0216 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Argentina

2016 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaCabernet SauvignonKevin Vogt

FAMIGLIA BIANCHI  0216 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Argentina

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA 

 
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.  The winery burst into the spotlight when their 2012 Malbec won the Grand Trophee, for the “World’s Best Red Wine” at the prestigious 2014 Vinalies Internationales Wine Competition in Paris, France, where it outperformed 3,500 wines from 41 countries.  Our love for this brand continues to blossom, and at under twenty per bottle, their 2016 Cabernet will put a smile on anyones face… 
 
Transpiring from two very distinct cool-climate vineyards located in Rama Caída in the San Rafael province, Famiglia’s 2016 Cabernet spends a full year in oak barrels, and now with more than a year developing in the bottle the wine reveals wonderful complexity, definition and length.  If you’re looking for a terrific value in Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll want at least a case of this before it’s too late.  
 
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI 
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “A classic Cabernet Sauvignon that can compete with the best from around the world, this wine displays a deep ruby color and great “legs.” Spicy and complex aromas of black pepper, licorice, toasty coffee grinds and hints of fresh mint mingle with cassis and wild berries. Ample and persistent in the mouth, with a harmonious structure that highlights its personality and pedigree.“
 
Customers who enjoy Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2016 Skryne Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvingnon
SKRYNE ROAD
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $62/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Blend is bright with flavors of bramble-berry and black cherry combined with vanilla bean. The palate is round and supple, with fruity characteristics of raspberry jam and soft, silky tannins. Culminating with hints of peppercorn and baking spices” 
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT 
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ALEXANDER VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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From The Tasting Panel: “Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate.  It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality.”  94 Points
2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSAYountville

LAIRD 2014 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY

 
Laird models strength, consistency, and value, and when it comes to traditionally styled Napa Valley Cabernet, theirs is one of the best.  As one of the largest vineyard owners in Napa Valley, Laird has access to some terrific fruit sources.  The 2014 Napa Cab is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured an earlier vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.  Their 2014 made a big impression on our panel with deep and impressive core, layered in dark chocolate, plum and blackberry and etched with character. At $55/btl this classic Napa Valley Cabernet should not be missed… 
 
Laird has always attracted terrific winemakers.  The wines are currently made by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars.  In 2014, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world, having crafted such notables as Opus One, DuMOL, and Peter Michael to name a few.  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville spends nearly two years in oak and generously delivers hedonistic delights with velvety tannins and great length.  If you enjoy classically styled and full-bodied Napa Valley Cabs, you won’t want to miss this latest release from Laird.  
 
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl
 
From Vinous: “A rich, unctuous wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is sweet, layered and enveloping in feel. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather are all fused together. This is an especially intense, flamboyant expression of the vintage.” 
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Laird…
 
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 

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I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.  
2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir

2016 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir(s)

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

WALTER HANSEL

2016 PINOT NOIR(S)
CUVEE ALYCE | NORTH SLOPE

 
Showcasing the best of Russian River Valley, Walter Hansel produces profound wines with sense of place, harmonious balance and elaborate texture. When they come up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.
 
Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none… Their 2016 Cuvee Alyce and North Slope Pinots have already earned monster scores from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, and when your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments. Walter Hansel took that as a challenge and their 2016’s stand tall as some of their best Pinot Noirs in the last decade.  Don’t miss this opportunity to secure yours… There’s simply never enough of these brilliant Pinots to satisfy demand.

 

2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir 2016 Walter Hansel North Slope Pinot Noir
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, pomegranate and cranberry notes with touches of red roses, lavender and dried Provence herbs plus a waft of black soil. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, it is simply packed with taut fruit and finishes on a lingering mineral note…” 95 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $42/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Pinot Noir The North Slope is medium ruby-purple in color and scented of crushed red plums, mulberries and black cherries with touches of baking spices, violets and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, it offers bags of rich berry flavors in the mouth with a sexy, plush texture and scintillating freshness, finishing long...” 94 Points
2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

Vista

2017 Proprietary Red
Atlas Peak

2017 Vista Atlas Peak Proprietary Red“Capturing a depth and richness that is completely unheard of at this price, Vista Atlas Peak unfurls aromas of muddled blackberries, black plum, crushed granite, graphite  and hints of vanilla.  The palate is powerfully concentrated with a stunning array of flavors including deep black cherries, blackberry tart, blueberry syrup, with hints of tobacco and chocolate.  Powerful mountain fruit created a wine that is focused and linear in style, yet richly structured with balanced fruit tannins and a palate staining mid palate that leads to a long, intense finish.”  94 – 96 Points  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

VISTA 
2017 Proprietary Red
ATLAS PEAK
 
Your Price: $23/btl
2013 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon

2103 Cabaud ‘Benedictions’ Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

CABAUD 

2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2013 Cabaud Benedictions Cabernet Sauvignon
After tasting over 5,000 wines in 2018, our number one pick was clear the instant we tasted it… Each and every enthusiastic and glowing review that followed, cemented the wine permanently onto the list, and it became clear that it’s a wine that everybody loves.  After all, this wine combines the highest level of winemaking with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Andy Beckstoffer’s heritage vineyards in Oakville.  Many of you know winemaker Luc Morlet from his work at Newton Cellars, Peter Michael, or from his own label Morlet which is raking in 100 point scores… The 2013 Benedictions is the top wine produced at Cabaud and it’s made from the iconic Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard in Oakville.  The previous vintage caught the eye of Robert Parker who scored the 2012 94-96 points and the 2013 is even better…
 
Finding new wines made by top winemakers, that are somewhat unheard of, pays off big at times… I would estimate Morlet’s Cabs to range from $165 to around $300/btl.  At $150 Cabaud is a killer deal,  I cannot put into words how incredible this wine is.  Wines of this caliber and at this price never last long… I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  Make sure to join our Insider’s Club and receive special offers on some of our featured wines…
 
CABAUD
2013 BENEDICTIONS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $150/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “An intense, glass-staining purple color combines beautifully with flavors of blueberry pie filling, with muddled blackberries, red currant, bramble, white flowers and bakers chocolate. The supple, full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and rich, dense center core intermingle with the powerful fruit to seduce you with the first sip. The finish is long, powerful and supple with just enough fruit tannins to allow this one to age for a decade or so.  Kudos to Luke Morlet for crafting such a stunning wine.“96 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HOURGLASS

2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED

2016 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary RedYour palate immediately recognizes a wine that is absolutely remarkable, and mine instantly identified the 2016 HG III as a wine that deserved a top spot on my top 5 wines of the year.  Locking in my #2 spot with a bouquet that makes my skin tingle, and at first taste, a wave of thrills and excitement ensues.  The wine 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. Their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl and garner 100 point scores…  At under fifty, the HG III is an exceptionally low price of admission for wine with this outstanding pedigree.  
 
With an exhilarating, velvety texture and endless layers of sweet blueberries, cherry pipe tobacco, dried flowers and black chocolate, the HG III combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah into an exhilarating wine of pure brilliance.  After spending around 16 months in French oak, the 2016 is stunningly gorgeous now, and it’s undoubtedly the best version of HG III yet.  Don’t hesitate to secure your case… 
 
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes:  “Finding a wine that is rich and deep, but also has a liveliness and freshness that gives it complexity and length is rare.  This beauty starts with a nose of black cherries, bakers chocolate, Autumn spices and white flowers. The rich and supple palate is focused and pure with sweet blackberries, vanilla bean and ripe black plums. The finish is balanced, concentrated, long and very satisfying.  The tannins are soft enough that you may enjoy this now, but it’s concentrated enough that you can cellar it for a decade or more.” 95 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 

 
We’ve introduced some unbelievable values this year, more so than in any year previously.  However, there’s just one wine that I can honestly say is the best wine I’ve ever tasted in this price range.  For that reason, Joseph Jewell’s Russian River Valley Pinot was an easy choice as my #3 wine of the year in 2018.  After all, the 2014 combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  It truly drinks like a killer forty dollar Pinot, and wines like this don’t come around often. Make sure to join our Insider’s Club for special pricing and be the first find out about these hidden gems.
 
This Pinot hasn’t left my mind, or my glass for very long since I first tasted it, and in equal detail are the mineral-laced blueberries, bramble fruit, black tea, dried rose and touches of violets that are etched in my memory.  The 2014 elevated for 11 months in Francois Freres, Ermitage and Rousseau barrels, and has blossomed over the last 3 years in the bottle. If you love Pinot Noir, and better yet, even if you don’t… try a case of this, and I think you’ll become and instant fan. 

 

 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “A special barrel selection from our favorite Russian River vineyard sites, this wine offers elegance from start to finish. This wine beckons with an exquisite bouquet of raspberry and black cherry laced with hints of rose petals and violets. A soft mid-palate is highlighted by fresh, bright red fruits that linger long on the finish.”
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSAZinfandel

ULISES VALDEZ 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

When comparing the Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind, and for that reason it was a clear choice as my #4 wine in 2018.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The winery was founded by the late Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers, revered for farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others.  When he wasn’t farming for California’s most elite vineyards, he was cultivating his dream of building a successful brand and his children continue in his legacy of hard-work, passion, and family.
 
Arising from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
ULISES VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!“ 94 Points

2013 Humanitas George’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

HUMANITAS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 GEORGE’S VINEYARD

 
Clinching the #5 spot on my list of the Top Five Wines of 2018 is a wine that is so immediately compelling that I get a blissful sense each time I taste it. Experiencing that in a wine, particularly at this price, compels me to put some in my own cellar so I can experience it again and again.  With the clarity and definition fitting a wine you’d rightfully pay much more for, the 2013 Humanitas George’s Vineyard Cabernet cascades across your palate with enticing flavors and penetrating intensity, revealing endless layers of silky dark fruits, bittersweet chocolate, dried violets, and hints of sweet vanilla…  Over-achieving at its $65 retail price, make sure to join our Insider’s Club and unlock special values.
 
Authored by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer,  this gorgeous 2013 Cabernet was sourced from a single vineyard in Wooden Valley, located near Altamura. Benefitting from 22 months in oak barrels and now with 3 years of development in the bottle, words can’t express how great this wine is drinking right now… With a mere 240 cases produced, and very few remaining, I strongly recommend grabbing yours, now. 
 
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 GEORGE’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “A prodigious wine that is intensely focused and penetrating without being cloying on the palate.  The linear construction concentrates expansive layers of red currant, animal blood and crushed blackberries with toasty sweet vanilla and supple tannins.  The perfect combination of both red and black fruits, violets, graphite and cocoa powder, all wrapped in a mouth-quenching style that makes your palate beg for another sip.” 95 Points

2016 Skryne Napa Valley Red Blend

2016 Skryne Road Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

SKRYNE ROAD

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Skryne Napa Valley Red Blend
The path to wine enlightenment can have a few bumps and rough spots along the way, but it should also be full of memories and new experiences.  Turning onto Skryne Road is like driving on a perfectly smooth road, with curves beautifully shaped, and in all the right places.  It is an absolute pleasure to explore… Wow!  One taste will make you do a brake check, so you can slow down to enjoy the seamless ride.  And while the varietals in the blend might hint at a ride through Tuscany, this wine is completely new world…  It’s created in voluptuous style, laced with holiday spices, sassafras, supple berries and black chocolates.  The blend is paved with Cabernet Sauvignon at over 70% and beautifully landscaped with Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah…
 
The name Skryne Road (pronounced screen), pays tribute to the winery owners routes and family home on Skryne Road in Ireland.  After arriving in Napa Valley in 1994 they embarked on the path towards producing a wine.  The first descriptors that come to mind when tasting this wine are riveting, deep and enchanting. You won’t believe how great this wine is…
 
SKRYNE ROAD
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $62/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Our 2016 Blend is bright with flavors of bramble-berry and black cherry combined with vanilla bean. The palate is round and supple, with fruity characteristics of raspberry jam and soft, silky tannins. Culminating with hints of peppercorn and baking spices“