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…
2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Blend

2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Proprietary White

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancUncategorizedUSA

CROCKER & STARR

2017 Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc Blend2017 BRIDESMAID WHITE
AVA, NAPA VALLEY

 
Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party… Even better is when the wine itself is contagiously fun and energetic.  Crocker & Starr’s new 2017 Bridesmaid White exudes those qualities and the 2017 is delightfully engaging, provocative and full of life.  The 2017 tosses a bouquet of sweet flowers and citrus leaves before waltzing down the aisle with exotic passion fruit, Island mango, honey drizzled pear, and orange zest.  This exciting blend is a collaboration of declassified barrels of premium wine lots, carefully selected from several of Napa Valley’s premier wineries after their own blends are complete.  The wine that makes it into the bottle often had an intended retail of more than double the price…
 
Bridesmaid was inspired through Pam Starr’s work at notables as Spottswoode and Gemstone and at under twenty per bottle, this is a delicious introduction to the wines of Crocker & Starr.  The blend consists of remarkably high-quality Sauvignon Blanc wed with a small amount of Semillon, adding a silkiness to the wine that’s simply mesmerizing. I strongly recommend stocking up on this gorgeous declassified jewel.
 
CROCKER & STARR
2017 BRIDESMAID WHITE
AVA, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $19/btl
 
Winery Notes: “This brilliant Sauvignon Blanc blend is pale straw yellow in the glass and the aroma is loaded with honeysuckle, lychee, lime leaves, and laced with the slight salinity of oyster shell. Mouthwatering flavors of lemon meringue pie, key lime, honeydew melon, and white peach gleam on the palate. And the Semillon adds jelly richness to the wine’s medium-bodied, perfectly balanced center. The wine shines all the way through the savory finish, which is lined with crushed seashell. You will love this so much that a case simply won’t be enough.“
 
Customers who enjoy Crocker & Starr Bridesmaid White may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2016 Picayune Napa County Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
LETO CELLARS
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
OLD VINE, ST. HELENA
 
Your Price: $21.99/btl

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PICAYUNE
2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC
NAPA COUNTY &
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $20.99/btl

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Picayune’s 2016 comes alive in the glass with remarkable clarity, focus and penetrating fruit. Bursting vibrantly from the glass with a melange of lime, jasmine, crushed rock and grapefruit notes, forecasting an elaborate parade of orange blossoms, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, all displayed with textural intrigue and uncanny purity.
2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red

2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

PARADUXX

2015 PROPRIETARY RED
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.

2015 Duckhorn Paraduxx Proprietary Red
Duckhorn is a paragon for Merlot and their top offering achieved the Wine Spectator #1 wine in the world… Ergo, expectations are high for every other wine they produce. Their 2015 Paraduxx surpassed all of my expectations, and I was captivated by the wine’s rich, supple nature, concentrated core and penetrating, long finish.  The winery is clearly on an upward path, recently acquiring legendary Pinot producers CALERA and KOSTA BROWNE.  The quality of their other wines have not skipped a beat, and in fact, the recent vintages from Duckhorn set a new standard for the brand. The 2015 Paraduxx shines a bright light on what can be achieved at this price point…
 
In the glass, a provocative bouquet ascends layers cocoa dusted berries, crème de cassis, spice box and gorgeous blackberry. The 2015 is stacked with velvety dark fruits and is marked by a scrumptious texture, and soft tannins.  The 2015 was built around a core of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and was enhanced with Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.  Fans of deep, round, opulent reds will be thrilled with this new release…
 
PARADUXX
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
BY DUCKHORN WINE CO.
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 20%
 
From James Suckling: “Red plums, red cherries, herbs and Chinese spices. Medium-bodied with some nicely firm tannins and fresh acidity to carry things through to the fruity finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and petit verdot. Drink now.” 91 Points
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 16% Zinfandel, 11% Petit Verdot

 

Customers that enjoy Paraduxx Proprietary Red may also enjoy these two terrific wines from Duckhorn Wine Co…
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
DUCKHORN
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $78.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Beginning with a gorgeous nose of boysenberry, cherry, strawberry, cedar, sage and licorice, this lush and lively Cabernet captures the rich diversity of Napa Valley. On the palate, the alluring fruit flavors are underscored by bright acidity, firm polished tannins and notes of fig, licorice and cinnamon that linger on the well-structured finish.”
Cabernet Sauvignon 82% | Merlot 10% | Petit Verdot 6% | Cabernet Franc 2%
DUCKHORN
2015 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $56/btl
 
Your Price: $45/btl
 
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.
2015 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2015 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

CALCULATED RISK

PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY

A winemaker must be calculated when creating a blend, because even the slightest adjustment to the varietal breakdown can completely change the style and distinct qualities showcased in a wine. Each individual varietal will not only add its own attributes and unique characteristics, but th2015 Calculated Risk Napa Valley Proprietary Redey will also compliment one another, and the goal is to have them intermingle into a well-rounded symphony rather than a singular solo… Calculated Risk’s 2015 Napa Valley Red Blend achieved that goal, with each varietal enhancing the best qualities of the others.  The Merlot adds a supple elegance, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes depth and structure and the Cabernet Franc enhances focus and aromatics…
 
A calculated blend of 72% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc sourced from secret vineyard locations throughout Napa Valley. The 2015 shows plenty of up-front fruit, depth and focus.  At our price, the only risk will be waiting too long to secure your case…  This Calculated Risk is sure to pay off…
 
CALCULATED RISK
PROPRIETARY RED
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
“...With an alluring dark garnet hue, the wine features attractive aromas of ripe red fruits, wild berries, black fig and fresh sage are layered with subtle nuances of spice and toasted nuts. As the wine opens up in the glass, the gracious flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, raspberry coolie, white pepper and bittersweet chocolate are balanced with a smooth texture, silky tannins, bright acidity, and a rewarding finish that makes every sip count. Elegant, complex and drinkable when young, this is an outstanding wine that over-delivers for the price.” 94 Points, Chris Sawyer, Sommelier to the Stars
2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaSt HelenaUncategorizedUSA

REVANA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 TERROIR SERIES

2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon
What does it take to make one of Napa Valley’s Top Cabernets? Choosing the right winemaker that not only has proven abilities to create some of the best wines in the world, but one who is an expert in terroir selection and can carefully choose the right vineyard(s) to shape a monumental wine.
 
Dr. Revana selected Thomas Rivers Brown to take his wine to the next level.  Brown is at the top of his game and is one of the dominating forces in Napa Valley Cabernet.  He made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 Point score from the Wine Spectator, and he’s also the winemaker at Schrader, Maybach, Gemstone and Outpost to name a few.
 
Arising from carefully selected vineyard sites in St Helena, Oak Knoll and Calistoga, this stunning effort immediately gives you a feeling of greatness the moment you taste it… Having already earned a stellar 93 point score in the Wine Spectator, I strongly recommend securing a case, before it’s to late.
 
REVANA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 TERROIR SERIES
 
Your Price: $105/btl
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Strikingly vibrant, featuring complex flavors, innate balance and pure dark berry, spice, licorice and light oak shadings, with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2030...” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Revana Terroir Series Cabernet enjoy these two terrific Cabs…
 
2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl
 
With Napa Valley history embedded deep into it’s DNA, Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve is a timeless classic that embodies every quality that makes Rutherford so wondrous.  The vineyard blocks that go into this wine were planed in the early 1900’s, with the first vintage of 1936 Georges de Latour Private Reserve released in 1940 in honor of the winery founder’s passing.  Under the guidance of one of the world’s most iconic winemakers, Andre Tchelistcheff, BV built on a reputation of excellence and achievements.  Now, nearly 80 vintages later Georges de Latour is still turning heads and after the previous vintage earned 97 Points from Robert Parker, I wouldn’t wait for the scores to come out on the 2015 vintage before securing yours…
DOUBLE DIAMOND
2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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2014 Lavau Gigondas

2014 Lavau Gigondas Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtProprietary RedRhone ValleyRhone ValleyUncategorized

LAVAU

2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE

2014 Lavau Gigondas
As much as I love the innovative and forward styles of New World GSM blends (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre), I’m equally drawn to the complexity, depth and character found in Old World GSM blends, which originated in the Rhone region in Southern France as early as 600BC.  With trials and tribulations that spanning hundreds of years, many of the best wines in the Old World give you that feeling of antiquity and historical relevance when you taste them.  That feeling rushed over me the moment I tasted Lavau’s 2014 Gigondas.  After all the family has been making wine for in the Rhone Valley for 5 generations…  At $29.99/btl this is a wonderful introduction into the magic of Gigondas.
 
The 2014 Lavau combines 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre co-fermented and aged in French Oak and vats for a full year before bottling.  Many consider Gigondas to be the little brother to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the wines offer incredible value.  I highly recommend a case of Lavau…
 
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
“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
“A ripe, polished style, with rounded raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry confiture flavors that stay fresh and focused, picking up light violet, lavender and anise notes through the finish. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Lavau Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Blends…
0215 Sans Liege The Offering Proprietary Red 2013 Paul Jaboulet Aine Gigondas
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.
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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From Vinous, “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.”
 90 Points
2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtOregonPinot NoirUncategorizedWillamette Valley

IRIS

2014 Iris Oregon Pinot NoirPINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON

 
What does it mean when a wine that we can offer at $17 earns Double Gold in the $24-$27.99 Pinot Noir Category at The San Francisco Chronicle Competition, which is the largest competition of American wines in the world?  In short, it means make some room in the cellar, because a Double Gold is equivalent to a unanimous rating by all of the judges.  All wines at the SF Chronicle competition are tasted blind, and wines that earn a gold medal are then tasted again the next day. A wine that receives a gold medal from EVERY judge is awarded a Double Gold… When a $17 bottle defeats all of the other wines in a category filled with Pinots in the mid twenties, it gets my attention.  When our panel tasted the 2014 Iris Pinot Noir we unanimously agreed that it was special and we couldn’t wait to share it with you.   
 
Emerging from one of Oregon’s greatest vintages, rivaling the historic 2008 and 2012 vintages, the 2014’s offer the best of both years.  The 2014 Iris Pinot Noir is brimming with concentrated red berries, liquid floral, sassafras and wild plum.  This Pinot was brought to life by talented Pinot artist Aaron Lieberman-who has over a decade of experience in Oregon winemaking at notables such as Owen Roe and Isabelle Dutartre.  At $17/btl, this wine will make any Pinot lover smile. 
 
IRIS
PINOT NOIR
2014 OREGON
Retails at:  $24/btl
 
Your Price: $17/btl
YOU SAVE 29%
 
Winery Notes: “Showcasing aromas of raspberry, cranberry, salmonberry and wet stone; this refreshing wine offers a perky acidity, crisp tannins, and a smooth finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Iris Willamette Valley Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2017 Black Pines 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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YOU SAVE 23% 

 
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 Valley Pinot Noir 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 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSAYountville

SAILOR’S GRAVE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Sailor's Grave Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
I love seeing nice guys in the wine industry achieve success with their brand, and even more than watching their journey to success… I love tasting their wines.  When we first introduced Sailor’s Grave a few years ago, we knew we were onto something special. The wine went on to sell hundreds of cases over the next few vintages with continual re-orders and countless glowing comments. Truth-be-told the 2016 vintage is at an entirely new level and for a winemaker, this has got to be what success tastes like.  We taste a lot of wines, and last week was a particularly large tasting with over 100 wines. Sailor’s Grave 2016 was the top performer and at $29.99, you may want to stock up on this new vintage before it also sails away.  
 
With origins in Yountville, Coombsville and Oakville, the 2016 was housed in oak barrels for 22 months.  In the glass the 2016 is incredibly hedonistic, with layers of rich and supple dark berries that are intermixed with black coffee, bay leaf, pipe tobacco and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and expansive and makes it impossible to resit diving in for another sip… another glass and another.  
 
SAILOR’S GRAVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl
YOU SAVE 25%
 
Winery Notes: “The inky black 2016 Sailor’s Grave Cabernet Sauvignon entices from the start with aromas of cassis, cranberry, violets, and blackberries, with a touch of pipe tobacco. In the mouth, the wine is well structured, and fills the mouth with flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and freshly roasted coffee with a touch of malted chocolate. This wine is stunning and ready to drink now, and will reward those with the patience to cellar it for a few years.“
Cabernet Sauvignon 76% | Merlot 19% | Petit Verdot 2% | Cabernet Franc 2% | Petite Sirah 1%
 
Customers who enjoy Sailor’s Grave Napa Valley Cabernet may also enjoy these two stunning Cabs…
 
2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Fortune 1621 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
FISTICUFFS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $35.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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One of my favorite results that comes from tasting a new wine, is one that makes me do a double-take simply because the taste exceeds my expectations for the price.  The 2015 Fisticuffs Napa Valley Cabernet made me do just that.  Performing well above its weight class for value Napa Cabernet, this undisputed champion hailing from Napa Valley dances inside a tightly wound core, threaded with chocolate covered cherries, blackcurrants, unground coffee bean and cedar spice.
FORTUNE 1621
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2016 NAPA VALLEY 
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Sailing into their 2016 vintage,  Fortune1621 is a brand that’s become synonymous with value Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  With the Bump family at the helm, and a crew that include winemaker Brian Mox, who spent several vintages at Lewis Cellars, Fortune1621 is clearly a voyage worth taking. The 2016 is strikingly concentrated, yet poised and balanced with a layers of crushed black fruits, freshly roasted coffee beans, dried violets with hints of blueberries. 
2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

RAMEY

2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD

 
If you’ve ever wondered if a winemakers experience could manifest itself directly into the flavors, profound complexity and vivid characteristics in a wine, just try one of David Ramey’s Single Vineyard Chardonnays… David is one of the great pioneers in the California wine industry, having helped put many iconic wineries on the map, including Dominus, Rudd and Jericho Canyon.  His first vintage of Chardonnay was at Simi Winery in 1980 and he’s taken everything that he’s learned along the way and poured it into his own label Ramey Wine Cellars which he started in 1996.  His single vineyard selection of Chardonnays offer Grand-Cru level complexity and they have the scores to back it up.  2014 is the final vintage of his Platt Vineyard designate Chardonnay and with a stellar 95 Point score from Robert Parker, don’t hesitate to secure yours…
 
Emerging from the cool and wind-swept Platt Vineyard, located within a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, this absolutely brilliant expression of cool climate Chardonnay was aged for 19 months in François Frères barrels and bottled without filtration.  Bearing a concentrated core of green orchard fruits interwoven with  veins of rocky minerals, tangerine oil and nutmeg, the wine’s stunning finish goes on and on and on, which is unlike the amount of this wine available, which certainly won’t last… 
 
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
YOU SAVE 23%
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Chardonnay Platt Vineyard has expressive pink grapefruit, warm peaches and brioche notes with hints of praline and ginger. Medium-bodied with great richness and depth in the mouth, it has a lovely creamy texture offset by a wicked backbone of freshness, finishing long with mineral and savory/yeasty layers.” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Valley Chardonnay
 2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
DuMOL 
2016 CHARDONNAY
WESTER REACH
 
Your Price: $56.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “ Orange zest, white flower, sweet sage and hay aromas yield to softer peach and apricot. The palate is full of energy and vigor with clear-cut fruit intensity and savory character. Ripe stone fruits dominate with an underscore of oatmeal and marzipan. Texture builds with a core of old vine extract balanced with vibrant lime and oyster shell freshness. The finish is long, cleansing, and refined. Drink between 2018 and 2022.” 
PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.” 95 Points
2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaSt HelenaUSA

LETO 

EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2014 Leto Exceptional Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Have you ever tasted a “reserve level” wine from a given winery and thought that it was very similar to the winery’s standard offering?  Me too, but this wine is the polar opposite of that scenario… Leto only produces their Exceptional Selection when the wine is “unusually excellent” and dramatically differs from their other bottling of Cabernet.  This wine is deeper, richer and more powerful and fulfills every desire that one would have in an upper echelon Cabernet Sauvignon. The Exceptional Selection comes from a micro-block of 1/2 century old vines in the heart of St Helena.  The vineyard has been farmed by the same family for over 100 years…  At $150/btl this wine oozes majestic flavors and superior quality… It’s quite simply one of the best Napa Cabernets that I’ve come across at our price. 
 
Brad Warner, owner and winemaker has been making wine for over a 1/2 century, and it shows in this classically styled, deep and hauntingly penetrating wine.  A mere 3 barrels of Exceptional Selection were produced and after developing for 24 months in oak, the wine is marked by hauntingly intense aromas, intertwined with pressed blackberries, black expresso beans, vivid floral and Baker’s chocolate.  With 70 cases produced in total, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case.
 
LETO 
EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at: $150/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “It always amazes me when a wine can be both deep and brooding, yet light on its feet, without being heavy or overly sweet on the palate.  The depth on the nose starts immediately with fresh crushed blackberries, exotic black currants, toasty oak, pipe tobacco, a hint of fresh green herbs and spring flowers.  The deep palate begins with sweet black raspberries and ripe black plum, followed by secondary characteristics that include cocoa dusted chocolate, combined with sweet fruit tannins that perfectly balance the fruit. Absolutely stunning to drink now, but this will gorgeous for a decade or more to come.”  97 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier