2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCoombsvilleKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

Pass Wines

Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley

2019 Pass Wines Merlot Coombsville Napa Valley

With a mere 96 cases produced, the 2019 Pass Wines Coombsville Merlot epitomizes the boutique spirit of Napa Valley. Each bottle reflects the meticulous craft of Ryan Pass, a UC Davis graduate who began his journey at Farella Vineyards in 2015. Under the mentorship of esteemed vintner Tom Farella, Ryan’s promotion to Winemaker in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in his career, where he gained invaluable insight from a master of the trade. His wines carry the legacy of that tutelage, emphasizing precision, artistry, and passion.

Vineyard partnerships are central to Ryan’s approach, where the terroir becomes the canvas for his creativity. He sourced from two distinct Coombsville vineyards for this Merlot, carefully selected to harmonize minerality, fruit, and spice. The result is a wine of profound elegance and sophistication, gently aged in neutral oak to retain its vibrant freshness.

This Merlot embodies not just the essence of Coombsville but also Ryan’s commitment to producing wines deeply connected to land and craft.

Pass Wines
Merlot 2019
Coombsville, Napa Valley
Retails at: $36

Your Price: $29.99

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“The Pass Wines 2019 Coombsville Merlot begins with a cool-climate-driven fruit characteristic with red and black cherries and plums, with the AVA’s signature volcanic minerality, resembling graphite, followed with notes of savory spice and cloves. On the palate, the wine has a dusty cocoa power component, mocha, and blackberries, with underlying spice and wet stones after a summer rain. This wine has brilliant acidity that intricately balances the fruit, spice, and mineral notes with a long, pleasant finish.”

96 Points

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny Red Napa Valley

Bevan’s Ontogeny is swiftly becoming a paragon of exceptional Napa Valley wine. Just last year, the 2021 vintage claimed the top spot on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 10 Napa Bordeaux Blends Under $125 list, following a similar accolade for the 2019 vintage, which was #1 in Dunnuck’s Top Ten Values for Valley Cabernet. The takeaway? You’ll want to secure the 2022 vintage before more scores come out, as it’s poised to continue this remarkable trend.

The 2022 Ontogeny draws its strength primarily from the esteemed Tench Vineyard across from Screaming Eagle in Oakville. Russell crafts a single-vineyard Cabernet from Tench that retails for over $200, but Ontogeny, as the most accessible of his flagship reds, offers an unparalleled entry into the Bevan experience. Despite being the least expensive Red in his portfolio, it’s a wine that never compromises on the depth, power, and intensity that have become Bevan’s trademark.

Russell Bevan, alongside his partner Victoria De Crescenzo, launched Bevan Cellars in 2005, seizing the opportunity to create wines that stunned the Napa Valley scene. Under Russell’s visionary leadership, Bevan Cellars has consistently delivered extraordinary wines. The 2022 Ontogeny Red Blend stands out for its brilliance, cementing its place as a must-have in any serious collector’s cellar.

Bevan Cellars
Ontogeny Red
Napa Valley 2022

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“The Bevan Cellars 2022 Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Wine is rich and supple, opening with notes of violets, rocky minerality, blackberries, dark chocolate, and blueberry pie. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and penetrating with flavors of black plums, blueberries, toasted baking spices, black tea leaves, and hazelnuts. The wine evolves in the glass as it opens up and its long lingering finish is complex and warms the soul.”

95 Points

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Illumination

Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

Quintessa, a renowned Rutherford producer, extends its meticulous craftsmanship to Sauvignon Blanc, crafting Illumination, a wine as exquisite as its flagship red. This luminous expression bursts with vibrant notes of passionfruit, white peach, orange blossom, and zesty tangerine, creating a captivating bouquet.

Rooted in a deep commitment to the environment, Quintessa selected specific blocks to cultivate thriving clonal varieties, capturing the essence of Napa and Sonoma’s diverse terroir. With the same precision that defines their renowned reds, Illumination is crafted from vines planted in 2002, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional character and depth.

The 2023 vintage marks a stellar year in Napa Valley. Abundant winter rains and moderate temperatures fostered an ideal growing season, culminating in the 2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional wine showcases Napa’s elegance and vitality, making it a true showstopper.

Illumination
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

Your Price: $59.99

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“The Illumination 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to offer a balanced, vibrant bouquet of citrus and floral notes, including orange blossom, acacia, followed by a burst of lime zest, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a touch of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The acidity is well-balanced, leading to a lingering finish that reveals subtle notes of peaches and cream, and a delicate pastry dough character.”

95 Points

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Caymus

Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Caymus Cabernet Napa Valley

Founded in 1971 by the visionary Wagner family, Caymus Vineyards has become an iconic name in Napa Valley winemaking. Their inaugural vintage in 1972, born from 55 acres of carefully tended vines, set the stage for a legacy of excellence that continues today.

Under the stewardship of the Wagner family’s second and third generations, Caymus Vineyards remains committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a milestone marking the winery’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to this enduring passion.

This exceptional vintage was shaped by a season of challenging conditions characterized by low crop yields and minimal irrigation. These factors allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors and aromas, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth and complexity.

Harvested at their peak ripeness, the 2022 release delivers the signature richness that defines the Caymus style. Full-bodied and bold, it stands as a tribute to half a century of dedication, and the Wagner family’s enduring love for the art of winemaking.

Caymus
Cabernet Sauvignon
50th Anniversary, One Liters
Napa Valley 2022
Retails at: $110

Your Price: $89.99

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“A creamy, forward style, with a core of warmed raspberry and boysenberry preserves infused liberally with mocha and melted licorice. Shows a late flicker of chaparral. This is meant for near-term hedonism. Drink now through 2034.”

91 Points

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Krupp Brothers

Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Krupp Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon The Wheelman Napa Valley

In the mid-1990s, the Krupp brothers were captivated by a rugged 750-acre parcel atop Atlas Peak. Despite its formidable challenges—water scarcity, isolation, and volcanic, rocky terrain—the brothers were determined to cultivate a vineyard. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate an underground water source, they succeeded with the unconventional aid of a water witch.

The Stagecoach Vineyard, a testament to the Krupps’ perseverance and vision, has become one of Napa Valley’s most iconic properties. It produces bold, penetrating wines with extraordinary structure. The Wheelman, a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its exceptional quality, robustness, and volcanic minerality. Aged 22 months in 70% new French oak, the 2021 release is approachable now but promises to evolve gracefully for years to come.

Embrace the legacy of the Stagecoach Vineyard by experiencing the extraordinary Wheelman Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krupp Brothers
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Wheelman
Napa Valley 2021

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“The Krupps Brothers The Wheelman Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is loaded with enticing dark fruit and spice, delivering a complex and elegant experience. The nose is initially brooding, revealing rich notes of black plums, ripe Bing cherries, and a touch of chocolate-covered espresso beans. Indian spices and a subtle hint of fresh lavender add complexity, while rocky mineral nuances provide an earthy element. The wine is supple and silky on the palate, with a concentrated yet elegant structure. Pure and linear, the distinctive flavors of sweet red and black berries and vanilla spice dance across the tongue, creating a vibrant, complex tapestry. The finish is lingering, leaving a lasting impression of the wine’s great depth and character. Drink or cellar until 2036.”

93 Points

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt. HelenaUSA

EHLERS ESTATE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JEAN LEDUCQ
ST. HELENA 2021

2021 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jean Leducq St. Helena

Established in 1886, Ehlers Estate, located in one of Napa’s most elite neighborhoods, crafts beautiful wines reminiscent of an older Napa Valley style marked by robust structure, balance, and a palpable sense of place. The historic estate and stone winery were established in the late 1800s by Bernard Ehlers and purchased by the Leducq family in 1987, also the founders of the Leducq Foundation for Cardiovascular Research.

Mike Wolf, one of the leading viticulture experts in Napa Valley, whose past and present clients include To Kalon, Scarecrow, and Vine Hill Ranch, manages the vineyard. The Jean Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a single block on the estate and pays tribute to founder Jean Leducq’s legacy and strong work ethic.

The 2021 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and though young, it is powerfully seductive on the first sip and takes your palate on a rollercoaster ride of flavor complexity, ending in a long, smooth finish with a lasting impression.

EHLERS ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
JEAN LEDUCQ
ST. HELENA 2021

Your Price: $125

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“The Ehlers Estate 2021 Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon has incredible depth and opens with aromas of volcanic rocks, petrichor, bergamot, boysenberry, melted chocolate, and cigar box. On the palate, the wine has flavors of black cherry, blackberry, baking spices, and dusty minerality. The wine has a robust flavor intensity with a long finish that carries on and on with a silky texture. This wine is outstanding now and will improve with a few years of age if you can stand to hold onto it that long.”

97 Points

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPope ValleyProprietary RedUSA

POPE VALLEY WINERY

PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Pope Valley Winery Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Nestled in the northeastern hills beyond Howell Mountain in a quiet part of Napa Valley, Pope Valley Winery owns and farms eighty acres of premium vines. The winery’s pair of estate vineyards yield outstanding wines that embody the distinct qualities of the Pope Valley AVA. Each meticulously crafted wine adheres to the highest standards of winemaking excellence, placing them in a league that would typically command triple-digit prices among other Napa Valley wines.

The Director of Winemaking, Jean Hoefliger, works closely with Winemaker Greg Fitzgerald, combining their extensive expertise, passion, and inherent skill to craft top-tier wines, elevating the winery to a world-class standard. 

The 2019 Proprietary Red Wine is 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, both sourced from the Eakle Ranch Estate, giving the vineyard’s signature complexity from its Pleasanton loam and Bressa-Dibble soils that produce wines with distinctive, expressive character.

POPE VALLEY WINERY
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $48

Your Price: $36

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“The Pope Valley Vineyards Proprietary Red 2019 begins with a ripe nose of dark fruits, chocolate, sweet florals, and a touch of pie spice. The palate continues with wild blackberries, ripe cherries, a hint of vanilla, pencil lead, and dried herbs. The balance of sweet, ripe fruits balances savory characteristics that add to the complexity and depth. This wine finishes with a moderately long finish that will pair beautifully with smoked or grilled meats.

92 Points

 

2018 Blankiet Prince Of Hearts Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2018 Blankiet Prince Of Hearts Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $100 and overKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSAYountville

BLANKIET

PRINCE OF HEARTS 
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2018

2018 Blankiet Prince Of Hearts Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Blankiet Estate was established in 1996 after Claude and Katherine Blankiet seized the opportunity to acquire an untouched hillside parcel behind Dominus’ Napanook vineyard in Yountville. The location boasts a cooler-climate terroir compared to other areas in Napa Valley, thanks to its eastward orientation, featuring radiant sunny mornings and refreshing, shaded afternoons, preserving the natural acidity and resulting in impeccably balanced, concentrated fruit.

The Prince of Hearts features a Bordeaux-style blend composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, referred to by Antonio Galloni and Robert Parker as one of Napa Valley’s top “Super-Seconds,” listed in the same category as Screaming Eagle’s “Second Flight” and Harlan’s “The Maiden.” 

All estate fruit, the 2018 release epitomizes the glorious vintage as it’s beginning to show off some seriously sophisticated character and super-premium fruit quality. The wine is showing so good right now; it’ll make you feel like royalty when you taste it. 

BLANKIET
PRINCE OF HEARTS 
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2018

Your Price: $125

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“Checking in as close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with around 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Prince Of Hearts Red offers a stunning, Bordeaux-like nose of red and black currants, new leather, lead pencil, graphite, and bouquet garni. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, classy background oak, and a great finish, this head turner has plenty of richness, yet it’s the balance, purity, and texture that keep you coming back to the glass. Bravo!”

97 Points

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

ERIKSON & CARADIN

ARCHER & THORN
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Erikson & Caradin Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Erikson & Caradin proprietors are keenly aware that soil, elevation, and climate play crucial roles in fine wine production; however, expertise and ambition can take wine to the next level. Erikson & Caradin began in 2013, selling their small production to friends, and continue to remain craft-focused, with only around fifty barrels produced across eight different designations.

Their specialty is producing terroir-driven wines, which aligns with winemaker Kevin Morrisey’s skillset after interning at Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux before Stags’ Leap Winery, Etude, and Ehlers Estate. 

Based around a core of Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Petite Sirah, the winery’s 2019 Archer & Thorn Proprietary Red, from Calistoga, Yountville, and Oakville, captures the essence of Napa Valley, delivered with penetrating fruit framed by firm tannins and remarkable balance. 

At $90, this wine earned well-deserved scores, but at $30, I’ll let you decide…

ERIKSON & CARADIN
ARCHER & THORN
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $90

Your Price: $29.99

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“Aromas of black cherries, plums, fresh herbs and fresh mint. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Succulent black fruit with light dried-citrus character. Earthy herbal notes as well. Best after 2025.”

93 Points

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

2021 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend

Back and better than ever before, Vista’s 2021 Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend is another paradigm-shifter for superior quality, value-priced Mountain wines. This stunner has the concentration, depth, complexity, and balance you’d expect from an exceptional $50+ Napa wine, but at $25, it’s almost unfathomable how great it is for this low price.

Harvested at 2,000 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Vista’s 2021 Reserve Blend was wrought from the rocky red Aiken soils that perfectly display the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous.

Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon at 61%, balanced with Merlot and Malbec, the 2021 vintage has the power of a thoroughbred, tamed by the skilled hand of winemaker Grant Long Jr, whom you might know from Aonair, Reverie II, Steps, and James Joseph. If you’re looking for a fabulous wine that tastes like it should be double or triple the price, look no further.

VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
RED BLEND 2021

Your Price: $25

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“Unparalleled in their ability to create rich, powerful, high-quality Napa Valley wines at an exceptionally low price, Vista continues to raise the bar with the release of their 2021 Reserve Atlas Peak Red Blend. This beautiful creation begins with a vibrant nose, including crushed Blackberries, blueberry cobbler, lavender, and hints of wood spice. The powerful palate continues with concentrated red currants, mixed berry compote, Bing cherries, pipe tobacco, saline minerality, and cocoa powder. The firm volcanic mountain structure beautifully balances the intense fruit with a style, grace, and energy, leading to a long finish that simply satisfies.”

95 Points