2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT 

2015 Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY

 
I’m often asked what’s the best Cab under $20.  I can honestly say that I haven’t found one that I like better than this Katherine Goldschmidt at this price point.  The wine also earned an incredible 94 Point score in the January issue of Tasting Panel Magazine and at $19.99/btl, there’s simply nothing like it.  Great wines never last long, especially when they’re drinking as well as this one is right now.  The winery has already released the 2016, but we couldn’t say goodbye to this one yet…  It comes from a single vineyard which for years went to Simi for their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($75)…  At just $19.99/btl, Katherine Goldschmidt’s Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly expresses just how inspiring Cabernet Sauvignon can be from Alexander Valley.
 
Ramping everything up a notch or two in terms of sheer power and concentration, the 2015 Crazy Creek releases a dense core and remarkable palate presence, unlike anything I’ve tasted at this price.  It saturates your palate in an abundance of chocolate covered cherries, crushed blackberries, roasted coffee and black currants, and just like the previous two vintages, this beauty out-performs most Cabernets at double its price…   
 
KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT 
2015 CRAZY CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ALEXANDER VALLEY 
Retails at:  $24.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
From The Tasting Panel: “Named for Goldschmidt’s middle daughter, the wine’s grapes hail from Crazy Creek, a vineyard known to produce some iconic wines. Big, bright, blue fruit notes on the nose are meaty, with a chocolate espresso twist and dry tannins showing on the palate.  It’s a little masterpiece with a dark chocolate finish that way over delivers on price-to-quality.” 94 Points

 

Customers that would enjoy Katherine Goldschmidt’s Crazy Creek Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…

   

2016 Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red Sonoma County Proprietary Red 2014 Arbor Bench Cabernet Sauvignon
SEBASTIANI 
GRAVEL BED RED
2016 SONOMA COUNTY 
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $26.99/btl 

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Named for the gravelly soils that are key components in this exciting Cabernet Blend, the 2016 blankets your taste buds in a velvety embrace that comes threaded with mineraly red and black fruits, pipe tobacco, pencil lead and vanilla.  With fruit sourced from famed sites such as the iconic Cherryblock Vineyard, this wine delivers serious bang for your buck and with the growing following, I wouldn’t wait to secure yours.    
ARBOR BENCH
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DRY CREEK VALLEY, ESTATE
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
From the Wine Enthusiast: “Full bodied and fleshy, this 100% varietal wine offers polished tannin and toasty oak, the flavors lean and classically defined in pencil, cedar and soy. Notes of black pepper and tobacco etch themselves onto a lengthy finish.“  90 Points
2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $70-$80Atlas PeakCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapa

PAHLMEYER

2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
Becoming Napa Valley’s first Cult Chardonnay after Demi Moore tried to seduce Michael Douglas in the hit movie Disclosure back in 1994, Pahlmeyer became nearly impossible to acquire, overnight. More than two decades later and it’s still making a powerful statement of prestige, along with three 95 Point reviews, the demand is still going full-bore.  It’s made in a style that has remarkable weight, dimension and intensity, and under the guidance of Bibiana Gonzalez Rave it’s only gotten better. She’s added a level of elegance to the wines that marries perfectly with the classic rich, unctuous style that Pahlmeyer is known for.
 
Created from the winery’s Estate Vineyard, as well as Antinori’s Antica Vineyard on Atlas Peak and Larry Hyde’s iconic Vineyard in Carneros, the 2016 has all the ingredients necessary to be everything you’d want in a powerful yet elegant Napa Valley Chardonnay.  With attention to every minute detail, the fruit was picked at night before being rigorously inspected by hand at the winery.  Kept for 11 months in 100% new Francois Freres oak Barrels, the wine is simply gorgeous.
 
PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl
 
 
“… Apricot, honey, dried flowers and lightly buttery notes get a kick of energy from the freshness of vintage and the personality of the mountain sites (Estate and Antica) that inform this bottling, Winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez-Rave has brought an added level of finesse to the Pahlmeyer Chardonnay.”  95 Points
“The 2016 Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.”  95 Points
“Gorgeous aromatics of heady voluptuousness conjure elements of caramel, honey and baked apple behind a golden hue of color in this memorable, no-holds-barred white. The flavors follow through along a lengthy layered pathway lined in sparks of anise and key lime, finishing in juicy crisp acidity.”  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 DuMOL Chloe Russian River Valley Chardonnay
 2014 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red
DuMOL
2015 CHLOE CHARDONNAY
RITCHIE-LORENZO VINEYARDS
 
Your Price: $67.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “… a big, rich, classic Russian River Chardonnay that has loads of ripe orchard fruits, honeysuckle, dried herbs/earth, and spice all soaring from the glass. It’s another impeccably balanced, pure, classic effort from this estate that does everything right.”  97 Points
PAHLMEYER
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $175.00/btl
 
Your Price:  $159.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Fantastic aromatics with blackberries, blackcurrants and iodine. Licorice, too. Medium to fulll body, fine and velvety tannins and a very polished and gorgeous finish. Caressing and dialed in. Why wait? An intellectual wine here. Lovely now.” 97 Points
2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonDiamond MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

VON STRASSER

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN

2013 Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
When I look back at my top-selling wine of all time, which was the 2007 Ascent Diamond Mountain Cabernet, I can’t help but to find similarities in Von Strasser’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was also created exclusively from Diamond Mountain fruit.  An idyllic expression of the areas distinct volcanic terroir, this stunningly elegant and penetrating wine saturates your taste buds with an abundance of blackberry cassis, mineral laced raspberry, Ghirardelli chocolate and roasted coffee. The overall texture, is both deep and elegant and foreshadows the long and expansive finish.  It’s rare to find a Diamond Mountain Cabernet that we can offer you , and this is the first time since Ascent that we’ve found one for you…
 
Von Strasser was a fixture on Diamond Mountain for more than two decades and while they sold the vineyard in 2015, they kept the brand, and purchased a new winery on Silverado Trail where the wines are now being made. Von Strasser gained valuable experience at Trefethen and Newton wineries and he has extensive experience working with Diamond Mountain fruit.  His 2013 Cabernet is drinking so beautifully right now, it was astonishing how elegantly this wine hits your palate and it continues to impress all the way through the finish.
 
VON STRASSER
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Immediate nose is pleasing with dark fruit of blueberry, blackberry and leather layered with flavors of licorice, coffee, pomegranate and subtle earthy undertones.  Wrap it up with supple tannins to enjoy now or up to 10 years.”
2014 Barlow Calistoga Napa Valley Merlot

2014 Barlow Calistoga Merlot

with No Comment $30-$40CalistogaKevin VogtMerlotNapaUSA

BARLOW

2014 MERLOT
CALISTOGA

2014 Barlow Calistoga Napa Valley Merlot
Many of California’s best Merlots come from the sleepy town of Calistoga, on the Northern-most end of Napa Valley.  The area is distinguished by volcanic soils and the largest diurnal temperature variation in Napa Valley.  Daytime highs and night time lows span up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and while the hot daytime temperatures allow the grapes to develop deep and compelling flavors, the cool nights help to maintain acidity and structure.  With all of the contributing factors working in unison, this area has proven that it can produce some of the best Merlot in California… Just look at last year’s #1 wine in the Wine Spectator.  Interestingly, Duckhorn’s iconic 3 Palms Vineyard is just a short distance from Barlow’s Estate Vineyard and I believe the micro-climate on the South-Eastern edge of Calistoga where both of these Merlots originate is perfectly suited to produce some of Napa’s best Merlot.
 
Barlow’s Estate Vineyard is farmed by father and son team and you can literally taste the care that goes into each bottle.  They produce just over 300 cases of their Merlot and at $35/btl the level of quality is literally shocking when you taste it.  The 2014 was housed for 22 months in oak and has blossomed for 2 years in the bottle.  You simply have to try this…  
 
BARLOW
2014 MERLOT
CALISTOGA
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “The 2014 Barlow Merlot has a deep, concentrated violet-purple color with aromas of rich raspberry, ripe red cherry with an essence of sweet French vanilla. The palate is highly concentrated with deep and generous flavors of currants, blueberries and Bing cherries. The tannins are soft and luxurious and are a great counterpart to the sweet flavors of toasty oak.” 
308 Cases Produced 
 
Customers who enjoy Barlow’s Calistoga Merlot, may also enjoy these two terrific Merlots…

 

2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2014 Frostwatch Bennett Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
2015 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 

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The consensus in the wine industry points to Merlot being back and with serious vigor. The varietal took a hit in 2004 with the debut of the movie Sideways which besmirched Merlot causing US Merlot sales to crater. A study by Vineyard Financial Associates estimates that it cost Merlot farmers over 400M in lost revenue in the decade following the movie.  Of course none of that made Duckhorn blink, in fact they’ve been climbing to new heights, and recently went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list with their 2014 Three Palms Merlot.  
FROSTWATCH
2014 MERLOT
BENNETT VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Merlot is scented of red and black plums, dried Mediterranean herbs, vanilla and spice box. Full-bodied in the mouth, it has a relatively tannic backbone dominating the fruit and drying out the finish slightly, but there is a lot of expressive fruit to love and it should reward another 3-5 years in bottle.”  90+ Points
2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

CHATEAU MONTELENA 

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

 
The best wines evoke memories, intellectual thoughts and feelings when you taste them, and every time I taste Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay, thoughts of Independence and patriotism come to mind.  Two hundred years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Chateau Montelena made a pivotal statement at the 1976 Judgement in Paris when their 1973 Chardonnay came in 1st place.  It eclipsed all other French and California Chardonnays at the historic tasting, as depicted in the movie Bottle Shock…  Continuing their legacy of producing enchanting, brightly focused Chardonnays, the 2015 is remarkably tropical this year with bright, freshly picked kumquat, nectarine, lemon oil and candied ginger.  Symbolizing the American dream, hard work and independence, here’s a chance to own the most celebrated Chardonnay in US history…
 
Remaining true to their roots and focusing on the pure expression of fruit, crisp acidity and mineral finish, Chateau Montelena is unlike many California Chardonnay producers that have adopted a creamy, buttery, profile with a heavier oak influence.  Kept for just 10 months in neutral French oak barrels, the 2015 is bright and focused with vivid Island fruits, candied lemon, shaved almonds and tangerine oil. I strongly recommend a case of this iconic Napa Valley Chardonnay for your cellar.  
 
CHATEAU MONTELENA 
2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $58.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 13%
 
From Vinous: “Just bottled, the 2015 Chardonnay is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. The warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly richer style of Chardonnay, although the house style built on energy and tension is still very much in evidence. Candied lemon, white flowers and mint are nicely textured. Soft, enveloping and gracious, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Chateau Montelena Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 Failla Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
FAILLA
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

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After dominating one varietal for nearly two decades as winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars, the natural progression is to start a new challenge, create something fresh, then conquer that too… Ehren Jordan’s viticultural training in France greatly influenced his farming and winemaking choices, which are evident in this sensational Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.  
2015 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

CRU9

2015 Cru9 Stop Talking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY 

 
When we first introduced CRU9’s 2014 Cabernet, everybody that tried it couldn’t stop talking about how great it was for the price.  All I can say about the 2015 is that you may want to keep your lips sealed on our little secret here… It’s even better than the 2014 and with a complete production of just 4 barrels or 100 cases, be sure to secure yours before the word gets out… The 2015 bears a powerful yet inviting voice and cascades across the palate with stunning clarity.   At the winery retail of $60/btl I’m all in… At $39.99/btl, we bought every bottle that we could… If you choose to place your order on our website, you will need code cru920 to unlock this low price. 
 
Carved from a secret vineyard sources in Oakville, St. Helena and Rutherford, the 2015 exhibits all the best traits of the vintage.  On the palate, waves of concentrated black cherry, velvety cassis, espresso roast and chocolate raspberry mousse circulate and add new dimensions as the wine opens up.  Notably, CRU9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Ruby’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA (read more).  Every time you buy a bottle of CRU9, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
 
CRU9
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
STOP TALKING…
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Cru 9 Stop Talking Cabernet 2015 has a deep purple color offering a penetrating nose of crushed blackberries, bing cherry, deep black currants scorched minerally earth and hints of cinnamon spice box.  A stunning example that is penetrating and focused with a taught, broad shouldered structure and linear style, balanced with concentrated red and black fruits and dusty tannins that cut a swath across your palate and lingers on and on.  Drink now through 2028.” 
95 Points Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

Customers that enjoy Cru9’s Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Cru9…
2015 Cru9 See You In Your Dreams Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2016 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay
CRU 9
2015 PINOT NOIR
SEE YOU IN YOUR DREAMS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “A sweetly perfumed Pinot Noir with a compellingly sultry nose of dried violets, ripe raspberries, tart red cherries, spiced cola beans and dried green tea.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with crushed blueberries, tart cranberry, candied lime peel and an exceptionally long finish that lasts for over a minute.  An exceptional effort that drinks great now, but will age gracefully for years… Drink now through 2024.”  94+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
CRU9 
2016 CHARDONNAY
As Ever…
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom,  citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years…” 93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier

2015 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

ETUDE

2015 PINOT NOIR
GRACE BENOIST RANCH 

With around two hundred 90+ point scores under their belt, Etude is the reigning King of the Carneros AVA.  Founded in 1982 by wine country icon Tony Soter, I can’t think of any other Carneros winery that defines the AVA as well as Etude, and now nearly four decades later they remain a paragon.  With all of the hallmarks that make the Carneros AVA so wondrous, you can almost smell the fog from the San Pablo Bay in their 2015 Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot.  Classic Carneros down to the core and at $39.99/btl it will put a smile on your face… 
 
Tucked along the Northwest corner of Carneros, Etude’s Grace Benoist Ranch benefits from a strong maritime influence and rocky, volcanic soils, making it ideally suited for Pinot Noir.  A correlation of the best grapes from individual vineyard blocks on Grace Benoist Ranch, this wine always tells the story of a particular vintage from a very unique place.  The 2015 is such a good story that you won’t be able to put it down until the last page has turned.   
 
ETUDE
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRACE BENOIST RANCH
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 14%
 
 
“… the 2015 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch has a savory, sautéed herbs-laced nose over a core of red currants, cranberries and Bing cherries plus hints of dusty earth and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with savory/earthy flavors, framed by chewy tannins and finishing with a lot of interesting layers.”  92 Points
 “... a deeply colored effort that has medium-bodied notes of red currants, cherries, campfire and forest floor. It has plenty of texture and a charming, rounded, delicious style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.”  91 points

 

 
Customers that enjoy Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2015 Two Sisters Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Carneros
TWO SISTERS
2015 PINOT NOIR
LINDSAY’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Plump red cherry, rust, dried sage, wild thyme and baking spices show on the nose of this top-end regional wine from Bill Foley. The palate shows cohesive well-woven flavors of strong red fruits, turned earth, brown spice, cracked pepper and a menthol-like finish. The acidity is perfect, the tannins soft but structural.”   93 Points
SOLAMENTE
2014 PINOT NOIR
TERRA BLANCA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 
Cellar Tracker Tasting Notes: “This deep ruby wine flaunts bright aromas of cranberries, black cherries, raspberries, pickling spice and violets. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium-weight but grippy tannins, it has impressive presence on the mid-palate. The medium length finish concludes with a wisp of oak. This is an outstanding Pinot…“

 

2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red

2015 Juslyn Perry’s Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSpring MountainUSA

JUSLYN 

2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN 

2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red
The best wines I taste leave me with an indelible stamp in my mind and an overall feeling that becomes part of the wine’s identity.  The first impression I had when I tasted Juslyn’s 2015 Perry’s Blend was one of shattered expectations, and those were set high, given the high quality of wines that the winery has produced over the last several vintages. They’ve also attracted some incredible talent…  Assisting in their constant pursuit of perfection, consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, who’s worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre… At the retail price of $95/btl, this is a brilliant bottle of wine and a great representation of Spring Mountain terroir.
 
At 81% Cabernet Sauvignon this vintage of Perry’s Blend is stunningly powerful and oozes sweet mulberries, chocolate covered cherries, pen ink, graphite and hints of savory spices.  This wine conveys all of the noble traits that make Spring Mountain so desired, and immediately out of the bottle it’s absolutely rocking and promises another 12-15 years of enjoyment.  I’m predicting mid 90’s scores aren’t far behind and I wouldn’t wait for the reviews to get yours… 
 
JUSLYN 
2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “…Enticing aromas of ripe blueberries, rich blackberries, powerful cassis, black currants and delicate floral notes rise from the glass.  On the palate, terraced layers of wild red and black berries, cocoa powder, black plum and pen ink build over time.  Compact and rich with a focused center palate of densely concentrated fruit intermixed with spring flowers and hints of pencil lead and subtle sweet vanilla.  Powerful on the palate, with firm, slightly dusty tannins, this wine is simply gorgeous now and promises another 12-15 years of enjoyment.”
 
2014 Leviathan Proprietary Red

2014 Leviathan Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40CarnerosCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

LEVIATHAN

2014 PROPRIETARY RED

2014 Leviathan Proprietary Red
With a reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most revered winemakers, Andy Erickson made Screaming Eagle from 2005-2010 producing two perfect 100 Point Wines.  Beyond that, he also assisted in making wine at Harlan Estate as well as crafting wines for Ovid, Arietta, Staglin, Dalla Valle and his own label Favia.  Aiming to create an intriguing, unique red wine, drawn from some of the best vineyards in Northern California, Leviathan has a monstrous core of mystical black and red fruits layered into a flashy and inspiring red blend.  Antonio Galloni alerts his readers: “At $40 a bottle, the appropriately named Leviathan is one of the best values in California.” 
 
With fruit sourced from 7 different appellations, including Oakville, Coombsville and Carneros, the 2014 blend marries Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  With aromatics as compelling as a mythical Leviathan, the 2014 surges from the deep with an indomitable cascade brambly blackberry, cherry pipe tobacco, red plum, black chocolate and spice box.  At $39.99/btl, you may want to secure a case or two before this mythical beast vanishes… 
 
LEVIATHAN
2014 PROPRIETARY RED 
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Vinous, “The 2014 Leviathan is a big, juicy wine that will appeal to readers who enjoy flashy, extroverted reds. Copious red cherry jam, red plum, spice, vanillin and oak are pushed forward in this flamboyant, racy Cabernet Sauvignon-based red. At $40 a bottle, the appropriately named Leviathan is one of the best values in California.”  90 Points
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 42% | Syrah 30% | Cabernet Franc 21% | Merlot 7%
 
Customers who enjoy Leviathan Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific Red Blends…
2013 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2014 Steps Winemaker's Reserve Proprietary Blend
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.  
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s  Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
2014 Arbor Bench Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Arbor Bench Dry Creek Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtNapaUSA

ARBOR BENCH

2014 Arbor Bench Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DRY CREEK VALLEY, ESTATE

Most people might think of world-class Zinfandel when they think of Dry Creek Valley, however there’s a lot more to love about California’s oldest AVA.  With roots going back more than 140 years, it’s among the longest in the New World.  The fertile landscape provides exceptional fruit to over 70 wineries, the majority of which are family owned.  And while the area might be best known for Zinfandel, there are pockets that produce exceptional Cabernet.  With an obvious difference in terroir and micro-climate, this Cabernet has a hedonistic mix of majestic fruits laced with savory undertones that makes it unique. Arbor Bench had our entire panel nodding our heads in approval, and at the winery’s $48 retail price it’s a solid bottle of Cab and you’ll want to stock your shelves for near and long term enjoyment.
 
This beautiful Cabernet is created by veteran winemaker Christopher Markell, whose nearly four decades of winemaking experience shines bright. Peaking from nearly two years in French oak and made from 100% Estate grown fruit, it saturates your taste buds in brilliantly expressive, yet supple flavors of Mountain berries, black chocolates, tobacco leaf and baking spices.  This wine is irresistible now, yet will age gracefully for another 7-8 years.  I highly recommend a case. 
 
ARBOR BENCH
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
DRY CREEK VALLEY, ESTATE
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
From the Wine Enthusiast: “Full bodied and fleshy, this 100% varietal wine offers polished tannin and toasty oak, the flavors lean and classically defined in pencil, cedar and soy. Notes of black pepper and tobacco etch themselves onto a lengthy finish.”  90 Points
 
Customers that would enjoy Arbor Bench Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2015 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Fortune 1621’s 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet reveals concentrated black fruits threaded together with crushed rock, espresso roast and violets, this absolutely classic Napa Cab was authored by Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars and he’s also the current winemaker at Laird.  The 2015 is marked by a dense, concentrated core that’s rarely found at this price… 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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The 2015 unfurls intense aromas of black raspberries, spring flowers, espresso roast, black chocolates.  Washing over the palate with dark berries, creme de cassis and camphor, deliciously governed by the wines voluptuous, rich texture.  Kept for 20 months in oak barrels, magnificent flavors cascade over your palate and tattoo a lasting impression in your mind…