2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

SAILOR’S GRAVE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Some of my favorite wine discoveries are those that naturally go on to sell hundreds of cases in just a couple vintages.  It’s a concrete affirmation proving that what we felt when we first tasted the wine resonated and was felt by almost everyone who tries it.  Sailor’s Grave’s Napa Valley Cabernet did just that.  And with its origins in Yountville, Oakville and Chiles Valley, combined with a price-point that makes you smile, it was the quality of the wine that propelled constant re-orders… to the tune of several hundred cases sold in only 2 vintages.  Everybody who’s tasted this wine knows how great of a value it is and for those who haven’t, it’s not too late.  At 25% below the winery retail you may want to stock up on this new vintage before it also sails away.  
Inspired by Matthew Pozzan’s grandfather, a Merchant Marine who traveled around the world visiting exotic ports.  At each port, a new tattoo would symbolize the struggles that he’d been through. The 2015 unfurls intense aromas of black raspberries, spring flowers, espresso roast, black chocolates.  Washing over the palate with dark berries, creme de cassis and camphor, deliciously governed by the wines voluptuous, rich texture.  Kept for 20 months in oak barrels, magnificent flavors cascade over your palate and tattoo a lasting impression in your mind…
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
YOU SAVE 25% 
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2015 Sailor’s Grave is Napa Valley Cabernet in its purest expression. Aromas leap out of the glass – tobacco, cassis, blueberries, and bright red cherry. The mouth is creamy and expansive, with layers of boysenberry, milk chocolate covered cherries, and Tahitian vanilla bean. The palate is truly finessed, with a lovely integration of French oak to the wine’s structure and flavor. The sweet smoke of lightly charred oak lingers throughout the lengthy finish.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 90% | Malbec 5% | Petite Sirah 3%| Petit Verdot 2% 

 

 

Customers that enjoy Sailor’s Grave Napa Valle Cabernet  may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sparkman Holler Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
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.
SPARKMAN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 HOLLER
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
Sparking an intense love affair with Washington Wines with just a single taste, when we first offered Sparkman’s 2013 Holler Cabernet two years ago we knew it would induce one of those where have you been all my life moments…  Later that year it went on to rank #21 in the world on the Wine Spectator Top 100 and even outscored icons like Screaming Eagle at more than 25 times its price. 
2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

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

CROSSBARN

2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS

2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
The short-list of the world’s top consulting winemakers is small, and many would argue that Paul Hobbs should be at the top.  To me, the most clear-cut reason for him being there is simply that people love his wines…  Forbes calls Paul the Steve Jobs of wine, referencing his ardent exactitude of winemaking and he’s clearly one of the most innovative and gifted winemakers.  The Forbes article also notes, that Hobbs was twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker.  While we offer many wines that Paul Hobbs touches, we don’t often have the opportunity to feature one of his own… This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
Created in a deep, plush and penetrating style, and sourced from a selection of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the 2015 Crossbarn Pinot is really easy to love.  This is a wonderful introduction to Paul Hobbs wines and at $36/btl and ground shipping included on 15, don’t miss it.   
 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
Your Price:   $36/btl
 
 
“Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of crushed black and red cherries with hints of game, mossy tree bark and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors, framed by velvety tannins, finishing with great purity.”  90 Points 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is plump, juicy and forward, with tons of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and spice notes. Succulent and racy, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains juicy.”  90 Points
“… Aromas of crushed violet, Chinese tea, ripe raspberry, currant and musk are seamlessly echoed on a silky yet structured palate resplendent with wild berry, fresh cherry, blood orange and a hint of spice. A long, energetic finish turns somewhat nostalgic with the reminiscence of warm, tart, cherry pie.”  92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.”  93 Points, Editor’s Choice
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”  93 Points
2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSA

ENOS 

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

“Incomum” is defined as uncommon or unusual, and the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Enos is just that… Uncommon is finding a $75 Napa Valley Cabernet  that drinks as great as this wine. Unusual is the unique set of flavors and nuances that have resonated with so many of you. It’s become one of our most loved and reordered wines and now that this vintage is almost gone, I wanted to give you one last opportunity to order some before it completely disappears. Robert Parker predicts the wine will be “reasonably long lived given its bright acidity, but it’s delicious now as well….”
 
Enticing you with a burst of pure, super-ripe fruit, laced with bay leaf, black cherry, cigar tobacco, blackberry tart, incense and plenty of crème de cassis, this wine is singing right now.  Authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate, the 2012 Enos Incomum cascades over your palate with massive fruit and terrific clarity, as wave after wave of pure red fruits, crème de cassis, graphite and earth tease your palate with an infinite loop of vibrant flavors.  I highly recommend a case… 
 
ENOS 
2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “With a tantalizing nose that pulls you in, this complex and penetrating expression has an unusual depth yet a sultry elegance combined with a laser like clarity.  It is a fresh and vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon that offers sweet black cherries, cassis berries, Spring flowers, pencil lead and sweet vanilla. It is also deep, powerful and penetratingly expansive with a finish that lasts over a minute.” 
94 Points, Master Sommelier Kevin M. Vogt
2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon

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

BERNARD MAGREZ

BECKSTOFFER DR. CRANE
2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2011 Bernard Magrez Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet SauvignonThe synchronicity between esteemed winemaker Benoit Touquette and Beckstoffer’s iconic Dr. Crane Vineyard is powerful and absolutely indisputable… Benoit is responsible for multiple 100 points from this very vineyard as the winemaker at Realm.  And as one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated heritage vineyards, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane produced single vineyard Cabernets from Paul Hobbs, Realm and Myriad to list a few.  Nearly all Cabernet from this hallowed ground ranges from $175 to over $500/btl…
Saturating, intense, generous, lovely… these would all be perfect descriptors for the 2011 Bernard Magrez.  There’s also something magical that often happens right around five years in the bottle.  This wine has a fully developed, intense and hedonistic bouquet that can only come from bottle age.  It has focused, powerful intensity and scrumptious texture, that has to be experienced to be believed.   I strongly recommend adding some of this gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon to your cellar. 
 
BERNARD MAGREZ
BECKSTOFFER DR. CRANE
2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $175/btl
 
 
From Vinous: “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard from Bernard Magrez is another impressive wine for the year. Long, persistent and intense, the 2011 stands out for its focus and energy. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, sweet French oak and leather flow through to the layered, finish. The sweet, floral notes so typical of the 337 Cabernet clone present in Dr. Crane ring out on the finish.” 92 Points
 
Customers that enjoy the Bernard Magrez Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet, may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
 
2010 Harris Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Jones Family The Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon
HARRIS ESTATE
2010 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JAKE’S CREEK VINEYARD
Retails at:  $140.00/btl
Your Price: $119.99/btl 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “Dark cherries, plums, menthol, licorice and flowers all come together in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Jake’s Creek Vineyard. There is plenty of intensity in the glass as this full-bodied, opulent wine shows off its considerable personality. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. Readers will have to be patient with the 2010 Jake’s Creek, but it is striking, even today. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.”   94 Points
JONES FAMILY 
2013 THE SISTERS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
With nearly two dozen perfect 100 Point wines, Thomas Brown is a dominating force in Cabernet Sauvignon and he’s truly at the top of his game Packed with supple, concentrated red cherry, deep black raspberry, pomegranate, graphite and a touch of sweet vanilla oak, this absolutely ready to drink Cabernet will thrill you from first sip to last. The vineyard is managed by Jim Barbour, one of the absolute top viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like  Hundred Acre, Grace Family and Barbour to list a few…
2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY 

 
If rich, deep and extracted Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t pique your interest,  add to it a 93-95 Point Score from Robert Parker and a legendary winemaker like Dick Arrowood, this wine should be edging towards the top of the list. Stunningly long and complex, this wine simply pops on your palate with an explosion of lingering flavors.  The grapes were sourced from the Amapola Creek Estate Vineyard which borders the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, made famous by Ridge in the 1960’s…  It was expertly authored by renowned winemaker Dick Arrowood who rocketed to fame crafting some of Sonoma’s most notable wines, including Chateau St. Jean from 1974 through 1990.
 
Created from a collection of various vineyard blocks, diversity is what truly sets this wine apart. After resting for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine is made in an approachable style that will immediately bring a smile to your face, but also promises to age gracefully for the next 10-15 years.  This 95 point Cabernet will take you to that happy place, so you’ll want to order this wine by the case… 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…Containing 7% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and youthfully reticent nose, offering glimpses at blackberry and black plum notes over pencil shavings, garrigue, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied and packed with black fruits and earthy flavors, it is built like a brick house with a solid frame of firm, ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”   93-95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Amapola Creek’s Estate Cabernet may also enjoy these two outstanding Cabs…
2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 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 their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.
GRASSI
2014 SHINER SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl 
Grassi’s 6 barrel production of their 2014 Shiner Series  Cabernet is incredibly fabulous and lucky for consumers, it also comes in at around $30/btl below their Estate Cabernet… It’s brought to life by Robbie Meyer, whose experience includes 5 vintages at the iconic Peter Michael Winery, as well as time at Lewis Cellars, Jericho Canyon and Del Dotto to list a few…
2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite’s Rest Vineyard

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BLACK KITE

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD

 
In a word, it’s exhilarating…  The aromas give you a rush like taking off in a 747… The plush, velvety core makes you feel like you’re sitting back in comfy leather seats… The finish is like landing safely in paradise, with memories of the ride bringing a smile to your face.  Black Kite is one of California’s rising star Pinot producers, whom the Pinot Report alerted readers that they “burst on the scene with outstanding wines.” We elevated their 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as our pick for wine-of-the-year in 2016 and their 2014 Kite’s Rest flies at an even higher level. 
Lifting spirits high into the rising thermals of Pinot Noir bliss, Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir offers a rush of dark berries, minerals and wild rose, and it seduces you with each swirl. Absolutely thrilling to taste, this devine Pinot Noir was authored by Jeff Gaffner, who is responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you’ve tasted any of their earlier vintages, you’ve probably already clicked the order button… if not, and you’d like to try one of California’s best examples of Pinot Noir, don’t hesitate too long, because there’s never enough of this Pinot to go around…    
 
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 10% 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.”  93 Points, Editor’s Choice

 

Customers that enjoy Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 TROMBETTA PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 
93 Points
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
Wine Enthusiast: “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”   93 Points
2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

KEEVER

2015 Keever Inspirado Proprietary Red2013 INSPIRADO
PROPRIETARY RED

When I first tasted Keever’s 2013 Inspirado (Inspired) for the first time, to say that I was inspired by the quality would be an incredible understatement.  A better name would have been Infatuated, because that’s exactly how I felt after trying this wine.  With a resonant finish that lasts longer than nearly any wine that I’ve ever tasted at this price point, and expansive flavors so deep and compelling, that they leave you thinking about the wine for days after tasting it, this is a wine that you simply shouldn’t miss…  It’s authored by Celia Welch, (Scarecrow, D.R. Stephens, Barbour, Dalla Valle…)  And just in case you may not be familiar with Celia’s artistry, a testament to Celia’s winemaking ability is the fact that she made 5 cases of 2012 Scarecrow that sold for a record $260,000 at the Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction… 
 
Checking in at 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by additions of Merlot and Malbec, the 2013 Inspirado saturates your taste buds in otherworldly levels of opulence. And while there are a lot of great Napa Valley Cabernet based wines available at under $100/btl, few approach this level of quality.  I have a strong suspicion that the critic’s will feel the same, and I simply wouldn’t wait for the scores to come out…  It will be too late… 
 
KEEVER
2013 INSPIRADO
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $74.99/btl
 
 
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%
 
Customers who enjoy Keever’s Inspirado may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2013 Jones Family The Sisters Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Dancing Hares Napa Valley Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
JONES FAMILY 
2013 THE SISTERS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
With nearly two dozen perfect 100 Point wines, Thomas Brown is a dominating force in Cabernet Sauvignon and he’s truly at the top of his game Packed with supple, concentrated red cherry, deep black raspberry, pomegranate, graphite and a touch of sweet vanilla oak, this absolutely ready to drink Cabernet will thrill you from first sip to last. The vineyard is managed by Jim Barbour, one of the absolute top viticulturists, who’s list of clients include icons like  Hundred Acre, Grace Family and Barbour to list a few…  
DANCING HARES
2015 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Your Price: $59.99/btl 
Wagner Family Red Schooner Malbac Voyage 5

Wagner Family Red Schooner Malbac Voyage 5

with No Comment $40-$50ArgentinaKevin VogtMalbec

WAGNER FAMILY

RED SCHOONER
MALBEC, VOYAGE 5

Wagner Family Red Schooner Malbac Voyage 5
It is exciting for me when a wine generates a consistent flow of re-orders because it always indicates that the wine is showing remarkably well.  In nearly every case, it also marks the beginning of the end of the vintage, because you can’t hide a wine that’s performing at it’s best. Red Schooner’s Voyage 5 has reached that point, made obvious by the extravagant flavors and hauntingly vivid perfume of crushed mulberries, freshly picked blackberries, dried violets and sweet spices…
With premium Malbec grapes sourced from the base of the Andes Mountains of Argentina, after harvest, the fruit is super-chilled and held at low temperatures just above freezing while making the ocean voyage to Caymus winery in Napa Valley, where it’s pressed in their state-of-the-art winemaking facility.  Kept for 15 months in French oak, this rich and expressive Malbec embodies the Caymus signature style, and will remain an absolute favorite for those already in-the-know and set the high water mark for those new to this journey… 
 
WAGNER FAMILY
RED SCHOONER
MALBEC, VOYAGE 5
Your Price: $49.99/btl  
 
 
Winery Notes: “This Malbec is made from grapes grown in the Andes Mountains, shipped chilled to Napa Valley and produced with the same techniques as our Caymus Cabernet. Falling outside standard labeling rules, it does not include a vintage date but is known by the voyage from which it was produced (Voyage 5 is the 2014 vintage). Offering scents of ripe plums and cherries, this wine is powerful and supple, with flavors of French oak and soft tannins.”

 

Customers who enjoy Wagner Family’s Red Schooner Malbec may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 La Sirena Pirate TreasRed Proprietary Red 2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend
LA SIRENA
PIRATE TREASURED
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
Wine doesn’t always have to be serious to be great… This wine is both fun and great at the same time, and it was authored by the ever Iconic winemaker Heidi Barrett. Heidi’s list of past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and  Barbour. In 2000 Heidi made history at the Napa Valley Wine Auction when a single 6L bottle of ’92 Screaming Eagle sold for a record $500,000. 
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

FISTICUFFS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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.  Trained by talented winemaker Rob Lawson, a legend who while managing Napa Wine Company, helped craft such notables as Bryant Family, Colgin, & Pahlmeyer.  He’s also responsible for helping shape the 2007 Kapcscandy “Grand Vin” which scored a perfect 100 Points from Robert Parker!  
Conditioned with 22 months in oak, this classic Napa Valley Cabernet sports a dense texture, laced with abundant dark fruits and mouth coating richness.  Emerging from several carefully selected vineyard sites, this wine is beautifully complex, and displays tremendous length.  At under forty per bottle, this is pound for pound, one of the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.    
 
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2015 Fisticuffs is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet with a touch of Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. Aromas of rose petal, spice, and dark chocolate complement a mouth coating palate of vine ripened blackberry, black cherry and baked raspberry. The tannins are firm yet subtle and expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate fresh and slowly yields to sweet mocha and candied nuts on the finish.”

Customers that enjoy Fisticuff’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon  may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
2012 Humanitas Reid Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sparkman Holler Cabernet Sauvingnon
HUMANITAS
2012 REID VINEYARD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Expertly composed by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer, this 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon originates from a single vineyard on the North Eastern edge of St Helena.  Stunningly concentrated and dangerously hedonistic, the 2012 ReidVineyard Cab is bursting with authoritative and alluring flavors of sensual dark fruits, chocolate espresso, scorched earth and pipe tobacco
SPARKMAN
2015 HOLLER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
Sparking an intense love affair with Washington Wines with just a single taste, when we first offered Sparkman’s 2013 Holler Cabernet two years ago we knew it would induce one of those where have you been all my life moments…  Later that year it went on to rank #21 in the world on the Wine Spectator Top 100 and even outscored icons like Screaming Eagle at more than 25 times its price. 
2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red

Sans Liege 2015 The Offering Proprietary Blend

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedSanta BarbaraUSA

SANS LIEGE

2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND

2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red
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… The perfect accompaniment for pizza, BBQ, or simply any day that ends in “y,” you’ll want to secure a case or two of this before the reviews surface.   
Bursting onto the scene from top vineyards located in California’s iconic Santa Barbara County… this expressive blend spends an optimal 22 months in barrel and blossoms for more than a year in bottle before release.  Always a terrific value, an earlier vintage of The Offering commanded national attention when it ranked #34 in the world on the 2011 Wine Spectator Top 100, and if you’re searching for a unique and delicious blend to share with your friends and family this year…  Seriously, you will be thanking me later. 
 
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Your Price: $29/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The study is dense with the scents of kirsch, oolong tea and cinnamon bark. Beside you sits a plate of fennel and anise spiced sausage along with the crumbs of your biscuit that was smeared with strawberry preserves. Zealously pouring over the parchment on the old oak desk, you can not relinquish the task. The code must be cracked tonight. Your graphite pencil scratches onward in the candlelight as the prospect of insight nears.”
Grenache 48% | Syrah 28% | Mourvedre 23% | Viognier 1% 

 

Customers who enjoy the Sans Liege Offering, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 Daniel Soberanes Vineyard Syrah
DANIEL
2014 SYRAH
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA isn’t just producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay…  Some of the greatest Syrah in California also comes from the SLH, and the Soberanes  Vineyard’s very name rings with excellence… Daniel’s two barrel production of Syrah opens up to a sybaritic harmony of sweet black cherries, smoked meats, charcuterie, pulverized blackberries and dried violets…
BLIND TASTING
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $36/btl 
 
Tasting Notes: “Intoxicating aromas of crushed blue fruits, blackberry cobbler, violets, raspberry compote and a touch of vanilla, erupt from the glass. Ripe, round tannins and a core of perfectly woven flavors of dark cherry, blueberry pie, crushed blackberries and a hint pepper spice unwind in a continuous loop.  Soft, voluptuous tannins caress your taste buds with a long, luxurious finish that just wont quit.”