2015 Il Borro ‘Toscana’ Tuscany, Italy

with No Comment $60-$70ItalyKevin VogtProprietary RedTuscanyUncategorized

IL BORRO

2015 TOSCANA
TUSCANY, ITALY

 
Moving another step closer to their goal of producing the best Bordeaux styled blend outside of Bordeaux, and with a monster 97 Point score, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Il Borro from their family estate in Tuscany simply blew me away.  Many of the same attributes that led the Ferragamo’s to become one of the top luxury brands in the world, are also key in creating a wine brand at the highest level. Like their clothing line, their wine is powerfully bold, yet gorgeously elegant and remarkably detailed. With no expense spared, the family purchased 700 hectares in Tuscany which included the hilltop town of Il Borro (depicted on the label,) which they named this flagship wine after.  While you may not want to plunk down the steep tariff for a pair of their shoes, you can board the Ferragamo train and enjoy some of their stunning wine…
 
The 2015 laces together 50% Merlot, dressed with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and is then precisely detailed with other varietals.  After meticulously hand sorting each grape, the wine is sent gravity flow into the tank where 10-20% of the juice is removed to increase concentration… James Suckling calls the 2015 the best Il Borro to date and at under $100/btl this is absolutely one of the best Tuscan wines that I’ve tasted.
 
IL BORRO
2015 TOSCANA
TUSCANY, ITALY
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
From James Suckling: “This is the best Il Borro to date with fantastic blackberry, blueberry and sandalwood aromas that follow through to a full body with masses of fruit. Yet, it remains bright and linear down the center palate. A rich and toned wine. 50 per cent merlot, 35 per cent cabernet and 15 per cent syrah…” 97 Points
 
 
Customers who enjoy Il Borro Toscana may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2013 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia 2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
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
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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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…”  98 Points

 

2014 Coho Headwaters Proprietary Red

2014 Coho ‘Headwaters’ Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40CoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

COHO

2014 HEADWATERS
PROPRIETARY RED

2014 Coho Headwaters Proprietary Red
When your flagship wine graces Top 100 lists on more than one occasion, expectations are high for another exceptional vintage.  Some wineries might choose to keep doing exactly what they’ve been doing, and others strive to get even better.  Coho chose the latter, and in their 2014 they made a pivotal move upstream by hiring Philip Titus.  There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake… The 2014 Headwaters can be described as riveting, profound and hedonist and should be strongly considered by the case at under $40… 
 
Spawning primarily from Napa Valley’s Coombsville AVA, the 2014 blend lures you in with 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, fleshed out with additions of Merlot and Petit Verdot.  After swimming for 21 months in oak, this wine benefited from nearly two years developing in the bottle and is really stunning right now.  I strongly recommend a case of this prized Napa Valley Red Blend.  It’d be a drag if you missed out…    
 
COHO
2014 HEADWATERS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 20%
 
Winery Notes: “A focused purity of gorgeous red and blue fruits infuse a core of currant and pomegranate flavors. This is an elegant wine that despite its early approachability will continue to reveal additional complexities for the next five to seven years.”
 
Customers who enjoy Coho Headwaters may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
 
2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
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. 
PETIT BATARD
2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

As the second label for Xtant, an ultra-premium producer whose reds go for $85-$175/btl,  Petit Bâtard delivers a wine of remarkably high quality, and without the lofty price tag that generally accompanies them.  With access to the same tools, techniques and terroir that go into creating their flagship wine, the 2013 Petit Bâtardmerits significant attention at $39.99. 
2015 Selene 'Chesler' Cabernet Franc

2015 Selene ‘Chesler’ Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

SELENE

2015 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC

 
2015 Selene 'Chesler' Cabernet Franc
Mia Klein’s 2015 Chesler is so ridiculously good, that once you taste it, you might end up calling me back, wanting to pay more for it.  Sure!  Anyway, Chesler has been a staple in our Yountville store since we opened, and is easily one of the best wines on the shelf in the $50 range.  It’s a profound interpretation of New World Cabernet Franc and Merlot from ancient vines in the Frediani Vineyard.  The wine was composed by Mia Klein, who has a long history of making wines for Dalla Valle, Spottswoode, Araujo, Viader, and Chappellet, as well as being named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine.  This perfectly choreographed dance between the dominant Cabernet Franc is softened by blending elegant, supple Merlot.  The 2015 Chesler engages your emotions with intense blueberry and vivid red raspberry notes pirouetting with white flowers, wild mint, chocolate and wild rose.
 
Sculpted from the historic Frediani Vineyard which was planted in 1905, Mia gives voice to the Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines from this vineyard, and the result has to be tasted to be believed.  A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot, the 2015 is full-bodied and opulent with great depth and delineation.  The Merlot adds an opulence to the Cab Franc, softening any hard edges that might have otherwise existed, and the end result is simply stunning.  Don’t let this one ski by…
 
SELENE
2015 CHESLER
CABERNET FRANC
Retails at:  $50/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Mixed berry pie, complete with crisp, buttery crust, dark chocolate dipped fresh strawberry, and light caramel in the aromatics. The aromas come through with impact and intensity in the mouth, especially the fresh strawberry. The tannins are just a half step in the foreground of the other flavors, showing a bit of chewiness, acting as the mortar cementing the parts into the whole.”  85% Cabernet Franc | 15% Merlot
2016 Booker My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Red

2016 Booker ‘My Favorite Neighbor’ Proprietary Red

with No Comment $70-$80Central CoastKevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

BOOKER

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
2016 PROPRIETARY RED

2016 Booker My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Red
When you surround yourself with the absolute best producers in Paso Robles, your odds at creating a successful wine brand increase exponentially.  Just look at Eric Jensen of Booker, who’s favorite neighbors include Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Wines, one of Paso’s most elite growers and winemakers.  Eric also worked worked with Justin Smith of SAXUM for five years, building the skills necessary to be a top player in Paso Robles.  Combine that with Jensen’s incredible farming skills, where his entire vineyard is farmed biodynamically, and he has everything it takes to be one of the greats.  Stacking up high 90’s scores like their going out of style, Booker produces wines that rank among the best not only in Paso Robles but in all of California.  They’re not easy to come by and with the 95-97 point score, I wouldn’t wait… 
 
The blend on the 2016 is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced with Syrah and Petite Verdot.  On the palate the wine is deeply seductive, balanced and long.  Each case has four unique labels, which adds to the excitement this wine puts forth.  If you’re interested in experiencing one of the best examples from Paso Robles, don’t miss the 2016 My Favorite Neighbor.  This wine will change minds, and make you an instant fan of this growing wine region, if you’re not already there.  
 
BOOKER
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl
 
From Jeb Dunnuck: “Still in barrel, the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated 2016 My Favorite Neighbor offers smokin’ notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, licorice, smoke tobacco, and hints of violets. With full-bodied are still fresh, chalky, moderately tannic, elegant and lengthy red. One of the leaders of the Paso wine scene is undoubtedly Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyard (I’ve affectionately called this group the motley crew before). Jensen and his wife Lisa purchased these 72 acres in 2001, with their wines released in 2005. Since then, the wines have evolved from uber rich and forward, to today where they’re more polished, complete and structured. Looking at his 2015s, which Jensen compared to his 2010 and 2013s, they show the more elegant style of the vintage, yet pack plenty of fruit and texture. His 2016s are certainly bigger wines, yet have plenty of tannin and a focused style on the palate which I suspect will benefit from short term cellaring. In addition to his Rhône variety releases and blends, it’s worth pointing out the quality coming from his Cabernet Sauvignons as well. These are seriously good wines!” 
95-97 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Booker My Favorite Neighbor may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red 2013 Behren's Family The Collector Proprietary Red
KEEVER 
2013 INSPIRADO 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Aromas of dark purple berries, mulling spices, toasted hazelnuts and wild anise waft from the glass when one swirls this ripe, complex Bordeaux-style blend.  On the palate, the wine shows a texture of dark chocolate; thick and rich with just enough textural grip to add a sense of youth to the finish.  Multi-layered sensations of toast, vanilla, ripe fruit and mineral notes weave themselves through the palate impression, with a lingering sense of ripe, intense cassis.”
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 87% | Merlot 11%  | Malbec 2%
BEHRENS FAMILY 
2013 THE COLLECTOR
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon the Collector, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petite Sirah and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, reminds me of a big, rich Petite Sirah. That explains the 30% of that variety, but it seems to dominate the blend. Beautiful blueberry and black raspberry fruit, extremely extracted and rich, but not rustic by any means, this is a big, dense, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-wall black/purple red wine to drink over the next 20-25 years.”  94+ Points
2016 Dubois Bernard Chorey-Les-Beaune Clos Margot Red Burgandy
with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyFranceKevin VogtRed Burgandy

DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS 

2016 Dubois Bernard Chorey-Les-Beaune Clos Margot Red Burgandy

2016 CLOS MARGOT
CHOREY LES BEAUNE
RED BURGUNDY

 
Uncovering value in one of Burgundy’s most sought after vintages can make you lots of friends…  It’s as simple as uncorking a bottle of 2016 Chorey-les-Beaune Clos Margot from Dubois Bernard & Fils.  Just make sure you have a second bottle on hand because this wine opens up to irresistible velvety red fruits, subtle spices, and classic Burgundian flavors that induce an immediate smile.  The wine originates from 30+ year old Pinot Noir Vines, grown in a single vineyard in the Chorey-Lès-Beaune in Burgundy’s iconic Côte de Beaune region. 90% of Chorey-Lès-Beaune production is Pinot Noir, and in a vintage like 2016, there are some seriously great wines.  At $34.99 per bottle, you’ll want a case of this… 
 
Domaine Dubois Bernard is a microscopic producer in Chorey-Les Beaune, owning less than 18 acres of vineyards.   It’s owned by 5th generation winemaker Jacques Dubois who works to produce terroir-pure wines form their tiny parcels.  Their 2016 Clos Margot comes from a 5 hectare vineyard, planted in clay and limestone soils with just 77 centimeters of soil, before hitting pure limestone.  The wine is remarkably expressive, soft and velvety with lovely depth and persistence…  It’s absolutely delicious and overachieves at this price. 
 
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS
2016 CLOS MARGOT
CHOREY LES BEAUNE
RED BURGUNDY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 12%
 
Tasting Notes: “Aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and violet. Lythe and silky, offering expressive flavors of blueberry, licorice and spices.”
 
Customers that enjoy Dubois Bernard & Fils Clos Margot Red Burgundy, may also enjoy these two terrific wines..
2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas 2015 Domaine Tortochot Morey-Saint-Denis Red Burgandy
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
DOMAINE TORTOCHOT
MOREY-SAINT-DENIS
2015 RED BURGUNDY
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis from Domaine Tortochot was matured in toasty French oak and has an elegant, fresh, yet minerally bouquet with wild forest mushrooms and white flower scents swirling through the red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with subtle tannins, supple blackberry and delicate raspberry fruit. It then finishes with a very pretty touch of cola and hints of sweet vanilla during the very satisfying, complex finish.”
2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2015 CRU⁹ See You in Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

CRU⁹

2015 CRU9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS

Thinking of wine brands that best reflect the best of what I’m always looking for, CRU⁹ is a reference standard.  With pristine balance and lovely detail, when I first tasted their Pinot it was love at first taste…  Truth be told, if I could tell you the vineyard source for this tiny 200 case production Pinot you would likely top off your cellar immediately.  However, with a non-disclosure agreement in place, the fruit source remains a secret… but one taste (and your ensuing grin) will tell you everything you really need to know.  The instant this wine touches your palate, the energetic detail and definition lets you know you’re getting into something special…
 
With a complete production of just 8 barrels, the 2015 models precisely what I look for in absolute top-level Russian River Valley Pinot, with vivid red fruits, crushed blueberries, beautifully integrated wild rose, spiced cola beans and tea.  Notably, CRU⁹ also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more).  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU⁹, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  At $50/btl this Pinot truly has it all, and you’re going to want it all. 
 
Make sure to join our email list and unlock special offers…
 
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 
 
Customers that enjoy CRU⁹’s Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from CRU⁹…
 
2016 CRU9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 CRU9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
CRU⁹
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
AS EVER…
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom,  citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years...”

93 Points,  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
CRU⁹
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes, “CRU⁹ Stop Talking Cabernet 2015 has a deep purple color offering a penetrating nose of crushed blackberries, bing cherry, deep black currants scorched minerally earth and hints of cinnamon spice box.  A stunning example that is penetrating and focused with a taught, broad shouldered structure and linear style, balanced with concentrated red and black fruits and dusty tannins that cut a swath across your palate and lingers on and on.  Drink now through 2028.” 
95 Points Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2015 MISC Mixed 15 Pack

2015 Misc. Two Barrel Production Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonDiamond MountainHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUncategorizedUSA

MISC.

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON(S)
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
OAKVILLE | HOWELL MTN | DIAMOND MTN

2015 MISC Mixed 15 Pack
In a debate over whether micro-produced wines have the potential to be better than those with larger production, there are several points to look at.  When a winemaker can focus his or her abilities on just a few barrels of wine, they’re able to truly guide the wine from grape all the way to bottle, focusing on every minute detail.   For winemaker Grant Long Jr, the idea that he could hand-select only two barrels of each wine, from each chosen appellation with its own set of unique flavors and textures, and then focus on them individually to create epic wines at a whole new level is what inspired him to create misc.
 
Each of these top-level Cabernet Sauvignons from Oakville, Howell Mountain and Diamond Mountain, have a level of quality rarely available, and usually only found in wines produced on this macro-scale.  After spending around 20 months in French oak barrels they’ve developed flavors that are incredibly deep and compelling, yet sensual and pure… Each an idyllic expression of their origin, and with just two barrels of each wine produced, I strongly recommend adding a case to your cellar.  You’ll be glad you did…
 
 
 
 
2015 MISC Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 MISC Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 MISC Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 OAKVILLE
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes: “Located on the eastern side of this infamous appellation, the vineyard provides a great combination of terroir that serves as the backbone of this wine. Notes of blueberry and cola are enriched by undertones of crushed herbs and lavender. Meanwhile hints of roasted fig and mulberry land on the palate as luscious tannins offer a relentless finish.“
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 HOWELL MTN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes: “Located high above the fog line of Napa Valley, this clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in a distinctive appellation. Minimal cluster counts of this vintage, combined with concentrated small berries, resulted in a classic big mountain Cabernet. Notes of blueberry, black cherry, violet and hibiscus are at the forefront. Hints of chocolate and cola round out the palate with a flattering texture and tannin structure.”
MISC.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 DIAMOND MTN
TWO BARREL PRODUCTION
 
Your Price: $95/btl

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Winery Notes: “These grapes were grown on the highest vineyard on Diamond Mountain. Harvest was low yield and the more appellation characteristics of black cherry and chocolate were concentrated in this vintage. The bouquet flourishes in red fruit, pipe tobacco and rose petals.  Undertones of cedar box spice and mint.  Finishes with lush tannin and fruit preserves.” 
2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. ‘Cuttings’ Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

PRISONER WINE CO.

2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Prisoner Wine Co. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon
As the big, masculine brother to the popular Prisoner blend, the 2015 Cuttings is a larger-than-life Cabernet Sauvignon that immediately grabs you with decadent levels of richness and unbridled depth.  Hailing from high-elevation vineyards, including Bella Vista, Obsidian Ridge, and the York Creek Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.  Bursting with intense mulberries, unsweetened blackberry cobbler, decadent creme de cassis and forest floor, at $39.99/btl this is a wine that truly has it all.  
 
A forever frontrunner on our tasting menu in Yountville, the 2015 is built around a core of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel.  The 2015 has already won Best of Class in the $55-$58.99 Cabernet category at the San Francisco Chronicle and at $39.99/btl it will completely redefine what you may have thought possible for Cabernet at this price point… Created in an extravagant and velvety style, plush tannins blanket your palate ushering forth a finish that lasts for more than 30 seconds…
 
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Inspired by the age-old method of using cuttings from idyllic sites for the propagation of new vines, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of our favorite hillside vineyards. Cuttings combines the deep, intense flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon with the structure and richness of Petite Sirah and Syrah. A small amount of Zinfandel adds a nice layer of complexity and spiciness.  Deliciously smooth with flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, and cocoa. Aromas of fresh roasted coffee, black currant, vanilla bean, brown spice, and wild berries.”
2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMt VeederNapaUSA

MAYACAMAS 

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER, NAPA VALLEY

2013 Mayacamas Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon
Mayacamas has been producing hits since the 1950’s, and it would take a pivotal move to stand-out above their incredible past accomplishments.  Mayacamas Estate made that move in 2013 when they hired Andy Erickson as winemaker.  Andy made Screaming Eagle from 2005-2010 producing two perfect 100 Point Wines.  Beyond that, he also assisted in making wine at Harlan Estate as well as crafting wines for Ovid, Arietta, Staglin, Dalla Valle and his own label Favia.  Commemorating his first vintage with twin 97 Point Scores, if you collect Napa Valley’s finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, don’t miss this release…
 
Created from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  grown near the top of Mount Veeder, Mayacamas stands out among other top Cabernets for their unique use of neutral oak barrels.  This wine spends a total of 32 months in neutral oak, which helps to preserve the wines natural favors and expressive terroir without taking a back seat to the oak itself.  They produce some of the most classically-styled, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley and this vintage marks a rebirth that any serious collector must have…   
 
MAYACAMAS 
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOUNT VEEDER, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $150.00/btl
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 20% 
 
“This is slightly more opulent than other vintages of Mayacamas with tile, slate, dark fruits and flowers such as roses. Full body, firm and luscious tannins. Lots of sage and lavender undertones. Best ever from here? First wine from new owners. Reserved extravagance.“
 97 Points
“… Virile, imposing and massively structured in the glass… The flavors are dark, bold and incisive, with potent tannins and a real feeling of gravitas to back things up. Black cherry, game, smoke, gravel and licorice add to an impression of brooding intensity….” 
 
97 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
 
2015 Nickel & Nickel CC Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Eisele AltaGracia Cabernet Sauvignon
NICKEL & NICKEL
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
CC RANCH, RUTHERFORD
Retails at: $120.00/btl
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon C C Ranch Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm blackberries and blueberry compote with hints of cedar chest, mocha and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it is velvety and elegant with lovely perfume and great persistence.”  95+ Points
EISELE
2014 ALTAGRACIA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $135.00/btl
 
 
From James Suckling: “Lots of sweet-tobacco, currant and coffee character, yet this remains refined and subtle. Mushroom undertones. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a velvety texture. Complex and fascinating. Spanish cedar all the way. Better in 2019.”  96 Points
2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

with No Comment $30 and underFranceGrenacheKevin VogtRhone Valley

PAUL JABOULET AINÉ2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Pierre Aiguille Gigondas

2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE 

 
Paul Jaboulet Aîné is considered by many to be one of the greatest producers in the Rhone Valley in France.  You’ll even find their 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle included on the Wine Spectator’s list of the top 12 wines of last Century, alongside Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Chateau d’Yquem and other absolutely iconic wines.  Jaboulet’s 2013 Gigondas  Pierre Aiguille made a lasting impression on me at our recent tasting.  I was struck by the overall balance of the wine, and intermixed were classic notes of white pepper, vivid red berries, subtle smoke and wild game.  Gigondas is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France where Grenache is reigns superior.  If you’re looking for an easy drinking, classic Rhone red wine to enjoy, this is it… Especially at under thirty bucks… 
 
The Pierre Aiguille is a textbook combination of 80% Grenache blended with equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre and comes from nearly 1/2 century old vines grown in the shadows of Les Dentelles de Montmirail.  In the glass, the wine opens up to wild berries, liquid floral, cured meats and subtle woodsmoke.  The wine is firm and persistent with plenty of well integrated, finely grained tannins that support the plush, round mouthfeel.  At $27.99, you may want to get enough to share.    
 
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
 
Customers who enjoy Paul Jaboulet Ainé Pierre Aiguille Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
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.
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points