2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 William Knuttel D. Rafanelli Vineyard Mary’s Block Cabernet Sauvignon

WILLIAM KNUTTEL 2014 William Knuttel D Rafanelli Vineyard Mary's Block Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK

 
When it comes to the most Iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel Vineyards in Sonoma County, the Rafanelli Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is foremost.  Their wines are nearly impossible to acquire and are mailing list and restaurant only… What many people don’t know is that William Knuttel produces two Cabernets from Rafanelli Vineyard, so as you can imagine, we couldn’t wait to try them.  Their 2014 D. Rafanelli Mary’s Block is remarkably stunning, and it’s made in an elegant, long and expansive style that keeps you coming back for more.  At around $40, this makes my list of the best Cabernets in Sonoma County.
 
Proprietor William Knuttel isn’t a stranger to high-quality Sonoma County Cabernet.  He was the Vice President and winemaker at Chalk Hill from 1996 through 2003 and he was also winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards through 2011.  The Mary’s Block produced minuscule yields of just 1.4 tons per are of intensely flavored, BB sized berries, and the resulting wine spent 19 months in oak.  In this realistic price category, this will compete favorably with the best Cabernets produced in Napa Valley and in fact, it did at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition where it earned a Gold Medal.  You simply need to try it.  8 barrels produced.
 
WILLIAM KNUTTEL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
D. RAFANELLI VINEYARD
2014 MARY’S BLOCK
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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Winery Notes: “Mary’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon combines black cherry, ripe plum and blackberry fruit, spiced with brooding herbs. Oak and toast highlight and focus the ripe berry and cherry flavors, completely complementing the aromas. Hillside tannins are fully resolved, leading to a full, balanced and supple finish…”
Gold – 2018 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
 
Customers who enjoy William Knuttel Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
2014 Humanitas Piscis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Kuleto Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
HUMANITAS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 PISCIS VINEYARD
Retails at: $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “....The nose has a sultry opulence with pungent berry intensity followed by blueberry tart, creme de cassis, hints of bay leaf, liquid mineral and sweetened dark chocolate.  The palate begins with penetrating, focused flavors of crushed blackberries and red currants, followed by secondary characteristics including wet stone, cigar box and vanilla spice.  For this price point, this wine is approaching perfection… I can’t remember having a wine that costs less and drinks better… Simply fabulous!”  97 Points
KULETO
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Wine Enthusiast:From the producer’s estate at over 1,000 feet in elevation, this seamlessly textured wine grabs one’s palate from the start and doesn’t let go. Huckleberry and cedar notes meet bay leaf accents and grippy tannins, all enveloped in smoky oak. It finishes with bright, fresh blackberry.”  92 Points
2016 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2016 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

GOLDENEYE 2016 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

 
Duckhorn Wine Company has always had an eye for discovering premium vineyard sites.  Just look at Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga or their recent purchases of Calera Vineyards on Mount Harlan and Kosta Browne in Sonoma.  In 1996 Dan Duckhorn recognized the potential for world-class Pinot Noir in California’s Anderson Valley AVA.  Perfectly positioned near the Pacific Ocean and with a wide diurnal temperature variation, spanning 40-50 degrees, Duckhorn seized the opportunity to create a Pinot Noir that would stand on its own as one of California’s finest.  They now produce a handful of Pinots under the Goldeneye label, and with the top level ranging $80-$125, their Anderson Valley Pinot is a steal at under fifty bucks.
 
Combining fruit from both warm and cool portions of the Valley, the tension created from the contrast of styles and flavors gives this Pinot a classic portrayal of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Housed for 16 months in oak, the 2016 is wonderfully textured and bursts from the glass with soaring blue and red fruits, black cherry, wild flowers and holiday spices.  If you’re searching for an absolutely classic Anderson Valley Pinot Noir that’s perfectly ready to drink now and will cellar for years to come, this one is for you.
 
GOLDENEYE
2016 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $58/btl
 
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This wine is full bodied, dark and brooding-in a good way. It has concentrated flavors of black fruit and ripe red berry as well as attractive oak accents of cinnamon and clove. Fine-grained tannins lend ample support and structure.92 Points
Juicy, with firm richness to the burnished dried cherry, berry and cedary flavors. Suave midpalate, featuring a creamy texture. The finish is powered by seductive spice and forest floor notes. Drink now through 2024.” 92 Points
 
 
Customers that enjoy Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2017 Siduri Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
SIDURI
2017 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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Winery Notes: “… Aged for 15 months in 35% new French oak, this wine has aromas of warm oak spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon, followed by pomegranate, black plum, fresh boysenberry, Portobello mushroom, chestnut, sage, chamomile, and forest floor. The flavors include tart red plum, raspberry, and red currant. Bright acid leads at the front of the palate with a full, juicy texture in the middle. Fine and focused tannin adds length to the finish.”
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
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From Wine Enthusiast: “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve…”  96 Points, Cellar Selection
0217 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

2017 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

QUIVIRA 0217 Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

2017 ZINFANDEL
PILLSBURY VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
As much as I love a great California style Zinfandel that’s classically deep, jammy, and intensely flavored, there’s something refreshing about finding a pure expression of the varietal, with brilliant detail and stunning balance.  When I came across Quivira’s 2017 Pillsbury Zinfandel it reminded me just how much I love the Zinfandel grape.  Imagine a basket filled with fresh blueberries, wild plums, boysenberries, black cherries and mulberries and being able to taste each one simultaneously and with absolute clarity?  That’s exactly what you’ll find in a glass of this Zin… At $48 it’s an experience worth taking, but at $39.99, it’s a rush that you’ll want to experience over and over again…
 
Carved from the dry-farmed Pillsbury Vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley where winter rains are the sole source of irrigation.  You can see the crushed oyster shells scattered abundantly throughout the vineyard which are used to supplement the soils and strengthen the vines.  The wine was carefully guided from grape to bottle by Hugh Chappelle, former winemaker at Flowers, Lynmar and Charles Heintz to name a few…  We taste quite a few new Zinfandels every week and this is simply the best Zin that I’ve tasted this year.  Trust me… You’ll be glad you did.
 
QUIVIRA
2017 ZINFANDEL
PILLSBURY VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
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From Jeb Dunnuck: “… the 2017 Zinfandel Pillsbury Vineyard (100% Zinfandel) has a classic bouquet of plums, mulled currants, cedary spice, and incense. Elegant, medium to full-bodied, rounded, and fleshy on the palate, with good purity, it’s another beautiful Zinfandel from this estate.” 93 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Quivira Pillsbury Vineyard Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valedez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “… a bold, well structured wine with an aromatic nose of ripe berries, brown spice, and black licorice. The color is a beautiful and vibrant dark crimson. The wine is deftly balanced, with flavors that burst on the palate, offering well defined dark cherry, raspberry and blueberry that give way to dark chocolate, spicy pepper and a hint of nutty oak. The frame is firm yet round without harsh edges, with an appealing, weighty, yet buoyant mid palate, and a refreshing lift on the lengthy, enjoyable, toasty finish.
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes:This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!”  94 Points
0216 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

COSA OBRA 0216 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
It’s very telling to us when any particular wine is still requested and praised months or even years post offering…  When this happens, some might call it storied or legendary, but when a value Pinot Noir under thirty bucks makes this list, it simply speaks to the above average quality of the wine.  For those of you who tasted, loved and are still talking about the earlier vintages of Cosa Obra Pinot, all I can say is, wait until you taste the 2016… Vaulting from from the glass with a vibrant medley of dark cherries, exotic spices, lavender and subtle vanilla, this is not only a terrific value, but a wine I think people will talk about long after it’s gone.
 
Arising from the Sangiacomo Vineyard, a vineyard that’s produced it’s fair share of memorable and highly-rated wines, the 2016 spends just 9 months in French oak, preserving the wines vibrant and lively flavors, yet adding a lightly toasty finish.  Long, lovely and persistent on the palate this is simply a wine that when you taste it, you feel like you got a great deal, and that leaves a good taste in your mouth… Pun intended.
 
COSA OBRA
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
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Winery Notes:Garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly over time revealing aromas of dark cherry, spice, and tobacco. A full mid palate with flavors of black cherry, blueberry-pomegranate and cherry cola, embellished with toasty oak in the background. Wellrounded, integrated tannins and texturally appealing with a soft and sleek mouthfeel.
 
Customers that enjoy Cosa Obra Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale ruby purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir opens with Bing cherries, tart cranberry, blackberry, violet and tobacco leaf aromas with tangerine peel nuance. Light to medium-bodied, it’s fresh and soft in the mouth with crunchy red fruits and citrus accents, framed by soft, grainy tannins and juicy freshness to lift the finish...” 90 Points
JOSEPH JEWELL
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From PinotFile: “Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine.” 92 Points

2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Black Pine is one of the best values we’ve discovered in Pinot Noir over the years, and none have surpassed it in numbers of cases shipped and sheer popularity.  There’s one simple reason why… The quality of what you get inside the bottle far exceeds what most would think possible at this modest price.  It delivers outstanding weight, balance and a stunning presence on the palate, then opens up to a tapestry of vivid dark berries, candied plum, caramelized cherries, dried rose and hints of clove.  If you’ve enjoyed  any of their earlier vintages, you already know what to expect… If you haven’t experienced Black Pine Pinot Noir, I absolutely guarantee you’ll love it once you do.
 
Conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast, the 2017 Black Pine has a lush mouthfeel, terrific intensity and balance.  Aged for 10 months in French oak, and a true model of Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast, the 2017 continues to gracefully evolve in the bottle and drinking better than ever right now.  I strongly recommend a case before the 2017 runs out.
 
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
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Winery Notes:The wine shows appealing aromas of Bing cherry mixed with vanilla and baking spice. The deep ruby and purple wine reveals candied red plum that lingers in the glass…. sensuous and mouth filling and shows black cherry and strawberry flavors. Medium bodied flavors of perfumed Cherry, lush red fruit and clove give way to the bright natural acidity and fine tannins that draw out a long and impressive finish.
 
Ripe berry nose; smooth texture with tangy black cherry. Rich and generous with intensity and finesse.”   91 Points, Anthony Dias Blue
 
Customers that enjoy Black Pine Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Alma De Cattleya Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:  Pale ruby purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir opens with Bing cherries, tart cranberry, blackberry, violet and tobacco leaf aromas with tangerine peel nuance. Light to medium-bodied, it’s fresh and soft in the mouth with crunchy red fruits and citrus accents, framed by soft, grainy tannins and juicy freshness to lift the finish… 90 Points
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2015 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From PinotFile: Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine. 92 Points
2017 Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

VALRAVN 2017 Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 SONOMA COUNTY

 

We occasionally come across a new project so captivating that by the time it hits our palate, we’re left with absolutely no question that it’s going to be a success. In the case of Valravn, it wouldn’t be the first giant success for founder Baron Ziegler… Baron started Banshee wines in 2008, which quickly grew to over 50,000 cases before striking a deal to sell the brand to Billionaire Bill Foley last year.  With a goal of producing approachable, delicious wines with single-vineyard level of quality from Sonoma County, and at prices far less than their counterparts, you can bet that they’ll make a lot of friends along the way.  At under $25 their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is velvety and opulent without any hard edges.  If you’re searching for the next value Cab to share with your friends, this is it…

Valravn really hit the ground running, and they had a head start by already having established relationships with growers and winemakers which they formed over the last decade while growing the Banshee brand.  Their 2017 Cabernet encompasses fruit from Alexander Valley, Moon Mountain and the Russian River Valley, and it’s made in a showy and velvety style that’s really easy to love.  

 

VALRAVN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $24.99/btl 

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Winery Notes:Reminiscent of classic ripe-vintage Bordeaux – refined and well defined with a lovely play of savory and sweet.  Cassis, black cherry and blackberry fruit is accompanied by opulent notes of dark chocolate, espresso roast, and graphite. Silky tannins with amazing richness on the palate.
 
Customers who enjoy Valravn Sonoma County Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2014 Enos Estate Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vista Rutherford Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend
ENOS
2014 ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $60/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This intriguing  Cabernet begins with a compelling nose of black cherries, red currants and cocoa powder, followed by pipe tobacco, toasted hazelnuts and sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, focused blackberry and chocolate covered cherries intertwine beautifully with a complex, earthy wet clay character along with slightly dusty tannins.  The finish is detailed, long and fresh, without be heavy or cloying. A delight to enjoy now and will age beautifully for a decade or so. Serious wine at a not-so-serious price…”  93+ Points
VISTA
2017 RUTHERFORD
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $23/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “Scintillating aromas of fresh blackberries, tart red currants, cocoa powder and vanilla spice.  The palate is dense, rich and powerful with a beautiful combination of bright red fruit characteristics that perfectly intertwine with deep black fruits including blueberry compote, crushed black raspberries, ripe red plum, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate.  Intense and penetrating, this wine displays concentrated, powerful fruit with a gorgeous center core that finishes with a long, focused finish and slightly dusty tannins.”  92-95 Points

2017 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

FLOWERS

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 

Flowers is a winery that helped shape Pinot Noir production along the extreme Sonoma Coast through style, consistency and quality.  They began their journey nearly 30 years ago and they helped pioneer the plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in what’s now known as the Fort Ross Seaview AVA.  In 2011, it was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast region.  The area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli Martinelli, Fort Ross and Pahlmeyer, to list a few.  The 2017 is wonderfully energetic and blooms with intense raspberry, wild strawberries, lavender and baking spices.  At under fifty bucks, I highly recommend harvesting some for your cellar.

With attention to every detail, Flowers hand-sorts their fruit on their custom-built shaker table before gently dispersing the berries onto the next sorting table where six sorters assess every cluster before allowing only the best fruit to pass through into the fermenters.  Blossoming after 10 months in oak, this Pinot is indescribably beautiful now and will continue to bear gorgeous fruit for the next decade…

 
FLOWERS
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast gives up intense scents of kirsch, violets, rose hip tea and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of garrigue and dried Provence herbs. Medium-bodied with delicate floral and red fruit layers in the mouth, it has wonderfully satiny tannins and a long, lively finish.”  90 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Flowers Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 Castalia Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “This is a juicy exploration of the coast-a well-made effort that showcases notes of forest floor, black tea and savory pine. The black cherry and currant fruit leans dark and brooding, with an impressively balanced, medium-bodied hold on the palate.”  90 Points
CASTALIA
2016 PINOT NOIR
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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Arising from one of California’s Grand Cru Vineyards, this Pinot Noir is so enchanting, that it will literally speak to your soul.  A penetrating ruby/purple in the glass, the 2016 is beautifully layered with baked raspberries, warm cranberries, back cherry, roses, shaved chocolates and was carefully guided from grape to bottle by Terry Bering, Cellar Master for Rochioli Vineyards for over two decades…
2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD

 
It’s rare for us to taste a wine and immediately lock-down every bottle available before our wine glasses are emptied… We’ve done that more times with DANIEL Pinots than with any other brand.  When you can count the number of barrels produced on two fingers and you add to it a style that’s as commanding as it is compelling, and as balanced as it is deep and enchanting, we simply can’t let these go. Wines this great, never stay under-the-radar for very long and the DANIEL brand has been getting a lot of attention.  The Wine Enthusiast wrote, “This is a tiny production wine well worth seeking” and I most certainly agree… Just don’t wait too long to secure yours, because with just 50 cases produced and 33% off, this one will go fast.
 
Daniel Winery has a talent for finding unique sites that are capable of producing profound fruit with compelling flavors and firm structure.  This one was brought to life from the organically farmed Laguna Vineyard and created from heritage Pinot Noir clones, Calera, Eden and Martini.  With a deep core and satin texture, this Pinot opens up with intense plum, and vivid red and black fruits laced with wild flowers, tea leaves hints of baking spices.   With a total production of 2 barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
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From Wine Enthusiast, “This is a tiny production wine well worth seeking, savory in forest floor, black tea, sage and mushroom, with a soft, round mid-palate that presents as equal parts silky and velvety. Exotic and earthy, it has integrated barrel presence and tamed tannins, with a succulent finish of baking spice.” 93 Points  
 
Customers that enjoy Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Matias Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir
2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
MATIAS
2015 PINOT NOIR
ROSELLA’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 

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From Wine Enthusiast, “Rose petals, cranberry and dust show on the nose of this bottling, which grows more intense on the nose as it sits open, offering riper fruit. Dried sagebrush and baked earth flavors show on the sip as the red fruit and floral components arise with grace.93 Points
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
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From Wine Enthusiast, “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve...”  96 Points, Cellar Selection
2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

TROMBETTA

2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2015 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
In the 3 years since we opened our tasting room in Yountville, if we had to select one wine that’s generated the most enthusiastic comments out of all of the wines that we’ve poured by the glass, Trombetta Pinot Noir wins by a landslide. We literally smile and watch as even our most discerning customers drop their jaws when they try this wine for the first time. We can’t wait to start showing the newly released 2015 vintage, which is finely detailed with remarkable weight and a generous presence on the palate.  The 2015 shows off in layers of wild blueberries, Morello cherries, dried violets, and dark chocolates.  This brilliant interpretation of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is simply one of my favorite Pinots that I’ve tasted over the last few years and at under fifty bucks it truly should not be missed.
 
Emerging from the Petersen vineyard, located in the revered Petaluma Gap AVA, this brilliant example of Sonoma Coast Pinot was authored by Erica Stancliff who honed her skills while interning at Rudd and Vina Cobos…  Aged for 10 months in Damy, Francios Freres, Radoux, and Cadus French oak barrels, if you’re searching for love in Pinot Noir… This just might be it.  It is for me…
 
TROMBETTA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast:This is a juicy exploration of the coast-a well-made effort that showcases notes of forest floor, black tea and savory pine. The black cherry and currant fruit leans dark and brooding, with an impressively balanced, medium-bodied hold on the palate.” 90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Trombetta’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch 2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch PinotNoir. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016  Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.
MARTINELLI
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
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From Wine Enthusiast,This is a robust, generous and meaty red wine. On the palate, smoke and toasted oak tones support warm baking spice, black cherry and an undeniable earthiness of cardamom and forest floor.”  91 Points
2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

MARTINELLI2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Some of the greatest values in Pinot Noir result from top producers blending their single vineyard wines into a Cuvée of multiple vineyards.   This makes perfect sense too, because a top attribute in Pinot Noir is that it’s one of the most complex varietals in both flavor and aroma, and multiple vineyards can often emphasize that… Martinelli’s 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot is a wonderful example that combines fruit from Blue Slide Ridge and Three Sister’s Vineyards. At around 1/2 the price of those single vineyard bottlings, the Sonoma Coast embodies the winery’s signature style, which has made them one of the Russian River Valley’s most beloved producers.  At under $40, the level of quality/value is obvious the moment this wine splashes into your glass, as the bouquet grabs you and doesn’t let go.
 
Created in a robust, larger-than-life style, the 2015 also embodies a natural elegance that makes it absolutely irresistible.  The 2015 was created with the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green, who worked alongside Helen Turley in the early 1990’s on some of her projects, and to this day, the winery remains a paragon in the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
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From Wine Enthusiast: “This is a robust, generous and meaty red wine. On the palate, smoke and toasted oak tones support warm baking spice, black cherry and an undeniable earthiness of cardamom and forest floor. 91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Martinelli’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir 2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “The  2013 Pinot Noir FRV Fort Ross  Vineyard sports a ruby color as well as an open knit, ready-to-go bouquet of dried cherries, tobacco, menthol, and dried herbs. It’s pretty, medium-bodied, rounded, and supple, with an evolved style ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.” 90 Points
LAIRD
2016 PINOT NOIR
GHOST RANCH
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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I love it when a wine has flavors are so deep and penetrating, that it might be described as chilling, spine-tingling and scary good.  All three of these descriptors came time mind when I tasted Laird’s 2016 Ghost Ranch PinotNoir. Made in a deep, velvety style that I love, Laird’s 2016  Ghost Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, black cherries, vanilla and spices.