2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Hero

The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

The 2022 Beau Vigne Hero California Red Blend beautifully illustrates the remarkable talent of Julien Fayard, one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed winemakers. A top-seller in 2024, Hero offers an exceptional balance of value and refinement.

Crafted from meticulously selected vineyards across Napa and Sonoma, this multi-AVA blend showcases the unique character of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in chalky soils, resulting in a wine of striking concentration and vibrant minerality.

Julien Fayard, with his distinguished background at renowned estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa, brings a profound understanding of balance and nuance to winemaking. This expertise is evident in Hero, where 74% of Cabernet Sauvignon harmoniously blends with Merlot and a touch of Syrah, creating a wine that is both expressive and remarkably integrated.

Aged for 17 months in French oak, the 2022 Hero Red Blend captivates with its firm yet silky texture and layered complexity. The wine possesses a bold concentration beautifully balanced by a polished elegance, making it an immediate delight and a promising cellar addition for years to come.

Hero
The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022
Retails at: $60

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“A Bordeaux blend from winemaker Julien Fayard who has sourced grapes outside of Napa Valley for this dynamic project. White pepper, with plum skin tannins, graphite, and above all, energy, and tension. Sweet black cherry and black tea create a winning combo of fervor and power.”

94 Points

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

EnRoute

Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

Crafted with the artistry and precision synonymous with the Far Niente family of wines, the 2022 EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir weaves a tale of place, passion, and expertise. Conceived to showcase the unique character of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, this wine embodies the elegance of the Russian River Valley, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Far Niente Wine Estates.

Each vintage embarks on a journey, beginning with EnRoute’s Estate vineyards and extending through partnerships with growers who share their unwavering commitment to quality. These collaborations yield a Pinot Noir as layered and complex as the vineyards themselves. The 2022 vintage, sourced from three coveted Russian River Valley sites, thrived under near-perfect growing conditions.

Aged in French oak, the wine unfolds with a seamless harmony of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced spice, and lively acidity. The result is a graceful, polished finish that lingers invitingly, beckoning the next sip and celebrating the remarkable terroir of this iconic region.

EnRoute
Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $60

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“Vibrant ruby in color, this wine erupts from the glass with aromas of sweet cinnamon, cola and cherry. There is a charming delicacy here, with flavors of dried rose petal, cherry and berry pie filling on a midweight palate. A captivating dance between the snappy tannin structure and the lively acidity of this wine lead to a very pleasurable finish.”

93 Points

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50ItalyKevin VogtSangioveseTuscany

Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

Boscarelli’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a winemaking masterpiece that honors the noble heritage of Prugnolo Gentile, a local Sangiovese clone, and a true expression of Italian vinicultural artistry. This is no ordinary Italian red – it’s one of the most captivating wines I’ve encountered recently, offering a remarkable balance of intensity, focus, and terroir-driven character at an exceptional value.

Nestled in the hills of Cervognano di Montepulciano, Poderi Boscarelli reflects over half a century of the De Ferrari Corradi family’s unwavering dedication to excellence. The 2020 vintage embodies this legacy, adhering to the strict DOCG regulations that demand a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile, a grape renowned for its remarkable aging potential. Over time, this wine evolves into a symphony of elegance, seamlessly blending Chianti Classico’s finesse with Brunello di Montalcino’s structured sophistication.

This wine stands out due to its meticulous craftsmanship. The vineyards, blessed with red, sandy, and mineral-rich soils, yield fruit of exceptional quality. Aging in Allier French and Slavonian oak barrels adds layers of complexity, while including a small percentage of Canaiolo contributes a touch of rustic charm. The result is a wine that embodies tradition while feeling utterly contemporary – an authentic reflection of Tuscany’s soul.

Boscarelli
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

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“Nuanced minerality chiselled to the ripe red berries, blood orange zest, savory plums and cherries. Medium to full body on the palate with a bone-dry, transparent middle and a tight, mineral coating of tannins. Fruity but pithy and precise, too. A joy to taste and drink already, but can hold well in the next five to eight years, if not more.”

93 Points

2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPetite SirahSaint HelenaUSA

Stanton

Petite Sirah
St. Helena 2021

2021 Stanton Petite Sirah St. Helena

Doug Stanton’s Petite Sirah is a gem of Napa Valley, embodying the Stanton family’s legacy of exceptional winemaking. Their journey began in 1947 when Jesse Stanton purchased a 100-acre vineyard in Napa Valley, laying the foundation for a generational story rooted in the land. In 1999, the family took a bold step forward, launching their label to showcase the fruits of their labor. Today, they tend three vineyards—Oakville, Mills Lane, and J.B. Ranch in St. Helena. Their grapes are so coveted that they supply top producers like Merryvale, Del Dotto, Orin Swift, and Groth. 

Doug Stanton, Jesse’s grandson and the current steward of this winemaking legacy, has an affinity for Petite Sirah. In 2004, inspired by the varietal’s bold character, Doug crafted a 100% Petite Sirah, marking a milestone for the winery. This decision gave rise to one of Stanton Vineyards’ hallmark wines, celebrated for its robust structure, velvety tannins, and vibrant fruit. 

Aged for 20 months in premium oak, this wine reveals layers of spice that meld seamlessly with its dark berry core, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors. Bright acidity provides lift and energy, while the tannins promise longevity, making this wine equally captivating now or after years in the cellar.

Stanton
Petite Sirah
St. Helena 2021

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“Spicy and earthy character with dark berries, cloves and hints of undergrowth. Full-bodied, rich and fruit-forward, with a deep core of succulent berry fruit and creamy tannins. Long and intense. Drink or hold.”

91 Points

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

with No Comment $30 and underBordeauxFranceKevin VogtSauvignon Blanc

Château Haut Bertinerie

Bordeaux Blanc 2022
Grand Vin. Bordeaux, France

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

White Bordeaux wines, celebrated for their elegance and layered complexity, have enchanted wine lovers for generations. The Château Haut Bertinerie 2022 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin exemplifies this timeless appeal, emerging from an estate steeped in over two centuries of family tradition. At Château Haut Bertinerie, a seamless blend of heritage and innovation results in wines of exceptional character.

At the core of their success is the Lyre trellis system, a unique “Y”-“-shaped canopy that maximizes sunlight exposure and enhances airflow around the vines. This method promotes optimal ripeness while significantly reducing the need for herbicides. It’s a testament to the estate’s commitment to sustainability, delivering unparalleled richness and vibrancy to their wines.

Adding to the wine’s remarkable depth is the estate’s diverse terroir, comprising three distinct soil types that impart unique characteristics to the Sauvignon Blanc vines. The 2022 vintage harnesses this diversity, with old vines yielding fruit of extraordinary concentration and complexity. Following nearly a full year aging on lees, the wine emerges with an impeccable balance of richness and freshness. Bright citrus flavors mingle with subtle minerality, all wrapped in an elegant structure that promises a graceful evolution with time.

Château Haut Bertinerie
Bordeaux Blanc 2022
Grand Vin. Bordeaux, France

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“This is showing aromas of smoked almonds, vanilla and baked pears. Rich and smoky expression, medium-bodied, with plenty of flavor and density. 100% sauvignon blanc. Drink now.”

90 Points

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakCabernet SauvignonDiamond MountainHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

Boomslang

Cabernet Sauvignon
NV Napa Valley

NV Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Innovation fuels the spirit of Thurlow Cellars, and their Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold embodiment of this ethos. This dynamic, multi-vintage blend – artfully combining fruit from the 2019 to 2022 harvests – defies convention, earning an impressive 94-point rating and captivating wine enthusiasts with its exceptional quality at an accessible price. Decanter Magazine has lauded this groundbreaking approach, encouraging more wineries to explore the untapped potential of multi-vintage winemaking.

Guided by the visionary winemaker Kevin Morrisey, formerly of Ehlers Estate, Boomslang is a symphony of Napa Valley’s finest high-elevation vineyards. Grapes sourced from esteemed sites like Atlas Peak, Diamond Mountain, and Howell Mountain converge to showcase a captivating interplay of terroir and time. Embracing a minimalist, hands-off approach complemented by cutting-edge technology, the Thurlow Cellars team allows the vineyards to speak for themselves, preserving the unique character and complexity of each parcel.

Boomslang Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon invites you on a journey through Napa’s diverse landscapes and vintages, weaving together the essence of each growing season. This captivating blend entices you to savor the layers of innovation, terroir, and artistry, all offered at a compelling value.

Boomslang
Cabernet Sauvignon
NV Napa Valley
Retails at: $68

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“Boomslang is a multi-vintage blend of 2019, 2021, and 2022 fruit, and is crafted by Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate). It’s an incredibly easy-drinking, smooth Cabernet with just enough fine-grained tannins to layer in a bit of grippy texture, but for the most part, it’s a pretty, red-fruited elegant Cabernet with good tension and energy. This makes me wish California wineries would do more non-vintage blends.”

94 Points

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $50-$60Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Jordan

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

In the heart of Alexander Valley, Jordan Winery shines as a symbol of sustainable practices and exceptional winemaking. Nestled amidst 1,200 acres of pristine land, over 75% of which remains untouched, the estate reflects a profound respect for the natural environment. This commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship underscores Jordan’s dedication to responsible viticulture.

Founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan and now proudly carried forward by their son, John, the winery embodies a harmonious blend of passion and purpose. This philosophy is beautifully expressed in the 2020 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Crafted from a selection of estate vineyards and trusted family growers, this vintage is a masterful composition, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with complementary notes of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. After 13 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with captivating elegance. Vibrant fruit flavors dance alongside velvety tannins, culminating in a complex finish that lingers on the palate.

A timeless expression of Alexander Valley’s unique terroir and Jordan’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, this wine is destined to age gracefully, offering years of enjoyment.

Jordan
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

Your Price: $59.99

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“With lower alcohol than most California Cabs, this elegant beauty revives an old-world acidity that levels out with freshness on the palate that relates to its excellent food-pairing abilities. Plum, anise, tilled soil, and Italian herbs integrate with a luxe mouthfeel.”

96 Points

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

Martin Ray

Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2021

2021 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

Steeped in history and unwavering in its commitment to terroir, Martin Ray has been crafting memorable wines since 1943. Their acclaimed 2021 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a shining reflection of their mastery—here’s what makes it truly extraordinary.

Few regions hold the allure of Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA, a landscape revered for its famed ‘Rutherford dust,’ a hallmark minerality that elevates its wines to legendary status. Home to storied vineyards like BV Georges de Latour, Inglenook, and Scarecrow, this hallowed ground is where the 2021 Martin Ray Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon takes root, embodying the AVA’s timeless prestige.

Sourced from coveted vineyards on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, this wine benefits from volcanic soils and ideal sun exposure, imbuing it with vibrant energy and depth. The 2021 vintage is a masterclass in Rutherford Cabernet—a bold yet elegant symphony of flavors with layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and velvety tannins. Its complexity promises years of evolution, making it as wonderful for savoring now as it is for the cellar. 

Martin Ray
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2021
Retails at: $80

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“Aromas of spices and currants with some graphite that follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a flavorful finish. Subtle and polished. A reserved character to this appellation for cabernet. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.”

94 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

Sans Liege

The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast

2021 Sans Liege The Offering Red Blend Central Coast

Sans Liege wines capture the vibrant spirit of California’s Central Coast, drawing inspiration from the esteemed Rhône Valley. Winemaker Curt Schalchlin, influenced by his experiences in France, set out to cultivate Rhône varietals in California’s sun-drenched terroir. Each vintage showcases his dedication to sourcing exceptional fruit from across Paso Robles to Solvang—a diverse landscape that distinctly shapes each wine.

The Offering is Sans Liege’s nuanced take on the classic GSM blend. It begins with 30% whole-cluster Grenache, lending a lively energy, complemented by Syrah’s deep intensity and Mourvèdre’s grounding earthiness. The result is a compelling, textured wine that gracefully unfolds with every sip.

The 2021 vintage is remarkably complex. A bright, fresh acidity balances velvety tannins, enhancing the wine’s layered flavors while maintaining perfect harmony. It truly reflects Curt’s unwavering passion and artistry, with each bottle expressing not only his craftsmanship but also a connection—to the land, to tradition, and to those who share in its story.

Sans Liege
The Offering
Red Blend 2021
Central Coast
Retails at: $33

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“Sans Liege 2021 The Offering from the Central Coast is a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend and has complex aromas of lavender, rose petals, white pepper, ripe raspberries, maraschino cherries, and a graphite minerality. On the palate, the wine has a soft texture with supple tannins, juicy red fruits, wild blackberries, dark chocolate, cloves, and red licorice. The wine’s concentrated flavors are balanced by refreshing acidity and carried into a pleasant, long finish. This wine has a friendly approachability and nuanced layers that make it enjoyable from beginning to end.”

93 Points