2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

HILL FAMILY

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Hill Family Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Doug and Darci Hill acquired one acre north of Yountville in 1981 and began growing fruit for premium Napa Valley wineries and vegetables for local restaurants, including Thomas Keller’s French Laundry. In 2001, they released their first wines, a Merlot and a red blend. Today, they own 120 acres of 100% family-owned, family-farmed, and family-operated land utilizing sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices.

Winemaker Alison Doran has been with the team since the inaugural vintage. She’s honed her skills under the guidance of the legendary André Tchelistcheff, completed a degree in Winemaking from UC Davis, and spent time in the noble Alsace region in France.

The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines mountain fruit from the Baker Vineyard on Atlas Peak and grapes from the valley floor to showcase Napa’s signature terroir and bold character. At $65, this powerful and elegant expression of Napa Valley Cabernet is a joy to behold. 

HILL FAMILY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2021
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $65

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“The Hill Family Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 begins with a nose of black currants, crushed blueberries, cardamom, cocoa powder, menthol, and lavender. It continues on the palate with intense blackberries, ripe black plums, espresso grounds, and sweet vanilla wrapped in firm, gripping tannins. The concentrated fruit balances the tannin grip just enough to make this wine drinkable now but will reward you by cellaring for a decade or more.”

94+ Points

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

ROCHIOLI

ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

2021 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

From a vineyard synonymous with excellence and terroir expression, the Rochioli family understood the potential of their land from very early on. Tom Rochioli’s deep interest in producing terroir-driven wines with little human intervention helped make his grapes some of the most valuable in the Russian River Valley. 

In 1968, Tom’s father, Joe Rochioli Jr., planted Pinot Noir clones from France in the Russian River Valley and began selling fruit to Davis Bynum and Williams-Selyem. Tom took over as the business manager of the winery in 1983 and soon after became the winemaker, convincing his father they needed to release their first estate-bottled Pinot Noir under the Rochioli name. 

The 1985 Pinot Noir debuted in 1987, and the wine was immediately honored as the “Best Pinot Noir in America” by Wine Spectator. The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir is a blend of estate sites, including Little Hill, Sweetwater, West Block, Big Hill, and East Block, aged for 15 months in French oak, and showcases the charm of the Russian River Valley with a rich body and complex spices.

ROCHIOLI
ESTATE PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2021

Your Price: $95

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“A deep transparent ruby, the elegant 2021 Pinot Noir Estate displays a refined, classic appeal in its notes of wild raspberry, fresh roses, and forest herbs. Medium-bodied, it reveals fine tannins and remarkable purity throughout its fresh, well-balanced layers of orange peel, ripe red cherry, and floral, spicy notes that continue long on the palate. A beautiful Pinot with a lot of immediate appeal, it will continue to drink well over the next 6-8 years. This stunning wine far exceeds its entry-level status. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

96 Points

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonCentral CoastKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

ACE OF SPADES 

BY PERRIN + DOBBS VINEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES 2021

2021 Ace Of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

Winemaker Chad Alexander of Perrin + Dobbs crafts superior wines from Bordeaux varieties in Paso Robles’ unique terroir. The AVA is one of California’s best wine-growing regions because of its proximity to the Pacific coast, creating California’s most dramatic diurnal temperature swings resulting in rich, complex flavors.

The 2021 Ace of Spades Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. It is full-bodied and structured, with rich, sophisticated aromas and polished tannins. The wine will develop even more complexity with age.

At $22, the Ace of Spades is an excellent value for a Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality. It will surely please Cabernet lovers looking for enjoyable wine now and over the next five years.

ACE OF SPADES 
BY PERRIN + DOBBS VIEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES 2021
Retails at: $42

Your Price: $22

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“The Ace of Spades Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from Perrin + Dobbs Vineyards begins with a bright nose of briary wild red and black berries, pepper spice, camphor, pipe tobacco, and sweet florals. It continues on the palate with ripe blackberries, Morello cherries, and Burgundy plums, all wrapped in satiny, fine-grained tannins. At this price, this Cabernet Sauvignon is surprisingly deep and complex and will be my new go-to Cab in this price range.”

93 Points

2019 Joseph Jewell Zinfandel Raymond Burr Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

2019 Joseph Jewell Zinfandel Raymond Burr Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSAZinfandel

JOSEPH JEWELL 

ZINFANDEL 2019
RAYMOND BURR VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY

2019 Joseph Jewell Zinfandel Raymond Burr Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

Adrian Jewell is the proprietor and winemaker for Joseph Jewell Wines, and his upbringing in Northern California’s cold, foggy climate led him to believe these majestic sites along the North Coast have invaluable potential for viticulture. With an authentic varietal expression, Joseph Jewell wines are sourced from small, independently owned, and sustainably farmed vineyards and carefully crafted in a welcoming, harmonious style that unites friends and family.

Recognized for producing superior quality grapes with subtle notes of ripe peaches, a quality that old-time growers prize in Zinfandel, Raymond Burr Vineyard is located in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley and planted on seven acres of 30-year-old Zinfandel.

Joseph Jewell’s 2019 Raymond Burr Vineyard Zinfandel represents a refined and elegant style of California Zinfandel, with fresh fruit flavors and plenty of spice. The wine is delightful on its own and particularly excellent with barbequed meats.

JOSEPH JEWELL 
ZINFANDEL 2019
RAYMOND BURR VINEYARD
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Retails at: $45

Your Price: $26

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“The Joseph Jewell 2019 Raymond Burr Zinfandel begins with an enticing bouquet of aromas, including allspice, pink peppercorns, red cherry, red currant, dried rose petals, peach blossom, and thyme. On the palate, the wine has refreshing notes of peach, baked cherry pie, wild blackberry, clove, and menthol, balanced by the wine’s lively acidity. Drink this wine now or hold for a few years for further development.”

93 Points

2022 Red Birds Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Red Birds Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

RED BIRDS

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022

2022 Red Birds Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Roger Roessler’s passion for wine began as a restaurateur, opening restaurants throughout the Western United States for over 40 years. Growing up in Columbia, Illinois, he cherished fond memories of the abundant “red birds” thriving in his hometown. When presented with the opportunity to produce Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, he aimed to create a wine with vibrant red fruit characteristics, paying homage to his childhood feathered friends.

Under the Roessler and Black Pine labels, Roger has produced several award-winning Pinots. His small production, Red Birds Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, delivers the quality one would expect from him at a value price.

The 2022 growing season was excellent for the Sonoma Coast, with some summer heat countered by coastal cooling influences that helped concentrate flavors and aromas in the fruit, leading to an excellent vintage for Pinot Noir.

RED BIRDS
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2022
Retails at: $45

Your Price: $29.99

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“The 2022 Red Birds Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir begins with a bright and inviting nose with aromas of cranberries, red cherries, violets, and nutmeg dancing out of the glass. The wine is medium-bodied on the palate with penetrating sweet/tart raspberries, red currants, and cola flavors. An excellent combination of lush richness and freshness keeps it lively and balanced, even for a riper-styled Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity is bright and refreshing, and the soft, velvety tannins lead to a long finish with lingering notes of red fruits and spice.”

92 Points

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Diamond MountainKevin VogtNapaOak KnollProprietary RedSaint HelenaUSA

STEPS

RESERVE BARREL SELECT
NAPA VALLEY 2021

2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley
STEPS Barrel Select Reserve is a quintessential Napa Valley Blend crafted by Grant Long, Jr., the renowned winemaker behind Aonair, Reverie II, James Joseph, and Witchery. Grant’s winemaking wizardry creates approachable wines with a supple texture, hedonistic flavors, and ageability.
 
The 2021 STEPS unites plush valley floor fruit from Oak Knoll and St. Helena with structured mountain fruit from Diamond Mountain, showcasing the exceptional balance of Napa terroir.
 
The blend for this vintage is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% new French oak and 50% once-used French oak, seamlessly harmonizing power and elegance.
 
STEPS
RESERVE BARREL SELECT
NAPA VALLEY 2021
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The 2021 Steps Reserve Barrel Select has fresh aromas of violets, black tea leaves, berry bramble, ripe plum, and black olive. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with bright acidity and flavors of black cherry, black currant, mint, dark chocolate, and cloves. The wine’s intensity and fine-grained tannins will allow for graceful development, although it’s drinking quite nicely already.”
94 Points

2022 Michel Laroche et Ses Enfants Petit Chablis Burgundy

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyChablisFranceKevin Vogt

MICHEL LAROCHE et SES ENFANTS

PETIT CHABLIS
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2022

The Chablis region is renowned for its Kimmeridgian marl, a limestone-rich clay formed over 160 million years ago from fossilized marine deposits. This unique soil imparts a distinct minerality and sharp edge to Chablis wines.
 
Chablis is divided into four categories based on soil and location. Petit Chablis covers vineyards that produce approachable wines with crisp acidity and vibrant fruit.
 
Michel Laroche, a renowned winemaker, seeks freshness, minerality, and energy in the wines he crafts from his organically farmed vineyards. His 2022 Petit Chablis was fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s acidity and intricate flavors. This delightful and accessible Chardonnay pairs well with many dishes and offers the distinctive style Chablis is famous for.
 
MICHEL LAROCHE et SES ENFANTS
PETIT CHABLIS
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2022
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The Michel Laroche et Ses Enfants 2022 Petit Chablis opens with clean, fresh aromas of orange blossom, green apple, saffron, oceanic salinity, and chalky minerality. On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing with flavors of white peach, tart apple, lemon cheesecake, and flint. The zesty acidity pops on the finish and creates a mouthwatering sensation, making it nearly impossible to resist another glass.”
94 Points 
2018 David Clinton Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

2018 David Clinton Old Vine Zinfandel Mounts Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Dry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSAZinfandel

DAVID CLINTON

OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
MOUNTS VINEYARD 2018
DRY CREEK VALLEY

2018 David Clinton Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Specializing in Old Vine Zinfandel, David Clinton Wines began with the unity of two friends sharing a passion for wine, then sourcing fruit from choice vineyards in Sonoma County. The Dry Creek Valley is famous for high-quality Zinfandels due to its soil composition, topography, and cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean. These factors are the driving influence behind David Clinton’s wines.
 
The winery has produced a single vineyard Zin, from the Mounts Vineyard, located adjacent to Rafanelli, since 2013. This wine defines their house style with approachability, red and black fruits balanced with acidity, and a smooth mouthfeel. The 2018 vintage represents a classic example of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel sourced from an old vineyard block, giving concentrated, intense flavors, soft tannins, and ageability. 
 
DAVID CLINTON
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
MOUNTS VINEYARD 2018
DRY CREEK VALLEY
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“The David Clinton 2018 Mounts Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel begins with red cherry, plum, mixed berry pie, milk chocolate, cinnamon, and earth. On the palate, the wine has rich flavors of raspberry, blueberry, and chocolate chip cookies, with a hint of black pepper on the finish. This wine has had some time to develop in the bottle, bringing out more profound complexity and a soft texture that will continue to age but is very drinkable right now.” 
94 Points
2022 Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc Oak Knoll Napa Valley

2022 Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc Oak Knoll Napa Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaOak KnollSauvignon BlancUSA

TWO OLD DOGS

SAUVIGNON BLANC
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT
NAPA VALLEY 2022

2022 Two Old Dogs Sauvignon Blanc Oak Knoll Napa Valley
Major League teammates Chris Iannetta and Vernon Wells founded JACK Wines in 2012 over their passion for sharing wines with friends and family. Their success in the brand led them to expand their portfolio with Two Old Dogs and another partnership with highly respected vintner Jennifer Lamb.
 
Critically acclaimed winemaker Julien Fayard joined the team, bringing first-hand experience working in Bordeaux at Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Julien relocated to Napa Valley, where he took the position of Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking and, today, focuses on his projects and is one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemakers. 
 
The Two Old Dogs 2022 Sauvignon Blanc comes from Oak Knoll District and was vinified in stainless steel to retain fruit purity and freshness that complement summertime’s leisurely atmosphere.
 
TWO OLD DOGS
SAUVIGNON BLANC
OAK KNOLL DISTRICT
NAPA VALLEY 2022
 
 
 
“The Two Old Dogs 2022 Oak Knoll Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and opulent with notes of fresh-cut grass, bay leaf, elderflower, gooseberry, and passion fruit. On the palate, the wine has flavors of zesty grapefruit, green guava, and mineral undertones with lively acidity and a clean, focused finish. This wine’s crisp, bright personality makes an excellent poolside or beachfront companion and pairs with many types of dishes, making it an easy choice for the summer and into the fall.”
95 Points
2019 Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain

2019 Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain

with No Comment $70-$80Kevin VogtMerlotNapaSpring MountainUSA

PALOMA

MERLOT 2019
SPRING MOUNTAIN

2019 Paloma Merlot Spring Mountain
Paloma Vineyard was founded in 1983 by Jim and Barbara Richards after receiving a call from Dan Duckhorn, who knew the couple was searching for the perfect place to cultivate vines. Jim and Barbara spent the next 25 years planting primarily Bordeaux varietals and building what would later become one of Napa’s most celebrated Merlot Vineyards. In 2003, their 2001 vintage Merlot ranked #1 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, marking the first-ever domestic Merlot to earn that honor. 
 
Barbara’s devotion to the vines was particularly notable, having once claimed, “I can name all 7,500 of my children.” Jim and Barbara’s son, Sheldon, joined the team in 2003, spending the next several years learning the intricacies of viticulture and winemaking techniques from his parents. 
 
Paloma Merlot typically incorporates roughly 15% Cabernet Sauvignon to provide more structure to the final wine. The 2019 vintage was fermented and aged in French oak, then bottle-aged for 30 months before its release, promoting a refined integration of flavors, aromas, and supple tannins.
 
PALOMA
MERLOT 2019
SPRING MOUNTAIN
 
 
 
“The Paloma Spring Mountain Merlot 2019 begins with a fragrant nose of boysenberry jam, black plums, anise, French lavender, violets, and sweet vanilla. The palate continues with blackberry compote, concentrated black currants, Kalamata olives, baker’s chocolate, and licorice. This is a very dense, compact wine with amazingly concentrated, complex fruit interwoven with firm tannins that will allow it to age for well over a decade. As great as this wine is now, it will only improve over the next several years. I’ve enjoyed this wine over the decades, and this is the best vintage I can ever remember tasting.”
95 Points