2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red

2013 Petit Batard Napa Valley Red by Xtant

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUncategorizedUSA

PETIT BATARD

2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…

2013 Xtant Petit Batard Napa Valley Proprietary Red
As the second label for Xtant, an ultra-premium producer whose reds go for $85-$175/btl, Petit Bâtard delivers a wine of remarkably high quality, and without the lofty price tag that generally accompanies them.  With access to the same tools, techniques and terroir that go into creating their flagship wine, the 2013 Petit Bâtard merits significant attention at $39.99.  It was forged from the same three iconic vineyards that go into Xtant, Lewelling, Kletter  and Oakville Station, and after a meticulous sorting process, each wine spends an identical 40 months in barrel before the blends are complete…
 
Created with three of the five Bordeaux Varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, this deep and enchanting blend was thoughtfully composed by winemaker Jeff Gaffner.  You might recognize Jeff from Saxon Brown and Black Kite.  He was responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you love deep, richly layered red blends, you’ll want a case of Petit Bâtard before it disappears…
 
PETIT BATARD
2013 NAPA VALLEY RED
by XTANT…
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 27%
 
Winery Notes: “Rich and supple, our 2013 Petit Bâtard is a beautiful reflection of a premier Napa Valley vintage. Deep purple hues set the stage for layers of blueberry, cranberry, and bing cherry on the nose. On the palate smooth tannins give way to notes of sweet tea, clove and black licorice. Well balanced acid and bright fruit ensure that this will be a wine to be enjoyed for many years to come!“
 
Customers who enjoy Petit Bâtard may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2013 Kobalt Window Pane Proprietary Red 2014 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red
KOBALT
WINDOW PANE
2013 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $37.99/btl

Click to OrderCo-authored by Kevin Carriker, who’s been in the wine industry for nearly 40 years and Mark Herold who’s responsible for having crafted some of the greatest wines in California including Merus, Hestan, Buccella, and his own label Herold. At under forty bucks, Kobalt’s Window Pane packs enormous value…
LAIRD
JILLIAN’S BLEND
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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When Napa Valley’s preeminent farming family uses just 3% of their grapes to produce their own wine, they’re able to hand select the absolute best grapes, producing wines of unrivaled quality.  We’ve always loved Laird’s Jillian’s Blend, but our affection was further solidified when we tasted the new vintage side-by-side another Napa Cab Blend that we love, which retails at $70/btl. We unanimously agreed that the Laird eclipsed it by a healthy margin.

 

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirSonomaUSA

DANIEL 2015 Daniel Grand Vent Vineyard Pinot Noir

2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD

Many of the most profound examples of Pinot Noir come from areas where there’s a gap between two land masses, creating a funnel that allows cool coastal air in.  This keeps the wine’s natural acidity higher and allows the grapes to achieve their highest overall potential.  One prime example of this geological masterpiece is the Petaluma Gap. Wineries like Kosta-Browne and DuMOL source fruit from this area, and vineyards like Gap’s Crown and Grand Vent have become notorious for producing world-class Pinot Noir grapes.  Fruit from these areas will typically go for a premium, so when you can find one at under forty, and from a great producer, go all in… We’ve introduced some stupendously high-quality single-vineyard Pinots from DANIEL, but this is by far the best bottling yet.  I’m buying a case… 
 
This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem… Created in a remarkably deep and hedonistic style with a sturdy core of concentrated dark berries, exotic spices, liquid floral and maritime qualities.  With a total production four barrels, this Pinot Noir will only go to a lucky few.  
 
DANIEL
2015 PINOT NOIR
GRAND VENT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 33%
 
Tasting Notes: “It is extremely rare for a wine to absolutely transcend what is possible at a certain price point, but the the Daniel Grand Vent Pinot Noir 2015 has done just that.  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. I honestly cannot recall a more enticing Pinot Noir anywhere close to this price point.  This one is simply stunning!”  Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
2014 Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc

2014 Catena ‘San Carlos’ Cabernet Franc

with No Comment $30 and underArgentinaCabernet FrancKevin Vogt

CATENA

2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS, APPELLATION SERIES 

2014 Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc
We recently had a discussion about the most influential and iconic winemakers in each Country… In the US, Robert Mondavi  and Andre Tchelistcheff highlight the conversation, and in Italy, Angelo Gaja reigns supreme.  In Argentina the exchange was centered around Nicolás Catena Zapata.  The largest commonalty between each of these paragons is that they’ve inspired an entire wine region and the people surrounding it.  Catena Zapata pioneered high-altitude farming in Argentina and some would compare their top vineyards to the best Vineyards of Bordeaux.  Their wines always conjure up emotion, inspiration and passion. You can actually taste palpable levels of these rare qualities in their wines.  It sounds expensive right? At less than thirty per bottle, wines that exude this much class are rare…
 
Arising from the family’s historic vineyards in San Carlos, this pure expression of high-elevation Cabernet Franc was sourced from around 3,500 feet.  The soils there are Alluvial sandy loam with thick calcareous layers that provide excellent drainage and gives the fruit a clear expression of it’s origins.  The 2014 was cellared for around 12 months in barrel and now with ample time in the bottle, this wine provides the perfect mix of deep, supple flavors, supporting layers of dark fruits, clay and minerals with hints of eucalyptus and black cherry…
 
CATENA
2014 CABERNET FRANC
SAN CARLOS, APPELLATION SERIES
Retails at:  $30.00/btl
 
Your Price: $22.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 23%
 
From Vinous: “Enticing aromatic lift to the aromas of purple fruits, violet and brown spices. Suaver than the Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon, offering exhilarating cut and penetration and an ideal balance between sweetness and suppleness of fruit and acidity. Savory, plush and ripe for all its energy. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe, dusty tannins and excellent breadth and length. Terrific berry intensity here.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Catena’s San Carlos Cabernet Franc may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
 

2015 Vian Cobos Cocodrilo Proprietary Red2012 Vik Milla Calla Proprietary Red

 
VINA COBOS
COCODRILO CORTE
2015 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl 

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Winery Notes: “Great freshness to the nose, where we find morello cherry, cassis, pomegranate and black cherry. Spice notes -from the cabernet component- touch on black peppercorn, clove and paprika, are complemented by floral, herbal and balsam notes.  The pliable sweet tannins alternate with the fruit and spice notes through the long finish.” 91 Points – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
VIK
2012 MILLA CALA
PROPRIETARY RED
MILLAHUE VALLEY, CHILE
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “Rich and refined, delivering unctuous dark fruit and spice flavors that offer a creamy svelteness. Slate and mineral accents linger on the complex finish, with dark chocolate and olive notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2022…”  94 Points
2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BUCHER

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River ChardonnayRIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER

 
When reading about Bucher’s Rio Oro Chardonnay it won’t take long to realize it’s an unparalleled value and one of the greatest that we’ve discovered in years.  When tallying the incredible pedigree, and weighing it against the $23 price tag, you’ll want to act quickly, because deals like this don’t come around often.  You may already recognize Bucher Vineyard from luminaries Williams Selyem, Siduri, and Frank Family that have all made wine from this remarkable site.  When learning that it was made by Adam Lee of Siduri, it should have your taste buds eager to try it… And if that’s not enough convincing, the 94 Point Rating from the Pinot File should seal deal. Make sure to join our email list to unlock special offers…
 
Located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, Bucher’s Estate Vineyard was originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  There are only 2 acres of Chardonnay planted, and for their Rio Oro Chardonnay they’ve also added a neighboring vineyard.  Each lot is fermented separately and later combined to create a truly individualistic and overwhelmingly satisfying expression of Russian River Chardonnay…
 
BUCHER
RIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From Pinot File: “Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lavish aromas of lemony custard, Golden Delicious apple, wildflower honey and brioche. Sleek, bright and crisp on the palate with sumptuous flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple with a compliment of oak infused blond caramel and honeyed nuts. Beautifully crafted, with sound acidity and noticeable finishing length.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bucher Rio Oro Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding Chardonnays…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

HOURGLASS

2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED 

2016 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red
The best wines only take your palate an instant to recognize that it’s something remarkable, and that’s exactly what we look for in our tastings each week.  In fact, we taste nearly a wine a minute at our group tastings because it happens that quickly when you come across something profound.  Sometimes you know just based on the aroma, but when it hits your palate it should light you up with excitement, which is exactly what happened when I tasted the new Hourglass HG III.  The wine was authored by legendary winemaker Toni Biagi… Tony spent nearly 10 years crafting the high-scoring Plumpjack wines, which rank among the best in Napa Valley, and their top Estate wines can go for around $200/btl…  At under fifty, the HG III is a low price of admission for wine of this outstanding pedigree.  
 
With an exhilarating velvety texture, and endless layers of sweet blueberries, cherry pipe tobacco, dried flowers and black chcolate, the HG III combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah into an exhilarating wine of pure brilliance.  
After spending around 16 months in French oak, the 2016 is stunningly gorgeous now, and it’s undoubtably the best version of HG III yet.  Don’t hesitate to secure your case… 
 
HOURGLASS
2016 HG III
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $53.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
 
“Showing the quality of this vintage, the 2016 HG III is a big, opulent, incredibly sexy effort that boasts a deep purple color and terrific notes of black cherries, chocolate, dried flowers, and spice. Made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (that’s the III of HG III), it’s one heck of a red blend and well worth seeking out.”  91-93 Points
“A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Hourglass H. G. III is beautifully scented at this nascent stage of crushed plums, mulberries, kirsch and black cherries with wafts of spice cake and chocolate box. Full-bodied, rich, soft and seductive at this youthful stage, it offers lovely plush tannins and plenty of vivacity on the finish.”  91-93 Points
Customers who enjoy Hourglass HG III may also enjoy these two stunning Reds… 
2015 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Proprietary Red 2016 Dancing Hares Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
JUSLYN
2015 PERRY’S BLEND
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 

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The first impression I had when I tasted Juslyn’s 2015 Perry’s Blend was one of shattered expectations, and those were set high, given the high quality of wines that the winery has produced over the last several vintages. They’ve also attracted some incredible talent…  Assisting in their constant pursuit of perfection, consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, who’s worked alongside Jayson Woodbridge at Hundred Acre…
DANCING HARES
2016 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 

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2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir

2016 Martinelli ‘Bella Vigna’ Pinot Noir

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

MARTINELLI 

2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA

2016 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir
After earning a monstrous 96 Point score on their 2015, you might be wondering if this $45 Pinot could get any better… Take one sip of their 2016 and you’ll have a definitive answer.  The 2016 combines fruit from several of the winery’s top sites including Bondi, Lolita and Zio Tony Ranches, with the largest share being from Bondi.  They produce single vineyard Pinots from each of these incredible vineyards which sell for around $70/btl.  At $45 the Bella Vigna offers a stunning value…  The level of quality/value is made abundantly clear the moment this wine splashes into your glass as the bouquet grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go.  By the time it’s hits your palate, you’ll wish you had ordered more… 
 
The Bella Vigna Pinot embodies all the hallmarks that made Martinelli one of Russian River’s most beloved producers.  With the help of consulting winemaker Erin Green whom worked alongside Helen Turley in the early ’90’s on some of her projects, including Bryant Family & Martinelli, the winery has remained a paragon of the Russian River Valley.  If you love BIG, rich, California Pinot Noirs, you’ll want to secure a case of this one, yesterday.
 
MARTINELLI 
2016 PINOT NOIR
BELLA VIGNA
 
Retails at: $45/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Deep and enchanting aromas of intense black-cherry, wild plum and holiday spices engage your senses. On the palate, lavish and vibrant flavors envelope your taste buds and unlock vivid flavors embedded in wild berries, black tea, spring flowers, rhubarb and forest floor.  The texture is velvety and with plenty of body, concentration and richness.  Drink this beauty now and over the next 10 years.” 
 
Customers that enjoy Martinelli’s Bella Vigna Pinot Noir,  may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 Martinelli Bella Vigna Chardonnay
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 93 Points
MARTINELLI
2015 CHARDONNAY
BELLA VIGNA
 
Your Price: $45/btl

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2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Cornerstone ‘Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonCalistogaKevin VogtNapaUSA

CORNERSTONE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
When a wine has literally every component necessary to be a world-class expression of it’s varietal, it’s difficult to find just one high-point to talk about because there are so many attributes that make it special.  Cornerstone’s 2014 Calistoga Cabernet is that wine.  You could start by mentioning winemaker Kari Auringer who worked under Celia Welch at Cornerstone as well as contributing to the fame of some of the Napa Valley’s most luminous names including Scarecrow, Keever, Kelly Fleming and Corra… to name a few.  Or you could talk about winemaker Charles Thomas who has more than 30 years winemaking experience crafting Robert Mondavi’s Reserve Cabernets, the first twelve vintages of OPUS ONE, or his work at Cardinale, Lokoya, Verité and Rudd.  And then there’s the vineyard… 
 
Arising from a single vineyard perched high on Calistoga Palisades, not far from Araujo where the areas well-drained volcanic soils and unique microclimates project fruit of remarkable quality.  The 2014 checks in at 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with extraordinary extraction and deep, expressive flavors that unwind methodically and tell a story of the areas extraordinary terroir.  At $75/btl you’d be thrilled by the quality. At $49, you’ll want to make room in the cellar, and go deep…    
 
CORNERSTONE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 CALISTOGA
Retails at:  $75/btl
 
Your Price: $49/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Dark, rich and ripe. This wine offers classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, cassis, mocha and smoky toasted vanilla. Round, rich and creamy on entry, with explosive flavors of ripe fruit that only comes with a near-perfect growing season in the warmer part of the valley. As the wine opens up, the fruit flavors give way to a seductive core, classic cassis, licorice and a hint of leather. The tannins are sturdy but integrated. It is opulent and plush on release but it has the backbone and structure to age beautifully. This wine will reward those with the patience to give it a little more time.” 
2013 Behrens The Collector Proprietary Red

2013 Behrens Family The Collector Proprietary Red

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

BEHRENS FAMILY 

2013 THE COLLECTOR
PROPRIETARY RED

2013 Behrens The Collector Proprietary Red
Appropriately named The Collector, this latest release from Behrens Family was so ridiculously good that it had everybody at our tasting wanting to stash away as much as we could.  As it opens in the glass, deep and enchanting flavors amass and it becomes abundantly clear that this wine will effortlessly age for another 20-25 years. Of course it will take a true Collector to keep this wine locked away in the cellar, because it’s riveting right now, and having already accrued several years in the bottle, you won’t have to wait.  Assembled under a powerful partnership between Les Behrens and Lisa Drinkward, who’ve made “Behrens & Hitchcock” since 1993, this high-scoring Cabernet blend deserves a spot in the cellar and on the table. 
 
Gathering nearly two years in high quality oak barrels, this beautifully proportioned blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon stockpiled with Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot and Merlot has an incredible core of ripe blackberries, sweet cassis, exotic spices and black chocolate.  If you love boutique Napa Valley reds, you’ll want to add a case of this to your collection…
 
BEHRENS FAMILY 
2013 THE COLLECTOR
PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon the Collector, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petite Sirah and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, reminds me of a big, rich Petite Sirah. That explains the 30% of that variety, but it seems to dominate the blend. Beautiful blueberry and black raspberry fruit, extremely extracted and rich, but not rustic by any means, this is a big, dense, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-wall black/purple red wine to drink over the next 20-25 years.” 94+ Points
 
Customers who enjoy Behrens Family’s The Collector may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…  
2014 Steps Winemakers Reserve Proprietary Blend 2016 Dancing Hares Mad Hatter Proprietary Red
STEPS 
WINEMAKER’S RESERVE 
2014 PROPRIETARY BLEND
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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The 6 barrel production  Winemaker’s  Reserve is heavily based in Atlas Peak, and made transparent by its striking crushed rock minerality and dusty tannins that make the area so desired.  The final blend has a solid core of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, magnified by 14% Cabernet Franc from Kenefick Palisades Vineyard, 9% Malbec from Oakville and 5% Petit Verdot from Coombsville.
DANCING HARES
2016 MAD HATTER
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Your Price: $59.99/btl 

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2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo

2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo ‘Altenasso’ Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BaroloBaroloItalyKevin Vogt

CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO

2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo
In wine, how important is the vintage?  A great vintage usually means the grapes had the ideal conditions needed to develop flavors gradually, and to optimal maturity.  Things like heat spikes can prematurely advance the fruit, affecting the depth, structure, acid and balance. Rains near harvest can balloon grapes with un-needed water, diluting flavors.  Weather is unpredictable and when an area experiences optimum conditions, it always piques my interest for the wines that will come out of it.  Hence, the 2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo Altenasso Barolo. The 2013 vintage in Piedmont is one of the areas best, earning a vintage rating of 97 Points. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage Chart goes back to 1978 and there have only been 3 other 97 point vintages and none that have scored higher.  Not only are 2013 vintage Barolos hard to find due to increased demand, but they’re nearly impossible to find under forty bucks…
 
An absolute classic depiction of 2013 Barolo that offers up a flower-infused bouquet of dried rose petals, crushed violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of leather.  It’s unbelievably good for the price. And don’t just take my word for it…  This wine is poured by the glass at Michael Chiarello’s popular Bottega restaurant in Yountville.  Keep in mind that Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  
 
CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO
2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 50%
 
From The Wine Spectator: “This is spicy, with a touch of medicinal herbs shading the core of cherry, leather and tobacco. Tar and mineral elements chime in on the lengthy finish. Lean and sinewy. Best from 2021 through 2026. 800 cases made.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Cavalier Bartolomeo’s Altenasso Barolo may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco...”  93 Points
2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.