2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

MAURITSON 2016 Mauritson Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel

2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
When asked why I love Zinfandel so much, the answer is simple…  Although the grape allegedly originated in Croatia, Zinfandel thrives in California and nobody produces better Zin than California, period.  One of the best illustrations of classic California Zinfandel is Mauritson’s Dry Creek Valley.  With perfectly balanced, expressive, inviting fruit, the 2016 escapes from the glass with floral infused raspberry, black cherry, baking spices and incense.  With substantial vineyard holdings in Sonoma’s iconic Rockpile AVA, the Mauritson’s were influential in helping Rockpile become an AVA in 2002.  The family has been farming for more than 140 years, and at around forty bucks, their Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel completes with the best of the best… At $29.99/btl, it’s a steal…
 
A blend of Block 5, Rockpile Ridge, Madrone Spring and Cemetery vineyards, the 2016 perfectly expresses Dry Creek Valley terroir, emphasized by the gravelly nuance, firm tannins and a rich mouthfeel.  Peeling back layers of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum reveals wild flowers, truffle, and cracked pepper.  Our veteran tasting panel unanimously agreed that this wine drinks well beyond it’s modest price. Don’t wait too long to secure yours.
 
MAURITSON
2016 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at:  $39.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Perfumed aromas of black boysenberry cobbler with graham cracker crust waft from the glass. Hints of anise, fresh fig, and earthiness beautifully complement the fruit profile. The entry is full but inviting, exhibiting flavors of mocha, wet gravel, and black cherry. The mouthfeel is seamless from start to finish, indicative of perfectly integrated tannin and acid. Please enjoy this wine for the next 7-10 years.”
 
Customers that enjoy Mauritson Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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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
 
Your Price: Insiders Club Members Only

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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
2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

MARTINELLI  2014 Martinelli Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
Some of the best wines have a style of their own that’s so recognizable that they literally carve out their own category, and in turn change the entire industry for the better.  Martinelli’s larger-than-life style of producing weighty, plump and full bodied wines has become a hallmark of their brand and over the years they’ve amassed a large following, along with a string of stellar reviews for them.  Their 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an absolute classic and has earned a monster 95 Point score from Wine Enthusiast.  At under $40, the level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass, as the bouquet grabs you and doesn’t let go.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more…
 
Composed of fruit from Blue Slide Ridge, Three Sister’s and a touch of Bondi Ranch, their 2014 Sonoma Coast bottling embodies Martinelli’s signature style, which has made them one of the Russian River Valley’s most beloved producers.  With the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green, whom worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, the winery has remained a paragon of the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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From Wine Enthusiast: “This wine is memorable and impressive-a ripe exploration of earthy goodness that’s rich and velvety smooth. Spicy red fruit seduces amidst a well-developed core of complex orange peel and cardamom highlights, the oak well-integrated and supportive.” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Martinelli’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
2016 Laird Ghost Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna 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 Pinot Noir. 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.  If you like your Pinot Noirs a little fuller bodied, deep, and rich, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
MARTINELLI
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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The 2016 combines fruit from several of the winery’s top sites including Bondi, Lolita and Zio Tony Ranches, with the largest share being from Bondi.  They produce single vineyard Pinots  from each of these incredible vineyards which sell for around $70/btl.  At $45 the Bella Vigna offers a stunning value..  The level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass as the bouquet grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.

2016 Gamba Family Ranches Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES

 
Throughout my career I’ve offered some truly memorable wines that have developed amazing followings, but only a handful have inspired the kind of love affair that Gamba has.  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.” Absolutely bursting at the seams with magnificent levels of jammy black raspberries and briary red fruits, Gus Gamba’s new 2016 Family Ranches could be the poster child for Gus Gamba’s Zinfandel.  They’re always charming and hedonistic, with stunning opulence and full of extracted detail.  At this price, their 2016 Family Ranches should not be missed.
 
Designed from a unique correlation of estate and neighboring vineyards, as well as merging young and old vines, the Family Ranches bottling creates a lush, fruit-forward Zin that’s laced with compelling depth and precision.  Many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world, and if you love elaborately flavored, delicious Zinfandel decadence, you’ll want to grab a case of Gamba’s Family Ranches while you still can.
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
FAMILY RANCHES
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2016 Family Ranches Zinfandel is 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.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Family Ranches Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2016 Gamba Starr Road Ranch Zinfandel
 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Alexander Valley Zinfandel
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “... offers hints of dried raspberry, blueberry compote, herbs, and candied plum on the nose. Dark and alluring in color, and the palate is bold yet well-integrated, with a velvety texture and weighty, yet graceful structure. Fully ripe, this Zin showcases knockout layers of mouth filling blackberry cobbler, herb and leather on the palate. This sumptuous wine embraces concentration and velvety richness. Robust, it finishes dusted in allspice, and cinnamon toast.”
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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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, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 Cru9 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

CRU9 2017 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When a wine producer has an undeviating focus to produce the absolute best wines imaginable in their category, and they’re not in it to make a buck, but to give back to help non-profits, you actually get a surreal sense of excitement and energy when you taste them.  If you’ve been reading my emails for any length of time, you already know how I feel about CRU9.  It was one of our best winery discoveries in 2018 and after tasting the new releases coming up in 2019… it’s clear to me that they’ve gotten even better.  The 2017 Chardonnay was forged from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, and although it’s name needs to be kept secret, one taste will tell you everything you need to know…
 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can virtually 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 wines 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
2017 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “A beautifully perfumed Chardonnay with a compelling, complex nose of dried pineapple, ripe pear, rich butterscotch, fresh green herbs, Spring flowers and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.  On the palate, it is supple and lush with more dried pineapple, crisp apple, buttered caramel, chamomile tea, and a beautifully long finish that goes on and on.  An exceptional effort that balances the palate richness with perfectly zingy acidity that brightens and lifts the palate just enough so it doesn’t come off as heavy.”  93+ Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9 Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay 2017 Foley Johnson Carneros Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Hailing from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, this is a source for single vineyard wines from Ramey, Sojourn and Cherry Pie. Spending 15 months in oak and aged sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.
FOLEY JOHNSON
2017 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “This Foley Johnson Chardonnay features fruit from their family owned estate vineyards in Carneros, an appellation known for producing world-class Chardonnay. This wine displays aromas of vanilla, coconut, and yellow peaches along with flavors of butter, caramel sauces, and poached pears on the palate.“
2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

KINSELLA 2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD

 
I love tasting a new wine that is so compelling, it reminds me just how stunning a varietal can be. Meticulous farming practices, vineyard source, clonal selection and winemaking all combine to make the sum of the parts much greater than the individual pieces.  I experienced this excitement in a bottle of Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet, which is absolutely one of the finest examples of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s made by Thomas Rivers Brown, whom you may recognize from Schrader, Revana, Maybach, and Outpost…  The 2015 Cabernet from Spencer Vineyard is stunningly elegant, rich and extracted, offering pulverized dark berries intertwined with graphite, dried violets and black currant… The previous vintage scored 95 points from Robert Parker, and I think the new vintage is even better. 
 
With clones hand-picked by Thomas River Brown, Kinsella’s organically farmed vineyard is composed of three separate blocks.  Heirloom, Jersey Boy and Spencer.  The 2015 Spencer stole the show with our panel and we were captivated by the wine’s elegance and authoritative flavors that unwind methodically across the palate. The 2015 was built for the cellar and will effortlessly go for 15+ years, but if opened now, it will surely put on a performance of a lifetime.
 
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “This vintage certainly picks up where the 2014 left off. Engaging right out of the bottle, this bright cuvee is chock full of notes of ripe black currant, graphite and clove. Cigar box and violet mesh wonderfully with this higher acid cabernet and would be smashing with a dry aged ribeye!” Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Petit Verdot 8% 
 
Customers that enjoy Kinsella Spencer Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two fantastic Cabs.
2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Kinsella Jersey Boy Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
REVANA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 TERROIR SERIES
 
Your Price: $105/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator: “Strikingly vibrant, featuring complex flavors, innate balance and pure dark berry, spice, licorice and light oak shadings, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2030...”  93 Points
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 JERSEY BOY
 
Retails at: $124.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “The 2012 Jersey Boys Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. The wine possesses a very aromatic nose of orange blossoms, fennel, and freshly picked raspberries. This gorgeous, heady fragrance leads into a juicy mouth-feel with flavors of bright red raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and mocha. A full-bodied pallet with fine, precise and well-integrated tannins is followed by a long finish.”
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

When a winery’s Pinot Noir ranks as the best value wine that I’ve ever experienced, my expectations are set really high for their Chardonnay as well.  I’m happy to tell you that Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Russian River Chardonnay exceeded every expectation… Stunning on every level, and just like their Pinot, the mouthfeel and textures are absolutely sublime, which is a a hallmark of their brand.  The compelling textures are achieved in part from fermenting in both stainless steel tank and French oak Barrels.  At the winery’s $35/btl retail price this wine will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9,  but if you join our Insider’s Club email list (it’s free) you’ll unlock special offers.
 
The 2014 Russian River Valley combines two unique Chardonnay clones, Old Wente and Starr Ridge.  The grapes were forged from steep hillside vineyard and the flavors are clear and precise and wash over your palate with energy and momentum.  Kept for 15 months in barrel, the 2014 is simply gorgeous right now… the only downside is there were less than 400 cases made.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $35/btl
 
 

Tasting Notes: “Yellow straw color in the glass, this beauty has classic aromas of lemon curd, ripe apple, spring flowers and toast. Elegant and bright on the palate with succulent flavors of mixed citrus and apple with a supple opulence. It is beautifully constructed, impeccably balanced and finishes long and smooth with all of the elements integrated in a seamless, beautiful wine.”

 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 

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The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Pinot combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  
2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir

2013 Fort Ross FRV Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Fort Ross SeaviewKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

FORT ROSS

2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST

2013 Fort Ross FRV Pinot Noir
There are plenty of reasons why we love Fort Ross Pinot Noirs.  Their winemaking is second to none with Jeff Pisoni calling the shots. Further, their prices have also remained realistic over the years, despite the growing fan base and well-deserved scores.  The number one thing that keeps me coming back year-after-year is the ideal location of their vineyard… It’s centered in the idyllic Fort Ross Seaview AVA, which in 2011 was approved as its own Appellation within the Sonoma Coast, the area is also a source for such notables as Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers and Pahlmeyer, to list a few…  Their 2013 FRV Pinot Noir is a wine marked by stunning detail, length and character, and at this price, I can’t wait to experience it again…
 
Beautifully expressing the exceptional terroir found in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA with perfectly nit flavors, If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Fort Ross, you likely need no further commentary, other than to know the 2013 is now available.  If you haven’t tried a Pinot from this beloved producer, here’s a chance to enjoy one at a truly fantastic price.
 
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
 
Customers who enjoy Fort Ross FRV Estate Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
2016 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir 2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
ORRIN-SAGE
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 

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Arising from the rugged Sonoma Mountain AVA, a unique area which gains some of the cooling influence from the Petaluma Gap and produces brilliant Pinot Noir fruit.  Bevan, Siduri and Flowers are just a few of the wineries that have crafted Pinots from this unique area.  The 2016 has stunning balance and opens up to vivid red fruits, dried rose, wild blueberries and tea leaf.   This remarkable expression of Pinot Noir was was expertly made by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRANDVENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “… Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop...”
2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir

2016 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir(s)

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

WALTER HANSEL

2016 PINOT NOIR(S)
CUVEE ALYCE | NORTH SLOPE

 
Showcasing the best of Russian River Valley, Walter Hansel produces profound wines with sense of place, harmonious balance and elaborate texture. When they come up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.
 
Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none… Their 2016 Cuvee Alyce and North Slope Pinots have already earned monster scores from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, and when your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments. Walter Hansel took that as a challenge and their 2016’s stand tall as some of their best Pinot Noirs in the last decade.  Don’t miss this opportunity to secure yours… There’s simply never enough of these brilliant Pinots to satisfy demand.

 

2016 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir 2016 Walter Hansel North Slope Pinot Noir
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, pomegranate and cranberry notes with touches of red roses, lavender and dried Provence herbs plus a waft of black soil. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, it is simply packed with taut fruit and finishes on a lingering mineral note…” 95 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2016 PINOT NOIR
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $42/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Pinot Noir The North Slope is medium ruby-purple in color and scented of crushed red plums, mulberries and black cherries with touches of baking spices, violets and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, it offers bags of rich berry flavors in the mouth with a sexy, plush texture and scintillating freshness, finishing long...” 94 Points
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 

 
We’ve introduced some unbelievable values this year, more so than in any year previously.  However, there’s just one wine that I can honestly say is the best wine I’ve ever tasted in this price range.  For that reason, Joseph Jewell’s Russian River Valley Pinot was an easy choice as my #3 wine of the year in 2018.  After all, the 2014 combines fruit from Hallberg, Floodgate and Bucher Vineyards… Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell fans likely recognize these sites.  The 2014 washes over your palate with stunning balance, detail and length, and it perfectly portrays everything that I look for in cool climate California Pinot Noir.  It truly drinks like a killer forty dollar Pinot, and wines like this don’t come around often. Make sure to join our Insider’s Club for special pricing and be the first find out about these hidden gems.
 
This Pinot hasn’t left my mind, or my glass for very long since I first tasted it, and in equal detail are the mineral-laced blueberries, bramble fruit, black tea, dried rose and touches of violets that are etched in my memory.  The 2014 elevated for 11 months in Francois Freres, Ermitage and Rousseau barrels, and has blossomed over the last 3 years in the bottle. If you love Pinot Noir, and better yet, even if you don’t… try a case of this, and I think you’ll become and instant fan. 

 

 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “A special barrel selection from our favorite Russian River vineyard sites, this wine offers elegance from start to finish. This wine beckons with an exquisite bouquet of raspberry and black cherry laced with hints of rose petals and violets. A soft mid-palate is highlighted by fresh, bright red fruits that linger long on the finish.”
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSAZinfandel

ULISES VALDEZ 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

When comparing the Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind, and for that reason it was a clear choice as my #4 wine in 2018.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The winery was founded by the late Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers, revered for farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others.  When he wasn’t farming for California’s most elite vineyards, he was cultivating his dream of building a successful brand and his children continue in his legacy of hard-work, passion, and family.
 
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.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
ULISES VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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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