2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

with No Comment $50-$60BurgandyChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

Raoul Gautherin

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

For centuries, the Gautherin family has been an integral part of Chablis’ winemaking history, their lineage tracing back to 1585. Each bottle of Raoul Gautherin carries this legacy, a testament to generations of expertise. Today, the father-son duo continues this proud tradition, cultivating Chablis’ most prized hillside vineyards with a deep respect for the land and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Vaillons Premier Cru vineyard is a gem of Chablis, renowned for its limestone-rich soils and exceptional sun exposure. Here, the vines yield wines of remarkable purity, a harmonious blend of vibrant minerality, and delicate white fruit aromas. The Gautherins’ meticulous approach—both in the vineyard and the cellar—allows the true essence of this extraordinary terroir to shine through, creating a wine that reflects its origins and a triumph of craftsmanship.

The 2021 vintage is exceptional, showcasing a seamless balance of tropical fruit richness and crystalline acidity. In this Vaillons 1er Cru, the vintage’s brilliance is fully expressed, capturing the very essence of Chablis—elegant, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition. This wine not only tells the story of its origins but invites you to become a part of it.

Raoul Gautherin
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

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“This 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons from Raoul Gautherin is a truly exceptional wine. The nose is captivating, with a compelling interplay of steely minerals, a whisper of buttery richness, ripe pear, and a vibrant Meyer lemon zest. A flinty note adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the terroir of the Vaillons vineyard. The wine is focused and linear on the palate, showcasing concentrated fruit with an elegant and refined structure. The balance is exquisite, with pristine harmony between citrus and stone fruit flavors. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lingering impression of minerality and fruit. This is a Chablis of exceptional quality that will undoubtedly age gracefully.”

95 Points

2021 Lewis Cellars Mason's Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Lewis Cellars Mason’s Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaOak KnollRutherfordSaint HelenaUSA

Lewis Cellars

Mason’s Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

2021 Lewis Cellars Mason's Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Randy Lewis’s journey to winemaking is as captivating as his former life on the racetrack. A professional race car driver, passionate about speed and precision, Randy’s trajectory took a dramatic turn following a life-altering crash during the 1991 Indianapolis 500 qualifiers. This near-fatal incident ignited a new passion, inspiring him to craft world-class wines.

In 1992, Randy and his wife, Debbie, founded Lewis Cellars. They brought the same focus and dedication to winemaking that once propelled him to success on the track. Over the past three decades, Lewis Cellars has become synonymous with excellence, garnering numerous 90+ point scores and achieving the prestigious title of Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2016.

The 2021 Mason’s Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the winery’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to sourcing from Napa Valley’s premier vineyard sites, including Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oak Knoll. This wine reflects a vintage characterized by intensity and concentration, offering ripe blackberry, cassis, and subtle spice aromas. With its robust structure and refined tannins, Mason’s balances power and elegance, delivering a sensory experience that deepens with each sip.

Lewis Cellars
Mason’s Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2021

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“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mason’s Cabernet is a smoking value offering a big, rich, mouthful of ripe black fruit as well as full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, no hard edges, and classic Cabernet tobacco, spice, and chocolate nuances.”

94 Points

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Collection 1933

Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

2019 Collection 1933 Pauillac Bordeaux France

Collection 1933 2019 Pauillac arrests the senses with its extraordinary power, captivating complexity, and precise character. Each sip reflects its origins in Pauillac, one of Bordeaux’s most revered regions. This illustrious terroir is home to three of the five First Growths from the historic 1855 Classification: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. For centuries, these estates have set the standard for Bordeaux, producing wines that define the essence of terroir-driven finesse.

Collection 1933 offers a unique and compelling perspective on Pauillac. Its story is not one of grandeur but of collaboration. In 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, local growers in Pauillac united to form the first cooperative in Aquitaine. Their visionary goal was to create a platform for smaller growers to showcase their terroir, allowing their wines to express the soul of Pauillac. The SCV Collection 1933 Grand Vin de Pauillac honors this spirit, a contemporary homage to those pioneers who dared to dream.

This stunning 96-point Bordeaux unfolds layer by layer, revealing rich blackberry, dark chocolate, and finely structured tannins, culminating in a long, harmonious finish. This vintage is a heartfelt tribute to Pauillac’s resilience and the enduring power of its legendary terroir.

Collection 1933
Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

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“A very enticing nose of coffee, cedar, cloves, and powerful black fruit. The palate further displays rich, dense black fruits, with gorgeous depth and sweetness, that lingers with vanilla oak. Lovely complexity, good aging potential, and long finish.”

96 Points

2022 Vista Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2022 Vista Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

Vista Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2022

2022 Vista Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

The 2022 Vista Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a game-changer, boldly proving that stunning quality doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. As the sole Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon available at $25, this wine offers the region’s hallmark elegance, complexity, and signature “Rutherford dust” tannins, wrapped in a richness that belies its modest price.

Sourced from Rutherford’s coveted western slopes, where ideal soils and temperate microclimate nurture grapes to perfection, the 2022 vintage shines with concentrated fruit, velvety tannins, and remarkable balance and exemplifies Vista’s unwavering commitment to exceptional quality.

Crafted by renowned winemaker Grant Long Jr. of Aonair, Reverie II, Steps, and James Joseph, this Cabernet Sauvignon overflows with richness and sophistication. It redefines expectations at this price point, delivering an extraordinary tasting experience that rivals bottles far more expensive.

Vista Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford 2022

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“The Vista 2022 Reserve Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon opens with vibrant aromas of blackberry, blueberry, lavender, and cloves. On the palate, there are flavors of red currant, berry compote, cherry, tobacco, graphite, and cocoa. The wine’s firm structure and elegant finish deliver exceptional quality at an incredible price.”

95 Points

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

Limerick Lane

Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Limerick Lane stands as a beacon for classic American Zinfandel, where tradition meets innovation to honor the soul of this noble varietal. Renowned for crafting fresh, focused, and impeccably balanced wines, Limerick Lane brings Zinfandel’s unique character to life, showcasing vibrant fruit, complex layers, and a profound sense of place.

This historic estate has remained deeply rooted in its heritage for over a century, committed to sustainable farming practices and a thoughtful approach to viticulture. By relying on minimal, strategic irrigation, their vineyards produce fruit of unparalleled concentration and aromatic depth, reflecting their harmonious relationship between land and vine.

Winemaker Chris Pittenger intentionally curates the vineyard composition of each vintage, seeking out fruit to create the most balanced wine possible. The 2021 vintage embodies the spirit of the Russian River Valley, with perfectly ripe, bright fruit accented by refreshing acidity and an ideal balance of flavors.

Limerick Lane
Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $46

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“A bright saturated ruby, the 2021 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is lifted with fresh aromas of candied peach, grenadine, and pressed red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with great energy in its notes of fresh mixed berries, gravelly earth, and mocha, it’s an elegant wine with fine tannins, a stony texture, and a good, clean finish. It’s a fantastic entry to the wines from Limerick Lane to drink over the next several years.”

93 Points

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Flowers

Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Flowers Chardonnay masterfully captures the essence of the Sonoma Coast, a grace that has earned it a place of honor on countless wine lists and in the hearts of Chardonnay enthusiasts. Consistently exceptional, this wine is a love letter to the rugged beauty of the Sonoma Coast, a region renowned for its cool-climate perfection.

In 1991, Flowers Winery’s visionary founders dared to plant vines on the windswept ridges of the Sonoma Coast. This unique terroir, characterized by cool breezes, persistent fog, and rocky soils, imparts a crisp minerality and invigorating acidity to the Chardonnay. Here, nature’s extremes are harnessed to produce wines of profound character, resulting in a distinctive and impressive Chardonnay.

Now part of the esteemed Huneeus Collection, which includes luminaries like Quintessa, Flowers reaches new heights with this wine attaining #43 on the Wine Spectator’s 2024 Top 100 list. The 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a masterful blend of estate fruit from Camp Meeting Ridge, complemented by select grapes from Ross Ranch, Wildcat Mountain, and Bohan Ranch. The result is a seamless expression of the Sonoma Coast’s signature style, reflecting the distinct qualities of each vineyard.

Flowers
Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $55

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“This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There’s also an appealing grip on the finish, reminiscent of the skin of roasted, salted almonds, while a whiff of wild fennel lingers. Drink now through 2033. 23,000 cases made.” 

93 Points, #43 Top 100 Wines of 2024

2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

The Grade

Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2018

2018 The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard Calistoga

The Grade’s 2018 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes power and grace, with legendary winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown’s masterful touch evident in every sip. Crowned as my top wine of 2024, this Cabernet marries concentrated, expressive fruit with an impeccable structure, delivering a wine that captivates and enchants. 

With a legacy that includes authoring dozens of 100-point wines—among them Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2022—Thomas Rivers Brown brings unparalleled expertise to The Grade. This wine offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the height of Napa Valley winemaking, all without the steep price tag often associated with such pedegree.

Sourced from the 32-acre Winfield Vineyard, nestled along the historic Old Toll Road north of Calistoga, this Cabernet benefits from the ideal terroir. The 2018 vintage is a pinnacle expression of Winfield Vineyard’s potential. A flagship blend drawn from three exceptional blocks, this Cabernet offers profound depth and vibrant fruit. It’s a testament to the extraordinary quality and exceptional value that Napa Valley has to offer. 

The Grade

Cabernet Sauvignon
Winfield Vineyard
Calistoga 2018
Retails at: $120

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“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard is an absolutely gorgeous wine that conveys a striking interplay of richness, power and nuance. Silky and restrained for this site, the Winfield offers up a compelling melange of red fruit, iron, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and dried herbs, all in a mid-weight style that is incredibly appealing. The Winfield is a selection taken from Blocks 1, 4 and 5.”

94 Points

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

The Vineyard House

Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016

2016 The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Surrounded by the prestigious names of Harlan Estate, Promontory, and Futo Vineyards, The Vineyard House Cabernet Sauvignon quietly carves out its place among Napa’s elite. The 2016 vintage captures everything I love about world-class Cabernet Sauvignon—layers of vibrant fruit, a remarkable balance of power and finesse, elegance, and expansive flavors, making a clear choice for my list of the top 5 wines of 2024.

Imbued with the artistry of the renowned Philippe Melka and his director of winemaking, Maayan Koschitzky, The Vineyard House’s lineage is a testament to their impeccable craft. Philippe’s mastery has graced esteemed estates like Château Petrus and Haut-Brion and renowned California vineyards such as Caldwell, Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Dalla Valle, Bryant Family, Mastery, and dozens more, instilling confidence in every sip.

While its circle of surrounding wineries command prices ranging to $1700 per bottle, The Vineyard House exudes To-Kalon-esque pedigree at a fraction of the cost. For those seeking the essence of a $500+ Napa wine without the exorbitant price tag, The Vineyard House offers an irresistible solution.

The Vineyard House
Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville 2016
Retails at: $275

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“The Vineyard House 2016 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is penetrative and intense on the nose with aromas of bay leaves, sage, blueberry, black currant, game, and crushed rock. The palate has complex flavors of black tea, blackberry, black plum, cinnamon, and dried oregano. The fine-grained tannins and flavor intensity are in perfect harmony together and glide into a decadent, long finish.”

96 Points, #2 WCC’s Top 5 Wines of 2024

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

with No Comment $60-$70BurgandyChablisChardonnayKevin VogtUSA

Domaine de Villaine

Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

Few wines possess the allure of Domaine de Villaine’s 2022 Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé. This Chardonnay encapsulates the very essence of Burgundy’s finest white wines, offering a harmonious blend of precision and elegance. Each sip reveals vibrant fruit notes, meticulously layered flavors, and a balanced profile that firmly places it among our top five wines of 2024.

The legacy of Domaine de Villaine is intertwined with the renowned Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Founded in the 1970s, Domaine de Villaine embodies Aubert’s vision of crafting wines rooted in tradition and terroir. Today, under the guidance of his nephew, Pierre de Benoist, the estate continues to uphold its commitment to organic farming and artisanal viticulture, producing wines of exceptional finesse.

Priced at a remarkable $65, this stunning offering invites you to experience the magic of Burgundy firsthand. It offers a glimpse into the world of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking families, providing an accessible and unforgettable journey into the heart of Burgundy.

Domaine de Villaine
Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

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“The 2022 Domaine de Villaine Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Le Clous Aimé is immediately captivating on the nose. Bright citrus notes of lemon curd elegantly swirl with lightly toasted hazelnuts. Hints of white spring flowers add a touch of feminine beauty, while subtle butterscotch promises a touch of richness. On the palate, the wine explodes with concentrated, penetrating fruit flavors. Meyer lemons and touches of Granny Smith apples intertwine in a vibrant dance, their bright freshness balanced by an underlying layer of liquid saline. This sensation lingers on the incredibly long finish, leaving a decadent impression. The wine is undeniably opulent, yet very nimble, styled with remarkable finesse – a testament to the producer’s masterful touch.”

96 Points, #3 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2024

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Ernest

Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Ernest Vineyards is where Burgundian elegance meets windswept Sonoma Coast fruit. Their Pinot Noirs, imbued with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and a touch of coastal complexity, are truly captivating. The 2022 Ernest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a prime example, earning a well-deserved spot among the year’s top five wines. Its seamless harmony, pure varietal expression, and refreshing quality far exceed its approachable price point, making it a standout for the year.

Nestled in the serene Freestone Valley, the Ernest Estate benefits from the ocean-kissed climate of the Sonoma Coast, where Pacific breezes and fog-laden mornings extend the growing season. Since joining Ernest Vineyards in 2018, winemaker Joseph Ryan has championed a philosophy of minimal intervention and meticulous craftsmanship, allowing each vintage to express its unique character with finesse and authenticity.

The 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a tribute to this commitment. This wine exudes energy and precision with a masterful blend of estate fruit and select parcels from renowned vineyards. Its vivid fruit profile, underpinned by vibrant acidity and coastal minerality, captures the pristine essence of the Sonoma Coast. At $38, it’s a truly exceptional offering.

Ernest
Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

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“This is a wonderful wine from Grand Vent, Cleary Ranch, the Michael Valentine vineyard from the Freestone Valley, and a Laguna vineyard that supplies the Swann clone. Red and black fruits are concentrated with stem inclusion, giving the wine a tremendous savoury backbone. The palate is redolent of cloves, red berries, and early-season black plums.”

95 Points