2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles

2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

TABLAS CREEK

PATELIN DE TABLAS ROUGE
PASO ROBLES 2020

2020 Tablas Creek Patelin De Tablas Rouge Paso Robles
The founders of Tablas Creek include the Perrin family, the proprietors of the renowned Château de Beaucastel in Chäteauneuf-du-Pape, and the Haas family of the legendary American importing company Vineyard Brands. The property is in the remarkably Rhône-like climate of Paso Robles, where the shallow, rocky, limestone soils are of similar geologic origin as the soils found in the vineyards of Beaucastel.
 
They imported clones of Mourvédre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc to ensure the highest quality and allow Tablas Creek to replicate the clonal selection of an established vineyard. The Patelin de Tablas is an homage to the classic blends of the Southern Rhône with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tannat, and Counoise in a pleasantly bright and spicy, easy-to-drink wine with a range of complexity and depth of character.
 
TABLAS CREEK
PATELIN DE TABLAS ROUGE
PASO ROBLES 2020
 
Your Price: $27.99
 
 
“The Tablas Creek 2020 Patelin de Tablas opens with notes of rose petals, lavender, rosemary, red cherries, white pepper, and smoked meat. The palate bursts with fresh juicy flavors of red plums and cranberries with hints of sarsaparilla and wet stones after a rainstorm. The wine’s ripe fruit flavors are intricately balanced by fresh acidity, and spicy undertones provide ultimate complexity and exciting drinkability.”
93 Points
2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville

2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAUST

THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE 2019

2019 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon The Pact Coombsville
In 1998, Agustin and Valeria Huneeus were among the first to plant vineyards in the Coombsville AVA, an area known for diverse, eroded volcanic soils, elevation, and a significantly cooler climate than other parts of Napa Valley, due to its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Agustin was the CEO of Concha y Toro at 27 years old in 1960, while Valeria was a microbiologist and viticulturist, which in 1989 helped her discover the land for Quintessa, their other well-established Napa Estate.
 
The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon is from the winery’s most expressive vines on an elevated bench in Coombsville. It’s a site where ancient volcanic ash and rocks interspersed within the soils bring out the wine’s signature minerality and linear intensity. The 2019 vintage lives up to its legacy with a luxuriously dense palate, fine tannins, and a solid, vibrant structure that will stand the test of time.
 
FAUST
THE PACT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COOMBSVILLE 2019
 
Your Price: $125
 
 
“Red currants and blackcurrants with some violets and crushed earth. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins. Fine, velvety tannins that are open and grounded. Firm and tight finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2024.”
96 Points
2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

FRESCOBALDI

CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA 2018

2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva
Castello di Nipozzano is an ancient stronghold of Florence over 1000 years old and the most prized of the Frescobaldi family’s land holdings. Historical documents about the fine wines of Nipozzano date back to the Renaissance period, when famous artists such as Donatello were among the regular clientele.
 
Frescobaldi wines represent the heritage of the Tuscan landscape, and their Sangiovese-dominate 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva has an authentic, rustic Italian charm. Fermented in stainless steel before maturing for a minimum of two years barriques, this remarkable 96 Point Chianti Riserva enchants with penetrating fruit, classic spice, vast complexity, and structure that’s easy to enjoy for less than $30.
 
FRESCOBALDI
CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA 2018
 
Your Price: $26.99
 
 
“A crunchy Rùfina mainly from 1970s Sangiovese vines with dashes of both local heritage and international varieties, too. Fermentation in stainless steel precedes 24 months in concrete and large, second-fill oak vats. Its bright scarlet hues mirror equally bright and deliciously savoury fruit. The compact palate provides coherent interplay between fruit and tannin with no sense of overripeness or oaky angularity. It’s mouthwatering now, but resist so its texture evens out fully. Drinking Window 2022 – 2040.”
96 Points
2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRoséSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

FLOWERS

ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2021

2021 Flowers Rose Of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
The founders of Flowers Winery recognized the potential behind Sonoma’s rugged coastal terroir when they planted their first vines over 30 years ago. Cold maritime breezes influence the grapes to retain acidity and extend the growing season allowing more time for complex flavor development, resulting in refreshing and magnificent wines.
 
Their vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically as a part of a continued commitment to respect the environment and cultivate healthier vines for higher quality wines. The 2021 rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from their Sea Ridge View Estate and emanates a pure expression of the exceptional quality of Sonoma Coast fruit, exciting your taste buds with each sip.
 
FLOWERS
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2021
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“Flowers 2021 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir is vibrant and fresh with notes of orange blossoms, hints of rose petals, orange zest, grapefruit, white raspberries, salinity, and seashells. The flavors of peach, strawberry, nectarine, and green mango add another dimension of complexity to the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish. This wine goes down easily, especially poolside, but also makes a lovely companion with charcuterie on summer days.”
93 Points
2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

ALDENALLI

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2018

2018 Aldenalli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Alden and Emeril Lagasse developed the Aldenalli brand together with Alli and Dan Kosta, collectively aiming to produce Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast with as much character as their esteemed reputations in the food and wine industry. Dan is an award-winning winemaker and Kosta Browne co-founder, and Emeril is a celebrity chef and proprietor of many successful restaurants all over the country.
 
The 2018 Aldenalli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a cuvée of three vineyards; Campbell Ranch, giving elegance and freshness, and Roger’s Creek and Sunchase Vineyards from the Petaluma Gap, adding luscious body, tannic structure, and earthy spice. This wine team matched their passion behind creating this wine with its intensity and concentration of bright flavors and exhilarating power to produce a wine diverse enough to pair with just about any dish you can throw at it.
 
ALDENALLI
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2018
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“Rich and well-structured, with concentrated dark plum, cherry and raspberry flavors that are filled with plenty of Asian spice accents. Ends with notes of dark chocolate and cream on the mineral-filled finish, with peppery hints. Drink now through 2025.”
93 Points
2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvingnon Napa Valley

2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

PRISONER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019

2019 Prisoner Cabernet Sauvingnon Napa Valley
Impressively rich and concentrated, The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a wine made in a similar fashion and style as The Prisoner Red Blend but with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main blending component. Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittman works closely with a team of experienced growers in Napa Valley, and hand selects vineyard blocks that best fit the profile of her spellbinding wines unhindered by tradition.
 
Chrissy blended in small percentages of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Charbono for the extra rich mouthfeel well known by Prisoner drinkers worldwide. It aged in French and American oak, giving the wine a signature spice rack of flavors and silky smooth finish. Our panel was impressed by this wine’s stunning concentration, superior richness, and riveting flavor profile, guaranteed to delight fans of rich, inky-style Napa Cabs.
 
PRISONER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“Sleek, with cassis and plum notes laced with subtle alder and tobacco notes. The polished finish has a pretty flicker of savory. Drink now through 2027.”
91 Points
 
“The Prisoner Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 begins with a deep, rich nose of black and blue fruits, toasted coconut, sweet vanilla, and wood spice. The palate is lush and rich, with deep, ripe blackberry and sweet black currants combined with espresso, baker’s chocolate, and tobacco notes.”
90 Points
2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastChardonnayKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR

BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo
Farming is life for Eric Jensen, so he works exclusively with farmers who share the common goal of growing the best fruit possible using organic or biodynamic practices, coaxing the vines to perform at their apex. Gaining experience from neighbors Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure, and friend Justin Smith of Saxum, Eric’s wines make a bold statement of quality with an ideal balance of opulence, intensity, and richness.
 
Eric designs his wines to capture high-quality wine’s most intriguing qualities but with a value price to be shared with friends, family, and your favorite neighbors any day of the week. This Chardonnay-based blend is sourced from select vineyard sites in San Luis Obispo and is rich, sleek, and ready to drink now or in five to six years for aged complexity.
 
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The Chardonnay-based 2020 Blanc has lush tropical fruits on the nose with accents of toast, almonds and sweet spice. The palate offers generous fruits, a sleek, polished texture, youthful new oak spices and expansive flavors on the long finish. Super classy!”
95 Points
2019 Black Powder Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

2019 Black Powder Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

BLACK POWDER

2019 OAKVILLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2019 Black Powder Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Exploding onto the Cabernet scene like a stick of dynamite, we introduced Black Powder last year, in their maiden vintage, a phenomenon that developed an instant cult-like following for its explosive flavors, profound depth, and superior quality. Their secret lies in their vineyard sourcing, with this Cabernet coming from an undisclosed site on Oakville’s volcanic Eastside, where you’d expect and would pay over $150 per bottle for wines from the same vineyard. 
 
Setting his sights on creating wines that blow holes in industry norms, Bobby Moy passed his trial-by-fire in the wine industry mentoring under Thomas Rivers Brown before founding Black Powder. The newly released 2019 vintage is a richly concentrated offering, potent, lush, and of the caliber you’d look for from a great Oakville Vineyard, but priced far less than you’d expect.
 
BLACK POWDER
2019 OAKVILLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $95
 
 
 
“The 2019 Black Powder Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon has beautiful aromatics and opens with violets, cassis, plums, graphite, and cola. The palate is plush with blueberries, cloves, and chocolate for a long, enjoyable finish. The depth of flavor concentration, firm tannins, and fresh acidity give this wine the perfect structure for aging and further flavor development. Drink now through 2030.”
94 Points
2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast

2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Fort Ross SeaviewKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

VICARIOUS

BY MODUS OPERANDI
PINOT NOIR 2019
SONOMA COAST

2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast
Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars is a self-taught winemaker who developed a passion for wine while working in fine dining restaurants. At 24, he moved to Napa, where immense self-discipline and valuable mentors helped shape his winemaking style of crafting deep, intensely captivating, balanced wines.
 
The Vicarious Collection is a readily drinkable, crowd-pleasing selection to simplify the sometimes overwhelming world of wine by offering a product made without snobbery and over-delivers on quality at an affordable price. The 2019 Pinot Noir is sourced from small vineyards along the Sonoma Coast, focusing on the Fort Ross-Seaview/Russian River/Occidental regions for a fresh essence of bright fruit ripened by the California sun.
 
VICARIOUS
BY MODUS OPERANDI
PINOT NOIR 2019
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“The Vicarious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019 immediately struck a chord when I tasted it. The nose begins with bright, zesty, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir aromas, including red cherries, fresh berries, cola, spring flowers, and light baking spice. The balanced palate has a beautiful combination of brighter and darker fruits, beautifully blending the bright freshness with concentrated flavors and length. This bottling is a high-quality Pinot Noir at a modest price.”
93 Points
2011 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Dakota Vineyard Helena

2011 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Dakota Vineyard Helena

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtKnight's ValleySonomaUSA

ANAKOTA 

HELENA DAKOTA VINEYARD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011

2011 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Dakota Vineyard Helena
Patience is a virtue when aging the right wines, and Anakota’s 2011 Helena Dakota Vineyard Cabernet, crafted by legendary 100-point winemaker Pierre Seillan, proves it. After nearly a decade in the bottle, this wine from the challenging 2011 growing season is indescribably brilliant. Like many 2011 vintage wines from world-class producers, time in the bottle has transformed them into magnificent, collector-worthy wines.
 
Helena Dakota Vineyard is a sloping 12-acre parcel that has for decades produced powerful yet sophisticated wines marked by structure and elegance and their ability to stand the test of time. Pierre says the Cabernet Sauvignon from Helena Dakota reminds him of Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe. Their 2011 vintage will rock you to your core when you taste it and is a joy to behold. For transparency, we added the old reviews from 2014 below that don’t represent how great this perfectly ready-to-drink beauty is showing now. 
 
ANAKOTA 
HELENA DAKOTA VINEYARD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
 
Your Price: $119.99
 
 
“The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard is slightly softer and rounder, and is civilized for a young Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by sweet blackcurrant fruit intermixed with hints of wet rocks and gravel. Dense, ripe, and approachable, it should be consumed over the next decade or more.”
91+ Points
 
“Smoke, tobacco, iron and a host of ferrous notes emerge from the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard. A wine of gorgeous complexity and personality, the 2011 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. There is a lot going on in the glass. Next to the Montana, the Dakota is more savory and also shows a bit more structure. Both are beautiful.”
91+ Points