Humanitas 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reid Vineyard

HUMANITAS

2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
REID VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY
 
We’ve had a lot of great feedback on many of the wines that we’ve featured, and it’s become abundantly clear that the best feedback often comes from wines that have a little extra bottle age.  But every once in a while we come across a “Holy S**t*” wine, and this is clearly one of them… And since this one is coming to an end, we wanted to give you one last shot at it… Last year we made the Humanitas Signum our number one wine on our top 5 list, and it sold out before noon
 
Expertly composed by winemaker Rob Lloyd, former winemaker at Rombauer, this 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon originates from a single vineyard on the North Eastern edge of St Helena.  Stunningly concentrated and dangerously hedonistic, the 2012 Reid Vineyard Cab is bursting with authoritative and alluring flavors of sensual dark fruits, chocolate espresso, scorched earth and pipe tobacco.
 
HUMANITAS
2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
REID VINEYARD, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl

 
Tasting Notes:The aromatic bouquet blooms with red and black fruits, pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and hints of sun-baked earth. In the glass it is black as a starless night, ringed with rich, hedonistic blackberry, cassis, red berries and cocoa powder.  Though dense, this wine is nimble but with deep, dark black currant, mixed black berries, bing cherry and a touch of sweet vanilla that surrounds your palate in pure joy.  This is another sensational effort from a producer that is quickly becoming one of my favorites.”

Tonti 2014 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Valley

TONTI

2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s 2014 Russian River Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s.  Remarkably hedonistic, the 2014 saturates your palate with a full gamut of red, blue and black fruits, exotic spices, mixed chocolates and round, plush tannins.  With Gus Gamba as their consulting winemaker, Tonti is producing an extremely high-level Zinfandel, and at retail of $49.00/btl it’s well worth the price of admission….
 
Earning a Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, as well as 94 Points from tastings. com, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Housed for 18 months in American oak barrels and from a vintage that’s becoming increasingly recognized for it’s superior quality, grab a case while you can. 
 
TONTI
2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
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Winery Notes: “...Deep purple color. Rustic, fruity aromas of wild raspberry Danish, iron rich soil, menthol, and touch of pepper with a slightly chewy, fruity sweet medium body and an intriguing, medium-long sun dried raspberries, sun dried tomatoes, sweet basil, and milk chocolate bar and terracotta finish with firm chewy tannins and light oak. A spot on zinfandel, rich and juicy with good tannins and structure. Organically Dry Farmed”
 
Customers that enjoy Tonti’s Reserve Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….” 90-93 Points
GAMBA
2015 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
Fashioned from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920, the ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2015 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.

Walter Hansel 2015 Estate Pinot Noir & 2014 Cahill Lane Chardonnay

WALTER HANSEL
2015 ESTATE PINOT NOIR

2014 CAHILL LANE CHARDONNAY
Like sitting front-and-center at the grand opera, and instead of string, woodwind and percussions vibrating throughout, penetrating flavors permeate your palate, hitting every note along the way with perfect clarity.  Consistently rated in the mid 90’s, and with each performance like a sold-out show, and yet the ticket price has remained almost unchanged over the past decade… Walter Hansel voices the best of the Russian River Valley, and Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”
Originating from famous clones, strategically planted to specific areas of Walter Hansel’s Estate Vineyard, the new releases are hitting the high notes that you wouldn’t think possible at this price level…

 

WALTER HANSEL
2014 CHARDONNAY
CAHILL LANE
Your Price: $34.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “The 2014 Chardonnay Cahill Lane emerges 100% from the Old Wente clone. This is in heavy clay and fertile Goldridge soils and cropped in by at least 30% to improve concentration. This wine, which is less intense than his other Chardonnays, offers notes of lime and other citrus, with crisp acidity…” 
92 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ESTATE VINEYARD
Your Price: $37.99/btl
From Vinous, “The 2015 Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyard boasts off the charts intensity, richness and texture. Soaring aromatics and a core of dark red and bluish fruit are front and center. Racy and voluptuous to the core, the Estate captures all the intensity of this vintage. This is a dazzling Pinot from Stephen Hansel, not to mention one of the best values readers will find.”
94 Points

Buoncristiani 2014 OPC Blend Napa Valley

BUONCRISTIANI

2014 O.P.C. BLEND
NAPA VALLEY
 
In winemaking, sometimes less is more, but in this particular scenario, more is clearly more.  Created by four brothers, each with their own set of skills and talents that when combined with a passion for wine… the results speak for themselves.  Consistently high scoring and now in it’s 16th vintage, they’ve managed to again raise the bar, and it’s already made a big impression on the critics.  Robert Parker boasts that it’s “an intriguing blend that Buoncristiani has pulled off flawlessly” and with the stellar 95 Point Score, don’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
The 2014 blend was fashioned from a rockstar lineup of several of Napa Valley’s most prestigious vineyards, including Hyde, Stagecoach, Hossfeld, Bennett, and even the Yountville Vineyard just across from our wine shop.  The diversity in each site adds complexity to the final blend.  Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, the wine is dense, concentrated and remarkably delicious.  If you’re searching for a stand-out Napa Valley blend from one of the best vintages in the last decade… This is it.
 
  From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “The 2014 Proprietary Red O.P.C. is a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 20% Malbec and 12% Merlot. A brilliant nose of blue, red and black fruits, licorice, graphite, background spice and roasted meats jumps from the glass of this complex proprietary red. This is an intriguing blend that Buoncristiani has pulled off flawlessly. The color is a dense ruby/purple, the wine full-bodied and rich with sweet tannin, a burgeoning, broad suppleness and a rich, long, lusty finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. 95 Points
 
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 

Janzen To-Kalon Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

JANZEN
TO-KALON VINEYARD
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
If you had to choose just one, what vineyard do you think is THE BEST in the entire New World?  Many would argue that it’s Andy Beckstoffer’s To-Kalon Vineyard which regularly garners worldwide accolades and attracts some of the most talented winemakers to produce  single vineyard To-Kalon wines.  Clinching 97 Points from Robert Parker, this beauty was authored by Kirk Venge, who was named One of the Top 20 New Winemakers in the World by Food & Wine Magazine.  Perfectly illustrating the profound hedonism and highlighting the definitive complexities that make this site so remarkable, with a complete production of only 7 barrels, there’s not much of this high-scoring Cab to go around…
Surrounding Robert Mondavi Winery and in the heart Oakville, the To-Kalon Vineyard has become synonymous with excellence.  This wine unleashes an electrifying perfume of crushed black fruits, espresso roast, graphite and exotic spices that tip the scales in terms of scrumptious mouth-feeling flavors and defined opulence.  Kept for 26 months in new Taransaud French oak barrels, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably generous and highly extracted. I strongly recommend locking up some of this stunning wine.
JANZEN
TO-KALON VINEYARD
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Your Price: $174.99/btl Click to Order
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From Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate,  “The 2014 Janzen Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon sports a very deep garnet-purple color and exotic nose of Indian spices, smoked meats and sandalwood over a core of crème de cassis, baked black berries and blueberry pie with wafts of dried roses and oolong tea. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and seductive, it has beautifully plush tannins and just enough freshness to support the generous fruit, finishing very long and very sexy…” 97 Points

 

Customers who enjoy Janzen’s Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
TOR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Your Price $79.99/btl 
With all of the X’s and O’s in just the right place… Tor’s 2014 Napa Valley  Cabernet  Sauvignon is the wine equivalent of an All-Star team of Napa Valley’s top players…  Melanson Vineyard on Pritchard Hill takes on the role as the team captain.  Also taking the field are To-Kalon, Teirra Roja, Cimarossa, Herb Lamb and Vine Hill.  Tor producers single vineyard  Cabernets from each of these MVP’s (Most Valuable Properties), which start around $150/btl, and have near perfect batting records.
SAUNTER
RED HEAD VINEYARD
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Your Price: $110/btl
From Robert  Parker, “… Possessing an extra gear and level of concentration, the wine has an inky bluish purple color and a sweet kiss of blueberry, blackcurrant and spice box as well as a floral note. It is full-bodied, opulent and voluptuously textured, all hallmarks of this 2014 vintage. The finish is opulent, and the wine long, showing complexity and secondary nuances, and giving no excuse to defer one’s gratification. This is a sumptuous beauty to drink over the next 15 or so years.” 94 points

Pop 300 2016 Oakville Proprietary White

POP 300

2016 OAKVILLE
PROPRIETARY WHITE
POP 300 is the direct result of growing up in a small town surrounded by legendary farmers and winemakers.  It’s well known that Oakville produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon fruit in the world, but there are also other varietals grown in Oakville, you just have to know someone to find them…  This is a truly unique, six barrel production white blend by Luke Russ, who’s day job is the Commercial Director at O’Shaughnessey Winery.  It was built around a core Chardonnay and enhanced with Rhone varietals, and pops ebulliently out of the glass with a fireworks display of honeydew melon, Bosc Pear, lemon grass, ginger and banana cream pie.  At under forty per bottle, you really should try some of this…
POP 300 isn’t the only winery playing on the tension between Chardonnay and Rhone varietals.  Orin Swift’s Mannequin and Prisoner Wine Company’s Blindfold are a couple prime examples.  Manfred Krankl  at Sine qu Non has also mastered this type of blend, but POP 300 might be the only one doing this exclusively from Oakville fruit.  Made even more intriguing during the fermentation process where the wine was fermented in a combination of Stainless Steel and French oak.  If you’re searching for a dynamic white that not only pop’s with flavor, but won’t blow up your wine budget, this is it.
POP 300
2016 OAKVILLE
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Your Price: $37.99/btl Click to Order
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This is a spectacular wine with bright, exotic tropical fruits, mouthwatering honeydew melon, ripe Bosc pear, Spring flowers and hints of baking spices. The compelling blend has an orchestrated murmuration of penetrating, intense flavors that dance on your tongue in a focused, concentrated style, then expand into a long, complex finish.  It is extremely rare to find such a unique and individualistic wine that truly is one of a kind.” Kevin Vogt, Master Sommelier

 

Customers that enjoy Pop 300’s Proprietary White may also enjoy these two delicious white wines…

 

HANZELL
SEBELLA CHARDONNAY
2015 SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $36.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
California’s answer to classic Chablis, the 2015  Hanzell Sebella Chardonnay induces an immediate feeling of contentment, followed by a rush of exhilarating flavors and an array of fresh nectarines, citrus blossom, warm pear, liquified stones and floral infused honey.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 BLINDFOLD
PROPRIETARY WHITE
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $26.99/btl
As the sister version to the popular Prisoner Red, the Blindfold White administers what feels like Cirque du Soleil performance on your palate, with its ebullient zest, delineation and stunning vibrancy.  This wine is surprisingly delicate and nuanced, and simply fascinating to swirl and taste…

Roth Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

ROTH
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 ALEXANDER VALLEY
 
Competing for the title of one of the best values that we’ve introduced, Roth is another rising star winery owned by Billionaire Bill Foley whom you might know from Foley Johnson, Sebastiani, Chalk Hill and many other successful brands.  Roth’s 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet was modeled in a soft, velvety, approachable style that’s not only uncommon at this modest price but is a real crowd pleaser…  The Wine Spectator describes the 2015 as having a seam of elegance which fits this wine perfectly, and with a 91 point score, you may want to order this one by the case.
 
Created from hillside vineyards located along the Southern rim of Alexander Valley, Roth’s 2015 Cabernet is a wonderful expression of Alexander Valley at a price that will make you smile.  Fermented in oak barrels for 16 months, the 2015 reaches the full spectrum of ripe berries and savory notes, expressing dark chocolate, baking spice, black cherry and cassis.   If you’re looking for a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that’s also a terrific value… This is it.
 
ROTH
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 ALEXANDER VALLEY
Your Price: $27.99/btl Click to Order
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From The Wine Spectator, “Complex aromas of creamy oak, mocha, gravel and dark berry combine for a dense, rich and concentrated effort that’s firmly tannic, with a seam of elegance. Drink now through 2030.” 91 Points
Customers that enjoy the Roth’s 2015 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Robert Parker had a similar reaction when he tasted it, alerting “Readers looking for a terrific value in Napa  Cabernet  Sauvignon should check out Foley Johnson’s 2014  Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford.” At $50/btl this wine checks every box… At $29.99/btl, you’ll want to clear some serious room in the wine cellar, but you’ll need code foley30 if you order on our website to unlock this killer price.
SEBASTIANI
2015 GRAVEL BED RED
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $24.99/btl
 
 Enveloping your taste buds in a velvety embrace, winemaker Mark Lyon has once again eclipsed expectations for Cabernet Blends at anywhere near this modest price point…  Sebastiani’s 2013 GravelBed Red was my number one pick on my top 10 list in 2015, and three months later went on to receive a near perfect 97 Point Score from Robert Parker.

Steps 2015 Reserve Barrel Select Proprietary Red

STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Taking giant steps forward in terms of quality, but stepping back production by nearly two thirds, this is the most limited Steps Reserve wine in years.  In 2015 mother nature dealt small yields of extremely high quality fruit, and winemaker Grant Long Jr. combined only the best barrels to produce a single Steps blend this year and once sold out… It’s gone for good. Upon entry the 2015 Reserve Blend penetrates your taste buds with dreamlike intensity and all of the scrumptiously thrilling qualities and unforgettable flavors and aromas that make Steps Reserve so wondrous.  Only available at $45/btl through March 31st, I recommend securing your case as soon as possible.
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 2015 Steps Reserve and with a total production of only 150 cases, don’t let this one walk on by.
STEPS RESERVE
BARREL SELECT
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl Click to Order
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Tasting Notes: “Rich, opulent aromas emerge laced with fresh black raspberries, chocolate covered cherries, espresso roast and a touch of sweet vanilla oak.  Penetrating, velvety flavors of crushed blackberries, black plum, minerals, kirsch and hints of roasted coffee expand across your palate as layer upon layer of complexity unfolds.  The supple yet slightly dusty tannins beautifully frame the plush fruit as it elegantly caresses your palate through the long pleasurable finish…”  Delicious now, this wine will cellar for at least 12 years.
Cabernet Sauvignon 68% | Cabernet Franc 21% | Malbec 11%
Customers who enjoy the Steps Barrel Select may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
JAMES JOSEPH
2015 CABERNET FRANC
RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $49.99/btl
With a total production of only 4 barrels, this rarely bottled varietal from James Josephgrabs you right from the start.  Showing surreal-like tension between Atlas Peak and Diamond Mountain terroirs, the 2015 is locked and loaded with crushed black fruits, camphor, burning embers, and black cherries, laced with volcanic minerals, graphite and crushed rock
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.

Saldo 2016 Zinfandel Prisoner Wine Co.

SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Translated from Spanish, the word Saldo means balance.  The 2016 Saldo not only balances fruit from several of California’s most renowned appellations, but it perfectly scales the focused, jammy fruit, aromatic spices and round, plush tannins.  Wonderfully alive on the palate, the 2016 expresses vibrant red fruit, crushed pepper, blueberry liqueur and cocoa dusted cherries. Winemaker Chrissy Wittmann is really showing her obvious talent in this remarkably balanced, yet full-bodied Zin, which arrives loaded with vibrancy and is layered with excitement.  A serious value, the retail price has remained nearly unchanged since their first vintage back in 2007.
Fantastic vineyards encompassing six different appellations, including fruit from famed sites like the famed Grist Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley which Turley uses in a single vineyard Zin. The 2016 Saldo provides another seamless example of California Zinfandel, thoughtfully underlining many of the best qualities from each carefully chosen vineyard and Appellation.  If you love a rich, full-bodied yet balanced California Zinfandel, here it is.
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl Click to Order
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Winemaker Notes, “Dark ruby color with bold aromas of black licorice, black pepper, cherry, and baking spice. The entry is rich, full, and scintillating. The palate is mouthwatering and smooth with a hint of chocolate. The finish is voluptuous with soft, velvety tannins.”

 

PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
Hailing from renowned sites, including Ink Grade Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cabernet Sauvignon Cuttings is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
A wine of unrestrained jubilance and infectious charm, the new 2016 Prisoner unshackles a bounty of deliciously elaborate flavors, and with even more vibrancy and determination. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2016 escapes powerfully from the glass, permeating with beautifully focused ripe cherries, wild strawberry, chocolate, and crushed violets.

Daniel 2014 Pinot Noir Grand Vent Vineyard

DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
 
What makes this wine and so many of California’s best Pinot Noirs special is not what’s there, but what’s not there… What’s missing is land mass… instead of a continuous range, there is a gap between two Mountains or land masses, which creates a funnel, allowing in cool coastal air that keeps the wine’s natural acidity higher and allows the grapes to achieve their highest potential.  One prime example of this geological masterpiece is the Petaluma Gap. Wineries like Kosta-Browne, DuMOL and Sojourn all source fruit from this area, and vineyards like Gap’s Crown and Grand Vent have become notorious for producing world-class Pinot Noir grapes.  And even better, what’s also not there with this wine is the typically higher price tag that usually comes with Petaluma Gap Pinot… With savings of 50%, Daniel’s Grand Vent Pinot Noir is one of the best Pinot deals we’ve had at $29.99/btl.
 
This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem… Created in a silky and extravagant style, remarkably deep and compelling flavors envelope your palate and bring a smile to your face.  With a total production of 90 cases, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.
 
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
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From Wine Enthusiast, “Made in tiny amounts in a light-bodied style, its vineyard site in the cool Petaluma Gap, this wine opens in earthy soapstone and sandalwood, offering an aroma of dried flowers. Delicate acidity supports a funkiness of cranberry, rhubarb and nutmeg, while a suggestion of roses lurks in the background.”
91 Points