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
2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay

2016 Silverpoint ‘Petaluma Gap’ Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtPetaluma GapSonomaUSA

SILVERPOINT

2016 Silverpoint Petaluma Gap Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP

 
There are a lot of reasons why Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted varieties in the world, and one of the most popular among consumers.  It’s one of the richest of the white wine varieties, yet can also have amazing balance.  Silverpoint’s new 2016 Chardonnay from the Petaluma Gap perfectly highlights these qualities ….and it’s one of the best Chardonnays that I’ve tasted this year.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who was responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines and made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the Spectator Top 100 list, and the first Sonoma wine to garner the #1 spot. Chardonnays of this extraordinary quality and value don’t come around often, and with just 167 cases produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to order yours… 
 
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.  If you’re searching for a sensational bottle of Chardonnay to share with your friends and family… this is it.    

 

SILVERPOINT
2016 CHARDONNAY
PETALUMA GAP
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich and pale gold with a creamy texture balanced by a lively acidity.  Hints of melon and white peach.  Voluptuous.  A long juicy finish lets you linger with this Chardonnay.“
2013 Enos Totem Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Enos ‘Totem Ridge Vineyard’ Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtKnight's ValleySonomaUSA

ENOS 

2013 Enos Totem Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHT’S VALLEY

 
One of my favorite feelings that comes from opening a bottle of wine is one of an overwhelming rush of, wow, I just got a really good deal…  For customer appreciation week this year, we wanted to give you an opportunity to experience that over and over again, with a full week of our best deals of the year.  The only thing steeper than the incline of Totem Ridge Vineyard is the vertigo inducing discount of this $60 Cabernet … The vineyard is located on the Southern edge of the Knight’s Valley, which is an appellation shared with icons like Peter Michael and Anakota…  At $60/btl this wine is a terrific find… At our price it’s one of the best Cabernet offers that we’ve presented all year.
 
If you’re looking for an inky, ripe, fruit bomb with lots of sweet oak and vanilla this wine is NOT for you… If you enjoy a more linear Cabernet with vivid red berries, veins of minerals, spices and crème de cassis.  Don’t let this one slip by.  It opens with a burst of dried raspberries, black cherries, bay leaf, pipe tobacco, crushed rock and incense.  On the palate the wine is long and balanced with intriguing and expansive flavors that bring you back for more.  This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages, so don’t wait for the next one to secure yours… 
 
ENOS 
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHT’S VALLEY
Retails at:  $60/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “The 2013 Enos Totem Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon expresses ripe blackberry aromas, notes of cigar box and a burst of cola. Elegant tannins and balanced acidity support a full and firm structure. The round, juicy finish is long and seamless showcased by cedar spice, bing cherry and loamy earth.”
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 ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
When I first introduced Joseph Jewell’s sensational value Pinot in September, I asked you what the best wine that you’ve ever tasted in the $20 range was?  I’m confident now that many of you have had a chance to try this Pinot, you would agree that it is this Joseph Jewell…   I can tell you without ANY hesitation that it’s my choice too and I personally bought 7 cases for my home cellar, which tells you what I think of it.  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 at this price
 
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 was 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.”

2017 Armida Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

ARMIDA

2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
One of my favorite attributes found in wines is a perceptible level of tension on the palate. Tension can highlight specific characteristics in a wine and contribute energy and complexity on the palate.  There are many winemaking tools and techniques that can be used to create it.  Utilizing multiple clones, varietals or vineyards can add tension. It can come from utilizing both younger and older vines, the use of different types of oak barrels or multiple fermentation methods.  Armida’s 2017 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel shows tremendous tension and was created from a mix of 2/3 old and 1/3 younger vines.  They source from over a dozen vineyard sources Dry Creek, both hillside and valley floor and most of them are farmed by 4th and 5th generation farmers.
 
Immersed in exceptional vineyards, this classic Californian Zinfandel perfectly portrays the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.  The winery ferments the grapes from each distinct vineyard separately before creating a masterful blend.  They also use a complex mix of American, Hungarian and French oak adding yet even more complexity.  At $23/btl, you simply can’t afford to miss this…
 
ARMIDA
2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Inky black with brash and seductive blackberry, plum, and smoky oak aromas. Bold, rich flavors of black-cherry jam, raspberry, cola, mocha and anise are wrapped in a warm blanket of vanilla spice and oak. A muscular yet balanced wine finishing long and sweet.“
Zinfandel 90% | Petite Sirah 10%
 
 
Customers who enjoy Armida Dry Creek Zinfandel may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red 2016 Prisoner Wine Co Saldo Zinfandel
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 

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From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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Wonderfully alive on the palate, the 2016 expresses vibrant red fruit, crushed pepper, blueberry liqueur and cocoa dusted cherries. Winemaker Chrissy Wittmann is really showing her obvious talent in this remarkably balanced, yet full-bodied Zin, which arrives loaded with vibrancy and is layered with excitement.  A serious value, the retail price has remained nearly unchanged since their first vintage back in 2007.

2016 DuMOL Single Vineyards Limited Releases

with No Comment Kevin VogtSonomaUSA

DuMOL

SINGLE VINEYARDS
2016 LIMITED RELEASES 
PINOT NOIR | CHARDONNAY | SYRAH | VIOGNIER

 
If you had to choose one wine brand to be the only wine that you could enjoy for the rest of your life, what would it be? DuMOL would certainly be high on my list.  Their wines are simply stunning every year… The 2016’s offer Grand Cru level complexity and just like we’ve come to expect from the brand they’re exceptionally charming and offer wave upon wave of pure joy the moment they touch your lips.  Each of these limited release offerings perform at the highest level, with flavors and aromas so deep, focused and absorbing that they tell a story of their origins in vivid detail.  With a solid reputation for excellence and high-scores, there’s simply never enough of the Fall releases to satisfy demand…
  
I welcome you to mix and match a case however you would like, or you may order each one individually and in any quantity below… As always, ground shipping is included on all full or mixed 15 bottle cases.  
 
2016 DuMOL Ryan Widdoes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 DuMOL Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
DuMOL 
2016 RYAN PINOT NOIR
WIDDOES VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $89.99/btl

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From Vinous: “The 2016 Pinot Noir Ryan Widdoes Vineyard is one of the highlights in this range of Pinots. Bright, floral notes and punch, red-toned fruit give the 2016 presence and vivacity. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry, blood orange and star anise build into the voluptuous, racy finish. There is so much to like here. The Widdoes emerges from a dry farmed parcel planted with Martini clone Pinot, which is always so distinctive.” 92-95 Points
DuMOL 
2016 ESTATE PINOT NOIR
ESTATE VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl

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From Vinous: “The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard is a potent, brooding wine that expresses all the natural structural intensity of this site. Black cherry, plum, gravel, graphite, smoke and dark spice notes add to the wine’s virile personality. The 2016 is not at all subtle, but it packs a serious punch. It should also age nicely for a number of years. Today, the tannins definitely make themselves felt.” 92-95 Points
2016 DuMOL Chloe Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 DuMOL Isobel Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
DuMOL 
2016 CHLOE CHARDONNAY
RITCHIE VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “The 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from one of the top terroirs in the Russian River, and Andy has been working with two parcels from this vineyard since 2001. David Ramey and Mark Aubert also source fruit from these same parcels. This crazy good effort is a match for a Grand Cru White Burgundy and has a reductive, complex, layered style as well as sensational minerality, spice, white flowers, and orchard fruits. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age (I’m not sure bottles would last that long at my house) and will keep for 10-15 years.” 97 Points
DuMOL 
2016 ISOBEL CHARDONNAY
CHARLES HEINTZ VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “From a cooler, foggy site just east of Occidental, on the edge of the Green Valley portion of the Russian River, the 2016 Chardonnay Charles Heintz comes from 35-year-old vines, was barrel fermented and aged, and bottled unfined. This deeper, richer, more powerful Chardonnay boasts sensational notes of honeyed orchard fruits, brioche, and salty minerality. With integrated acidity, a big, rich mid-palate and a great finish, it’s a quintessential Sonoma Coast Chardonnay to drink over the coming decade or more.” 96 Points 
2106 DuMOL Eddie's Patch Greywacke Vineyard Syrah 2016 DuMOL Lia's Wild Mountainside Viognier
DuMOL 
2016 EDDIE’S PATCH SYRAH
HOPPE-KELLY VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $89.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “From the Greywacke Vineyard (this is a new vineyard for this cuvée), the 2016 Syrah Greywacke Vineyard Eddie’s Patch is reminiscent of a release from the Côte Brune side of Côte-Rôtie. Ample crushed rocks, smoked meats, ozone, pepper, and ripe back fruits give way to a full-bodied, seamless and elegant Syrah that continued to gain in stature and depth as it sat in the glass. Perfectly ripe, impeccably balanced, and long, give it a year or two and enjoy over the following decade or more.” 96+ Points
DuMOL 
2016 LIA VIOGNIER
WILD MOUNTAINSIDE
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “I was pretty much blown away by the 2016 Viognier Wild Mountainside, which is up with some of the best expressions of this variety coming out of the New World. Flower oil, pineapple, apricot and some tropical notes all flow from a deep, rich, concentrated Viognier that stays vibrant and fresh. It’s a dead ringer for a Condrieu from the likes of Vernay or André Perret.” 94 Points
2016 Y Rousseau Son of a Butcher Proprietary Red

2016 Y. Rousseau ‘Son of a Butcher’ Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Y. ROUSSEAU

2016 Y Rousseau Son of a Butcher Proprietary Red2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SON OF A BUTCHER

 
One of the greatest contributing factors to some American blends being so delicious upon release is the ability for American winemakers to be as creative as they want when making a wine.  They have the unrestricted artistic freedom to blend any varietals together. A perfect example is Y. Rousseau’s Son of a Butcher which utilizes the intense color and firm structure of the Tannat grape, and is made even more compelling with additions of Bordeaux Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I’m certain that if you could have seen the grins that came over the faces of our tasting panel when we tasted this wine, you would’ve already ordered a case…
 
Why tannat? Aside from the vast and unique contributions that Tannat (deemed the “healthy grape” due to high levels of antioxidants) adds to the blend, like robust character, intense fruit, spice and structure, winemaker Yannik Rousseau is from South West of France where the grape is widely grown.  Tannat on it’s own can often be gripping and powerful, but when blended with Bordeaux varietals, the power of the Tannat grape can be harnessed into something truly special.  This wine has that magic and it’s clear from the moment the wine splashes into your glass and the deep, fragrant perfume of ripe blackberry pie, roasted coffee, white pepper and dried flowers lets you know you’re going to like it…
 
Y. ROUSSEAU
2016 PROPRIETARY RED
SON OF A BUTCHER
 
Your Price: $23/btl
 
Winery Notes: “45% Tannat 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc. Son Of a Butcher shows the softer side of Yannick’s favorite red grape – Tannat – and its amazing potential as a blending variety. The deep, dark, spicy bouquet revolves around blackberries, white pepper, plums, violets, dry leaves with notes of licorice and roasted coffee. Supple and full-bodied, it’s an unmistakable California resident, rich and with youthful vibe, but the one who doesn’t forget its French heritage. Aged for 18 months in 15% new and 85% neutral French oak barrels.“
 
Customers who enjoy Y. Rousseau’s Son of a Butcher may also enjoy these two stunning Reds…
2015 Hoopla The Mutt Proprietary Red 2017 Vista Rutherford Proprietary Red
HOOPLA
2015 THE MUTT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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VISTA
2017 RED BLEND
RUTHERFORD
 
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  Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUncategorizedUSA

BUCHER 2014 Bucher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

It’s always all about the vineyard, and Bucher has attracted luminaries like Williams Selyem, Merry Edwards and Siduri to craft single-vineyard Pinot Noirs bearing their vineyard name. When a vineyard like this becomes a thing of legend, I always seek out wines produced by the Estate that owns and farms the land too.  Bucher’s Vineyard is extraordinarily special, located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, and originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  Numerous high-scoring and memorable wines are rising from this site, and the 2014 Bucher Russian River Estate Pinot Noir is no exception.  Even at the winery’s $40 retail price, this is a wine worth hoarding…
 
Thoughtfully constructed from seven different blocks inside the Bucher Estate, and orchestrated from a labyrinth of revered Pinot Noir clones including Swan, Mt Eden, Pommard and Dijon, the 2014 Bucher exhibits the depth and complexity that you would expect from a high end Pinot Noir.  The wine was made by Pinot artist Adam Lee whom you might recognize from Siduri, and with just a handful of cases left of the 2014, don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
BUCHER
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “Fragrant aromatics of tart cherry and cranberry, along with hints of baking spices and sandalwood, introduce this classic Russian River Valley Pinot. From the smooth entry and mouthfeel to the broad, lingering finish, this wine offers a full complement of flavors with depth, richness, and varietal purity. Wild berry, plum, and black cherry mingle with traces of earth, anise, spice box, and a mineral essence. The tannin and oak structure will continue to integrate with additional bottle aging...”
 
Customers that enjoy Bucher’s 2014 Russian River Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl

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Brought to life by Drew Huffine, whose experience includes working with many elite Pinot Noir producers including Kosta Browne, DuMOL, Auteur, Copain and Donum, the 2017 was conceived from carefully chosen vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap, Russian River and Sonoma Coast.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Black Pine, you already know what to expect…
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 
 
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.
2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah

2016 Pax ‘The Hermit’ Syrah

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtSonomaSonoma MountainSyrahUSA

PAX 2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah

2016 SYRAH
THE HERMIT

 
Why is Syrah such a great value?  Syrah is one of the classic varietals of the world, and while legend has its origins in Persia, it was made famous in the Northern Rhone valley of France with the world-class wines Cote Rotie and Hermitage.  Many would argue that in the New World, Americans are a little behind the curve in the appreciation of Syrah. Because of this, Syrah is still a remarkable value…  Legendary Syrah producer Pax Mahle recognized the untapped potential for domestic Syrah nearly 20 years ago and produced his first vintage of Alder Springs Syrah in 2000.  He’s now producing 100 point Syrahs, and many would include him in the same conversation with Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non and John Alban of Alban Vineyards.  All three have proven abilities to produce domestic Syrah that will compete with the best wines in the world.  At $39.99/btl you have to try this… 
 
The 2016 Pax The Hermit Syrah combines fruit from Alder Springs, Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffins Lair and Walker Vine Hill Vineyards, which three of those vineyards also makeup his Sonoma Hillside Syrah which recently earned a perfect 100 point score from Vinous.  Again, you have to try this… The 2016 is classic, cool climate California Syrah which stunning depth, length and balance.  With only 411 cases produced, don’t wait to secure yours.  
 
PAX
2016 SYRAH
THE HERMIT
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Iron, green peppercorn, black pepper, bittersweet chocolate, black cherry and sweet plums dominate the aromas of this classic expression of Syrah.  The flavors follow the complex aromas and highlight the fantastic balance of the  2016 vintage. Intense and begging for some time in your cellar, this classic  Syrah has very smooth tannins and  is incredibly dense and powerful for what is essentially a blend of the  barrels that are not used in our high-end wines. This is clearly a testament of the quality of the amazing array of vineyards that we pull  fruit from.”  411 cases made
 
Customers who enjoy Pax The Hermit Syrah may also enjoy these two terrific Syrahs…
2014 Lavau Gigondas   2014 Baldacci Allwin Syrah  
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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From Vinous,  “Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.”  90 Points
BALDACCI
2014 ALLWIN SYRAH
CARNEROS, NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45/btl
 
 
The 2014 Allwin Syrah was carved out of a single vineyard in Napa Valleys cool climate Carneros AVA, and after meticulous sorting, the wine was fermented whole berry, adding to the complex flavors and dimension.  I should add that Baldacci’s Vineyard Manager is Josh Clark, one of wine country’s most sought after viticulturists, whose list of clients include icons like Outpost, Hourglass, and Kinsella and to list a few…

2015 Walter Hansel Chardonnays

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnaySonomaSonoma CoastUncategorizedUSA

WALTER HANSEL

2015 CHARDONNAYS
CAHILL LANE | NORTH SLOPE | CUVEE ALYCE

Each time I share a bottle of Walter Hansel Chardonnay, I get an unequivocal feeling that I’ve under-paid for it, because the wine inside the glass mimics Chardonnays at a significantly higher price.  When the winery comes up in a conversation, it’s very 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, which always shine.  Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”  Their 2015 Chardonnays are brilliantly detailed, profound and offer a glaring sense of value with every sip.  I strongly recommend stocking up, because there’s never enough to meet demand.
 
 
2015 Walter Hansel North Slope Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 season resulted in tiny clusters and small berries with production levels off by a minimum of 25%. The following 2015s will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2015 Chardonnay The North Slope is a relatively small parcel planted on the sandy, loamy, Goldridge soils. This wine has a light greenish-gold color, a beautiful nose of nectarine, white peach and pineapple followed by a sexy, broad, savory full-bodied mouthfeel with an almost exotic fruit character. This is heady stuff and concentrated as most 2015s are. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years.” 94-96 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CAHILL LANE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cahill Lane is made from 100% Old Wente clone and planted in one of the few areas of his vineyard that has adobe-clay soil intermixed with sandy Goldridge material. The yields tend to be relatively large, so Stephen Hansel crop-thinned by at least 30%. The result is a big, beautiful wine that reminds me of a Corton-Charlemagne. Plenty of deep, poached pear, white peach, nectarine, tangerine oil and caramelized citrus are all present in ths wine that shows virtually no oak, full body and loads of texture. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.” 91-94 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce features lovely lemon curd, pink grapefruit and underripe pineapple with touches of toasted almonds, fresh ginger and honey toast. Medium-bodied and super intense in the mouth, it has a racy line cutting through the electrically charged fruit, finishing very long and minerally…”
94+ Points