2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirUSA

LORING

2018 PINOT NOIR
SPANISH SPRINGS VINEYARD
ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY

2018 Loring Wine Company Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot NoirWhen a passionate winemaker immerses into a single varietal like Pinot Noir, then crafts around a dozen individual wines, it can be challenging to choose just one. Brian Loring’s Pinots are always captivating, expressive, and will make you fall in love with the wine and its origin. We tasted through a half-dozen of his 2018 single vineyard releases, and they were all great, but the Spanish Springs Vineyard was everything that I look for in Pinot, and it was a real highlight during our tasting.

The Spanish Springs Vineyard drew Brian in for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and not only is it the closest in all of San Luis Obispo County, but it’s also the closest in the entire Golden State. 
 
The vines are grown in a complex mix of sandstone, shale, and limestone at the base, and the grapes themselves perfectly reflect the earth beneath, as well as the powerful maritime influences that make this site so unique. 
 
LORING
2018 PINOT NOIR
SPANISH SPRINGS VINEYARD
ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY
Retails at: $54
 
 
“Sour red-plum and dewy sagebrush aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate is more ripe with wild berry and cranberry flavors, cut by orange-rind and bay leaf touches.”  90 Points
2017 Turley Old VInes Zinfandel

2017 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtOld Vine ZinfandelReviewUSA

TURLEY

2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

 

2017 Turley Old VInes ZinfandelTurley is an American Icon that’s been a benchmark producer of Old Vine Zinfandel for nearly three decades. Their first vintage of 1993 Hayne Zinfandel ranked #11 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, and they’ve remained a paragon in their field ever since. They now produce an eye-popping forty-seven separate wines from over fifty Certified Organic Vineyards, and they specialize in ancient vines. Their Old Vines Zinfandel beautifully displays their undeviating winemaking philosophy that’s an anthem of their brand.

The 2017 Old Vines Zinfandel was carefully stitched together from a vast collection of ancient vineyards spanning across seven iconic regions across California and created from vines ranging from 41 to 129 years old, the 2017 showcases old vine depth, and with no shortage of personality. 

The winery has always attracted some of California’s most talented winemakers, beginning with Helen Turley. Helen passed the torch to winemaker Ehren Jordan, and now Ehren to Tegan Passalacqua, who worked under Jordan before becoming Director of Winemaking. 

 

TURLEY
2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

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“… the 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines features exotic spice accents over a core of blueberry and boysenberry compote, crushed black cherries and berries with notes of cinnamon stick and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, it has loads of spicy black and blue fruits in the mouth with firm, ripe tannins to frame and juicy acidity, finishing long and very spicy.”  92 Points

“The 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines is rich, ample and fleshy. The heat of the year gave the Old Vines a little extra kick. Dried cherry, licorice and spice add an exotic flair to this super-expressive wine loaded with class and pedigree.” 91 Points

“Sleek and briary, with generous black cherry, licorice and toasty spice flavors. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

VANDELLA 2018 Vandella La Femme Noren Rose

2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN

 
When describing Rosé, words like expansive, full-bodied, depth, and length are rarely used, but that’s only because there aren’t many Rosés quite like this one…  Vandella’s 100 case production of 2018 Rosé was created from 100% Touriga Nacional, which is widely considered to be Portugal’s finest grape variety.  Of course these vines were grown in California, and it’s a varietal that induces profound structure and terrific spice qualities.  Each individual grape was hand harvested by the winemaker and specifically chosen for the sensory attributes he knew would eventually translate into a wine that was truly intriguing and unlike any other rosé out there. The grapes were then pressed whole cluster, which contributed to the wines deep garnet color and full-bodied style.
 
Defined by a surreal presence on the palate and long, expansive flavors, the 2018 is laced with vivid red berries, detailed spices, and intense floral notes.  On the palate the mouthfeel is scrumptious and full, and as the flavors begin to expand, you’ll have one of those “where have you been all my life?” moments.  You can actually sense the care that went into producing this remarkable wine when you taste it, and at less than $30/btl you’ll want to grab a case or two before it vanishes.
 
VANDELLA
2018 ROSÉ
LA FEMME NOREN
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 Click to Order
 
Winemaker’s Notes: “A vivid, utterly distinctive rosé with intense floral aromatics and layers of scrumptious bright fruit notes: early spring strawberries, watermelon rind, passion fruit, cotton candy, and green banana. There is a lot of complexity sewn into the subtlety of the mid-palate- as spice notes work to compliment the zippy juiciness. Perhaps what makes this rosé so truly exceptional, is the surreal mouthfeel and profoundly long finish that are most uncommon in rosé, and of which showcases the true artistry and vision in the winemaking approach.”  100 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Vandella La Femme Noren Rosé may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2016 Vandella Scarrow Paso Robles Proprietary Blend 0218 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rose of Pinot Noir
VANDELLA
2016 SCARROW
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at: $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The deepest, darkest, most brooding  Vandella to date.  Satsuma plums and vivid white pepper take the lead on this rendition of our flagship blend, bolstered by purple flowers, anise, cherry cola and razzleberry pie.  The bright juicy red stone-fruit characteristics remain dominant from start to finish, working to juxtapose the soft, velvety mid-palate.  Rounded tannins and delicate acid make this wine irresistible and dangerously easy to drink.“
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2018 SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
 

Winery Notes: “Elegant and distinct with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit and subtle hints of mint. Bursts of fresh citrus colorfully drive the palate and are delicately balanced with flavors of nectarine and stone fruit. A silky entrance coupled with fresh and uplifting acidity leaves you with our signature coastal expressiveness. Sourced from a small selection of family-owned coastal vineyards as well as our Sea View Ridge estate...”
2015 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles Proprietary Red

2015 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Central CoastKevin VogtProprietary RedSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

JUSTIN 2015 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles Proprietary Red

2015 ISOSCELES
PROPRIETARY RED
PASO ROBLES

 
As much as we love discovering up-and-coming boutique producers, there’s always room in our shop for the established trendsetters, and brands that are Benchmarks in their field.  Justin’s flagship Isosceles Blend is named for the three Bordeaux varietals that go into it and the winery pioneered this style of blend in Paso Robles, which they began more than thirty years ago.  When they first planted Cabernet vines in the Santa Lucia Mountains back in 1981, Paso Robles wasn’t even on the map as far as a wine region and particularly for Bordeaux varietals.  Lucky for us, the fossilized limestone soils and large diurnal temperature swings are perfectly suited for ripening Bordeaux grapes and the Isosceles has proven over and over again how compelling this type of blend can be from Paso.  At $59.99, I recommend clearing some space in the cellar.
 
The 2015 vintage of Isosceles combines 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Merlot that’s aged in 100% new French oak barrels for an impressive 21 months.  2015 was a cooler vintage for Paso which is transparent in the wines tremendous structure.  The wine is incredibly aromatic and loaded with complexity.  At this price it simply should not be missed.
 
JUSTIN
2015 ISOSCELES
PROPRIETARY RED
PASO ROBLES
Retails at:  $76.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 21%
 
From Wine Enthusiast, “Snappy aromas of boysenberry and black raspberry mark a somewhat lighter, brighter spin on this classic blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. Smashed plums and berries run into tobacco and herbs on the palate, where bright acidity pushes into the finish.” 91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Justin Isosceles may also enjoy these two stunning wines…
2015 Steps Barrel Select Proprietary Red 2016 Booker My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Red
STEPS
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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Arising from Mountainous Vineyards, including Mount Veeder and Altas Peak, the 2015 is built around a core of nearly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, heightened with Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Simply stunning to swirl and taste, the 2015 was cave aged for nearly 24 months in high quality oak barrels.  Dramatic, thrilling and hedonistic are all excellent descriptors for the 2015StepsReserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
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..” 95-97 Points
2017 Malene Central Coast Rose

2017 Malene Central Coast Rosé

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUncategorizedUSA

MALENE 2017 Malene Central Coast Rose

2017 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST

 
When a winery combines Old World thought with new world fruit, the results can be absolutely inspiring.  With Malene’s 2017 Rosé from the Central Coast, the fruit is sourced from top vineyards the Santa Ynez Valley and Paso Robles, where the climate is similar to Southern France.  Many would argue that it’s the best area in California for growing Rhone varietals like Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre which are three of the main grapes used to make Provence Rosé wines.  Malene embodies many of the qualities that I love about Provence Rosé and adds an element of new world plump, juicy fruit. Our panel wasn’t the only one’s that liked it… It also earned an impressive 91 points and Editor’s Choice from the Wine Enthusiast.
 
One sip of Malene’s 2017 Rosé and you might think you’re in Provence, France, transporting your mind with underripe-raspberry, delicate rose, lime peel, rock minerals and hints of lavender.  It was fermented using three different types of vessels to add even more complexity.  At $19.99/btl, I’m planning on enjoying this beauty all Spring and Summer long, and I invite you to do the same…
 
MALENE
2017 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast: “This rosé, by the team at Chamisal, is a superstar in the category, offering a little bit of everything for all palate preferences. Perfumed aromas of peach, strawberry and wet gravel combine fruit with minerality, while the palate is framed by a compelling texture. Flavors of red apple and plum sail into the finish.” 91 Points Editors’ Choice
 
Customers who enjoy Malene Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés…
2017 Chateau Des Garcinieres Provence Rose
 2017 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Importers Tasting Notes: “Blessed by the same sun and sea breezes as Tahiti Beach, Cap 21, and the memory of Voile Rouge, it embodies the delicate, romantic taste of 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault and 10% Rolle, marrying the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry, mixed with mineral nuances into one glass...”
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
2017 SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From California Wine Review: “Layered aromatics of strawberry, raspberry, starfruit and rose petal highlight the complex palate, driven by orange marmalade countered with fresh citrus peels, and balanced by the signature coastal mineralogy and defined salinity.“
95 Points
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
Giornata Mixed 15 Pack

Giornata

with No Comment $30 and under$30-$40$40-$50Central CoastKevin VogtNebbioloUSA

GIORNATA

Giornata Mixed 15 Pack
Proving that Italian varietals can produce stunning wines outside of Italy… Winemaker Brian Terrizzi is on a mission to give these varietals a voice, from an area that he found perfectly suited for Italian grape varieties.  With cuttings from some of Italy’s top wine Estate’s planted in the similar soils of Paso Robles, his wines are gaining world-wide acclaim.  After honing his skills at Rosenblum Cellars, winemaker Brian Terrizzi gained more valuable first-hand experience with Italian varietals, working for Paolo DeMarchi at Isole e Olena in Tuscany.  Each of his new releases has stunning purity, balance and delineation, and each one simply put a smile on my face.  If you haven’t experienced these sacred Italian varietals grown in the perfect California climate, you’ll want to try a mixed case.  You’ll be surprised by how profound each wine is.
 
You may order each wine individually below, or click on the 3 bottle image above to order a mixed 15-Pack which includes 5 bottles of each.  His production is tiny with just 2 to 6 barrels of each of the below wines produced.  I strongly recommend securing some before they run out… 
 

Click to Order Mixed 15 Pack

2017 Giornata Coyote Glen Vineyard Vermintino

50 Cases Produced
 2015 Giornata Luna Matta Vineyard Anglianico

50 Cases Produced
 2014 Giornata Luna Mata Vineyard Nebbiolo

145 Cases Produced
GIORNATA
2017 VERMENTINO
COYOTE GLEN VINEYARD
Retails at: $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $26.99/btl

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Notes: “Sourced from Vermentino in the 30 year old Coyote Glen vineyard. The fruit is destemmed and placed directly in unlined terra-cotta amphora and fermented on the skins for three weeks with native yeasts. Elevage continues in the same vessel for about eight months where it racked to tank and then bottled by hand and labeled by Brian and Stephy’s 12 year old twin daughters.”
GIORNATA 
2015 AGLIANICO
LUNA MATTA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Aglianico Luna Matta Vineyard offers up an attractive bouquet of ripe cherries, dried herbs, sweet soil and pencil shavings. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a chewy chassis of tannin and more weight and body than its sibling from the French Camp Vineyard. It’s a more complete wine.”  91 Points
GIORNATA 
2014 NEBBIOLO
LUNA MATTA VINEYARD
 
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Nebbiolo has expressive baked cherries, black raspberries and red currants on the nose with hints of black soil, charcoal and dried roses. Medium to full-bodied, with a racy acid backbone lifting the intense red berry flavors, it has a chewy frame and long, fragrant earth-laced finish.” 
90+ Points
 
2016 Malene Rose Central Coast

2016 Malene Rosé Central Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtRoséUSA

MALENE

2016 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST

2016 Malene Rose Central Coast
The wine business isn’t always a bed of roses… At this years Spring Rosé tasting there must have been 70 rosés that our team had to tirelessly taste through… (and, no, we’re not accepting applications.)  There was one rosé that stood out above the rest for it’s remarkable detail, stunning balance and precise flavors.  We weren’t the only one’s that liked it… It also earned an impressive 91 Point score and Editor’s Choice from the Wine Enthusiast.  At $19.99/btl, I’m planning on enjoying this beauty all Spring and Summer long, and I invite you to do the same…
One sip of Malene’s 2016 Rosé and you might think you’re in Provence, France, transporting your mind with delicate rose petal, raspberry, lime peel and hints of lavender.  The winery expertly blends Rhone Varieties from carefully chosen vineyards throughout California.  Fermented using three different types of vessels to add even more complexity, you simply have to taste this stunning Rosé to believe it…
 
MALENE
2016 ROSÉ
CENTRAL COAST
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “There’s a chalky power to the nose of this lightly hued wine, its baking soda aromas melding with rose petal, lime peel and watermelon scents. There’s tremendous tension to the palate, where bubblegum and ambrosia melon flavors meet limestone-like minerality. Ripe enough to make it playful, it’s bright enough to drink all day.” 91 Points, Editors’ Choice
 
Customers who enjoy Malene’s 2016 Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding whites…
2017 Laird Cold Creek Ranch Pinot Grigio 2016 Azur Rose of Syrah
LAIRD 
2017 PINOT GRIGIO
COLD CREEK RANCH
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 
AZUR
2016 Rosé of Syrah
NAPA | SIERRA FOOTHILLS
 
Your Price $31.99/btl
A remarkably compelling, Provençal inspired Rosé, brought to life by the ever talented Julien Fayard, who learned his craft at Chateau Lafite Rothschild as well as gained valuable, first-hand experience as Director of Winemaking for Philippe Melka…  Offers elegant layers of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon…