2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

Impetuous

By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Impetuous By Checkerboard Red Blend Napa Valley

Checkerboard’s 2021 Impetuous is a wine of striking intensity, softened by a deep, graceful elegance—a tribute to the captivating landscape of Diamond Mountain. Martha McClellan, whose skill has shaped renowned estates like Harlan and Sloan, guides this wine with precision and genuine passion, crafting a creation that resonates with both clarity and heart.

The Checkerboard estate vineyards sit high above the valley floor, their roots woven into ancient volcanic soils. McClellan’s close bond with Diamond Mountain’s rugged terrain—from its basalt-strewn slopes to its towering volcanic peaks—enables her to capture the land’s complexity in a vintage that reflects the spirit of this remarkable place.

The winemaking process unfolds like a careful dance, deliberately enhancing the natural beauty drawn from the region’s unique terroir. The result stirs an emotional connection that lingers well beyond the final sip. Boldly expressive, Impetuous reveals itself like a narrative, growing richer, more intricate, and more memorable with each encounter.

Impetuous
By Checkerboard
Red Blend
Napa Valley 2021

Your Price: $125

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“The 2021 Checkerboard Impetuous Red Blend offers a brooding, rich nose of powerful blue and black fruits—blackberry and blueberry stand out—layered with notes of French lavender, iron, and a touch of vanilla from well-integrated oak. The palate is opulent yet focused, with concentrated blackberries, black cherry, and red currants driving a deep, penetrating core. Balanced acidity keeps it lively, while velvety tannins provide structure. The finish is long and seamless, with a luscious quality that lingers. A polished, high-quality wine, it’s delicious now, but built for 10-12 years of development.”

96 Points

2019 Las Rubias Red Blend Uco Valley Argentina

2019 Las Rubias Red Blend Uco Valley Argentina

Las Rubias

Red Blend 2019
Uco Valley, Argentina

2019 Las Rubias Red Blend Uco Valley Argentina

The 2019 Las Rubias Uco Valley Red seized our tasting panel’s attention from the initial sip—a wine so compelling it demands pause, invites scrutiny, and rewards every fleeting detail. Fashioned by 100-point Winemaker Rob Lawson, a vintner honed by years at renowned houses such as Bryant, Pahlmeyer, and Staglin during his tenure leading Napa Wine Company, this creation bears the mark of seasoned artistry. In it, Rob’s exacting skill intertwines seamlessly with the untamed splendor of Argentina’s Uco Valley. What struck us most was how effortlessly this wine balances the region’s bold power with Rob’s signature finesse, creating something truly memorable.

Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with remarkable precision, this wine strikes a flawless balance between richness and elegance. After 24 months in oak, it reveals a polished structure that remains vibrant and expressive. 

Las Rubias is a reflection of place and passion, a story told through the vines and vision of a master. At our price, its exceptional value makes it even more remarkable. This is a bottle I’d proudly open at any table, knowing it will leave a lasting impression long after the final sip.

Las Rubias
Red Blend 2019
Uco Valley, Argentina
Retails at: $95

Your Price: $38

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“The Las Rubias Red Blend 2019 from Uco Valley greets the nose with cherry cough drops, elegant florals, and fresh mushrooms, followed by a bright crushed-mineral edge. On the palate, it delivers a focused lineup of red currants, cassis, and black plum, with a linear intensity that’s both vibrant and precise. The satiny tannins frame a mouth-quenching quality that invites sip after sip, leading to a long, satisfying finish. A striking and well-defined wine.”

96 Points

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

Ehlers

Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

Ehlers Estate’s 2022 Portrait marks a new era in winemaking, guided by the vision of Adam Casto. His experience spans the diverse vineyards of New Zealand, Chile, Australia, and France, bringing a global perspective to his craft. Eleven years with the renowned Philippe Melka at DANA and Gandona Estates further shaped his approach, one that unites meticulous technique with a deep passion for the vine. The 2022 Portrait is the first wine to fully express this vision—a remarkable example of his dedication to crafting site-specific, terroir-driven wines.

Located on the northwestern edge of Saint Helena, Ehlers Estate boasts a rich history, its viticultural origins dating back to the mid-19th century. The estate’s organic farming practices are more than just a method; they reflect a commitment to nurturing the land and cultivating fruit of exceptional purity and complexity.

A harmonious blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, interwoven with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the 2022 Portrait embodies Adam’s aim: to capture the distinct character of Ehlers’ terroir while achieving a balance of elegance and strength. The result is a refined, velvety wine where structure and suppleness coexist, the varietals merging into a cohesive story—a portrait of both place and the winemaker’s devotion.

Ehlers
Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $72

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“This wine immediately grabs your attention yet does so with an understated grace. The nose opens with compelling ripe blueberries and kirsch, their sweetness enhanced by subtle Italian glove leather and a distinct, dusty minerality. It’s a bouquet with both richness and restraint, alluding to the complexity to come. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a supple texture and satiny tannins that balance the rich, sweet black fruit power. Black currants and blueberry compote create a core of concentrated flavor. A saline note adds a mouth-quenching component to the fruit’s intensity, while black tea lends further nuance. The wine’s structure is compact and focused, promising longevity, yet it remains remarkably approachable. The finish is fabulous—long, luxurious, and leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. This Napa red blend showcases the best of the vintage, offering both immediate pleasure and the potential for graceful aging. It’s a wine that invites contemplation, revealing new layers with each sip.”

95 Points

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

Steps

Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

The 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select embodies the exceptional artistry of Grant Long, Jr., a renowned winemaker celebrated for his work at Aonair, Reverie II, and James Joseph. Grant possesses a unique talent for crafting both approachable and elegant wines, transforming each barrel into a harmonious expression of texture, balance, and enduring appeal.

Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley – Saint Helena, Oak Knoll, Atlas Peak, and Calistoga – the 2022 Steps Reserve showcases a captivating interplay of lush valley floor fruit and structured mountain grapes. This meticulously crafted blend, centered around Cabernet Sauvignon and interwoven with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, exemplifies Grant’s ability to translate Napa Valley’s diverse terroir into a genuinely captivating wine.

After 18 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select unfolds with layers of rich, penetrating flavors. Polished yet vibrant, this wine promises a journey of evolution, maturing gracefully into a paragon of sophistication over time.

Steps
Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $49.99

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“The Steps 2022 Reserve Barrel Select opens with supple fruit aromas of plums and black currants, accompanied by notes of sweet spices, chocolate fudge, graphite, new leather, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is penetrating and concentrated with flavors of blackberries, black plums, allspice, gingerbread, vanilla extract, and toasted hazelnuts. The wine has a sultry structure with silky tannins that glide into a long, smooth finish like a sunset slowly fading into twilight.”

95 Points

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

Hero

The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

The 2022 Beau Vigne Hero California Red Blend beautifully illustrates the remarkable talent of Julien Fayard, one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed winemakers. A top-seller in 2024, Hero offers an exceptional balance of value and refinement.

Crafted from meticulously selected vineyards across Napa and Sonoma, this multi-AVA blend showcases the unique character of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in chalky soils, resulting in a wine of striking concentration and vibrant minerality.

Julien Fayard, with his distinguished background at renowned estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa, brings a profound understanding of balance and nuance to winemaking. This expertise is evident in Hero, where 74% of Cabernet Sauvignon harmoniously blends with Merlot and a touch of Syrah, creating a wine that is both expressive and remarkably integrated.

Aged for 17 months in French oak, the 2022 Hero Red Blend captivates with its firm yet silky texture and layered complexity. The wine possesses a bold concentration beautifully balanced by a polished elegance, making it an immediate delight and a promising cellar addition for years to come.

Hero
The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022
Retails at: $60

Your Price: $29.99

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“A Bordeaux blend from winemaker Julien Fayard who has sourced grapes outside of Napa Valley for this dynamic project. White pepper, with plum skin tannins, graphite, and above all, energy, and tension. Sweet black cherry and black tea create a winning combo of fervor and power.”

94 Points

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

Sans Liege

The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

Sans Liege wines capture the vibrant spirit of California’s Central Coast, drawing inspiration from the esteemed Rhône Valley. Winemaker Curt Schalchlin, influenced by his experiences in France, set out to cultivate Rhône varietals in California’s sun-drenched terroir. Each vintage showcases his dedication to sourcing exceptional fruit from across Paso Robles to Solvang—a diverse landscape that distinctly shapes each wine.

The Offering is Sans Liege’s nuanced take on the classic GSM blend. It begins with 30% whole-cluster Grenache, lending a lively energy, complemented by Syrah’s deep intensity and Mourvèdre’s grounding earthiness. The result is a compelling, textured wine that gracefully unfolds with every sip.

The 2021 vintage is remarkably complex. A bright, fresh acidity balances velvety tannins, enhancing the wine’s layered flavors while maintaining perfect harmony. It truly reflects Curt’s unwavering passion and artistry, with each bottle expressing not only his craftsmanship but also a connection—to the land, to tradition, and to those who share in its story.

Sans Liege
The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast
Retails at: $33

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“Sans Liege 2021 The Offering from the Central Coast is a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend and has complex aromas of lavender, rose petals, white pepper, ripe raspberries, maraschino cherries, and a graphite minerality. On the palate, the wine has a soft texture with supple tannins, juicy red fruits, wild blackberries, dark chocolate, cloves, and red licorice. The wine’s concentrated flavors are balanced by refreshing acidity and carried into a pleasant, long finish. This wine has a friendly approachability and nuanced layers that make it enjoyable from beginning to end.”

93 Points

2017 PureCru Sangio Vetta Napa Valley

2017 PureCru Sangio Vetta Napa Valley

PureCru

Sangio Vetta
Napa Valley 2017

2017 PureCru Sangio Vetta Napa Valley

PureCru’s Sangio Vetta offers a compelling invitation to wine enthusiasts seeking unique experiences. This wine, with its Brunello-like qualities, presents exceptional value for its remarkable quality. How does PureCru achieve this? Through the artistry of Mitch Cosentino, a seasoned winemaker with over four decades of expertise.

Recognized internationally, Mitch is a pioneer in Cal-Ital wines. His innovative approach seamlessly blends Old World elegance with New World intensity. Invited to speak at the inaugural World Conference for Nebbiolo, Mitch’s mastery is undeniable.

The 2017 Sangio Vetta honors this expertise. A blend of 81% Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, it has been meticulously aged for 38 months in oak barrels. This extended aging period, reminiscent of the esteemed tradition of Brunello di Montalcino, ensures a rich and complex wine that rewards patient drinkers.

PureCru
Sangio Vetta
Napa Valley 2017
Retails at: $36

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“Some blood-orange character to the savory plums, dried cranberries and cloves on the nose. Nice salted plum and grapefruit on the palate, with a pleasant, chalky texture to the fine tannins. Juicy, with medium body. Delicious now.”

92 Points

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

Venge

Scout’s Honor
Proprietary Red
Napa/Sonoma 2022

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

Venge’s Scout’s Honor has captivated wine enthusiasts for years with its bold character and irresistible charm. This Zinfandel-driven blend embodies the essence of California, marrying rich depth with vibrant, intense fruit. Seamlessly balancing opulence, structure, and approachability, it has garnered a loyal following.

Each vintage of Scout’s Honor is a tribute to the Venge family’s beloved family dog while showcasing the artistry of acclaimed winemaker Kirk Venge. Known for his work with esteemed wineries like Eleven Eleven, Macauley, and B. Cellars, Venge crafts the 2022 vintage with approximately 70% Old Vine Zinfandel, complemented by Charbono, 

Petite Sirah and Syrah. This blend offers remarkable depth and complexity, with each varietal contributing its unique voice to a harmonious symphony of flavor and structure.

Unapologetically bold yet effortlessly drinkable, the 2022 Scout’s Honor is ready to enjoy now or age gracefully. It invites you on a sensory journey through high-quality North Coast vineyards, capturing the region’s heritage and Venge’s signature winemaking finesse.

Venge
Scout’s Honor
Proprietary Red
Napa/Sonoma 2022

Your Price: $39.99

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“The Venge Vineyards 2022 Scout’s Honor Red opens with supple aromas of blackberries, raspberries, toast, cloves, hot chocolate, and balsamic reduction. On the palate, the wine has concentrated flavors of ripe fruits, fudge brownies, candied walnuts, and Christmas spices. This wine has a nice, smooth mouthfeel and seamlessly combines the best traits of rich California Zinfandel.”

92 Points

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

Sherwin

Cellar Scraps #17
Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Cellar Scraps #17 Napa Valley Red

Sherwin Family’s Cellar Scraps reimagines the red blend, transforming it into an artful exploration of Napa Valley’s most revered terroirs. From its striking presentation to its captivating story, this wine invites curiosity and rewards exploration.

The Sherwin family’s journey began with their iconic 1996 Spring Mountain Cabernet, setting a standard of small-lot excellence for decades. Their 30-acre estate, perched above the fog line on Spring Mountain, is a winemaker’s dream—a tapestry of vineyards cultivating grapes of unparalleled character.

Cellar Scraps #17 celebrates ingenuity and craftsmanship, blending passion with tradition. This 17th iteration draws fruit from esteemed AVAs, including St. Helena, Calistoga, Howell Mountain, and Oakville, creating a dynamic multi-vintage blend from the exceptional 2018 and 2019 harvests.

Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, enriched by Petit Sirah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this wine showcases the Sherwin family’s talent for elevating each varietal. Each release is a unique experience, shaped by the finest barrels and the whims of the vintage—a delightful reminder that winemaking is as much an art as a science.

Sherwin

Cellar Scraps #17

Napa Valley Red

Retails at: $85

Your Price: $79.99

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“The Sherwin Family Cellar Scraps #17 is a testament to the winery’s commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality. This opulent blend unfolds with a captivating nose of ripe cassis and boysenberry, complemented by delicate floral notes and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine delivers a deep, velvety texture, showcasing a core of rich, dark fruit flavors. Blackberries and black currants dominate, interwoven with subtle nuances of vanilla. The finish is long and opulent, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and complexity. This is a wine that rewards patient cellaring, but it is also drinking beautifully now.”

94+ Points

2021 Post & Vine Carignane Mule Plane Vineyard Lodi

2021 Post & Vine Carignane Mule Plane Vineyard Lodi

Post & Vine

Carignane 2021
Mule Plane Vineyard
Lodi, California

2021 Post & Vine Carignane Mule Plane Vineyard Lodi

The 2021 Post & Vine Mule Plane Vineyard Carignane is more than a wine—it’s a love letter to California’s historic vineyards, crafted by Rebekah Wineburg and Erica Schubert-Kincaid. Rebekah, a celebrated winemaker with multiple 100-point wines, brings unparalleled expertise to this passion project. Known for her global harvest experience at iconic estates like Rudd, Staglin, Ornellaia, and Quintessa, Rebekah now channels her talent into this boutique endeavor alongside Erica, creating wines that bridge the past and present with extraordinary precision and artistry.

Post & Vine’s mission is to honor and elevate the legacy of California’s storied vineyards, and the Mule Plane Vineyard in the Mokelumne River AVA is a perfect muse. Nearly a century old, this five-acre gem produces fruit with layers of complexity and character, born from its deep roots and rich history. The 2021 Carignane was hand-harvested and meticulously sorted, with Rebekah employing 50% whole cluster fermentation using native yeast. This nuanced approach yielded a wine of profound depth and elegance, where every sip captures the soul of the vineyard and the mastery of its maker.

Post & Vine
Carignane 2021
Mule Plane Vineyard
Lodi, California

Your Price: $28

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“The Post & Vine 2021 Mule Plane Vineyard Carignane opens with bright red fruits, including cranberry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate, earthy notes of cedar, white pepper, and a clay pot minerality. On the palate, the wine is lively with vibrant acidity and flavors of raspberry, dried herbs, and reminiscent of the savory character of Beef Bourguignon. The silky tannins provide a smooth, velvety texture, allowing the flavors to coalesce and shine into an elegant finish.”

93 Points