2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose 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.
2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

ANTHILL FARMS

2016 Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

 
I’ll always remember Anthill Farms as the micro-produced Pinot Noir that was kept hidden behind the counter at The Wine Shop. It was so completely under-the-radar that unless you overheard a conversation, or came across some inside information, most people wouldn’t have known it existed.  The scarcity of this brand hasn’t changed much since then.  Their first vintage in 2004 was just 8 1/2 barrels and now they produce around a dozen small-lot Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay.  The founders all met while working in the cellar at Williams-Selyem winery and they’ve been able to limit the brands exposure and produce absolutely brilliant wines.  At $39.99 a bottle, don’t let this one scurry away.  
 
Created from two of the coolest sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the first of which comes from the edge of the Petaluma Gap, and the second from a Ridge near the Pacific Ocean.  While both locations are geographically distinct, they’re also linked by the direct influence of the Pacific’s cool, marine air. Both vineyards give the grapes a long, cool hang-time so they can develop profound flavors, but with enough acidity to keep them lively and fresh.  If you love tiny production Pinot Noirs that won’t be found in your neighbors cellar, this one’s for you… 
 
ANTHILL FARMS
2016 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 
From Vinous: “The 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is endowed with terrific depth in this vintage. Beautifully expressive and resonant, the 2016 offers notable richness in its succulent red cherry, plum and spice nuances. This open-knit, juicy Pinot will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a fabulous appellation-level Pinot.“ 92 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Anthill Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From PinotFile: “Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and dried herbs draw you into the glass. A forceful attack of delicious dark cherry fruit expands in the mouth, carrying over to a finish with respectable intensity and a burst of acidity.” 92 Points
2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2017 Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUncategorizedUSA

BLACK PINE

2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST

2017 Black Pines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
There can only be one Best Ever value Pinot Noir, and for me, Black Pine has owned that title for years.  One taste of the new 2017 and you’ll know why…  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. There’s one simple reason why it’s constantly re-ordered and it’s because it truly drinks like a Pinot Noir that should be about double the price.
 
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… This is yet another big score from a winery that we adore.
 
BLACK PINE
2017 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $30/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
YOU SAVE 23%
 
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.”
 
Customers that enjoy Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2015 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
COSA OBRA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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It’s telling when any one 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 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 2013 Cosa Obra Pinot, all I can say is, wait until you taste the 2015…
MATIAS
2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.”  92 Points
2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red

2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50$50-$60Chalk HillKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUncategorizedUSA

CHALK HILL

2015 ESTATE RED
PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Chalk Hill Estate Proprietary Red
Named for it’s unique volcanic soils composed of chalky white ash, the Chalk Hill AVA produces stunning wines, and in my mind, this one reigns supreme.  This wine makes absolutely no excuses at it’s $70 retail price…  A paragon of Northern Sonoma County, and especially when it comes to Bordeaux varietals, this towering, ostentatious effort from Chalk Hill Winery is brimming with super-concentrated dark berries, black chocolates, pipe tobacco, and creme de cassis. The 2015 has superb presence on the palate with great intensity, depth and balance.  Unsurprisingly, it’s already earned 94 Points from Robert Parker.
 
A fusion of nearly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced with Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot, the wine‘s deep, concentrated core is complex and extracted, carving out layers of vivid dark berries, black tea, sweet vanilla and cigar box.  After evolving for 20 months in oak and kept for over a year in the bottle, this compelling wine is drinking beautifully now and will cellar effortlessly for two decades…
 
CHALK HILL
2015 ESTATE RED
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Estate Red is deep garnet-purple colored and delivers a good amount of oak-inspired notions to begin over a core of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie, preserved plums and chocolate box with hints of vanilla pod and cigar box. Big, concentrated and full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves, framed by ripe, firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a woody note. Forget it for 5-6 years and drink it over the next 20.“ 94 Points 
 
Customers who enjoy Chalk Hill Estate Red may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2016 Dancing Hares Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.
DANCING HARES
2016 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl

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2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir

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

DANIEL

2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD

In the wine world, history dictates that all roads eventually lead to Pinot Noir. The reason is because Pinots have a supple richness and elegance coupled with a balanced bright acidity that refreshes your palate.  So when your palate needs a reset with a red that’s refreshing and has a mouth quenching opulence, Pinot Noir is usually my answer. Daniel’s 2014 Laguna Vineyard Pinot is one of those wines and with just a 75 case production that satisfies on every level. It was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem and created in a deep, enchanting style full of wild and complex nuances that compel you for another sip.  At $60/btl this Pinot brought a smile to my face but at $39.99/btl… You’ll want to grab enough to share, or not (grin.)
 
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 clones, Calera, Eden and Martini, this Pinot Noir.  With a deep core and satin texture, this Pinot opens up beautifully to dark berries, wild flowers, hints of graphite and vanilla.  With a total production of 75 cases, this Pinot will go fast…  
 
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 33%
 
From PinotFile: “Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and dried herbs draw you into the glass. A forceful attack of delicious dark cherry fruit expands in the mouth, carrying over to a finish with respectable intensity and a burst of acidity.” 92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Daniel’s Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots… 

  

2015 Two Sisters Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Solamente Terra Blanca Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
TWO SISTERS
2015 PINOT NOIR
LINDSAY’S VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Plump red cherry, rust, dried sage, wild thyme and baking spices show on the nose of this top-end regional wine from Bill Foley. The palate shows cohesive well-woven flavors of strong red fruits, turned earth, brown spice, cracked pepper and a menthol-like finish. The acidity is perfect, the tannins soft but structural.”  93 Points
SOLAMENTE
2014 PINOT NOIR
TERRA BLANCA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Cellar Tracker Tasting Notes: “This deep ruby wine flaunts bright aromas of cranberries, black cherries, raspberries, pickling spice and violets. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and with medium-weight but grippy tannins, it has impressive presence on the mid-palate. The medium length finish concludes with a wisp of oak. This is an outstanding Pinot...”
2015 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaUSA

GOLDENEYE

2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

2015 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Duckhorn Wine Company has always had an eye for discovering premium vineyard sites.  Just look at Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga or their recent purchase of Calera Vineyards on Mount Harlan.  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 at $45/btl is delightful.
 
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 10 months in oak, the 2015 is rich, wonderfully textured and bursts from the glass with soaring dark fruits, forest floor, Columbian coffee and holiday spices.    I’ve enjoyed Goldeneye for years and the 2015 ranks among my favorite vintages of this revered Anderson Valley Pinot.   
 
GOLDENEYE
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $58/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl
YOU SAVE 22%
 
From Wine Enthusiast, “This is a full-bodied, ripe and mouthfilling wine that offers generous black-plum and black-cherry flavors, a smooth texture and a lingering finish. The aroma is nicely spiced in new oak accents that meld well with the black fruits on the palate.” 91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific wines…

 

2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir  2014 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 93 Points Editor’s Choice
DUCKHORN
2015 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl 

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The consensus in the wine industry points to Merlot being back and with serious vigor. The varietal took a hit in 2004 with the debut of the movie Sideways which besmirched Merlot causing US Merlot sales to crater. A study by Vineyard Financial Associates estimates that it cost Merlot farmers over 400M in lost revenue in the decade following the movie.  Of course none of that made Duckhorn blink, in fact they’ve been climbing to new heights, and recently went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list with their 2014 Three Palms Merlot. 
2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

ORRIN-SAGE

2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN

2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

When we introduced the Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir in April, we genuinely felt it was WAY too good to be priced where it was.  Of course that’s exactly what we strive to bring you, and it simply defines what our tasting panel looks for.  Of course, over the years we’ve discovered some truly stunning Pinots that have delivered exceptional quality, but Orrin-Sage set a new bar… This was and still is the best Pinot at this price that we’ve ever featured.  It sold out the day that we sent out the offer back in April, but as luck would have it, the winery had a distributor that did not take an order and we grabbed it immediately.
 
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. This wine was expertly made by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.  It has an undeniable meaty character coupled with remarkable weight and perfect balance making it a wine that I truly can’t get enough of…  Of course with just 6 barrels produced, don’t wait… 
 
ORRIN-SAGE
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “One glance and the brilliantly shimmering transparent cherry red color starts pulling you in. Then comes the enticing nose with ripe black cherries, bright pomegranate, allspice, nutmeg, wet leather, fragrant dried lavender and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, a mesmerizing cascade of flavors including crushed black raspberries, tart cherry, fresh sage leaf, candied lime peel and hints of Asian spices.  It’s so alluring that your instinct to swallow will override your will to allow it to linger longer on your palate… and when you do, you’ll be left with a penetrating, long, highly pleasurable finish that absolutely begs for another sip.” 
96 Points and where have you been all my life…
Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy the Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning wines…

 

2015 Cosa Obra Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay
COSA OBRA
2015 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
It’s telling when any one 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 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 2013 Cosa  Obra Pinot, all I can say is, wait until you taste the 2015…
ORRIN-SAGE
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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There’s something mystical about a wine so under-the-radar that all of the information available is written on the bottle… But, etched in your mind are the flavors which write a story of its origins, and the care that went into creating it.  That’s the feeling that washed over me when I tasted Orrin-Sage’s 2015 Chardonnay, and it was met with a feeling of blissful disbelief when I found out what we could offer this wine for. 
2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red

2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

WESTWOOD

2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED

2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red
In a conversation about the most recognizable blends in the world, it’s rare for the composition of varietals to come up. These wines are branded solely on taste and the location of the grapes. The components that make up the wine are eclipsed by the overall flavors and style.  Before we tell you what’s in Westwood’s Legend, we should tell you who’s behind it. The legend was made by Ben Cane who spent 6 years on the winemaking team at Twomey, and David Ramey, one of California’s most legendary winemakers, who helped put many iconic wineries get on the map including Dominus, Rudd Estate and Jericho Canyon…  The feeling that I had when tasting this wine was one of euphoria and sheer contentment.  When I found out I could offer this wine to you I jumped at the chance.
 
This legend arose from the bio-dynamically farmed Annadel Gap Estate Vineyard located between Mt Hood and Sonoma Mountain.  The area is heavily influenced by morning fog and high-winds, and the variety of soil types lend to the wines vast complexity.  The flavors are intriguing and balanced and introduce themselves in a silky and enchanting style that make this wine as unique as it is delicious.  It’s already earned 95 points from Tasting Panel Magazine, don’t hesitate to secure your case.   
 
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 
 
From Tasting Panel: “This proprietary red blend (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) is sourced [mostly from] the estate vineyard, situated between Mt. Hood and the Sonoma Mountains. 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
 
Customers that enjoy Westwood’s Legend may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2014 Horse & Plow Blockhouse Vineyard Napa Valley Grenache 2015 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red
HORSE & PLOW
2014 GRENACHE 
BLOCKHOUSE VINEYARD
Retails at:  $34.00/btl
 

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Horse & Plow’s single vineyard Grenache is from Yountville, just a stone’s throw from our shop, and it completely rocked my world when I tasted it.  This beautifully proportioned and profoundly pleasing red should be the wikipedia reference for California Grenache.  With a round, velvet lined core, the 2014 envelopes your palate in a bumper crop of plump, juicy flavors with red plum, wild berries, mineral, cocoa and subtle spice.  
SANS LIEGE
2015 THE OFFERING
PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $29/btl 

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Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

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

FORT ROSS 2016 Fort Ross Sea Slopes Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2016 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES 

Always intellectually pleasing, detailed and memorable, Fort Ross is one of our most requested Pinots… Formed from the winery’s Estate vineyard, located in the 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… Fort Ross excelled in 2016 and at under forty per bottle, this Pinot has everything that I look for in classic, extreme Sonoma Coast Pinot.  
 
The 2016 is vibrant and with a delicious, supple texture, it perfectly expresses the exceptional terroir found in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA.  It was expertly guided from grape to bottle by renowned winemaker Jeff Pisoni and is loaded with class and wonderfully articulate flavors.  If you’ve tasted any of the earlier vintages of Fort Ross, you likely need no further convincing, other than the fact that the 2016 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
2016 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl
 
 
“… the 2016 Pinot Noir Sea Slopes gives up notions of warm cranberries and Bing cherries with a raspberry leaves, dried sage and tilled soil undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, refreshing and vivacious with a nice bit of chew to the texture and a persistent earthy finish” 
90 Points
“The 2016 Pinot Noir Sea Slopes is another terrific value from this estate. Cherries, strawberries, spice, and an undeniable salty, marine-like minerality give way to a fresh, elegant medium-bodied effort that shows the cooler, complex style of the Sonoma Coast appelation. Bravo.” 
91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Fort Ross Sea Slopes Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

  

2015 Matias Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
MATIAS 
2015 PINOT NOIR
SIERRA MAR VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 

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Anybody who’s tasted the Matias wines knows what an incredible value they offer.  The level of class and sophistication is higher than any Pinot Noir close to this price point.  Their single vineyard 2015 SierraMar Pinot explodes from the glass with bright bing cherry, wild raspberries, spice box and hints of white pepper.   It emerges from Gary Franscioni’s Sierra Mar Vineyard, one of Santa Lucia Highlands highest elevation vineyards.  The Franscioni’s own and farm the iconic Garys’ and Rosella Vineyards and are partners in the revered Pisoni and Soberanes Vineyards… 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
 
Your Price:   $36/btl 

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The short-list of the world’s top consulting winemakers is small, and many would argue that Paul Hobbs should be at the top.  To me, the most clear-cut reason for him being there is simply that people love his wines…  Forbes calls Paul the Steve Jobs of wine, referencing his ardent exactitude of winemaking and he’s clearly one of the most innovative and gifted winemakers.  The Forbes article also notes, that Hobbs was twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker.  This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary’s Block Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30-$40Bennett ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

GREY STACK

2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK

2017 Grey Stack Dry Stack Vineyard Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc
It’s all about the vineyard, and when I think of California’s most memorable Sauvignon Blancs, I’m continually drawn to Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley.  That feeling was set in stone when I tasted Grey Stack’s latest release which has already scored 94 Points (that’s particularly high for Sauvignon Blanc.)  Perfectly expressing the essence of Dry Stack… Intense, vivid and with copious rocky minerals and abundant yet detailed notes of fresh guava, ripe tangerine, Island mango and mineral infused citrus.  You might think $32 is a little high for Sauvignon Blanc, but when you taste the wine it’s actually a stunning value for a wine of this magnitude. 
 
Brought to life by winemaker Patrick Sullivan whose vast experience includes making wine at Peter Michael, Paul Hobbs, Lewis Cellars and Rudd.  The Dry Stack Vineyard is strategically positioned in Bennett Valley which lies Southeast of Santa Rosa along a minor Mountain range.  With a cooler climate with heavy maritime influence, the vineyard itself sits at 550 feet in elevation on a rocky bench and produces fruit of magical qualities.  If you love Sauvignon Blanc, or better yet, even if you don’t… Try this one and you’ll probably never look back. 
 
GREY STACK
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY STACK VINEYARD
ROSEMARY’S BLOCK
 
Your Price: $31.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This block is home to a mysterious clone of Sauvignon Blanc that appears to be the only one of its kind in the region and thought to hail originally from Northern Italy. The resulting wine is citrus-driven on the nose and on the palate-a pure expression that shows complexity and rich layers of flavor, with an intensity of lemongrass.” 94 Points

 

 
Customers that enjoy Grey Stack’s Rosemary’s Block  Sauvignon Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific whites…
2016 Illumination by Quintessa Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Sauvignon Blance
ILLUMINATION
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
BY QUINTESSA 
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
With a striking bouquet that is one of the most penetrating and intense from any Sauvignon Blanc I’ve ever experienced, spotlighting vivid passionfruit, exotic mango, zesty tangerine, caramelized grapefruit and sweet floral, Quintessa’s 2016  Illumination is exceptionally bright and full of energy. This wine guaranteed to brighten any occasion…
ELIZABETH SPENCER
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2017 MENDOCINO
Retails at:  $22.00/btl
 
Your Price: $19.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “… lovingly inspired by the Loire Valley. White peach and apricot, yellow grapefruit, and lemon blossom aromas erupt from the glass. These aromatics carry through and lend a dry fruitiness to the mineral driven pallet. The wine has very appealing ripeness and great balancing acidity, where the complexity of stone fruit and green apples, yield to a very citrusy, crisp finish.”