2014 Enos Totem Ridge Vineyard Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $30 and underCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtKnight's ValleyNapaUSA

ENOS 

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY

 
How great can a wine really be at this price? Anybody that’s tasted VISTA and JOSEPH JEWELL knows first-hand the quality of wines that we’ve been able to find at that price.  The new 2014 ENOS Cabernet is in the same category.  The vintage brought a fuller, richer and more structured wine, which is exactly what this wine needed to become something you are going to think about for a long time.  When you taste it for the first time you’ll be shocked by the level of quality, which is amplified in all the right places… The vineyard is located on the Southern edge of the Knight’s Valley, which is an appellation shared with icons like Peter Michael and Anakota and at $60/btl this Cabernet would likely make you very happy.  At our price it’s one of the best wines that I’ve ever tasted.
 
Commanding a presence from one of Napa Valley’s best vintages, one that the Wine Spectator describes as producing “dense, charming, cellar-worthy wines,” the 2014 bursts from the glass with intense dark fruits, beautifully intertwined with vivid red currants, veins of minerals, lavender, chocolates, and slate.  On the palate the wine is deep and rich with intriguing, expansive flavors that bring you back for more.  This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages, so don’t wait for the next one to secure yours… 
 
ENOS 
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
TOTEM RIDGE VINEYARD
KNIGHTS VALLEY
Retails at:  $60/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “An enticing wine that has a beautifully pungent nose of bright red fruits, fresh black currants, green sage and cracked black pepper.  The approach is rich, concentrated and envelopes your palate with focused pressed blackberries, graphite, crème de cassis and cigar box.  The wine is vibrant and intense with impressive balance and brimming with crushed blueberries and ripe blackberry fruit followed by tobacco leaf and vanilla spice box.  The finish is long, and expansive with slightly dusty tannins… Unbelievable for the price”  93 Points 
2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Philip Togni Spring Mountain, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $100 and overCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUncategorizedUSA

PHILIP TOGNI 2015 Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE

 
The true mark of quality in a wine is not how great it is immediately, but how long it’s great over time.  One of the best examples in the New World is Philip Togni’s legendary Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet.  The wine has a proven track record to last 30 years and is utterly breathtaking upon release…  Chock full of hedonistic aromas spanning from pulverized mountain berries and roasted coffee beans to graphite and cigar box, and it will simply light up your senses.  At a recent tasting event in Brussels, Togni’s 1990 Cabernet outperformed iconic Bordeaux producers, Château Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion and Mouton to list a few…  The 2015 vintage has already earned two separate 96 Point scores from both Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, as well as The Wine Spectator, so don’t wait too long to secure yours. 
 
A pinnacle on Spring Mountain, Philip Togni’s Estate vineyard is perched at 2,000 feet in elevation and produces fruit of stunning qualities.  Immensely complex, layers of blackberries, pressed mulberries, sage, and cassis are intertwined with veins of iron and volcanic minerals.  Solidly braced with flavors that glide to a seemingly endless finish, the 2015 is an absolute classic and shouldn’t be missed.  
 
PHILIP TOGNI
2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
SPRING MOUNTAIN, ESTATE
 
Your Price: $135/btl
 

 

“A focused, tannic style, featuring tobacco and sage notes intermixed liberally with steeped currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Terrific cast iron and graphite hints flow underneath. This has loads of character and range, showing very vigorous, savory-edged cut. Youthfully rugged, with brambleedged grip to burn. Cellaring will let all the elements meld. Best from 2021 through 2040.” 96 Points
“Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a very classic nose of cassis, warm plums and crushed blackberries with notions of cigar box, garrigue, damp soil and truffles plus wafts of menthol and underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.” 96 Points
 
 
Customers that enjoy Philip Togni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon may also enjoy these two terrific Cabs… 
2015 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 BV Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
LARKMEAD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “With a tiny 3% addition of Cabernet Franc, this wine is defined by aromas of violet and crushed rock. Oak, clove and graphite dot a landscape of bold structure on the palate, with bright acidity balancing the concentration and grip. Enjoy 2025 – 2030.”  97 Points, Cellar Selection 
BEAULIEU VINEYARDS
GEORGES DE LATOUR
2015 PRIVATE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
 
Your Price: $119.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…very deep purple-black in color and reveals bags of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis notes with mocha, Sichuan pepper and hoisin plus unsmoked cigars and cedar chest hints. Full-bodied and absolutely laden with layers of black fruits and spices, it has a firm, grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long…” 96+ Points

 

2015 Pavillon De Taillefer Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

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PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER

2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX

Across the world, critics are raving about the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The vintage set a record for perfect 100 Point wines from Wine Enthusiast, and around half of those were from Saint Emilion.  The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 Points, noting Saint Emilion was the sweet spot, and this was the appellation’s highest rated vintage since 2010.  Saint Emilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199.  This stunning representation of a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion was created by Catherine Cohen, who interned with the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet at Château Petrus.  Jean-Claude immediately recognized her talents and installed Catherine at the famous La Fleur Petrus where she made the wines from 1995 to 2001.  At $45/btl, this wine had our entire panel in awe…
 
Created from half-century old vines, and revealing textbook Saint Emilion crushed red fruits, shaved rock and plush black plum, this wine leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip.  Catherine and her husband Phillippe purchased the Estate in 2006 after it was personally recommended by Jean-Claude Berrouet.  This Estate is now clearly on a positive trajectory and this is one journey that you don’t want to miss.
 
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 vintage of Pavillon de Taillefer has enticing aromas of black cherry, red plum, licorice, and spice, with hints of smoke, fine herbs, glove leather, cocoa powder, violets and dried tobacco. The elegant, velvety palate begins with plush Bing cherry, dried blueberry, baker’s chocolate, wet slate and crushed minerals.“
93+ Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Chateau Pontete Bellegrave, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2015 Chateau Pontete Bellegrave Graves De Vayres Bordeaux
 2015 CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
CHÂTEA PONTÊTE 
BELLEGRAVE
2015 BORDEAUX 
GRAVES DE VAYRES
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Chateau Pontete Bellegrave’s 2015 is beautifully detailed and firmly concentrated and packed inside of a generous yet muscular frame are micro-layers of red and black fruits, crushed violets, cocoa dusted chocolate truffles and hints of graphite.  A terrific value, this lovely Bordeaux is rarely imported into the US, and when it is, it unfailingly generates plenty of flattering comments and re-orders.   If you enjoy complex, delicious, full-bodied reds, this one’s an excellent value at under forty per bottle. 

 
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
2015 BORDEAUX 
 
Your Price: $33/btl 

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Did you know that one of the most expensive wines in the world upon release is Chateau Petrus, and that it’s made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Pomerolregion in Bordeaux?  Lalande-de-Pomerolborders the Pomerol region to the north and of the two main villages Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Néac has clay and gravelly soils commonly seen in Pomerol.   Chateau Vieux Potana comes from Néac and exhibits the dusty, chalky tannins, dark berries and gravely undertones that are classic to the region.

 

 
   
2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUncategorizedUSA

BRULIAM 2015 Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD

 
If an individual vineyard’s unique terroir along with all of the nuances and complexities that it’s capable of producing were a voice, the Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands would be one of the loudest and most beautiful in the New World.  The vineyard has become synonymous with excellence and is becoming more and more well known for producing fruit with otherworldly complexity. It’s easy to get excited when you see its name printed on a label, and wineries like Roar, Lucia and Black Kite all make single vineyard Pinots from it.  Bruliam Soberanes embraces clarity and definition and leaps from the glass with ripe boysenberry, mineral-laced cherries, wild rose, dark plum and holiday spices. With the average price of Pinot Noir from Soberanes estimated to be upwards of $50/btl, I strongly recommend making some serious room for this one..
 
Created from 100% Pisoni Clone, Soberanes is the latest vineyard planted by the Pisoni’s & Franscioni’s, whose families have been farming the area for over 100 years.  Bruliam brilliantly expresses the remarkably distinct flavors and textures that this vineyard is becoming known for.  It was strategically guided from grape to bottle by medical doctor-turned-winemaker Kerith Overstreet and this charming and sophisticated Pinot Noir should not be missed.
 
BRULIAM
2015 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Deep and hearty aromas of boysenberry, hickory smoke, iron, bay leaf and forest floor show on this single-vineyard expression. Dark rhubarb, baked strawberry and red plum pop on the sip, with healthy pinches of mace and cinnamon spice. It is very complex.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bruliam Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir may also enjoy these two stunning Pinots…
 
2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Fort Ross FRV Vineyard Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “... Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop…”  
FORT ROSS
2013 PINOT NOIR
FRV, SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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There are plenty of reasons why we love Fort Ross Pinot Noirs.  Their winemaking is second to none with Jeff Pisoni calling the shots. Further, their prices have also remained realistic over the years, despite the growing fan base and well-deserved scores.  The number one thing that keeps me coming back year-after-year is the ideal location of their vineyard… It’s centered in the idyllic 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…

2016 Heir Apparent Cellar Selection Oakville Red

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaOakvilleProprietary RedUSA

HEIR APPARENT

2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION

Have you ever wondered what makes the Oakville AVA so revered for producing Bordeaux Varietals? Over many thousands of years sediment has washed down from the hillsides creating notoriously complex earth.  On the Western side of Oakville where icons Harlan, Martha’s Vineyard and Beckstoffer ToKalon Vineyards lie, the soils are sandy and gravelly, which result in exceptional drainage, which helps produce large root systems and healthy vines.  On the Eastern side, near Screaming Eagle, Rudd and Plumpjack, the soils are red in color and loaded with minerals and volcanic composites. Some of the best wines produced in Napa Valley have Oakville origins and the average price per bottle is likely higher than any other AVA in the Valley.  It’s rare to find an Oakville wine under $100/btl.  Make sure to join our Insider’s Club (it’s free) to unlock special offers ~ or use the Click to Order button and see your price in the cart.
 
Heir Apparent’s 2016 Oakville Red seduces your senses with intense aromas of dark berries, exotic florals, minerals and hints of graphite.  Calling on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot all sourced exclusively from Oakville, the 2016 Cellar Selection offers stunning levels of pleasure, and should drink well over the next 12-15 years.  I highly recommend locking up a case… You’ll be glad you did. 
 
HEIR APPARENT
2016 OAKVILLE RED
CELLAR SELECTION
Retails at:  $110/btl
 

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Winery Notes: “Coming from the prestigious Oakville appellation, this carefully selected of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Merlot shows firm tannins, a compact structure along with hits of black cherry, currant, plum and dark toast.“
2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

KINSELLA 2015 Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD

 
I love tasting a new wine that is so compelling, it reminds me just how stunning a varietal can be. Meticulous farming practices, vineyard source, clonal selection and winemaking all combine to make the sum of the parts much greater than the individual pieces.  I experienced this excitement in a bottle of Kinsella Spencer Vineyard Cabernet, which is absolutely one of the finest examples of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s made by Thomas Rivers Brown, whom you may recognize from Schrader, Revana, Maybach, and Outpost…  The 2015 Cabernet from Spencer Vineyard is stunningly elegant, rich and extracted, offering pulverized dark berries intertwined with graphite, dried violets and black currant… The previous vintage scored 95 points from Robert Parker, and I think the new vintage is even better. 
 
With clones hand-picked by Thomas River Brown, Kinsella’s organically farmed vineyard is composed of three separate blocks.  Heirloom, Jersey Boy and Spencer.  The 2015 Spencer stole the show with our panel and we were captivated by the wine’s elegance and authoritative flavors that unwind methodically across the palate. The 2015 was built for the cellar and will effortlessly go for 15+ years, but if opened now, it will surely put on a performance of a lifetime.
 
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2015 SPENCER VINEYARD
 
Your Price: $99.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “This vintage certainly picks up where the 2014 left off. Engaging right out of the bottle, this bright cuvee is chock full of notes of ripe black currant, graphite and clove. Cigar box and violet mesh wonderfully with this higher acid cabernet and would be smashing with a dry aged ribeye!” Cabernet Sauvignon 92% | Petit Verdot 8% 
 
Customers that enjoy Kinsella Spencer Cabernet Sauvignon, may also enjoy these two fantastic Cabs.
2015 Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Kinsella Jersey Boy Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
REVANA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
2015 TERROIR SERIES
 
Your Price: $105/btl 

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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
KINSELLA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2012 JERSEY BOY
 
Retails at: $124.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “The 2012 Jersey Boys Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. The wine possesses a very aromatic nose of orange blossoms, fennel, and freshly picked raspberries. This gorgeous, heady fragrance leads into a juicy mouth-feel with flavors of bright red raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and mocha. A full-bodied pallet with fine, precise and well-integrated tannins is followed by a long finish.”
2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL  2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

When a winery’s Pinot Noir ranks as the best value wine that I’ve ever experienced, my expectations are set really high for their Chardonnay as well.  I’m happy to tell you that Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Russian River Chardonnay exceeded every expectation… Stunning on every level, and just like their Pinot, the mouthfeel and textures are absolutely sublime, which is a a hallmark of their brand.  The compelling textures are achieved in part from fermenting in both stainless steel tank and French oak Barrels.  At the winery’s $35/btl retail price this wine will have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9,  but if you join our Insider’s Club email list (it’s free) you’ll unlock special offers.
 
The 2014 Russian River Valley combines two unique Chardonnay clones, Old Wente and Starr Ridge.  The grapes were forged from steep hillside vineyard and the flavors are clear and precise and wash over your palate with energy and momentum.  Kept for 15 months in barrel, the 2014 is simply gorgeous right now… the only downside is there were less than 400 cases made.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $35/btl
 
 

Tasting Notes: “Yellow straw color in the glass, this beauty has classic aromas of lemon curd, ripe apple, spring flowers and toast. Elegant and bright on the palate with succulent flavors of mixed citrus and apple with a supple opulence. It is beautifully constructed, impeccably balanced and finishes long and smooth with all of the elements integrated in a seamless, beautiful wine.”

 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay
 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character… 
JOSEPH JEWELL
2014 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $38/btl
 

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The 2014 Joseph Jewell Russian River Pinot 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.  
2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Anderson ValleyKevin VogtMendocinoPinot NoirUncategorizedUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY

 
If you’ve been reading my emails for the last few years, you know how I feel about Pinot Noirs produced by DANIEL. They’re simply some of the best micro-produced Pinot Noirs that I’ve tasted at this price point. I’m not the least bit surprised that their 2015 Anderson Valley Pinot earned a phenomenal 96 point score from the Wine Enthusiast last month… After all, their wines are composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start by working at Williams-Selyem… And the 2015 Anderson Valley includes fruit from the iconic Ferrington Vineyard, which was made famous by producers like Williams-Selyem and McPhail.  The wine is texturally compelling, bright and penetrating and transcends everything that you would hope for at this price level.  As thrilled as I am to see that the winery is now they’re getting the accolades that they deserve, it also means you’ll want move quickly to get yours… 96 Point Pinots at this price are few and far between…
 
Combining fruit from both warm and cool portions of Anderson Valley, this brilliant Pinot has abundant energy, focus, stamina and complexity.  It’s brimming with bright red fruits, holiday spices, candied cherries and sassafras.  We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality Pinots from DANIEL, and this is yet another profound example of Pinot Noir.  With a total production of 200 cases, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
ANDERSON VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “Oodles of black cherry and sour cherry fill the aroma and flood the flavors of this full-bodied, concentrated and deeply fruity wine. The ripeness is balanced by good fruit acidity, making the wine both seductive and refreshing to sip. Made from Ferrington Vineyard and the old-vine Beaujolais Vineyard, it has the structure to age and improve…” 96 Points, Cellar Selection
 
Customers that enjoy DANIEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir
2015 Daniel Grandvent Vineyard Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem…
 
Winery Notes:  “This Daniel Pinot Noir is brilliant ruby red in color. The bouquet opens with Huckleberry coulis and black cherry, followed by charcuterie and cedar. This pinot boasts incredibly concentrated red and dark fruit that lingers with a silky texture on the palate. A wine capable of long term aging, every sip offers new nuance.”  75 Cases Produced (3 Barrels)
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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Tasting Notes: “…. Sultry aromas of Bing cherry, tart cranberry and strawberry rhubarb pie combine with fresh sage, subtle green peppercorn, white rose petals and lavender to make your mouth water from the first whiff.  Next, wave after wave of complex flavors taunt your palate with Morello cherries, Desertnyi pomegranate, perfectly ripe Japanese black plum that beautifully intermingle with hints of cola and a touch of earthy dried porcini mushroom.  Densely focused red and black fruit flavors linger on your palate in such a compelling way, that you never want it to stop…” 97 Points
2015 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere Chile

2015 Montes Purple Angel Carménère Apalta Vineyard, Chile

with No Comment $60-$70CarménèreChileKevin Vogt

MONTES 

PURPLE ANGEL
2015 CARMÉNÈRE
APALTA VINEYARD, CHILE

2015 Montes Purple Angel Carmenere Chile
I love the thrill of tasting a 99 point wine that induces a profound feeling of “where have you been all my life?”  I recently had that feeling in a bottle of Purple Angel Carménère  from Chile.  Carménère is Bordeaux’s 6th red varietal which originates from the Medoc region of Bordeaux, where it has been known for producing deep, powerful red wines.  It’s thought to be a member of the Cabernet Sauvignon family and now rarely found in France, but Carménère found its place in Chile where it reigns king.  Interestingly, Chilean growers inadvertently preserved the grape during the last 150 years, mistaking it for Merlot.  Carménère at its best, produces wines that are as vivid as they are deep, with penetrating, focused flavors that unwind methodically across your palate and exhibit tremendous power and structure.
 
From the moment Carménère was first found in the Medoc, it has been complimented with a touch of Petit Verdot.  Petit Verdot softens the edges and bridles the intense power and depth with a velvety, voluptuous embrace.  Montes recognized that and added 8% Petit Verdot to their 2015 Purple Angel and after silently developing for 18 months in barrel, the 2015 is stunningly brilliant.  We offered a small amount of this wine back in July and we’ve been turning down re-orders since then… Don’t miss this second chance to secure yours.  
 
MONTES 
PURPLE ANGEL
2015 CARMENERE
APALTA VINEYARD, CHILE
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 27%
 
From James Suckling: “This is perhaps the greatest Purple Angel ever. Full body, tight and compressed with an amazing texture and density. Fantastic fine tannins that are silky and polished. I love the energy and intensity. A blend of 92% carmenere and 8% petit verdot. One for the cellar but I can’t wait to drink it again.” 99 Points 
2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $50-$60ChardonnayCoombsvilleKevin VogtNapaUSA

FAR NIENTE

2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

2017 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay
When making a list of Napa Valley’s most paradigmatic and historically significant Chardonnay producers, the name Far Niente is carved in stone, quite literally. The winery was established in 1885 and prospered until prohibition in 1919.  In 1979 wine country pioneer Gil Nickel purchased the Estate and during the three year restoration, the name Far Niente was found carved in stone in front of the winery where it still remains today.  Nearly forty years later, their Chardonnay is considered by many to be a Benchmark for Napa Valley Chardonnay.  I’ve enjoyed their Chardonnay for years and for me the 2017 stands out for it’s remarkable balance, penetrating fruit and brilliant details.
 
Composed from superlative vineyard sources located in Napa Valley’s idyllic Coombsville region, the 2017 Chardonnay holds true to the Far Niente style of rich opulence and lavish detail.  It reveals mystical elements that come with finely laced tropical notes, liquid floral and toasted almond.  Fans of top-quality California Chardonnay shouldn’t miss this stunning release.
 
FAR NIENTE
2017 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Aromas of melon, sweet citrus and white blossom floral layered with notes of flint, yeast and sweetly toasted oak. A smooth and focused entry is followed by a silky midpalate with ripe flavors of honeydew and lemon, supported by just of touch of wet stone, yeast and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long and structured with citrus rind and mouthwatering acid.“
 
Customers who enjoy Far Niente Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
 
2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 

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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