2019 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

2019 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

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

JOSEPH JEWELL

PINOT NOIR 2019
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2019 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley
Adrian Jewell grew up in Northern California’s cold, foggy climate, believing that sites with cooler microclimates along the North Coast can grow California’s best Pinot Noirs. Adrian is the owner and winemaker of Joseph Jewell wines, and his goal is to make wines that bring people together with approachability, balance, and natural varietal character derived from small, independently owned, and sustainably farmed vineyards.
 
The Hallberg Vineyard in the Russian River Valley is known for its dry-farmed Gold Ridge soils that encourage deep root propagation in search of water and nutrients, giving fruit with increased depth and complexity of flavors. Joseph Jewell began working with the vineyard in 2010 and has released a single-vineyard designation ever since. His 2019 continues to share the legacy of the vineyard’s distinct earthy and spicy fruit with an impressive depth of flavors. 
 
Side Note: Our tasting panel tried this wine earlier this year, and at the time, it was a bit closed and didn’t make our selection. We tasted it again recently, and it had blossomed into an outstanding representation of Hallberg Vineyard and a truly memorable wine. At our price of $42, it’s one of my favorite Pinots in the shop. 
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
PINOT NOIR 2019
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
“This wine offers a deep, dark-fruit profile of great flavor and texture, with a soft, supple approach to tannin and well-integrated oak. Dark cherry is accented in dried herb, baking spice and forest, expansive on the palate throughout.”
90 Points
2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

ECO TERRENO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019

2019 Eco Terreno Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Eco Terreno is a certified biodynamic and organic farm that uses modern techniques to strengthen and restore the soils within the vineyards to their original state. The winery’s sustainably farmed vines and founder Mark Lyons’ years of experience as the lead winemaker for Sebastiani Vineyards result in these sensational bottles.
 
The winery receives coastal fog through the Petaluma Gap each evening, blanketing the vineyards throughout the night into the morning. This helps to preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes, resulting in a balanced and polished Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
The 2019 growing season was nearly perfect for Alexander Valley, and it shows in this incredible value at this price.
 
ECO TERRENO
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019
Retails at: $32
 
 
 
“The Eco Terreno 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has signature notes of earth and minerality with violet, blackberry, plum, cassis, crushed graham crackers, and black olives. On the palate, the wine has soft tannins and a smooth texture with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, mushroom, baking spices, and cocoa powder. The wine has a silky finish with a structure that should age well over the next decade.”
96 Points
2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

SILVER OAK

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019

2019 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
Silver Oak’s founders envisioned creating world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, aged exclusively in American oak, that could be cellared and enjoyed for decades. Founded in a dairy barn in 1972, Silver Oak has maintained a seductive house style from oak from their cooperage in Missouri and is now one of California’s leaders in sustainability.
 
The driving philosophy behind Silver Oak wines is that they have yet to make their best wine, and the vineyard team uses precise viticulture techniques to evaluate each vineyard block and make informed farming decisions on a block-by-block basis. The Alexander Valley Estate sits upon the benchland of the Mayacamas mountains, rich in mineral soils with excellent drainage key for Cabernet Sauvignon, which develops savory-like characteristics. 
 
Until 2011 and a 40-year tradition, Silver Oak Alexander Valley was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but blending experiments have since proven to enhance the wine, with the 2019 vintage seeing 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged in an even 50-50 split of new and used oak barrels for complete integration.
 
SILVER OAK
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ALEXANDER VALLEY 2019
 
 
*Released August 5th*
 
 
“The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla and clove. Ruby in color, this elegant wine has great acidity and lift on the mid-palate. Black currant and warm baking spices linger with a deep and fruity finish. It will provide drinking pleasure through 2047 given proper cellaring.”
2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley

2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley

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

WALTER HANSEL

PINOT NOIR 2021
THE ESTATE VINEYARDS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2021 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley
Born with a love and passion for agriculture, Walter Hansel enlisted his son Stephen to help him plant grapevines on the family estate in the Russian River Valley. Throughout the 1980s, Walter and Stephen experimented with making wine for fun, and thanks to Stephen’s legendary Pinot Noir-producing friend Tom Rochioli, the father-son team learned the nuances of viticulture and how to translate that knowledge into stellar wines.
 
Walter Hansels’ vineyards comprise six different Pinot Noir clones, and The Estate Vineyards Pinot encompasses each, establishing a uniform balance and ultimate complexity. The 2021 release was fermented in stainless steel with an addition of 5% whole clusters to a small number of tanks and matured in French oak for 12 months giving a style focused on the purity of the fruit with a hint of spice.
 
WALTER HANSEL
PINOT NOIR 2021
THE ESTATE VINEYARDS
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
 
 
“The 2021 Pinot Noir The Estate Vineyards is gracious, elegant and silky. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, spice and mint are nicely laced together in a juicy, mid-weight Pinot that delivers the goods. The 2021 offers tons of immediacy, but marries that with a good bit of energy. This is a very serious wine with a bright, bright future.”
92 Points
2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard RRV

2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

KANZLER

CHARDONNAY 2021
WALKER STATION VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2021 Kanzler Chardonnay Walker Station Vineyard RRV
In 1996, the Kanzler family was the first to plant vineyards in the chilly Sebastopol Hills in western Sonoma County, just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. Steve Kanzler immersed himself in viticulture, taking classes at UC Davis, and sought advice from neighbors, winemakers, vineyard managers, and soil experts all around the county to perfect his knowledge and understanding of grape growing.
 
After the first harvest in 2000, Kanzler began to sell fruit to prominent and up-and-coming wineries, including Lynmar, Rivers-Marie, and Kosta Browne. The Kanzlers recognized the immense quality of another vineyard, Walker Station, and so when the opportunity came up to lease it after Harry Walker of Walker Station Vineyard retired, they didn’t hesitate.
 
Kanzler’s 2021 Walker Station Vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from the cool, hilly Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, giving opulent, fresh fruit that winemaker Alex Kanzler crafts into a focused style combining elegance, power, and finesse.
 
KANZLER
CHARDONNAY 2021
WALKER STATION VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
 
 
“The Kanzler 2021 Walker Station Chardonnay opens with energetic notes of acacia blossoms, jasmine, quince, yellow apple, star fruit, and buttercream frosting. On the palate, the wine has layered flavors that unfold into pear, apricot, baked apple pie, bourbon anglaise, and a crisp minerality. This wine has a satin-like quality that envelopes your taste buds and leads to a pleasant finish that enlightens the senses.”
95 Points
2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

LIMERICK LANE

ZINFANDEL 2021
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley
Jake Bilbro of Limerick Lane Winery is the third steward of the historic property since the Del Fava family planted the estate vineyard in 1910. The landmark property has maintained its roots for over a century, focusing on sustainable farming and minimal irrigation. The farming team only irrigates plots when necessary, producing fruit with complex, concentrated flavors and aromas.
 
Limerick Lane specializes in high-quality Zinfandel, sourcing from their estate along with a few nearby old vine Zinfandel vineyards known for growing the highest quality fruit. 
 
Winemaker Chris Pittenger intentionally alters the vineyard composition of each vintage, seeking out fruit to create the most balanced wine possible. Their 2021 vintage embodies the spirit of the Russian River Valley with perfectly ripe, bright fruit accented by refreshing acidity and an ideal balance of flavors.
 
LIMERICK LANE
ZINFANDEL 2021
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $46
 
 
 
“The 2021 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) is an absolute delight. Bright and intensely floral, the 2021 is packed with varietal character. Crushed red berry fruit, white flowers and mint all race out of the glass in this refreshing, juicy Zinfandel from Limerick Lane. This is an absolute winner.”
91 Points
2021 Bacio Divino Pazzo Red Blend Sonoma County

2021 Bacio Divino Pazzo Red Blend Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

BACIO DIVINO

PAZZO RED BLEND
SONOMA COUNTY 2021

2021 Bacio Divino Pazzo Red Blend Sonoma County
Sourcing fruit from some of Napa and Sonoma’s best vineyards, Bacio Divino produces superior quality wines under the guidance of Kirk Venge, one of California’s most in-demand winemakers, whom you might recognize from Eleven Eleven, Macauley, and Venge wines. A combination of exceptional terroir, expert winemaking, and excellent fruit quality is their recipe for success, and the wines are phenomenal.
 
Pazzo was created in 1999 as a sister label to Bacio Divino and translates to “crazy” in Italian and perfectly depicts the wine’s crazy-good value. The 2021 vintage comprises 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petite Sirah, 19% Merlot, 11% Sagrantino, and 4% Malbec aged 14 months in once-used French oak barrels that provide a hint of spice but maintain the fruit’s integrity and complex flavor profile. It’s a big, juicy, crowd-pleasing wine at a modest price point.
 
BACIO DIVINO
PAZZO RED BLEND
SONOMA COUNTY 2021
Retails at: $45
 
 
 
“The Bacio Divino 2021 Sonoma County Red has intense, rich aromas of ripe plum, bramble, licorice, and Fig Newton cookies. On the palate, the wine has a smooth mouth-coating texture that lingers throughout the finish with flavors of raspberry jelly, black cherry, Marionberry pie, and fresh mint. The flavor concentration and tannic structure will give this wine longevity but don’t hesitate to drink it now.”
93 Points
2022 J. Bucher Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

2022 J. Bucher Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

J. BUCHER

SAUVIGNON BLANC
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2022

2022 J. Bucher Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley
Located in Healdsburg at the site of an old dairy farm, Bucher Vineyard is one of the Russian River Valley’s most prized vineyards. Renowned producers Williams Selyem, Merry Edwards, and Joseph Jewell have all produced single vineyard wines from Bucher, highlighting the site’s ability to deliver exceptional fruit. 
 
Bob Cabral, the former winemaker at Williams Selyem, helped the Bucher family establish their vineyards, quickly becoming a top supplier for some of the Russian River Valley’s most renowned wineries. The 2022 Bucher Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc comes from a block planted in the 1970s and takes on a European approach to the variety with fresh minerality and a delicate balance of citrus and tropical fruits, perfect for warm summer months. 
 
J. BUCHER
SAUVIGNON BLANC
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2022
Retails at: $38
 
 
 
“J. Bucher’s 2022 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is similar to the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast because it gives powerfully concentrated fruit with delicate elegance. The wine opens with ripe citrus fruits, including lemon and grapefruit, a backdrop of white blossoms, and some hints of pineapple and lychee. On the palate, the wine offers notes of ripe lemon, golden apple, green mango, and chalky minerality.”
94 Points
2022 Leto Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County

2022 Leto Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtSauvignon BlancSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

LETO CELLARS

SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY 2022

2022 Leto Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County
Brad Warner, co-founder and winemaker at Leto Cellars, has over 50 years of dedication and experience in the wine industry. He began his career in the cellar at Charles Krug Winery, followed by nearly 30 years of tenure at Robert Mondavi Winery, where he served as the Vice President of Production. Brad’s wife, Lisa, was also at Mondavi and was in charge of all aspects of wine production for over 30 years, founding Leto Cellars in 2008 and leaning into their well-deserved knowledge and adoration for their work.
 
“Leto” translates to “the hidden one” in Greek, and Leto Cellars symbolizes finding a fantastic wine made with passion at an unbelievably low price point. 
 
The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc was stainless steel-fermented, giving a very aromatically pure character, bursting with concentrated flavors and crisp acidity, perfect for a warm summer day.
 
LETO CELLARS
SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY 2022
Retails at: $28
 
 
 
“The Leto 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is brilliantly aromatic with notes of white blossoms, lemon zest, pink grapefruit, white peach, passion fruit, and golden straw. On the palate, the wine has a lively intensity with concentrated flavors of lemon, Granny Smith apple, mandarin orange, and gooseberry and a long, playful finish.”
94 Points
2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignoin Cask #11 Sonoma County

2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignoin Cask #11 Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

DOLUM ESTATES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CASK #11 2020
SONOMA COUNTY

2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignoin Cask #11 Sonoma County
Dolum Estates’ founders strive to create wines with undeniable character and all-embracing elegance that vividly portray their origin. Winemaker Chad Alexander’s background in soil science, and experience making wine at Hess Collection and Robert Craig wineries, brought their goal to fruition, producing terroir-focused wines with depth of flavor that remain elegant and finely balanced.
 
Their 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #11 embodies the classic Alexander Valley depth and complexity of the region’s ancient soils. It’s balanced with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville that ties in the rich, supple mouthfeel. This impressive wine, aged in French oak, offers immediate enjoyment and the structure to age for five to seven years.
 
DOLUM ESTATES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CASK #11 2020
SONOMA COUNTY
Retails at: $82
 
 
 
“Massive notes of crushed stone, blackberry, earth, and licorice are gentled by the wine’s inherent elegance. It morphs from tightly wound to a tamed beast with lithe, lip-smacking tannins.”
94 Points, “Publisher’s Pick”