2016 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

2016 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

SULLIVAN

2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE 

2016 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate
Sullivan Estate combines a prime Rutherford location with a dedicated team that constantly scrutinizes every detail of production for insights that can take the wine to the next level. Their vineyard is under the guidance of Mike Wolf, one of the leading viticulture experts in Napa Valley, whose past and present clients include Bond, Scarecrow, and Lewis. Their 2016 Estate Cabernet has “an old school, complex, textbook Cabernet character,” as described by Jeb Dunnuck. At $110, it’s outstanding, but at our price of $65, it’s one you’ll write home about. 
 
The vineyard is located on Galleron Road, just North of BV and behind Franciscan Estate. The vineyard architect planted it over an ancient riverbed with soil types ranging from clay loam to sandy gravel. Both have excellent drainage, which assists in producing intensely flavored berries.
 
This wine is from the epic 2016 vintage, which the Wine Spectator ranks as the highest-rated vintage for Napa Cabernet since 1997. If you’re looking for a classic Rutherford Cabernet, that’s awesome now and will cellar gracefully for another decade, this is the one. 
 
SULLIVAN
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE
Retails at: $110
 
 
 
“Rich ruby color; plum and vanilla nose; silky texture, toasty and refined; long and elegant with notes of coffee, spice and mocha; plum, berry and deep flavors.”
94 Points, Anthony Dias Blue
 
“… a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new oak. This is classic Cabernet all the way and offers lots of cassis, green tobacco, cedar, and dark chocolate. These carry to a medium to full-bodied 2016 that has ripe, present tannins, good purity, and an old school, complex, textbook Cabernet character. Give it 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades.”
92+ Points
2017 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate

2017 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

PARADIGM   

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 OAKVILLE ESTATE 

2017 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate
The Paradigm wine team masterfully articulates their vineyard because of their non-invasive winemaking, without house style. Positioned directly South of Andy Beckstoffer’s Iconic To-Kalon Vineyard, Paradigm is in the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet. The 2017 release offers a vivid interpretation of Oakville’s notorious complexity, superior concentration, piercing focus, and with neighbors like Opus One, and Martha’s Vineyard, Paradigm tips the scales with nonpareil value. 
 
Heidi Barrett is Paradigm’s current and original winemaker; She has intimate knowledge of the Estate, allowing the fruit to express its quality and unique terroir with minimal intervention.
 
The 2017 Paradigm Cabernet is richly concentrated, keenly focused, and beautifully defined. The wine spends 20 months in oak and 20 months in the bottle before release and offers a parade of perfectly ripe red and black fruits, rocky minerals, and subtle oak. 
 
PARADIGM   
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at: $84
 
Your Price: $79.99
 
 
“This wine is deeply pigmented with ruby/garnet color. First sniff is Oakville Cabernet all the way. Nice layers of ripe berry and cherry-like fruit with a matching complement of toasty French Oak from an assortment of Coopers and different barrel ages. Gorgeous across the palate with a silky yet dense mouthcoating impression. Ripeness is key and the result is a wine with perfect balance and flow – just plain delicious. It’s a big, beautiful wine now but has tremendous aging potential.”
2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

BIBBIANO

GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO 

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino
Bibbiano cemented its spot on my top 5 wines-of-the-year list in 2020 with its explosive richness, deep-seated power, and captivating elegance. A month later, it earned a monstrous 95 point score in the Wine Spectator, which referenced the wine’s escalating power. Each time I taste it, the wine not only stands up to Italian, French and American producers, but it dominates just about everything in its path. If you want to taste an exceptionally high-quality Chianti at a great price, this is it. 
 
Making a dramatic entrance from one of Tuscany’s best vintages in nearly two decades, this stunning wine was created from 100% Sangiovese Grosso and aged for 30 months before bottling. On the palate, the wine is intensely captivating and with a satin texture and long resonant finish. 
 
Production requirements for Gran Selezione wines insist on sourcing the grapes from 100% Estate grown fruit or selecting the Estate’s best parcels. It also has higher extract restrictions and extended oak aging requirements. Gran Selezione, which means Great Selection, is the pinnacle of quality for Chianti Classico.
 
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“This red starts out smooth, displaying ripe black cherry and plum flavors, along with earth, iron and woodsy elements. Gains power as this builds on the palate, ending in an extended aftertaste of loam, iron and wild herb accents… 250 cases imported.”
95 Points
 
“Restrained, fresh pomegranate fruit with slightly nutty character, earthy-strawberry depth and minerality. Bright acidity and savoury character, firm and chalky, with natural and integrated freshness. Andrew Jefford: A gorgeously teased, poised aromatic ripeness here: subtle incense spice just hidden behind the refined, perfumed plums; a hint of orange peel. Shapely, fresh, vivid and vigorous: super purity, admirable finesse.” 
95 Points
 
“…shows classic lines and balanced intensity with a nice spot of acidity and plenty of dark berry fruit to soften it out. The 2016 vintage is a classic one in Tuscany, and that’s why you get so much cooling cherry, forest berry and cassis on this versatile Gran Selezione wine. Drink 2021-2032”
94 Points
2018 Alexana Pinot Noir Terroir Series Willamette Valley

2018 Alexana Pinot Noir Terroir Series Willamette Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUSAWillamette Valley

ALEXANA

2018 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY

2018 Alexana Pinot Noir Terroir Series Willamette Valley
Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir is strategically complex and thoughtfully constructed to showcase Willamette Valley’s varied soils & micro-climates. The winery’s motto is that diverse soils create complex wines, and their Terroir Series Pinot Noir exemplifies this. It’s made from five of Willamette Valley’s top AVAs and showcases a broad range of soils, clones, exposures, and climates. The wine is perennially high-scoring, and at less than $40, it’s also a terrific value. 
 
Alexana winemaker Bryan Weil gained invaluable experience while working at one of Oregon’s highest quality producers, Domaine Serene. His Pinot Noirs are deeply expressive, sensual, and rich in complexity. 
 
The Estate farms their Vineyards Biodynamically, resulting in a pure and natural fruit expression, complemented with just ten months in barrel. The final blend encompasses eleven different clones of Pinot Noir, which shows in the vast complexity and delicately layered nuances.
 
ALEXANA
2018 PINOT NOIR
TERROIR SERIES
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“Elegantly structured, the 2018 Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir begins with a concentrated nose consisting of fresh cherries, wood spice, wild mushrooms, and rose petals. It has a penetrating palate with fresh red berries, cherry cola, fine-grained fruit tannins, dried tea leaves, and a hint of toasty oak. It is beautifully balanced and ready to drink now but has enough tannin structure to age a decade or so.”
93 Points
2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red

2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red

with No Comment $60-$70CarnerosCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

ARIETTA 

2018 QUARTET 
PROPRIETARY RED
 
2018 Arietta Quartet Proprietary Red
Arietta’s specialty is harmoniously balanced Bordeaux-style blends created from top vineyards in Napa Valley. They gain inspiration for their wine from music and believe that great wines should sing with balance, vibrancy, and depth. They’re able to achieve this with the proper instruments (super-premium grapes) and the help of gifted composer/winemaker Andy Erickson. Andy made Screaming Eagle from 2005 through 2010, and he also makes Mayacamas, which in the last two consecutive vintages ranked #2 and #4 on Wine Spectator Top 100. At 95 points and under $100, don’t miss Arietta’s 2018 Quartet.   
 
Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage in the 2018 Quartet, followed by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Verdot. They finely tuned this wine for 20 months in oak, and it makes a grand entrance from one of Napa Valley’s most exceptional vintages. 
 
The winery sources fruit from Meteor and Two Belles Farms in Coombsville, and in Carneros, they call on Lee Hudson’s renowned vineyard. If you’re looking for a stunningly complex and deeply hedonistic blend to add to your cellar, this one is singing.
 
ARIETTA 
2018 QUARTET 
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $75
 
Your Price: $69.99
 
 
“This blends 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot into a cohesive whole of complex structure and grace. Cedar, pencil shavings, iron and crushed rock provide a savory foundation complemented by lush richness in the form of dense blueberry, dark chocolate and nutmeg…”
95 Points
2016 Franco Serra Barolo Piedmont, Italy

2016 Franco Serra Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BaroloBaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

FRANCO SERRA

2016 BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY 

2016 Franco Serra Barolo Piedmont, Italy
Revered for having captivating power, thought-provoking definition, confident energy, and graceful delivery, Barolo is one of the world’s great wines. Many start around $60, and in vintages like 2016, which the Wine Spectator rates as the best in more than two decades, even entry-level Barolos can be memorable and profound. We estimated Franco Serra’s 2016 Barolo to be around $65, and we loved it at that price. When we found out we could offer it to you at $38, we seized the opportunity. 
 
Keenly focused on tradition, the Sperone family brings four generations of experience to Franco Serra. Proudly intent on producing wines of distinction and value, the family owns and farms 75 acres of prime vineyards outside Monferrato. 
 
Franco Serra Barolo is classically styled, detailing the vintage hallmarks with vibrancy, balance, and refinement. The wine spends a full three years in oak, and with time in the bottle, the wine perfectly balances intensity and grace.
 
FRANCO SERRA
2016 BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $38
 
 
“Aromas of plums, cherries and ash with hints of tea and toffee follow through to a full body with layered, chewy tannins and lots of chocolate and walnuts at the finish…”
94 Points
2018 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious Proprietary Red

2018 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

JON NATHANIEL

2018 BODACIOUS
PROPRIETARY RED

2018 Jon Nathaniel Bodacious Proprietary Red
Veteran winemakers John and Nat Komes established Jon Nathaniel winery to recapture their creative freedom. They hand-craft each wine with the highest standards of excellence and meticulously select fruit from small parcels that they’ve farmed for decades. John founded Flora Springs winery in the late 70s and helped pioneer barrel fermentation, lees stirring, the use of French and American oak barrels, and proprietary blends in Napa Valley. Nat previously oversaw operations at Flora Springs for nearly 20 years, and together they craft this incredible, high-scoring blend. 
 
This wine gets its name from the iconic rodeo bull, Bodacious, known as The World’s Most Dangerous Bull. The wine Bodacious presents in a larger-than-life, expressive style that captures the winemaker’s creativity and vision for crafting a wine that tells a powerful tale of the vintage and the care that went into it. 
 
They cellared the 2018 release for around 20 months in barrel, and now, right out of the bottle, it’s supple, rich, and inviting. Winemakers Nat and Jon created the 2018 Bodacious by artfully blending Malbec and Petite Verdot, and the sheer quality of this wine is no bull.
 
JON NATHANIEL
2018 BODACIOUS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $60
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“the 2018 Red Blend Bodacious checks in as equal parts Malbec and Petit Verdot, all from the Napa Valley. A big, inky, ruby/purple color is followed by rich notes of ripe blackcurrants, blueberries, dark chocolate, scorched earth, and graphite. With sweet tannins, a dense, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style, and nicely integrated oak, this ripe, sexy 2018 can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years.”
93 Points
2018 Ty Caton Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

2018 Ty Caton Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainSonomaUSA

TY CATON

2018 UPPER BENCH
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2018 Ty Caton Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District
Dedicated to crafting wines with an authentic sense of place, Ty Caton formed his Cabernet Collection to highlight the very best blocks within his Estate Vineyard on Moon Mountain. His 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Upper Bench offers a vivid portrayal of the distinct terroir of the highest point in his vineyard. The wine powerfully expresses its origin with profound depth, balanced red and black fruits, dusty tannins, and slightly mouth quenching acidity that ties everything in. The winery lists it for $60, which is a real value, but at our price, I’d order what you can of this 112 case production Cab, and you’ll thank me later.  
 
Caton Vineyard is on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder. The well-drained red volcanic soils there are also home to icons like the Monte Rosso, made famous by Louis Martini, and Frederick’s Vineyard used by Turley. 
 
The Upper Bench block consists of less than 11 acres of vines, allowing Ty to farm each vine on a micro-level. Ty’s commitment to the stewardship of his land, and unwavering determination to make balanced wines with distinct varietal character and terroir intensity, is obvious in this wine.
 
TY CATON
2018 UPPER BENCH
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The Caton Cabernet Collection “Upper Bench” Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 entices you from the beginning with an elegant, yet powerful nose including briary black raspberries, red pie cherries, menthol, sassafras tea, green peppercorns and Spring flowers. The beautifully balanced yet concentrated palate walks a thin line between power and finesse with bright red currants, deep Burgundy plums, earthy wild mushrooms, and sweet vanilla bean. The finish is balanced, with a distinctive pristine mouth quenching quality that combines the concentrated fruit and velvety fruit tannins. It drinks beautifully now and will improve for another decade.”
94 Points
2018 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

2018 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSaint HelenaUSA

SINEGAL

CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
2018 ESTATE 

2018 Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Estate
Sinegal’s team micro-farms their tiny 9-acre vineyard, planted by renowned viticulturist Jim Barbour, with a resolute commitment to quality. Their winemaking team is on a personal level with each vine on the property, and it shows dramatically in their wines. Initially planted in the late 1800s, the vineyard is strategically positioned South of Lewelling Vineyard, along the Southwestern rim of St. Helena AVA. The area produces Bordeaux varietals of stunning quality, and here’s a terrific opportunity to try their 97 Point Cabernet. 
 
The winery’s pursuit of perfection begins in the vineyard, but it doesn’t stop there. Sinegal winemaker Ryan Knoth gained valuable experience working under the tutelage of icons David Abreu, Michel Rolland, and Fredrik Johansson at Staglin Vineyards. He also worked with Jim Barbour and Philippe Melka at Gandona Estate. 
 
The 2018 vintage was faultless and virtually uninterrupted by significant heat spikes, providing a prolonged hang-time, allowing the fruit to accumulate intense flavor and complexity. This wine highlights the vintage’s power by embellishing its best qualities with additions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, all aged for 20 months in French oak.
 
SINEGAL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
2018 ESTATE
 
Your Price: $79.99
 
 
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon turned out beautifully. Rich, sumptuous and incredibly alluring, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate. Dark red fruit, mocha, spice and licorice are some of the notes that build in the glass. I would give it a few years in bottle, or alternatively open it in advance. Aeration and the passage of time did wonders for the 2018. It spent 20 months in barrel, 85% new…”
97 Points
2016 Simon Di Brazzan Cabernet Franc Friuli, Italy

2016 Simon Di Brazzan Cabernet Franc Friuli, Italy

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet FrancItalyKevin Vogt

SIMON DI BRAZZAN

2016 CABERNET FRANC
FRIULI, ITALY

2016 Simon Di Brazzan Cabernet Franc Friuli, Italy
Winemaker Daniele Drius of Simon de Brazzan crafts his Cabernet Franc in a captivating style that beckons thoughts of neighborhood bistros, porch swings, and conversation. The wine captures classic varietal traits, like herb-laced red fruits, subtle peppery characteristics, delivering them in a refreshingly easy-to-drink manner that’s reminiscent of Pinot Noir. 
 
Daniele protects the authenticity of his vines through organic farming practices. His thirteen hectares of vines project the sea influence, benefits of the Alps, and alluvial soils. The composition of the land and soils determine the division of each unique parcel. 
 
Tradition does not hinder innovation at Simon di Brazzan. Daniele harvests the fruit by hand and meticulously de-stems the berries before fermenting on the skins and lees for enriched depth and color. The resulting wine is a delicious drinker with a sense of place, balance, and suppleness that’s highly enjoyable.
 
SIMON DI BRAZZAN
2016 CABERNET FRANC
FRIULI, ITALY
 
Your Price: $26
 
 
“Intense ruby red color with purple shades; Distinctive herbaceous scent, elegant and spicy; Velvety flavor, soft, slightly bitter, young but full.”