2014 Lavau Gigondas

2014 Lavau Gigondas Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtProprietary RedRhone ValleyRhone ValleyUncategorized

LAVAU

2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE

2014 Lavau Gigondas
As much as I love the innovative and forward styles of New World GSM blends (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre), I’m equally drawn to the complexity, depth and character found in Old World GSM blends, which originated in the Rhone region in Southern France as early as 600BC.  With trials and tribulations that spanning hundreds of years, many of the best wines in the Old World give you that feeling of antiquity and historical relevance when you taste them.  That feeling rushed over me the moment I tasted Lavau’s 2014 Gigondas.  After all the family has been making wine for in the Rhone Valley for 5 generations…  At $29.99/btl this is a wonderful introduction into the magic of Gigondas.
 
The 2014 Lavau combines 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre co-fermented and aged in French Oak and vats for a full year before bottling.  Many consider Gigondas to be the little brother to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the wines offer incredible value.  I highly recommend a case of Lavau…
 
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
“Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.”  90 Points
“A ripe, polished style, with rounded raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry confiture flavors that stay fresh and focused, picking up light violet, lavender and anise notes through the finish. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Lavau Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Blends…
0215 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $29/btl

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Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Vinous, “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.”
 90 Points
2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUncategorizedWillamette Valley

IRIS

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot NoirPINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON

 
What does it mean when a wine that we can offer at $17 earns Double Gold in the $24-$27.99 Pinot Noir Category at The San Francisco Chronicle Competition, which is the largest competition of American wines in the world?  In short, it means make some room in the cellar, because a Double Gold is equivalent to a unanimous rating by all of the judges.  All wines at the SF Chronicle competition are tasted blind, and wines that earn a gold medal are then tasted again the next day. A wine that receives a gold medal from EVERY judge is awarded a Double Gold… When a $17 bottle defeats all of the other wines in a category filled with Pinots in the mid twenties, it gets my attention.  When our panel tasted the 2014 Iris Pinot Noir we unanimously agreed that it was special and we couldn’t wait to share it with you.   
 
Emerging from one of Oregon’s greatest vintages, rivaling the historic 2008 and 2012 vintages, the 2014’s offer the best of both years.  The 2014 Iris Pinot Noir is brimming with concentrated red berries, liquid floral, sassafras and wild plum.  This Pinot was brought to life by talented Pinot artist Aaron Lieberman-who has over a decade of experience in Oregon winemaking at notables such as Owen Roe and Isabelle Dutartre.  At $17/btl, this wine will make any Pinot lover smile. 
 
IRIS
PINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON
Retails at:  $24/btl
 
Your Price: $17/btl
YOU SAVE 29%
 
Winery Notes: “Showcasing aromas of raspberry, cranberry, salmonberry and wet stone; this refreshing wine offers a perky acidity, crisp tannins, and a smooth finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Iris Willamette Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 

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Brought to life by Drew Huffine, whose experience includes working with many elite Pinot Noir producers including Kosta Browne, DuMOL, Auteur, Copain and Donum, the 2017 was conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Black Pine, you already know what to expect… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 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. 
2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

SAILOR’S GRAVE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
I love seeing nice guys in the wine industry achieve success with their brand, and even more than watching their journey to success… I love tasting their wines.  When we first introduced Sailor’s Grave a few years ago, we knew we were onto something special. The wine went on to sell hundreds of cases over the next few vintages with continual re-orders and countless glowing comments. Truth-be-told the 2016 vintage is at an entirely new level and for a winemaker, this has got to be what success tastes like.  We taste a lot of wines, and last week was a particularly large tasting with over 100 wines. Sailor’s Grave 2016 was the top performer and at $29.99, you may want to stock up on this new vintage before it also sails away.  
 
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 resit diving in for another sip… another glass and another.  
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
YOU SAVE 25%
 
Winery Notes: “The inky black 2016 Sailor’s Grave Cabernet Sauvignon entices from the start with aromas of cassis, cranberry, violets, and blackberries, with a touch of pipe tobacco. In the mouth, the wine is well structured, and fills the mouth with flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and freshly roasted coffee with a touch of malted chocolate. This wine is stunning and ready to drink now, and will reward those with the patience to cellar it for a few years.“
Cabernet Sauvignon 76% | Merlot 19% | Petit Verdot 2% | Cabernet Franc 2% | Petite Sirah 1%
 
Customers who enjoy Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
 
2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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One of my favorite results that comes from tasting a new wine, is one that makes me do a double-take simply because the taste exceeds my expectations for the price.  The 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet made me do just that.  Performing well above its weight class for value Napa Cabernet, this undisputed champion hailing from Napa Valley dances inside a tightly wound core, threaded with chocolate covered cherries, blackcurrants, unground coffee bean and cedar spice.
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 NAPA VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Sailing into their 2016 vintage,  Fortune1621 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. 
2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt HelenaUSA

LETO 

EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Have you ever tasted a “reserve level” wine from a given winery and thought that it was very similar to the winery’s standard offering?  Me too, but this wine is the polar opposite of that scenario… Leto only produces their Exceptional Selection when the wine is “unusually excellent” and dramatically differs from their other bottling of Cabernet.  This wine is deeper, richer and more powerful and fulfills every desire that one would have in an upper echelon Cabernet Sauvignon. The Exceptional Selection comes from a micro-block of 1/2 century old vines in the heart of St Helena.  The vineyard has been farmed by the same family for over 100 years…  At $150/btl this wine oozes majestic flavors and superior quality… It’s quite simply one of the best Napa Cabernets that I’ve come across at our price. 
 
Brad Warner, owner and winemaker has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, and it shows in this classically styled, deep and hauntingly penetrating wine.  A mere 3 barrels of Exceptional Selection were produced and after developing for 24 months in oak, the wine is marked by hauntingly intense aromas, intertwined with pressed blackberries, black expresso beans, vivid floral and Baker’s chocolate.  With 70 cases produced in total, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
LETO 
EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $150/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “It always amazes me when a wine can be both deep and brooding, yet light on its feet, without being heavy or overly sweet on the palate.  The depth on the nose starts immediately with fresh crushed blackberries, exotic black currants, toasty oak, pipe tobacco, a hint of fresh green herbs and spring flowers.  The deep palate begins with sweet black raspberries and ripe black plum, followed by secondary characteristics that include cocoa dusted chocolate, combined with sweet fruit tannins that perfectly balance the fruit. Absolutely stunning to drink now, but this will gorgeous for a decade or more to come.”  97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

FAUST 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Faust can be described as the next generation in classic Napa Valley Cabernet that’s a go-to on restaurant wine lists, in a similar way that old-school producers Heitz and Stags Leap have been for many years.  Created in Quintessa’s state-of-the-art winery in Rutherford, Faust’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has superior focus and unleashes a bounty of exquisite aromas infused with opulent black fruits, melted chocolate, graphite and crushed rock.  Created from the winery’s estate vineyards in Coombsville and Rutherford, combined with additions of Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain resulting in diverse flavors that continually unfurl new components with aeration.  At under $50 per bottle this is absolutely one of Napa Valleys best values in Cabernet Sauvignon.  
 
Pre-fermentation, the grapes are hand-sorted twice with full-attention to every detail.  Optimizing technology, Quintessa uses a gravity-flow method where are grapes are gently crushed on the winery roof before making their way to the fermentation room below using the force of gravity.  This provides a gentler, more grape friendly approach to winemaking and the results simply need to be tasted to be appreciated.
 
FAUST 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 vintage is a fierce reminder of why we love what we do, as it extended a run of five remarkable vintages in the Napa Valley. Even temperatures throughout the growing season produced excellent clusters, resulting in a bold and powerful wine. Fans of the 2015 Faust will love the 2016, with notes of dark chocolate, blue and black fruit, and dried herbs balanced by silky tannins and lifting acidity.“
 
Customers who enjoy Faust Napa Valley Cabernet enjoy these terrific wines from Huneeus Vintners…
 
2015 Quintessa Proprietary Red 2015 Faust Graffitti Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5 Ltr Magnum 
QUINTESSA
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $174.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Aromas of blue fruits, blackberries, tile and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Layered and intense with white-pepper and salt undertones. Love the finish to this racy young wine. Beautiful blue fruits! Drink in 2020 and onwards. From biodynamic grapes.” 97 Points
FAUST 
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“GRAFFITI EDITION” MAGNUM
 
Your Price: $99.99/(1.5L)

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A barrel sample, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored, with a decadent cassis, baked blackberries and plum preserves-scented nose, plus hints of spice cake, cedar and Marmite toast. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and wonderfully spicy in the mouth, it has velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long”  92-94 Points
2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino

with No Comment $60-$70BrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

LIVIO SASSETTI

2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
If you could only drink only one Brunello di Montalcino, what would it be?  Robert Parker wrote “it would have to be Pertimali.”  The only problem is they’re a microscopic Italian producer owning only 7 hectares (about 17 acres), and they’re highly-desired…  That desire turns into more of a frenzy when Pertimali scores 98 Points like it has this vintage, and we don’t expect our allocation to last.  Seldom do I taste a wine that’s so incredibly enthralling that it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up… This one did and Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest,” and they’ve been making hits since 1982…  With the near perfect score this vintage, my only guarantee is that once you taste it, you will wish you bought more…
 
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their Brunello has become a Sommelier favorite, gracing the Grand Award winning wine lists of Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller and many others as well…  Because of the minuscule production, there’s simply never enough of this wine to satisfy demand.  I strongly recommend securing your case, before this one runs out…
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI 
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 12%
 
From James Suckling: “This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty. Better after 2021 but already a joy to taste.” 98 Points

 

Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2013 Parusso Barolo Bussia 2013 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia
PARUSSO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here…” 97 Points
ALDO CONTERNO 
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “...Shows a beautiful complexity of ripe fruit such as cherries as well as orange peel undertones with lemon and pineapple highlights. Medium body and well-defined tannins.”  96 Points
2015 Hoopla The Mutt Proprietary Red

2015 Hoopla ‘The Mutt’ Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

HOOPLA

2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY

2015 Hoopla The Mutt Proprietary Red
What’s all the hoopla about with this wine? Hoopla’s Napa Valley Red Blend “The Mutt” might be a mixed breed, but if you follow the lineage, I think you’ll find it’s from some doggone good stock…  After all, the producer Hoopes Ranch does own 35 acres in Oakville… They also produce Reds from Howell Mountain and The Muttis a cross-breed of barrels that didn’t go into Hoopes purebred bottlings that range $50-$100/btl…  On the palate the wine offers a lush coat of smooth dark berries and slightly dusty tannins, intertwined with spice box, subtle cigar, and absolutely no bite.  At $23/btl it might just become man’s second best friend…
 
This delicious crossbreed combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and was harnessed in oak barrels for 18 months. This lively offering is now calming and comforting with layers of fruit, intertwined with subtle spices, un-sweetened blackberry pie filling, plum and toasty oak.  Don’t let this one escape…
 
HOOPLA 
2015 THE MUTT 
PROPRIETARY RED 
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $25/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “This Napa Valley Red Blend exemplifies that big 2015 concentration. The aromas are rich and inviting with juicy blackberry, violet, and anise lending layered complexity. The mid-palate is full and plummy with a touch of toasted oak. This structured yet smooth wine finishes with hints of cola and vanilla.”
 

Customers who enjoy Hoopla’s The Mutt may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…

2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red
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
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
 
Your Price: $23/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.”  92 – 95 Points  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountian Pinot Noir

2016 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

ORRIN-SAGE

2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN

2016 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountian Pinot Noir
A common thread linking many of the top wines that we’ve discovered is that most of them sold out before many of you got to try them.  Those are usually the wines that are the easiest to describe and I believe our excitement over them is contagious. Orrin-Sage Pinot Noir defines that statement and based on the flurry of gushing comments and attempted re-orders, many of you felt just as strongly about the wine as we did.  This remarkable expression of Pinot Noir was was expertly made by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.  It’s absolutely one of the best Pinots in the shop under fifty per bottle and the 2016 shouldn’t be missed.  
 
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.  You’ll feel like you stole something after you taste it.
 
ORRIN-SAGE
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This stunning Pinot Noir starts with a penetrating nose of bright red plum, intermingling with wet stone, hints of fresh sage leaf and lavender. The focused, compact palate is linear in style with a brilliant blend of tart red cherry, ripe pomegranate, crushed raspberry, red currant, blueberry compote and zingy acidity that cuts a swath across your palate and leaves you begging for more. The finish is long, satisfying and expansive with perfect balance and elegance. Highly recommended.“
95 Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
2015 Cru9 See You In Your Dreams Pinot Noir
 2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Pinot Noir
CRU9
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A sweetly perfumed Pinot Noir with a compellingly sultry nose of dried violets, ripe raspberries, tart red cherries, spiced cola beans and dried green tea.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with crushed blueberries, tart cranberry, candied lime peel and an exceptionally long finish that lasts for over a minute.  An exceptional effort that drinks great now, but will age gracefully for years… Drink now through 2024.” 94+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRANDVENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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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…”
97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red

2017 Vista Rutherford Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

VISTA 

2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD

2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red
How do you get an incredible Rutherford Cabernet Blend for $23? Frankly, you don’t, unless something unusual happens… Originally intended to be a Single Vineyard Cabernet, a winemaking miscommunication led to some barrels from other high-end projects getting accidentally blended into the same tank.  The result is an absolutely stunning Rutherford Blend that needs a new home… When I first tasted this wine I was asked to estimate the retail price with no information other than what was on the label.  After considering the focused and penetrating red fruits, classic Rutherford dust characteristics and long, pleasant finish, my number was $75-$95/btl… Turns out it was $95, had it been finished as a single vineyard Rutherford Cabernet.  This wine will undoubtedly leave countless fans wanting more, however there is a finite number of cases made and when it’s gone, it’s gone for good.  If you look for value Reds from Napa Valley, I strongly recommend that you double or even triple down on this one…
 
Originating from Rutherford, an area long celebrated for its exceptional terroir and dusty tannins, this wine embodies many of  the hallmarks that I look for in Rutherford Cabernet. Predominately Cabernet, heightened with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2017 saturates your palate in seductive red berries laced with dried lavender, red currants, iron, and Rutherford dust.  In my career I’ve only come across one other scenario similar to this one… Don’t wait for the next one and stock up on a case or two of this Rutherford Blend.  
 
VISTA 
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.“
92 – 95 Points  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2015 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS

2015 BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 
With Napa Valley history embedded deep into it’s DNA, Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve is a timeless classic that embodies every quality that makes Rutherford so wondrous.  The vineyard blocks that go into this wine were planed in the early 1900’s, with the first vintage of 1936 Georges de Latour Private Reserve released in 1940 in honor of the winery founder’s passing.  Under the guidance of one of the world’s most iconic winemakers, Andre Tchelistcheff, BV built on a reputation of excellence and achievements.  Now, nearly 80 vintages later Georges de Latour is still turning heads and after the previous vintage earned 97 Points from Robert Parker, I wouldn’t wait for the scores to come out on the 2015 vintage before securing yours…
 
Enchanting, profound and deeply hedonistic all come to mind when tasting the 2015.  This vintage was made in the winery’s new state-of-the-art facility and it perfectly combines time-honored traditions with modern technologies.  Birthed from the iconic BV Ranches Numbers 1 and 2, originally planted by Georges de Latour in the early 1900’s… The 2015 is built around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon and heightened with a small amount of Petit Verdot and Merlot, the 2015 screams Rutherford Cabernet.  I highly recommend a case.
 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $145.00/btl
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl
YOU SAVE 17%
 
Winery Notes: “The 2015 vintage influenced our signature Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by crafting a wine small in yield, but mighty in concentration, depth and elegance.  The bouquet shows beautiful freshness with a cascade of red and dark berry fruit notes followed by hints of rose petal and violet.  Rich, with a full-bodied structure on the palate, the wine is complex and expressive, revealing layers of blackcurrant, bright raspberry, dark cherry and cassis, followed by hints of cedar, cinnamon, clove and mocha. Plush tannins support the expansive palate, while impeccably balanced acidity adds vibrancy and freshness. Well integrated notes of vanilla and toasted oak spices – from aging in new French oak barrels – heighten the aromas and linger on the finish. To enjoy this wine at its full potential, we recommend at least five years of bottle aging; however if you can’t wait, decant before serving.”
 
Customers who enjoy BV Georges de Latour Cabernet enjoy these two Reds…
2014 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
 2015 Quintessa Proprietary Red
SILVER OAK
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl 

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QUINTESSA
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $174.99/btl 

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“Aromas of blue fruits, blackberries, tile and lead pencil. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Layered and intense with white-pepper and salt undertones. Love the finish to this racy young wine. Beautiful blue fruits! Drink in 2020 and onwards. From biodynamic grapes.” 97 Points