2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

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

CROSSBARN

2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS

2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
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.  While we offer many wines that Paul Hobbs touches, we don’t often have the opportunity to feature one of his own… This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
Created in a deep, plush and penetrating style, and sourced from a selection of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the 2015 Crossbarn Pinot is really easy to love.  This is a wonderful introduction to Paul Hobbs wines and at $36/btl and ground shipping included on 15, don’t miss it.   
 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
Your Price:   $36/btl
 
 
“Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of crushed black and red cherries with hints of game, mossy tree bark and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors, framed by velvety tannins, finishing with great purity.”  90 Points 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is plump, juicy and forward, with tons of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and spice notes. Succulent and racy, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains juicy.”  90 Points
“… Aromas of crushed violet, Chinese tea, ripe raspberry, currant and musk are seamlessly echoed on a silky yet structured palate resplendent with wild berry, fresh cherry, blood orange and a hint of spice. A long, energetic finish turns somewhat nostalgic with the reminiscence of warm, tart, cherry pie.”  92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
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
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”  93 Points
2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSA

ENOS 

2012 Enos Incomum Cabernet Sauvignon2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

“Incomum” is defined as uncommon or unusual, and the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Enos is just that… Uncommon is finding a $75 Napa Valley Cabernet  that drinks as great as this wine. Unusual is the unique set of flavors and nuances that have resonated with so many of you. It’s become one of our most loved and reordered wines and now that this vintage is almost gone, I wanted to give you one last opportunity to order some before it completely disappears. Robert Parker predicts the wine will be “reasonably long lived given its bright acidity, but it’s delicious now as well….”
 
Enticing you with a burst of pure, super-ripe fruit, laced with bay leaf, black cherry, cigar tobacco, blackberry tart, incense and plenty of crème de cassis, this wine is singing right now.  Authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate, the 2012 Enos Incomum cascades over your palate with massive fruit and terrific clarity, as wave after wave of pure red fruits, crème de cassis, graphite and earth tease your palate with an infinite loop of vibrant flavors.  I highly recommend a case… 
 
ENOS 
2012 INCOMUM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at  $75.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “With a tantalizing nose that pulls you in, this complex and penetrating expression has an unusual depth yet a sultry elegance combined with a laser like clarity.  It is a fresh and vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon that offers sweet black cherries, cassis berries, Spring flowers, pencil lead and sweet vanilla. It is also deep, powerful and penetratingly expansive with a finish that lasts over a minute.” 
94 Points, Master Sommelier Kevin M. Vogt
2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

ALMA de CATTLEYA

2017 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY 

Immeasurable talent… gifted… Midas touch… These would all be fitting descriptors of winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave.  Her artistry has allowed her to climb the ranks and become winemaker at Pahlmeyer… She’s also made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France.  Bibiana applies her vast skill-set and remarkable abilities and crafts wines that exceed all expectations… This Sauvignon Blanc Leaps feverishly from the glass with a spectacular aromatic display of exotic mangos, lime leaves, caramelized grapefruit and honeyed pear and is absolutely stunning. Her new Alma de Cattleya label is rapidly increasing in popularity with each cork pulled, setting the bar for what can be achieved at this realistic price level. 
 
Arising from methodically selected vineyards centered primarily in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, this beautiful interpretation of cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc was authored using the same exacting standards as the Cattleya single vineyard wines, which retail for around $70/btl.  Fermented on it’s lees for six months, the 2017 graces your palate with energy and absolute focus.  If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, clean and energized Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for Spring and Summer… Time to stock up.
 
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $19.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This Sauvignon Blanc is a true expression of the influence of the Pacific Ocean breezes in Sonoma County’s grape growing region. Zesty and bright, the exceptional intensity of lemon zest, grapefruit, verbena, lemongrass and citrus blossoms aromatics are an impressive aperture to a gorgeous mouthfeel with centered acidity and a luscious finish. Enjoy now until 2022.”
 
Customers who enjoy Alma de Cattleya’s Sauvignon Blanc, may also enjoy these two Sauvignon Blancs…

  

2017 Picayune Napa County Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Farella Coombsville Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY & 
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $20.99/btl 
 
Taking things to the next level with their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit.  Picayune is a stand-out in affordable, premium quality Sauvignon Blanc, and originates from declassified barrels from top Sauvignon Blanc producers around Napa and Sonoma Counties, and retails for just a fraction of the price.
FARELLA
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
LA LUCE, ESTATE
COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $23.99/btl 
 
In a world where clarity is hard to find, I will say with absolute clarity that you’d be hard pressed to find a better Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc at anywhere near this price.  Tom Farella’s 2016 Estate La Luce Sauvignon Blanc has mesmerizing nuances of almost Loire Valley-like honeydew melon, tangerine and honeyed grapefruit that flow from the glass in an exquisite perfume. 
2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

AMAPOLA CREEK

2014 Amapola Creek Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY 

 
If rich, deep and extracted Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t pique your interest,  add to it a 93-95 Point Score from Robert Parker and a legendary winemaker like Dick Arrowood, this wine should be edging towards the top of the list. Stunningly long and complex, this wine simply pops on your palate with an explosion of lingering flavors.  The grapes were sourced from the Amapola Creek Estate Vineyard which borders the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, made famous by Ridge in the 1960’s…  It was expertly authored by renowned winemaker Dick Arrowood who rocketed to fame crafting some of Sonoma’s most notable wines, including Chateau St. Jean from 1974 through 1990.
 
Created from a collection of various vineyard blocks, diversity is what truly sets this wine apart. After resting for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine is made in an approachable style that will immediately bring a smile to your face, but also promises to age gracefully for the next 10-15 years.  This 95 point Cabernet will take you to that happy place, so you’ll want to order this wine by the case… 
 
AMAPOLA CREEK
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ESTATE, SONOMA VALLEY
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…Containing 7% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and youthfully reticent nose, offering glimpses at blackberry and black plum notes over pencil shavings, garrigue, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied and packed with black fruits and earthy flavors, it is built like a brick house with a solid frame of firm, ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”   93-95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Amapola Creek’s Estate Cabernet may also enjoy these two outstanding Cabs…
2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.
GRASSI
2014 SHINER SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $50/btl
Your Price: $45/btl 
Grassi’s 6 barrel production of their 2014 Shiner Series  Cabernet is incredibly fabulous and lucky for consumers, it also comes in at around $30/btl below their Estate Cabernet… It’s brought to life by Robbie Meyer, whose experience includes 5 vintages at the iconic Peter Michael Winery, as well as time at Lewis Cellars, Jericho Canyon and Del Dotto to list a few…
2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

RED MARE

2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2014 Red Mare Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sonoma County
With everything you would want in a world-class California Chardonnay, Red Mare’s 2014 emerges from the famed Dutton Ranch Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Fruit from Dutton Ranch has gone to top producers like Kistler, Patz & Hall, & DuMOL…  This one was expertly guided from grape to bottle by Anne Vawter, who’s experience includes assistant winemaker at Paradigm Winery in Oakville for four years, under the leadership of legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett. 
 
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.  
 
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
Winery Notes: “True to the vintage with intense aromatic notes of ripe pear, rose petals, tropical flowers and warm honeycomb. This wine is a complex interplay of rich and warm contrasting with bright and fresh showing vanilla wafer, white cake, nougat along with lemon peel and asian pear. In the mouth, a long, slow, malolactic fermentation, lees stirring and barrel aging in small french oak barrels brings a rich and complex mouthfeel balanced with classic Russian River Valley acids to carry through to a warm, creamy finish.”
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir

2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir

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

MONTAGU

2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD

 
 
 
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir
Nothing beats drinking a stunningly beautiful Pinot Noir from one of California’s most Iconic Vineyards. Montagu’s 8 barrel production of their Baciaglupi Vineyard Pinot erupts from the glass with an exotic perfume of crushed blackberries, dried violets, Asian plum and baking spices.  This world-class vineyard made history at the 1976 Paris tasting when Château Montelena triumphed over all of the French wines in its category.  40 percent of the fruit was sourced from Bacigalupi.
Created in a deep and saturating style, the 2014 is beautifully textured, and loaded with class.  Utilizing three revered Pinot clones, 777, 667 and Pommard, and each complimenting the strengths of the others… the wine is then finished in high quality French oak barrels.  If you love big, California style Pinots like Marcassin, Belle Glos and Kosta Browne, one taste will bring you home. 
 
MONTAGU
2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This is a forward styled Pinot Noir that offers an ripe nose of cherry cola, bright pomegranate, mandarin orange peel, spice box and earthy truffle. On the palate it has a lush, rich, supple mouthfeel with wild berries, black plum, sage leaf and sweet vanilla.  Cellar through 2022.“ 92 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier