2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux

2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU 

HAUT-BEAUSÉJOUR
SAINT-ESTÈPHE
2016 BORDEAUX

2016 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe Bordeaux
Saint-Estèphe is the Northernmost sub-region of Medoc’s six communal appellations and produces sturdy, robust wines rich with old-world charisma, depth, and character. Château Haut-Beauséjour is a dark horse of the region, acquired by Louis Roederer in the 90s and crafted by Nicolas Glumineau, a graduate of the University of Bordeaux with a Master of Genetics applied to enology, who began his career at 1st growth producer’s Haut-Brion and Château Margaux. 
 
St. Estèphe’s proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River create a temperate, maritime climate, combines with well-draining gravel over clay soils to produce powerful fruit with chiseled character. 
 
Calling on a more significant percentage of Merlot than other Châteaux in Saint-Estèphe at 62%, Nicolas completes the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot, creating a supple, fleshy aspect, balancing Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon’s powerful tannins.
 
CHÂTEAU 
HAUT-BEAUSÉJOUR
SAINT-ESTÈPHE
2016 BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $37.99
 
 
“A generous, dramatic but forthrightly tannic St.-Estèphe that has enough cassis fruit, smoke and minty freshness to easily carry this structure and still come off energetic at the long, refreshing finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
 
“Another Pichon Comtesse estate up in St-Estèphe with a lovely ripe fruit expression. There are some tight, austere tannins right now, and the wine is a little less immediately exuberant than some, but give it a few years in bottle to flesh out…”
90 Points
 
“The 2016 Haut-Beauséjour is a very pretty, expressive wine that isn’t trying to do too much or be something it is not. Supple, plump and juicy, it offers lovely depth and impeccable balance in an open, approachable style that will offer plenty of pleasure over the next 15-20 years, give or take.”
89-91 Points
2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County

2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirUSA

VARNER

2015 PINOT NOIR
LOS ALAMOS VINEYARD
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

2015 Varner Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard Santa Barbara County
Twin brothers Bob and Jim Varner handcraft balanced, emotion-invoking wines enriched with value. Referencing a string of successful wines, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate called them “One of the stars of the Central Coast,” noting, “Few winemakers do… Pinot Noir better.” Their 2015 Los Alamos Vineyard Pinot Noir is subtly expressive and delicately balanced, impressive at any price, but ridiculously great at $23. 
 
The wind-swept slopes of Los Alamos Vineyard are centered between Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys, offering the best characteristics of both regions, with pristine freshness. 
 
Varner’s Los Alamos Pinot combines clone 777 grown in shallow soils with low fertility and older vine Pommard clone, contributing opulence and floral character. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage report notes that Santa Barbara Pinot Noir shined in the 2015 vintage. Varner is a stunning example.
 
VARNER
2015 PINOT NOIR
LOS ALAMOS VINEYARD
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $23
 
 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard has a pale garnet color and a classic nose of woodsmoke, cranberries, Bing cherries, tree bark, dried citrus peel, pipe tobacco and dusty earth. In the mouth, it’s light-bodied and delicate with finely grained tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and amaro-tinged. Drink 2019-2026.”
91 Points
2016 Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2016 Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

LAIRD

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY

2016 Laird Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Laird models strength, consistency, and value, and when it comes to traditionally styled Napa Valley Cabernet, theirs is one of the best. They’re one of Napa Valley’s preeminent farming families, which is advantageous to their fruit selection, providing the right components for former Lewis Cellars winemaker Brian Mox to craft brilliant wines, representing the essence of Napa Valley. The 2016 vintage is, as Vinous writes, “dark, powerful and enveloping,” and at under $50, it competes with Napa’s Best. 
 
Merging three vineyards, Mast Ranch, Flat Rock, and Dry Creek, Mox softened Mast Ranch fruit’s robust structure with Flat Rock’s silky tannins and Dry Creek’s vibrancy resulting in a complete and powerful wine that’s elegant and naturally balanced. 
 
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon spent 21 months developing in barrels and rises from one of Napa’s benchmark vintages, one of the Wine Spectator rates 98 points, referencing “intense fruit against the backdrop of their varying terroirs.” At less than $50, don’t miss this touchstone Napa Cab.
 
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $60
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“This is big, yet tight and focused in the center palate. Lovely density and length. Full body, pretty dark fruit and a long and flavorful finish…”
92 Points
 
“Deep purple-black colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley gives redcurrant jelly, black cherries, mulberries and bay leaves scents with wafts of damp soil, olives and truffles. The soft, medium-bodied palate gives bags of youthful fruit and an earthy finish.”
92 Points
 
“Dark, powerful and enveloping, the 2016 packs a serious punch. Black cherry, sage, leather, menthol, scorched earth and licorice infuse this inky, expressive Cabernet…”
90 Points
2018 Bacio Divino Pazzo Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2018 Bacio Divino Pazzo Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedRutherfordUSA

BACIO DIVINO

2018 PAZZO 
NAPA VALLEY
PROPRIETARY RED

2018 Bacio Divino Pazzo Napa Valley Proprietary Red
A paragon producer of Napa Valley Sangiovese-based blends, Bacio Divino’s reputation of excellence leads with exceptional fruit, expert winemaking, and perseverance. Claus & Diane Janzen created Pazzo in 1999 as a sister label to Bacio Divino to appeal to a broader audience of wine lovers. Pazzo means crazy in Italian, and at around $30, the 2018 release is a crazy-good value. 
 
Bacio Divino has a history of producing high-scoring wines. Because of that, they have access to some of the outstanding vineyards in Napa Valley, including Beckstoffer Heritage sites in Oakville and Rutherford and Sangiovese on Atlas Peak. Pazzo comes from a collection of unnamed sites and includes grapes from their Estate vineyard.
 
Winemaker Kirk Venge built the 2018 Pazzo with 38% Sangiovese and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and he tied them together with Syrah and Petite Sirah. The 2018 vintage produced powerful fruit with incredible intensity. This vintage is like a bistro-wine on steroids, and you’ll thank me later once you taste it.
 
BACIO DIVINO
2018 PAZZO 
NAPA VALLEY
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $38
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“This is full-bodied with round, ripe tannins that give form to the ripe palate of plum and berry with some fig undertones. Round and savory. Drink now or hold.”
91 Points
2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley

2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 ESTATE SONOMA VALLEY 

2016 Amapola Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Sonoma Valley
Maestro of Sonoma winemaking with 50+ years experience, Richard Arrowood helped pioneer small-lot, single-vineyard wines unveiling terroir significance. His Estate neighbors the highly-acclaimed Monte Rosso Vineyard, and his 15 acres of organically farmed vines carved into red, iron-oxide soils produce powerful berries with deep savory intensity. At $100, his 2016 Estate Cab earned an exceptional 94 point score from Robert Parker; at $46, the best score will be a case for your cellar. 
 
Richard’s Cabernet highlights the diversity of his Estate’s terroir by combining fruit from China Wall, Bobcat Run, Fox Trot Meadow, and Montaña Vista blocks, each with a distinct micro-climate and soil profile. 
 
A masterpiece of hedonism, the 2016 release includes 7% Petit Verdot that contributes to the seamless texture and aids in harnessing the power of Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. After 24 months in seasoned French oak barrels, the wine’s dynamic complexity is on display, showcasing Dick Arrowood’s vast skillset. 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 ESTATE SONOMA VALLEY 
Retails at: $100
 
Your Price: $46
 
 
“… the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard displays a deep garnet-purple color and tantalizing scents of plum pudding, crème de cassis and blueberry pie with touches of hoisin, licorice, sandalwood and cedar chest plus a hint of cloves. The palate is big, concentrated and full-bodied, laden with black and blue fruit preserves and framed by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing wonderfully long and spicy…”
94 Points
 
“… a deep ruby/plum color as well as a beautiful perfume of cassis, sandalwood, menthol, and lead pencil shavings. This medium-bodied, seamlessly textured, balanced Sonoma Cabernet has bright acidity, moderate depth yet terrific balance, and a clean, classy finish. It’s going to continue drinking nicely for a solid 15-20 years.”
92+ Points
2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSpring MountainUSA

BARNETT 

2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2018 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District
Carved into a 35º slope at 2000 feet elevation on Spring Mountain, Barnett’s Vineyard is impeccably farmed on a vine-by-vine basis, ensuring each berry reaches the pinnacle of ripeness. Once harvested, Winemaker David Tate ferments each block individually, performing multiple punch-downs daily, maximizing flavor concentration. Their unwavering use of traditional techniques and micro-managing production has solidified them as a paragon on Spring Mountain for more than 30 years. 
 
Crafted with the intent to showcase Spring Mountain’s most distinct characteristics, displayed with grace and persistence, Barnett’s team intricately combines fruit from their high-elevation Estate and neighboring York Creek Vineyards in creating their Spring Mountain District Cabernet.
 
Blending the 2018 Barnett, David utilized 8% Petit Verdot for increased depth, structure, and balancing the ripe and supple Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, which he aged for 22 months in barrel. At less than $100, this wine perfectly expresses the profound qualities that I look for in Spring Mountain Cabernet. 
 
BARNETT 
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SPRING MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Retails at: $80
 
Your Price: $75
 
 
“In 2018 climatic conditions were perfect up on Spring Mountain. This Cabernet is evidence of that. Fresh blackberry, anise and mocha are the first things apparent on the nose followed by cola, acai berry and menthol. This is a silky lush wine with layers of dark chocolate, cedar and freshly ground coffee. The tannins are chiefly present, being round pleasing chalky tannins with firm mountain acid balancing them out. The finish is chocolate covered plum. This powerhouse Cabernet is already showing well and will develop even more complexity over the next 10-12 years (2030-2032).”
2018 Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2018 Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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

HANZELL

SEBELLA PINOT NOIR
2018 SONOMA COAST

2018 Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Hanzell’s winemaking technique is simple; to nurture the vines and vinify without compromising the distinct qualities Mother Nature provides. This natural approach resulted in Hanzell becoming a reference standard for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with uncanny longevity and remarkable balance. They’ve been the home of great innovation and invention in winemaking for more than a half-century, and their Sebella Pinot Noir is crafted with the same exacting standards as their top Estate wines, offering substantial value at around 1/3 the cost. 
 
Marked by their refreshing acidity, dynamic complexity, succulent fruits, and perfect balance, Hanzell’s Pinot Noirs illuminate each vineyard’s unique personality and those that farm it. The winemaking team ages this Pinot in primarily neutral oak barrels, preserving the most natural essence of the fruit. 
 
2018 was a record vintage for Sonoma County Pinot Noir, described the Wine Spectator as, “Nearly perfect conditions; full-flavored wines backed by crisp acidity.” Ideal conditions resulted in Hanzell’s latest harvest since 2011, resulting in spectacular flavor development.
 
HANZELL
SEBELLA PINOT NOIR
2018 SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“Robust in firm, integrated tannin, this wine is textured, lengthy and complex. Tangy red cherry, strawberry and pomegranate wrap around punchy acidity and structure with a stone-like minerality and elements of dried herb, cardamom and white pepper beckoning and developing in the glass.”
93 Points
 
“An elegant, burnished version, with lively acidity backing the flavors of plum compote and dried cherry, featuring minerally accents. Cedar and spice details show on the finish. Drink now through 2024.”
92 Points
2018 Harvey & Harriet Proprietary Red Paso Robles

2018 Harvey & Harriet Proprietary Red Paso Robles

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedUSA

HARVEY & HARRIET

PROPRIETARY RED 
2018 PASO ROBLES

2018 Harvey & Harriet Proprietary Red Paso Robles
Designed for wine lovers seeking elegant, collector-worthy wines that are accessibly priced, Eric Jensen created Harvey & Harriet as a homage to his parents, who could never afford most of the top-level Cabernet blends today. He diligently creates this wine from premier sites in Paso Robles, blending it to showcase the depth, intensity, charisma, and character expected from much higher-end wines. With mid-90s scores, this is, as Jeb Dunnuck writes, a “polished, elegant beauty,” and at $32, you can’t go wrong with a case. 
 
Gaining experience from neighbors Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure, and friend Justin Smith of Saxum, Eric Jensen’s wines make a powerful statement of quality, value and do so without pretension. 
 
Eric thoughtfully crafts Harvey and Harriet in a rich, showy style by blending 40% Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This unique blend walks a tightrope of elegance and intensity, delivering a high level of enjoyment at a realistic price.
 
HARVEY & HARRIET
PROPRIETARY RED 
2018 PASO ROBLES
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“Deep ruby-black in color, it has a very layered nose with aromas of exotic spices, crème de cassis, blackcurrant bud, tar and tilled black soil with hints of violet, lilac, cardamom and baking spices. The medium to full-bodied palate is silky and has a great interplay of fruit and spice. It has a firm, pleasantly chalky frame and just enough freshness, finishing long with a youthful cloaking of oak spice.”
93-95+ Points
 
“…the entry-level Harvey and Harriet is always made in a richer, softer style compared to the classic My Favorite Neighbor cuvée. The 2018 offers a big, juicy bouquet of crème de cassis and jammy blackberries interwoven with lots of tobacco, cedar pencil, and earthy, foresty aromas and flavors. This ripe yet medium to full-bodied, polished, elegant beauty will drink nicely for at least a decade.”
94 Points
2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50CalistogaCarnerosKevin VogtMerlotNapaOak KnollUSAYountville

DUCKHORN 

2018 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY

2018 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley
Inspired by Bordeaux and a foundational focus of Duckhorn Winery since 1978, Merlot’s mesmeric identity and profound elegance were recognized by Dan Duckhorn as underappreciated in North America, and he set out to fix it. Having unwavering consistency and exemplary varietal character, Duckhorn dominates California Merlot. The 2018 release is a consummate example of the winery’s cumulative growth over the past four decades, and at $45, this deserves a spot on the table. 
 
Duckhorn’s Napa Valley Merlot reflects the diversity of Napa Valley terroir, enriched by Estate Vineyards and other top sites in Carneros, Oak Knoll, Calistoga, and Yountville. A quarter of the blend is harvested from the winery’s Three Palms, Rector Creek, Stout, Monitor Ledge, Patzimaro, and Cork Tree Vineyards, balanced with other renowned sites like Stagecoach, Hyde, and Hudson. 
 
A hallmark of Duckhorn’s Napa Merlot is the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon for added depth, structure, and signature black cherry, plum, and spice characteristics. Quality was propelled even further by the 2018 vintage, and after resting for 15 months in barrel, this wine is ready to delight.
 
DUCKHORN 
2018 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $56
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavors of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.”
2016 La Sirena Pirate Treasured Proprietary Red

2016 La Sirena Pirate Treasured Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

LA SIRENA

PIRATE TREASURED
2016 PROPRIETARY RED

2016 La Sirena Pirate Treasured Proprietary Red
La Sirena’s Pirate TreasuRed is a unique seven varietal blend reimagined each vintage, constructed through Heidi Barrett’s meticulous blending skills and connections for high-quality grapes. The varietal composition changes with each new year, but the exquisite, deep, multilayered, fresh style remains constant. 2016 vintage marks her 10th vintage of Pirate TreasuRed and is one of the biggest, most concentrated versions yet. 
 
Heidi Barrett was immersed in wine from a young age and worked alongside her father, Dick Peterson, at various wineries. She started La Sirena in 1994 after honing her skills at Dalla Valle and Screaming Eagle. 
 
With seven varietals to work with, each plays an essential role in the wine’s aromatics, structure, textures, and fruit characteristics. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides the framework, while Grenache contributes seductive fruits, Cabernet Franc adds power and definition, and the list goes on.
 
LA SIRENA
PIRATE TREASURED
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
“The 2016 Pirate delivers a deep ruby colored wine with lush, ripe aromas of black and red fruit like plum and berry, accompanied by notes of fine leather, toast and spice. A complex blend with lots of interesting layers playing off of each other. Flavors persist as does the texture of the wine. Extracted and big but not heavy, with moderate silky structural tannins and a round, well-balanced finish that lingers. A versatile wine that, above all else, is fun to drink! 2016 marks our 10th release of this blend – a picture-perfect vintage known for producing classic expressions of Napa Valley wines.”