and penetrating Napa Valley Cabernet Blend satisfies everything a Cabernet drinker looks for. After spending about 2 years in French oak, this perfectly balanced blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc enchants your taste buds. If you would like to add some of this exceptional wine to your cellar, please place your order right away. This is another in a long list of near-perfect vintages of Mastery and we know you will absolutely love it! It is truly amazing.

MASTERY

PROPRIETARY RED

2015 NAPA VALLEY

Your Price: $95/btl

Tasting Notes: “Encapsulating every characteristic that makes the 2015 vintage so great, the 2015 Mastery has seductive aromas of crushed blackberries, red currant, freshly cut violets and a touch of vanilla spice, delicately balanced by hints of cherry pipe tobacco and wet slate. Alluringly bright red fruits perfectly balance the rich, supple black fruits in perfect harmony, providing both depth and length as well as complexity on the palate. The finish is rich, yet pristinely balanced, providing immense satisfaction.” Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo

2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo Piedmont, Italy

December 6, 2018

with No Comment $40-$50 Barolo Barolo Italy Kevin Vogt Piedmont Uncategorized

GIACOMO GRIMALDI

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

There’s a renaissance happening in Piedmont, with some Italian producers moving towards a more elegant and approachable style of winemaking. The more traditional approach is to produce wines that are more tightly-wound, compact and need more time in the cellar before they’re ready to enjoy. One of the best examples of the newer style of winemaking is Giacomo Grimaldi’s 2014 Barolo. Their method of combining 12 months in oak barrels and 18 months in larger casks lends to the wines balance and approachability. The wine still hasn’t lost its sense of history and antiquity that comes from the Barolo vineyards, one of which the Grimaldi family has owned and farmed since 1930. In fact, it’s that feeling combined with the new approach to winemaking that truly makes this wine special. We loved it so much that we bought every bottle available in California before our glasses were even emptied, and we taste pretty fast.

Scrumptious, focused and harmonious all come to mind when tasting this remarkable wine. The 2014 is big and round, with penetrating fruits wrapped in black chocolates, dusted with savory spices. This could be the poster child for that “new school” style of winemaking that once you taste it, you’ll have a tough time going back. It is extremely limited and will most likely sell out today!

GIACOMO GRIMALDI

2014 BAROLO

PIEDMONT, ITALY

Your Price: $42.99/btl

From The Wine Spectator: “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…” 92 Points

Customers who enjoy Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo may also enjoy these two Barolos…


PARUSSO 2014 BAROLO ANNIVERSARY EDITION Your Price: $49.99/btl Click to Order From Vinous: “…one of the most stunning wines of the vintage… Rich, deep and explosive on the palate, with stunning aromatic presence and overall intensity, the 2014 is remarkably vivid. Beams of supporting tannin give the wine its energy and persistence….” 94+ Points	GIOVANNI ROSSO 2013 BAROLO PIEDMONT, ITALY Retails at: $48.00/btl Your Price: $39.99/btl Click to Order From The Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…” 93 Points