2018 Venge Scout's Honor Proprietary Red

2018 Venge Scout’s Honor Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VENGE

2018 SCOUT’S HONOR
PROPRIETARY RED2018 Venge Scout's Honor Proprietary Red

Venge’s Scout’s Honor is anything but your average Zinfandel blend. Kirk Venge mastered the art of enhancing the blend with Charbono and Petite Sirah to create a concentrated, extracted red that balances the jammy characteristics from the Zinfandel. It’s that delicious combination that inspired more poetic comments than any other blend that I’ve offered, and here’s a chance to try their 2018, which is classic to their hallmark style. 

Created using a state-of-the-art, 100% gravity-flow method, the 2018 Scout’s Honor is concocted from at 63% Zinfandel, 16% Charbono, 12% Petite Sirah and 9% Sirah. The wine was created from old-vines and was made in a deep, rich, extracted style and offers oodles of blueberry cobbler, crushed herbs, and spices. 

This iconic blend was authored by Kirk Venge, who was named “One of the Top 20 New Winemakers in the World” by Food & Wine Magazine. Kirk also makes the high-scoring Janzen and Bacio Divino wines, as well as several other cult brands.

VENGE
2018 SCOUT’S HONOR
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $39

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Wine Country Connection Reveiw

“The 2018 Scout’s Honor has a deep nose of blueberry cobbler, roasted coffee beans, dried violets and hints of vanilla. On the pallet the wine has a dense core of black cherry fruit, intense blueberry, blue herbs, black pepper, strawberry and hints of cherry pipe tobacco. The wine is absolutely delicious, so-much-so that my glass was emptied before I could finish my tasting notes, so I had to go back for a second.” 

2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

DARMS LANE

2018 CHARDONNAY
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT
2018 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay

 

Most Chardonnay fans have a preferred style of either rich, buttery and opulent, or clean, crisp and minerally. For my palate, the most important characteristic, regardless of style is balance, and Darms Lane’s 2018 Chardonnay has it from first sip to the last drop. When you read about the winemaker and the vineyard, the quality won’t come as a surprise, but one thing that will surprise you is the unbelievable value at this price.

Darms Lane’s winemaker Brian Mox is well-versed in crafting premium Napa Valley Chardonnay. He spent several vintages as winemaker at Lewis Cellars, and he’s the current winemaker at Laird Family Estate, and both wineries are recognized for exceptional Chardonnay. 

The 2018 combines fruit from the winery’s Bon Passe Estate Vineyard, as well as neighboring Trefethen. The area is know for its complex soils and micro-climate that’s one of the coolest in Napa Valley, enabling the fruit to develop concentrated flavors at ripe sugar levels with refreshing, balanced acidity. 

DARMS LANE
2018 CHARDONNAY
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT

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“Refreshing and vibrant, our 2018 Chardonnay offers aromas of pear, brioche, vanilla, honeysuckle, toasted oak, and hints of lemon curd. The beautifully balanced pallet exhibits flavors of pear, apple, vanilla, and fresh hints of Meyer lemon and tart orange as well as a touch of white peach. The wine has medium body with a subtle richness leading to crisper, clean citrus and stone fruits through the mid pallet and a lively fresh finish. Enjoy!”

2013 J Gregory Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 J Gregory Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaOak KnollUSA

J. GREGORY

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY

2013 J Gregory Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
What comes after making some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wines in the 1980s and 1990s? Mark Jessup was part of the original winemaking team at OPUS ONE from 1979 through 1987, and after OPUS, he chose to pursue his dream of building a winery of his own… Lucky for us, we found him, and his 2013 Napa Cabernet is genuinely a joy to behold.
 
The 2013 J Gregory Napa Cabernet hails from one of the areas most prized vintages. At nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine perfectly embodies the power and focus that are hallmarks of this vintage. On the palate, the wine is detailed and expressive, yet firmly balanced and sophisticated.
 
Mark works closely with a handful of growers, where he has long term, mutual relationships. His 2013 vintage has origins in Coombsville and Oak Knoll, which are both situated in cooler-climate regions within Napa Valley, where in a great vintage like 2013, the grapes can achieve optimum ripeness, and at a gradual pace…
 
J. GREGORY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $85
 
 
 
“There is a compelling way that this wine presents itself, with an intriguing nose of bright, briary wild berries and subtle eucalyptus that combine with balanced sweet vanilla and hints of wet earth. On the palate, ripe black cherries, red and black raspberries, red currants, and fresh cranberries beautifully frame elegant floral characteristics along with a subtle, minerally, slate-like thread. This beauty indeed begins bright and linear but puts on weight and body as it opens up in the glass over time. Drink or hold for a decade or more.” 94 Points
2016 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate

2016 Paradigm Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

PARADIGM

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 OAKVILLE ESTATE2016 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate

If I were to choose one wine that perfectly articulates Oakville’s notorious complexity, Paradigm Cabernet would be my first choice. Their Estate is positioned directly South of Andy Beckstoffer’s Iconic To-Kalon Vineyard, and in an area widely considered the epicenter of Grand Cru quality Cabernet. The winery’s neighbors include icons, Dominus, Harlan, Opus One, and Martha’s Vineyard, and at this price, Paradigm tips the scales with groundbreaking quality.  

This absolutely stunning Cabernet was made by Heidi Barrett whose past and present clients includes Amuse Bouche, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Grace Family, Revana, David Arthur and Barbour… 

Heidi made the 2016 vintage in a focused, beautifully knit style that’s concentrated and highly detailed. The wine spends 20 months in oak and 20 months in the bottle before release and offers a parade of focused red and black fruits, minerals, and vanilla bean. 

 

PARADIGM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 OAKVILLE ESTATE
Retails at: $84

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“Dark Cabernet color with beautiful aromas of black cherry, cassis, plums, 5-spice, vanilla. Big, ripe and mouthcoating across the palate. The flavors are similar to the aromas with ripe fruit, berry/cherry pie, moderate tannins, and nice length. This wine shows enough structure to be age-worthy yet soft and balanced enough to enjoy upon release. Flavors linger in this tasty dense wine. Tastes like Oakville.”

2018 Leto Cellars Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Leto Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underCalistogaKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUSA

LETO

SAUVIGNON BLANC
2018 CALISTOGA 

2018 Leto Cellars Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

Leto’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc offers a vivid interpretation of Calistoga terroir, and they sourced the grapes from a tiny, dry-farmed vineyard, where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation. The vines yield just 1 and 3/4 tons per acre of pristine Sauvignon Blanc fruit, and the wine offers detailed lime peel, nectarine, grapefruit, and rocky minerals. At this price, one taste and you won’t LET it go.

Created by Brad Warner, the owner and winemaker who has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, Brad’s talent shows in this brilliant interpretation of Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is remarkably intriguing, alluring, and full of life.

Leto’s 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is concentrated and inviting with sensational flavors spanning fresh lime, orchard fruits, citrus, white flowers, and rock minerals. The wine was fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. With 84 cases produced, you might want to order yours before sharing this one…

LETO
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2018 CALISTOGA

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“Fresh and crisp, this Sauvignon Blanc is a delight. Aromas of pineapple and honeycomb in the glass followed by flavors of dried apricot and fresh nectarines.”  84 Cases Produced

2016 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills Washington State

2016 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills Washington State

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtReviewUSAWashington State

DOUBLE CANYON

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
HORSE HEAVEN HILLS
2016 WASHINGTON STATE

2016 Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills Washington StateCalifornia isn’t the only state on the West Coast capable of producing World-Class Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s an Appellation inside the Columbia Valley called Horse Heaven Hills that’s home to iconic vineyards like Champoux in Alderdale, which Quilceda Creek fans might recognize. They’ve produced five perfect 100 point Cabernets from it. Double Canyon sources from four sites within the Alderdale region, and at $23, you’ve really got to try it.

The Horse Heaven Hills Appellation is defined by it’s proximity to the Columbia River, strong winds, and volcanic soils, which produce a distinct mineral nuance. The area even caught the eye of Andre Tchelistcheff, legendary winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards. 

The 2016 combines fruit from Phinny Hill, Destiny Ridge, Alder Ridge, and their own Double Canyon Estate Vineyard. The final blend beautifully expresses the 88% Cabernet Sauvignon heightened with Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec, which all contribute to the rich textures and compelling flavors.  

DOUBLE CANYON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
HORSE HEAVEN HILLS
2016 WASHINGTON STATE
Retails at: $25

Your Price: $23
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“… What impressed us about this wine beyond its value were its numerous layers of aromas and flavors. Roasted coffee, cedar, and blackberry are distinctive on the nose, and on the palate, tobacco, underbrush, and grainy tannins keep the mouth dry with chalky, teeth-gripping texture. It’s structured and clean, with a sweet, toasty finish.”    93 Points

2015 Mending Wall Proprietary Red Mortar & Stone

2015 Mending Wall Mortar & Stone Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Atlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedReviewUSA

MENDING WALL

2015 PROPRIETARY RED
MORTAR & STONE

2015 Mending Wall Proprietary Red Mortar & StoneCombining the power of Mountain-grown Zinfandel with the voluptuous texture of Calistoga Petite Sirah can be magical. Mending Wall Mortar and Stone is a stunning example of this. The Zinfandel arose from the iconic Aida Vineyard atop Altas Peak, and the Petite Sirah comes from one of the most celebrated vineyards for that varietal in the New World, which was the former source for Carver Sutro. And on top of all that, Thomas Brown is the winemaker… 

Frank Dotzler, one of the co-owners of Mending Wall, was also one of the co-founders of Outpost Winery. Frank teamed up with Mark & Donna Walker (owners of the super-high scoring, Cult brand Pulido-Walker,) as well as his long-time winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for this project. Thomas made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 point score from the Wine Spectator.

This tiny production, proprietary blend harnesses the power and intensely concentrated flavors of Atlas Peak Zinfandel with the showy, voluptuous textures of Petite Sirah in way that pulls on the best qualities of both varietals in total harmony. If you love big, lush, concentrated blends with copious charm, this is for you. 

MENDING WALL
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
MORTAR & STONE

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“The Zinfandel from high atop Atlas Peak (Aida Vyd, an original Turley source) is robust, showy mountain fruit. Vines in the historic Mountain Peak vineyard produce some of the most impressive berries we’ve seen in this varietal, nicely structured and spicy rather than super jammy. That spice component pairs beautifully with the final vintage of our estate Syrah. Once again, the venerable Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah completes the blend, lending tannic backbone and deep, black color.It has a seductive appeal-dark, sultry, moody in the very best ways-with good balance between earthy inputs and luscious fruit notes.”

2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir

2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

BELLE GLOS

2018 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS 

2018 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir
When it comes to the deepest, Inkiest and most extravagant Pinot Noirs, Joe Wagner, founder of Belle Glos is an innovator for this unique style. He launched the brand in 2001 and focused on showcasing Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions.
 
His method of incorporating unprecedented levels (by Pinot Noir standards) of lavish fruits, sweet oak and stacked berries, resonated with wine lovers across the globe. He was involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking in valuable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards. In July of 2015 Joe split off the value priced Meomi Pinot Noir label from Belle Glos and sold it to Constellation Brands for an eye-popping $315 million…
 
One of my favorites each year hails from the Las Alturas Vineyard, which is perched at 1,200 feet elevation on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The vineyard is heavily influenced by coastal fog from the Monterey Bay, and from gusty maritime winds that funnel in from the bay throughout the afternoons, which contributes to one of the longest growing seasons in California, and in turn, allows for a long hang-time and fully developed flavors. If you enjoy BIG, inky and full-bodied California Pinot Noir, along with our best price in years, this one should top your list. 
 
BELLE GLOS
2018 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS
Retails at: $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
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Winery Notes: “Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit.”
2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Selection

2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaReviewSt HelenaUSA

CALCULATED RISK

BARREL SELECTION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

2017 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel SelectionI love watching a brand that we’ve featured from their early days gain momentum, with high scores and well-deserved acclaim. Grand Napa Vineyards in Rutherford also produces the Calculated Risk and Heir Apparent brands, and top publications like James Suckling and Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate feature all three brands with high scores. With a mere 178 cases produced, the 2017 Calculated Risk Barrel Selection Cab impressed our panel, as well as James Suckling. 

Owner Dwight Bonewell produces multiple brands, all under one umbrella, and that’s a good thing because Grand Napa has access to a selection of Napa Valley’s top vineyards. When creating the 2017 Calculated Risk Barrel Selection, his team selected fruit from Coombsville and St. Helena AVA’s to create a wine that’s powerful, penetrating, and balanced.  

The 2017 Barrel Selection is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and it lights up your senses with cocoa dusted black fruits, graphite, and crushed flowers. The wine perfectly fuses the elegance and restrained power of Coombsville, with St. Helena structure and depth. 

CALCULATED RISK
BARREL SELECTION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 NAPA VALLEY

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“Wild flowers and roses with a fresh, blackberry and blackcurrant edge to the nose, too. The palate has soft, ripe and almost creamy tannins on offer, in a soft, easy mode. Drink or hold.”  91 Points

2017 Turley Old VInes Zinfandel

2017 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtOld Vine ZinfandelReviewUSA

TURLEY

2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

 

2017 Turley Old VInes ZinfandelTurley is an American Icon that’s been a benchmark producer of Old Vine Zinfandel for nearly three decades. Their first vintage of 1993 Hayne Zinfandel ranked #11 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, and they’ve remained a paragon in their field ever since. They now produce an eye-popping forty-seven separate wines from over fifty Certified Organic Vineyards, and they specialize in ancient vines. Their Old Vines Zinfandel beautifully displays their undeviating winemaking philosophy that’s an anthem of their brand.

The 2017 Old Vines Zinfandel was carefully stitched together from a vast collection of ancient vineyards spanning across seven iconic regions across California and created from vines ranging from 41 to 129 years old, the 2017 showcases old vine depth, and with no shortage of personality. 

The winery has always attracted some of California’s most talented winemakers, beginning with Helen Turley. Helen passed the torch to winemaker Ehren Jordan, and now Ehren to Tegan Passalacqua, who worked under Jordan before becoming Director of Winemaking. 

 

TURLEY
2017 ZINFANDEL
OLD VINES

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“… the 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines features exotic spice accents over a core of blueberry and boysenberry compote, crushed black cherries and berries with notes of cinnamon stick and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, it has loads of spicy black and blue fruits in the mouth with firm, ripe tannins to frame and juicy acidity, finishing long and very spicy.”  92 Points

“The 2017 Zinfandel Old Vines is rich, ample and fleshy. The heat of the year gave the Old Vines a little extra kick. Dried cherry, licorice and spice add an exotic flair to this super-expressive wine loaded with class and pedigree.” 91 Points

“Sleek and briary, with generous black cherry, licorice and toasty spice flavors. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points