2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo

2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Piedmont Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BaroloBaroloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

GIOVANNI ROSSO

2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
How much would you expect to pay for a great bottle of Barolo? On a list of fifty 2013 Barolos that scored 93 Points by the Wine Spectator, the average price was $81 per bottle… At $39.99 Giovanni Rosso’s 2013 Barolo got my attention.  I love great Italian wine… so much that when I come across one that hits my palate just right, that’s priced right as well, I grab as much as I can… Giovanni Rosso’s 2013 Barolo reflects this perfectly, and at under forty per bottle this 93 point Barolo is an absolute classic, offering a pleasure-induced bouquet of dried violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of wild mint.  It’s unbelievably good for the price…
2013 was an exceptional year for Barolo and the Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 points, saying that it’s the best since 2010.  On the palate this wine is both elegant and finely sculpted with excellent form and noticeable sophistication.  The 2013 has so much elegance that it’s really hard to resist now and can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for a couple decades.  Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  I highly recommend grabbing a case while this one is available.   
 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
 
From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Giovanni Rosso’s Barolo, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 Salcheto Vino Nobil di Montelpulciano Riserva 2013 Bibbiano Chianti Classico
SALCHETO
2012 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE di MONTELPULCIANO
(SANGIOVESE BLEND)
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Dark notes of blackberry and plum are reinforced by molasses and licorice flavors. Dense and meaty, this red is surprisingly nimble given the power and concentration. What this needs is an aged, grilled steak. Drink now through 2025.” 
93  Points
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2013 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “A savory example, featuring tobacco, earth, wild herb and underbrush notes enveloping a core of fading cherry. Balanced and finishing dry, with tobacco and iron accents lingering. Settling in nicely, with a few years more to go…” 
93 Points
2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtMontereySanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MATIAS

2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

 
In winemaking, two can sometimes be better than one…  When combining two of the most iconic vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the tension created between the two sites can create a stunningly complex flavor performance, with the distinctions from each site filling in where the other might not, and in the end balancing each-other out in a way that you can only get from multiple sites.  The 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay is an absolute perfect example.  A remarkable fusion of Sierra Mar and Soberanes fruit, this Chardonnay truly has it all.  We weren’t the only ones that loved it… Robert Parker and the Wine Enthusiast gave this beauty a 90 Point Score.   
The statement about two sometimes being better than one doesn’t just stop at the vineyard.  This sensational Chardonnay was co-authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate… Calling on the talents and expertise from both of them, they’re able to create a Chardonnay that stands out among the rest.  Don’t be fooled by the low price, this Chardonnay tastes like it should be about double the price…
 
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 
 
 
   
“... shows butter, sea salt and caramel on the nose, balanced by tangerine and faint jasmine aromas. The wine is elegant and easy to like, with Meyer lemon and prominent-but-not- overpowering honey butter on the palate, and a pink lemonade touch that carries into the finish.”
 
90 Points
“… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.” 
 
 90 Points 
Customers who enjoy the Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines from Matias…

 

2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… the 2014 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard is a richer, more substantial effort that gives up lots of ripe apple, citrus blossom and minerality in a medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely balance package. It should keep nicely through 2022.”   91 Points
MATIAS
2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.”  92 Points
2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet

2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

DUCKHORN

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY

 2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet
When your brand is a moniker for Merlot and your best one also ranks as the #1 wine in the world, it’s the one on everybody’s mind… But wait until you taste their Cabernet… It was an unexpected delight to be floored by how great their Cabernet was.  After all, the winery has been making Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978.  Their 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is on an entire new level… With soaring intensity and deep, saturating layers, this wine oozes charm.  It’s created from the winery’s Estate Vineyard and also includes fruit from some of Napa Valley’s top growers.  At under $100/btl this is one of the best Cabernets that I’ve tasted this year, and I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
Created in an ultra-showy and intense style that I love, I wouldn’t be surprised if their Napa Cab gets BIG scores this vintage.  Dramatic, captivating and full-bore are all excellent descriptors for the 2015 which spends 16 months blossoming in oak barrels before release.  If you’re one of the many that loves Duckhorn Merlot, or you simply love top-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn’s 2015 Napa Valley is for you…
 
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 16%
 
 
Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.“
Cabernet Sauvignon 82% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 6% | Cabernet Franc 2%

 

Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Cabernet, may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “...Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

2013 Chester’s Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

CHESTER’S ANVIL

2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND

2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend
With the price of Napa Cabernet reaching new heights, it feels great to uncover a killer Cabernet Blend at $35 that’s made by a winemaker who’s known for crafting multi-hundred dollar, high-scoring Cabs.   Chester’s Anvil combines the talents Steve Lagier and Carole Meredith, who both worked at Robert Mondavi, and Aaron Pott, who after making Quintessa, embarked on his own label Pott Wines, earning numerous scores in the high 90’s..  One sip and you’ll know you’re into something special… A precision combination of deep, penetrating flavors underlined by a silky embrace.  With a total production of 107 cases, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “...may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years.” This stunning Cabernet Blend spent an impressive 20 months developing in oak, adding a seamless, elegance.  Those of you who’ve tasted any of Chester’s Anvil’s wines know how good they are and have probably already clicked the order button… If you haven’t had a chance to try them, here’s a chance to pick some up at a terrific price.   
 
CHESTER’S ANVIL
2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other kindred grapes. Black currant, blackberry, roasted duck breast, cocoa, coffee, cherry, a rich finish of milk chocolate and cherries.” 107 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Chester’s Anvil’s Hattori Hanzo Blend, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2013 Coho Headwaters Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2013 Titus Napa Valley Malbec
COHO
2013 HEADWATERS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
From James Suckling, “Aromas of black currants with dried leaves and hints of cappuccino. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins, lots of blackberry character, some raisiny notes and a persistent finish…” 
87% Cabernet Sauvignon | 11% Merlot | 2% Petit Verdot
93 Points ~ Number #96
Top 100 Wines of 2016 
TITUS 
2013 MALBEC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake.  
2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Grand Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

GRAND NAPA 2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

 
True to it’s name, the literal definition of Grand is magnificent and imposing in appearance, size, or style.  Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon overachieves in every aspect of it’s own definition.  Magnificent is the quality and focus of this wine; imposing is the large stature of this well-built Reserve Cab; size is the fullness of the mouthfeel and style is what’s really appealing about this wine…  Silky, seductive, intense, balanced all come to mind when tasting the 2016 Reserve.
Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet draws you in with intense aromas of candied blueberries, black cherries, espresso roast, blackberry, camphor, cocoa, graphite and white flowers.  Silky upon entry, the 2016 seductive, rich and structured and is created in a style that you’ll love right out of the bottle, yet has the structure to go 7-10 years.  Composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot and additions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine cascades across your palate and is wrapped with velvety tannins.
 
GRAND NAPA 
2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
Retails at:  $110.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Seductive aromas of black cherries laced with minerals, cocoa and hints of espresso erupt from the glass. On the palate, the wine is silky, intense and compelling with candied blueberries, tart cherry, scorched earth and espresso. A bright beam of red plum persists through the finish.”
2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Three Sticks Estate ‘PFV’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNorth CoastPinot NoirSonoma CoastUSA

THREE STICKS 2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE

 
A name that rings synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir is undoubtably Bob Cabral.  Cementing his place in Pinot Noir history while winemaker at Williams Selyem, Bob crafted the 2007 Litton Estate Pinot which Wine Enthusiast awarded a perfect 100 Point Score.  This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 point score from any major wine publication.  After nearly two decades at Williams Selyem, Bob is now the winemaker at a new winery, owned by Bill Price, and they’re beginning to make some serious waves in the Pinot Noir world. Bill Price owns some of California’s most iconic vineyards, including Gap’s Crown and Durell Vineyards which are both ingredients in this brilliant Pinot Noir.  
 
Striking, penetrating, focused and surreal immediately come to mind when tasting this 2015 Pinot Noir.  The PFV Estate Pinot comes from a combination of four distinctly different sites including Gap’s Crown, Walala, Dupont and Durrell.  Expertly guided from grape to bottle by one of California’s most accomplished Pinot Noir makers, you won’t want to wait for the scores to come out on the 2015, because it’ll be too late… 
 
THREE STICKS
2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE
Retails at:  $64.99/btl
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 15%
 
Winery Notes: “This coastal Pinot Noir is a representation of classic cooler climate fruits. The nose bursts from the glass with a fresh blackberry core, and exotic spices of pink peppercorn and cardamom. Consistently bold throughout, this wine has a well balanced structure and prized concentration.”

 

Customers who would enjoy the Three Stick’s PFV Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.” 
 
 93 Points
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux

2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

MOULIN DE TRICOT

2013 MARGAUX

2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux
If you’ve ever wondered why Margaux is an often-used name for women, and what that has to do with wine, one sip of Chateau Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux will give you your answer. Of all the regions in Bordeaux, Margaux is most recognized for producing powerful, yet beautifully elegant wines. The best Margaux will even have you thinking about the wine for long after enjoying it.  For me, they have all of the best qualities that I love in Bordeaux.  And while First Growth Margaux can easily top $1000/btl, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux is an excellent value at under forty per bottle.  Our panel was absolutely shocked by the quality, and this wine perfectly represents classic Margaux.  
Remaining true to old-world, classical styled Margaux, Chateau Moulin de Tricot blends 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot, while many producers in the area are Merlot dominant.  The 2013 offers the absolute perfect combination of striking intensity and soft elegance, gliding across your palate with penetrating black cherry, dried rose, red plum and hints of potpourri.  With few cases imported, don’t wait too long to secure your case because this one over-performs on every level.  You’ll definitely thank me later!
 
MOULIN DE TRICOT
2013 MARGAUX
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 38%
 
Tasting Notes: “With striking aromas of crushed violets, black raspberry, wild rose and plum, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux is deep, plush and remarkably elegant. Well-integrated and precise flavors of dark red fruits, spices, floral components and minerals all intermingle effortlessly throughout the looonnnng and highly-pleasurable finish…” 
 
Customers that would enjoy Moulin de Tricot’s Margaux, may also enjoy these two terrific wines…

 

2014 Department 66 Cotes Catalane Grenache 2011 Chateau Trapaud Saint-Emillion Grand Cru
DEPARTMENT 66
2014 GRENACHE
COTES CATALANES
Your Price: $37.99/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and a splash of Carignan… This inky colored, downright sexy 2014 offers terrific notes of blueberries, blackberries, violets and chalky minerality. Big, concentrated and textured, yet still playing in the more elegant style of the 2014 vintage, this beauty will drink well for a decade..” 
 
93 Points
CHATEAU TRAPAUD
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
2011 SAINT EMILION
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

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2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, the sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.  Notably Cru9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a Cru9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  
 
CRU9 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel

2013 Valdez St Peter’s Church Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyKevin VogtOld Vine ZinfandelSonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel
When comparing the Valdez St. Peter’s Church Vineyard Zin to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and fortunately it’s a Zinfandel, which happens to be the perfect complement to summer barbecues… 
Arising from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.  Carved from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality, Robert Parker alerts readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,”  this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “… This bold zinfandel boasts flavors and aromas of dark juicy blackberries, black currants, hints of cocoa and tobacco leaf. Elegant tannins grip on the palate for beautiful long finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez’s St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…

 

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Valley
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

Click to Order

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.
TONTI
2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 

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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 Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 

2013 Leto Cellars St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt HelenaUSA

LETO CELLARS

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY

 
What do Grace Family, Vineyard 29, Revana and Leto Cellars have in common?  For starters, they all make classic, absolutely stunning Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Napa Valley’s prized St. Helena AVA.  There’s one glaringly obvious aspect that they don’t have in common, like being a Cherry Picked Wines Insider List selection.  When tasting this wine there’s absolutely no doubt in your mind, or on your palate that it’s a high quality, $85, absolutely gorgeous single vineyard St Helena Cabernet.  Brad Warner, owner and winemaker has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, and it shows in this classically styled, deep and hauntingly penetrating wine. 
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,” this stunning Cabernet spent an impressive 22 months in French Oak and reaped the rewards of more than 2 1/2 years of bottle development.  With just 8 barrels produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case. One taste and you won’t LET(g)O.  
 
LETO CELLARS
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2013 Leto is a classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with aromas of black cherry, red plum, Good & Plenty candy, dried mustard seed and damp earth.  These aromatics beautifully complement a mouth coating palate of red currants, Bing cherry and mixed red and black fruits. The tannins are silky and the flavors expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate lively and perfectly compliments the spice box notes and toasted vanilla finish.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier