2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRutherfordSpring MountainUSA

PAVI

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Pavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa ValleyPavi means lightning, and their new 2016 Napa Cabernet precisely reflects that. The 2016 vintage has a regal presence on the palate that’s defined by lush fruit and superior richness. Renown winemaker Rob Lawson owns the winery, and throughout his career, Rob helped craft some of the top brands produced at Napa Wine Company while he was GM. He’s also responsible for helping shape the 2007 Kapcscandy Grand Vin, which scored a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker.   

Pavi’s 2016 release combines high-quality grapes from Rutherford, Oakville, and Spring Mountain AVAs. The Rutherford vineyard is on the Southeastern end of the AVA, just South of Caymus, and the Oakville fruit comes from the center of Oakville.
 
The final blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon along with 3% Petite Verdot, which contributes to the lush, dark fruit. The only downside is there were only 150 cases of this beauty produced, and at this price, you might want to strike quickly…
 
PAVI
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $85
 
 
“This is a lush, full-bodied wine, rich and bright with dark-fruit flavors and floral aromas. The intense flavors of black cherry, peppery spice, and cocoa come together in a balanced wine that is a perfect complement to savory grilled and braised meats, mushroom pizza and the perfect hamburger”
2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaOakvilleRoséUSA

POP 300

2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY

2019 Pop 300 Rose Napa ValleyFor wine lovers, being in-the-know can sometimes result in finding a wine that so overperforms that you’ll feel like you stole something when you try it. POP 300’s Rosé hands you all of that on a silver platter, and here’s why… Many wine lovers would argue that To Kalon in Oakville is the most celebrated vineyard in California. A little known secret is that there’s a tiny block of Pinot Noir in the center of this magical vineyard, and it’s called Wilsey-To Kalon. There, location combined with being connected yields some incredible fruit, and POP 300 Rosé has my vote for being in the Lucky Land Club.

Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world, but very few people would consider that Pinot Noir even exits in the region. This genuinely unique Rosé of Pinot Noir is made by Luke Russ, whose day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessy Winery.
 
Luke made the 2019 vintage in a brightly focused style, with vivid red cherry, mineral-infused raspberry, pink grapefruit, and spring flowers. This beauty is one of the most scarce Rosés that we watch for each year, and there’s never enough to match demand.
 
POP 300
2019 ROSÉ
NAPA VALLEY
 
 
 
“This release of the 2019 vintage of POP 300’s Rosé just happens to coincide with the ripening of many different fruits from our orchard, and it reminds me of quite a few of them. The nose begins with white peach, yellow plum, ripe raspberries and white flowers. The palate is deep and supple with flavors including ripe peach, Asian pear, honeydew melon along with a saline/mineral quality. The rich mouthfeel is beautifully balanced with bright acidity. This is an absolutely wonderful warm weather wine.” 91 Points
2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

BERINGER

2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

2015 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private ReserveAs much as I love tasting and discovering new, and as-of-yet undiscovered wine producers, there’s nothing like the feeling of historic significance, pride and antiquity that I get from tasting a wine that helped pave the way for Napa to become one of the greatest wine regions of the world. Beringer’s flagship Private Reserve Cabernet hasn’t skipped a beat either, and their 2015 ranked as the #24 Wine-Of-The-Year on James Sucklings Top 100 in 2018 with an outstanding 99 Point score. Here’s a chance to own it, and at a fantastic price… 

Beringer is one of Napa Valley’s most historically significant wineries. Period. After all, they’re California’s oldest continually operating winery, and they’re the only winery in history to have both a red and white wine honored as the #1 wine on the Wine Spectator Top 100. 
 
The 2015 Private Reserve was built on a core of 62% fruit from Bancroft and Steinhauer Ranches atop Howell Mountain, which provided enormous structure and richness. Made even better with fruit from the iron-rich Home and Chabot Vineyards in St. Helena and topped with fruit from Spring Mountain and Mount Veeder to round out the stunningly complex blend…
 
BERINGER
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $170
 
Your Price: $135
 
 
“The spice and walnut aromas are so enticing. Undertones of blackberries and black truffles. Full-bodied, dense and layered with fantastic tension and seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. All about classic structure and beauty.”  99 Points, Top 100 Wines of 2018
 
 
“…This full-bodied, ripe, voluptuous beauty shows the vintage to a T, offering a blast of sweet blackcurrants, licorice, ground herbs, and graphite aromas and flavors. Blockbuster styled, with full body and an expansive, sexy texture, it has the depth and density to continue drinking brilliantly for 20+ years.” 97 Points
 
“… the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of plum preserves, baked blackberries and cassis with hints of menthol, sandalwood and chocolate box. Full-bodied with soft, seductive tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous, ripe, opulent fruit, it has a decadent spiciness and great length.” 95+ Points
2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet FrancKevin VogtMerlotNapaProprietary RedUSA

LATERAL 

PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Lateral Proprietary Red Napa ValleyLateral is a wine inspired by the Bordeaux region of St. Emilion and influenced by the interplay and tension created between Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Proprietor Marty Mathis, whom you might recognize from his super high-scoring Kathryn Kennedy wines, decided to showcase how each of these iconic grapes can harmonize to compliment yet contrast each other way that’s different from other Bordeaux style blends, and the results simply have to be tasted.  

 
Lateral’s 2016 vintage slants towards cooler-climate, expressive vineyards, primarily located in the Southern portion of Napa Valley. On the palate, it’s a highly detailed wine with spiced red fruits, wild mint, rock minerals, rose and cocoa dusted plum. 
 
A stunning example of just how inspiring Right Bank influenced blends from Napa Valley can be, Marty loves to showcase the lush textures and richness of Merlot entirely opposing the aromatic qualities and structure of Cabernet Franc.  At under $40, you might grab a case quickly, before this deal goes sideways.
 
LATERAL 
PROPRIETARY RED
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
 
“Very deep dark royal purple color. Classic Bordeaux style nose with tobacco leaf herb notes and dark brooding black berry aromas plus hints of cherry cream candies. Ideal amounts of subtle creamy oak barrel influences. Soft ripe plums, vanilla cream and loamy earth notes are complex and very inviting. Fresh but rich in the mouth (like so many wines of 2016), lithe and elegant mouth-feel leads to cranberry, minerals and dark cocoa flavors. Tannins are still youthful and acid balance portends well for cellar development; This is a bigger style of LATERAL to be en- joyed now and over a longer period of years”  67% Merlot | Cabernet Franc 33%
2014 Worthy Sophia's Cuvee Proprietary Red

2014 Worthy Sophia’s Cuvee Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

WORTHY

2014 SOPHIA’S CUVEE
PROPRIETARY RED

2014 Worthy Sophia's Cuvee Proprietary Red

 
I always pay extra attention to wines that are a second wine from a top producer with a track record of excellence. Worthy Sophia’s Cuvée is the second wine of Axios, and their 2016 Cabernet goes for around $195. Both wines are made by legendary winemaker Bob Egelhoff, who’s held winemaking positions at such notable wineries as Pahlmeyer, Harlan, Chappellet, Merryvale, and David Arthur. At under $30 this Worthy Sophia’s Cuvée is simply one of the best values in Napa Valley Cabernet blends, period.  
 
Ascending from one of Napa Valley’s best vintages, one that the Wine Spectator describes as producing “dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines,” the latest vintage of Sophia’s Cuvée offers silky, mouthwatering tannins, chocolate covered raspberries, espresso, and violets. 
 
The 2014 vintage checks in at 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, and is balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It’s created from a collection of secret fruit sources spread throughout Napa Valley, and the 2014 release is a beautiful portrayal of the spectacular year. 
 
WORTHY
2014 SOPHIA’S CUVEE
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $32
 
Your Price: $29.99
Click to Order
 
 
 
“A tight and linear red with blueberry, blackberry, and currant character. Ultra-fine tannins that are polished and attractive. Medium body. Bright finish. Drink in 2020.” 92 Points
 
 
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Worthy Sophia’s Cuvée wraps around the palate with striking density and richness. Scents of mocha, espresso, dark spices and new leather give the 2014 much of its aromatic nuance and lift. Polished, silky tannins contribute to the wine’s near-term appeal.” 90 Points
2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

RAPP RANCH

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2017 Rapp Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley

 

Some of the most memorable Chardonnays offer a brilliant play between tension and elegance. Rapp Ranch’s 2017 Napa Chardonnay is a stunning example and arose from two different sites that work beautifully together, and harmoniously accentuate the best qualities from one another. This liquid gold was also made by Rudy Zuidema, whom you might recognize as the winemaker for Mastery.

 
The 2017 vintage intertwines fruit from the Truchard Vineyard, which lies just up the hill from Lee Hudson’s Vineyard, as well as the Poseidon Vineyard, which sits directly on the Napa Valley Marina. The Truchard block sits between Far Niente and Nickel and Nickle’s rows and contributes the incredibly opulent and expressive fruit. 
 
The Poseidon Vineyard is planted in clay soils and contributes an electric acidity that lifts the richer fruit from Truchard. It’s the power and muscle behind the pure and delicious Truchard fruit. This beauty is simply one of my favorite Napa Chardonnays that I’ve tasted this year. With 232 cases made, don’t wait to stake your claim. 
 
RAPP RANCH
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at: $40
 
Your Price: $36
Click to Order
 
 
 
“The Rapp Ranch Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of grace and elegance from the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley. Golden straw in color, the aromas of Asian pear, oats and French vanilla ice cream remind you of an inviting warm cobbler. The rich and round mouthfeel coats your palate with flavors of candied citrus, macadamia nuts, and cinnamon. A beautiful balance of weight and acid, this wine is sure to disappear quickly!”
2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaStags LeapUSA

V12

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY

2012 V12 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

After a fast-paced racing career, growing premium grapes seems to go hand-and-hand. Just look at what Randy Lewis and Mario Andretti have accomplished. Indy-car Champion Jimmy Vassar owns V12, and he brings to his wine the same focus and determination needed to be a successful race car driver. And wait until you see where his vineyard is… 
 
The V12 Estate Vineyard is on Soda Canyon Road, Southeast of Stags Leap Winery, and above Odette and Joseph Phelps La Rocas Vineyards. The vineyard itself was blanketed with several feet of solid surface rock and had to be blasted with dynamite before top viticulturist Davie Piňa could plant it. 
 
Chad Alexander makes the wine, and he’s well-versed in hillside Cabernet, spending years as the head winemaker at Hess Collection and Robert Craig wineries. The 2014 444 Cabernet is a concentrated and solidly-built wine, with an incredible core of fruit that’s decorated with rocky minerals, cassis, and crushed violets… 
 
V12
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 444
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
2016 Ty Caton Winemaker's Cuvee Moon Mountain District

2016 Ty Caton Winemaker’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain District

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtMoon MountainNapaUSA

TY CATON 

WINEMAKER’S CUVEE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 

2016 Ty Caton Winemaker's Cuvee Moon Mountain DistrictIf you enjoy robust, hedonistic Cabs from Mount Veeder, and the elegant and savory wines from Spring Mountain, you would also enjoy wines from Moon Mountain. Positioned on the Sonoma side of Mount Veeder, the well-drained red volcanic soils are also home to icons like the Monte Rosso, which was made famous by Louis Martini, and Frederick’s Vineyard used by Turley. At the $38 retail price, Ty Caton’s Winemaker’s Cuvée from Moon Mountain earned a Gold Medal at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. But at our price, few others can compete.  

Ty selected clone 337 for his Cabernet, which is commonly found in cult wines and thrives in the well-drained volcanic soils. On the palate, the wine is stunningly deep, enchanting, and full of hedonistic delights. 
 
The 2016 Cuvée checks in at 90% Cabernet Sauvignon entwined with Merlot and spent 15 months in oak barrels. Now with a couple of years in the bottle, it conquers your senses with an exotic tapestry of opulent black fruits, liquid floral, and crushed rock.
 
TY CATON 
WINEMAKER’S CUVEE
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
MOON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $38
 
 
 
 
 
“The 2016 Estate Winemaker’s Cuvee meets the palate with rich and full-bodied flavors of black currant, red plums, and cassis, followed by oak notes of cedar and vanilla. These dark flavors produce a lush and velvety textured mouth feel that combine with supple tannins, and leads to a long silky finish.”
2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard

2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

MALDONADO 

2017 CHARDONNAY
LOS OLIVOS VINEYARD

2017 Maldonado Chardonnay Los Olivos VineyardMaldonado Chardonnay is the delicious result of nearly four decades spent immersed in Napa Valley agriculture, including managing iconic vineyards like Newton Cellars. The results speak volumes, and fruit from their remarkable vineyard has attracted top producers like Venge and B Cellars to craft Chardonnay from it. The Maldonado’s passion for the grape is transparent in their flagship Los Olivos bottling, which is made in a richly layered style with beautiful weight, balance, and gloriously defined fruit. 

The Los Olivos Vineyard is near the Southeastern edge of Napa Valley, in a cool, windswept region that experiences strong maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. These influences funnel through the Coastal Mountain ranges, and allow the grapes a long growing-season, with temperatures cool enough to maintain acidity and structure. 
 
Maldonado perfectly balances nectar-like texture with balanced acidity and detailed candied lemon, tropical fruits, and vanilla bean. The wine team barrel ferments the grapes, and then the wine is aged sur lie, which contributes to this wine’s incredible richness and buttery aromas. 
 
MALDONADO 
2017 CHARDONNAY
LOS OLIVOS VINEYARD
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
Click to Order
 
 
“Inviting aromas of maple, Meyer lemon curd and ripe nectarine. Bright and clean with spiced maple, green apple, citrus, wet slate and subtle hint of oak. A classic style Chardonnay, yet re-imagined!”  
2018 Grand Napa Los Carneros Chardonnay

2018 Grand Napa Los Carneros Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

GRAND NAPA

2018 CHARDONNAY
LOS CARNEROS

2018 Grand Napa Los Carneros Chardonnay

Grand Napa Winery in Rutherford has an eye for locating vineyards that are capable of producing expressive, profound and varietally sound wines. Those of you that have tasted their Reds under their Grand Napa, Heir Apparent or Calculated Risk brands already know what a stunning value they offer. What you may not know is that they also produce a small amount of Chardonnay, and with 129 cases of their Los Carneros bottling, it’s no surprise. We’ve kept a close eye on their Chards over the years, and the moment we tasted this one, we felt like we had struck gold, due to its overwhelming quality and value.
 
Grand Napa’s 2018 Los Carneros Chardonnay is made in a pure and textured style that offers rich and inviting white fruits, impeccable weight and stunning natural acidity, that’s both refreshing and perfectly balances the wine’s subtle yet intriguing opulence.  
 
Carneros Chardonnays offer big fruit, and plenty of structure. It’s the cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay that funnel through the Coastal Mountain ranges, and allow the grapes a long growing season, with temperatures cool enough to maintain acidity and structure.
 
GRAND NAPA
2018 CHARDONNAY
LOS CARNEROS
Retails at: $59.99
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
 
“The Grand Napa Los Carneros Chardonnay 2018 is beautifully balanced with perfect combination of sweet fruits and rich texture.  It begins on the palate with succulent honey dipped peaches, ripe apricots, lemon curd and highlighted with spring floral characteristics.  It has a beautiful richness on the palate with just enough acidity to give it a shimmering mouthfeel. This is the best Grand Napa Chardonnay that I’ve tasted.  Very well done.” 93 Points