NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut

NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut

with No Comment $50-$60ChampagneChampagne/SparklingFranceKevin Vogt

BOUQUIN-DUPONT

GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT NV

NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut
The Echelle des Crus was established in 1911, ranking Champagne’s wine-producing villages and the vineyards surrounding them on a scale from 80-100%, and out of the 319 villages in the region, just 17 were awarded a 100% rating and given the prestigious Grand Cru status. Bouquin-DuPont’s Grand Cru Champagne is a prime example of classification’s majestic and regal quality.
This wine originates from Bouquin DuPont & Fils’ Grand Cru vineyard in Avize in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, an area home to vineyards owned by famous Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Roederer, and Taittinger. This ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is a 100% Chardonnay blend from the house’s base wines aged four to ten years on the lees, creating a wonderfully developed, complex wine with a superb balance of focused, linear flavors and aromas.
BOUQUIN-DUPONT
GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT NV
Your Price: $55
“Indescribably brilliant with a freshness and vibrancy that need to be experienced to be believed , this otherworldly Champagne cascades wave after wave of candied citrus, quince, yellow plum and green pear fruit with elements of wet stone/saline-like minerality, toast, white flowers and a hint of ginger. On your palate, it takes over and puts your swallow reflex into overdrive, then the expansive finish grows for a minute plus, leaving you begging for another sip. It’s simply my new favorite Champagne.”
97 Points
2019 Dolum Estates Cask #11 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

2019 Dolum Estates Cask #11 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

DOLUM ESTATES

CASK #11 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA COUNTY 2019

2019 Dolum Estates Cask #11 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
Dolum Estates’ founders strive to create wines with undeniable character and all-embracing elegance that will vividly portray their origin. Winemaker Chad Alexander’s background in soil science and experience making wine at Hess Collection and Robert Craig wineries brought their goal to fruition, producing wines with a profound depth of flavor that remain elegant and finely balanced.
 
Their 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #11 embodies the classic Alexander Valley depth and complexity of the region’s ancient soils. Balanced with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, tying in the rich and supple mouthfeel, this remarkable wine, aged in French oak, offers immediate enjoyment and the structure to age for a decade or more.
 
DOLUM ESTATES
CASK #11 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SONOMA COUNTY 2019
Retails at: $82
 
 
 
“Juicy, sumptuous, and silky, with blackberry preserves and round, supple tannins. So approachable, with a gliding, deep dive into tilled soil, espresso, and black beans beneath its soulful core.”
96 Points
2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Cabernet SauvignonHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

ARKENSTONE

NVD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2018

2018 Arkenstone NVD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The Arkenstone Estate Vineyard at 1400 feet on Howell Mountain consists of 13 acres of vines divided into 22 separate vineyard blocks, providing winemaker Sam Kaplan with the necessary components for crafting magnificent high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon that competes with the best in the Valley. Sam’s winemaking philosophy centers around elegance and balance, utilizing hands-on organic farming, limited yields, and harvesting at uniform ripeness, resulting in cellar-worthy wines that are delicious upon release.
 
The NVD is the newest addition to the winery’s production from the steep slopes of the volcanic soils in the Vaca range, providing a supreme balance between the concentrated mountain fruit and minerality. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent representation of the superior quality that put Napa on the international wine map, and the 2018 vintage is showing brilliantly.
 
ARKENSTONE
NVD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $95
 
 
 
“One of winemaker Sam Kaplan’s finest showings from a lineup of 15 wines across his consulting clients, which include Vida Valiente, Memento Mori, Vangone and Maxem, his own label. This 100% Cabernet is a blend of grapes from Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain and Calistoga. Aged 22 months in 75% new French oak it delivers heady aromas of cinnamon-dusted black cherry and ripe blueberry, an intriguing herbal note and ground espresso. The structured palate is broad and plush with red boysenberries, savoury black olives, leather and a refreshing herbal note. It glides to a chocolate finish, supported by fine-grained, sappy tannins.
Drinking Window 2021 – 2040.”
98 Points
 
“….made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose reveals notes of warm plums, baked black currants and black cherries with suggestions of clove oil, black tea, Chinese five spice and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with firm, crunchy black berry flavors with bags of freshness and plush tannins, finishing with compelling energy…”
94 Points
 
2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

PINOT NOIR 2018
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley
Joseph Jewell wines are known for their approachability, balance, and natural varietal character derived from small, independently owned vineyard sites in Humboldt and Sonoma Counties that focus on sustainable farming practices. Owner and winemaker Adrian Jewell Manspeaker was delighted to begin working with the Hallberg Vineyard in 2010 and has produced this single-vineyard Pinot Noir ever since. Hallberg is a longtime vineyard source for Gary Farrell and Emeritus, both great producers.
 
The Hallberg Vineyard is known for its dry-farmed Gold Ridge soils that encourage deep root propagation, giving fruit with increased depth and complexity of flavors. This 2018 vintage is a prime example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, highlighting the vineyard’s earthy terroir and opulent fruit that will leave your taste buds craving more.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
PINOT NOIR 2018
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 begins with an elegant nose of fresh raspberries, dried cranberries, cola bean, French lavender, and sweet vanilla. A supple, opulent palate follows with integrated flavors of pomegranate, red cherries, delicate fresh herbs, and a liquid saline complexity. This bottling is a lush, penetrating wine with depth and lots of character and length that rates as another fantastic Pinot Noir from Joseph Jewell.”
94 Points
2021 La Villaudiere Sancerre Blanc Loire Valley

2021 La Villaudiere Sancerre Blanc Loire Valley

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySancerreSauvignon Blanc

LA VILLAUDIERE

SANCERRE BLANC
LOIRE VALLEY 2021

2021 La Villaudiere Sancerre Blanc Loire Valley
Sancerre brings a level of sophistication to Sauvignon Blanc unmatched by any other region in the world, with traditional farming practices and winemaking techniques passed down for generations. Domaine de la Villaudière is a multi-generational winery that today, Jean-Marie Reverdy and his wife Catherine operate with the help of their elder son and estate winemaker Guillaume, crafting beautiful Sancerre Blanc, classic to the region.
 
With an average age of over 30 years, the vines have an exposure facing south to southeast, giving ample sunshine aiding in complete ripeness and aromatic development. The 2021 Sancerre stands out for its clean, penetrating delivery and ideal balance between fruit, minerality, and acidity, displaying precisely why this classic style is sought by Sauvignon Blanc lovers worldwide.
 
LA VILLAUDIERE
SANCERRE BLANC
LOIRE VALLEY 2021
 
Your Price: $29.99

 

“The 2021 Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre opens with fresh notes of peony, elderflower, lime zest, green apple, rosemary, chalk, and salinity. On the palate, the wine bursts with bright white peach, citrus pith, and passion fruit that finishes with lemon cheesecake, adding a little bit of body. This wine is exquisite and refined but makes a big splash with its intense flavor profile and lengthy finish.”
93 Points
2019 Adobe Road The 24 Red Blend California

2019 Adobe Road The 24 Red Blend California

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtProprietary RedUSA

ADOBE ROAD

THE 24 RED BLEND
CALIFORNIA 2019

2019 Adobe Road The 24 Red Blend California
Kevin Buckler is an ambitious professional driver who has secured wins at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans, the 2002 Porsche World Cup Champion title, and several wins in significant motorsports events in North America. He founded the Adobe Road Winery in 2002, extending his drive for perfection into the winemaking world, and created the Abode Road Racing Series to represent some of his most significant accomplishments.
 
The metal chronograph label on the bottle is a miniature replica of the Rolex timepiece that counts down at the exhilarating 24-hour races in Daytona and Le Mans. The 2019 vintage is a Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, with hints of Malbec and Petite Sirah, expertly blended to represent the value of teamwork and success.
 
ADOBE ROAD
THE 24 RED BLEND
CALIFORNIA 2019
Retails at: $66
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The right blend of teamwork, preparation, and the ability to adapt has led to our team success. The same holds true for how we crafted The 24. The blend features fresh, fruity Grenache, mixed with an almost equal portion of dark, spicy Mourvedre. Syrah holds the backbone of smooth tannin and velvety mouthfeel. A dash of Malbec and Petite Sirah make the whole thing burst with intensity!”
2018 Gorman Proprietary Red Zacharys Ladder Red Mountain WA

2018 Gorman Proprietary Red Zachary’s Ladder Red Mountain WA

with No Comment $30-$40Columbia ValleyKevin VogtProprietary RedUSAWashington State

GORMAN

ZACHARY’S LADDER
PROPRIETARY RED
RED MOUNTAIN, WA 2018

2018 Gorman Proprietary Red Zacharys Ladder Red Mountain WA
Chris Gorman has over 30 years of experience in the wine industry, working as an importer for several years before switching gears into wine production. He made several small batches of wine before going commercial in 2002, establishing Gorman Winery and releasing the first vintage of Zachary’s Ladder, highlighting Washington State’s Columbia Valley wine region.
 
The fruit for this Proprietary Red was grown in the Red Mountain AVA, located in Eastern Washington inside the larger Columbia Valley Region, an area recognized for some of the state’s most extraordinary wines. The 2018 Zachary’s Ladder is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend aged in neutral French oak for 20 months, allowing the fruit to be the main focus of this full-bodied, supple, beautifully structured red wine.
 
GORMAN
ZACHARY’S LADDER
PROPRIETARY RED
RED MOUNTAIN, WA 2018
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“The 2018 Zachary’s Ladder is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 15% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot. It offers loads of darker fruits as well as notes of peppery herbs, violets, and spring flowers. It has a kiss of classy oak, is medium to full-bodied, and has a plush, mouth-filling texture. As with all of Chris’s wines, it brings the richness and texture yet stays beautifully balanced.”
93 Points
 
“It seems that 2018 was a bountiful vintage, and this wine offers its cornucopia of fruit. Cherry- and raspberry-gummy aromas are followed by plump, rounded fruit flavors that show impressive depth, layering and plenty of structure to support it all.”
92 Points, Editors’ Choice
 
“This broad-shouldered red offers both chutzpah and style. The backbone shows a density that’s typical of Red Mountain, suggesting time in the cellar, yet there’s just enough rich blackberry, cedar and mineral accents to make this approachable. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027.”
92 Points
2020 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2020 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma Coast

FLOWERS

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2020

2020 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Flowers Winery founders were among the first to see the potential in the rough and rugged Sonoma Coast, planting their first vineyard in the area over 30 years ago. Their organic and biodynamic approach to farming is part of their continued commitment to respect the environment and cultivate healthier vines for higher quality wines, which you can taste in all of the wines they produce.
 
The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir features a selection of small, family-owned vineyards, including the Sea View Ridge estate bringing forth an ultimate expression of cool-climate, coastal fruit. The 2020 vintage experienced lower than average rainfall that stressed the vines and reduced yields resulting in super-concentrated fruit that reflects the continued pursuit of quality that Flowers delivers with each new vintage.
 
FLOWERS
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2020
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $45
 
 
“The 2020 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir begins with inviting aromas of rose petals, violets, red currants, freshly sliced strawberries, black tea, forest floor, and wet stones. The wine is lively on the palate with a natural acidity that balances and complements flavors of red cherry, cranberry, and Bella mushrooms. This wine is a part of a consistent line of excellent quality wines for an approachable price, portraying an exemplary creation.”
92 Points
2021 Domaines Ott By Ott Rose Provence

2021 Domaines Ott By Ott Rose Provence

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtProvenceProvenceRosé

DOMAINES OTT

BY. OTT ROSÉ
PROVENCE 2021

2021 Domaines Ott By Ott Rose Provence
Provençal rosé is the world’s benchmark style for crisp, dry, fruity, focused rosé, and Provence is the only wine region in the world with rosé production as its primary focus. Domaines Ott consists of three separate family-owned estates in the south of France, each producing wines of definition and allegiance to each vineyard’s unique terroir.
 
Château de Selle bottles By.Ott in a new part of the winery built exclusively for its production, ensuring top quality due to a fully controlled process from blending to bottle storage. The 2021 rosé has fresh fruity notes with a touch of salinity and a crisp minerality, making it a fabulous choice for a warm summer day. It offers a sensational level of quality from one of the world’s best producers of dry Rosé.
 
DOMAINES OTT
BY. OTT ROSÉ
PROVENCE 2021
 
Your Price: $27.99
 
 
“The 2021 BY.OTT Rosé opens with aromas of white blossoms, peach, orange zest, sea breezes, and wet chalk. On the palate, bright flavors of strawberry, white raspberry, and passion fruit are in a delightful balance with refreshing acidity. This wine is ready to drink and enjoyable with or without food at any time of the day.”
92 Points
2018 Shafer Relentless Syrah Napa Valley

2018 Shafer Relentless Syrah Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Kevin VogtNapaSyrahUSA

SHAFER 

RELENTLESS SYRAH
NAPA VALLEY 2018

2018 Shafer Relentless Syrah Napa Valley
Shafer’s Relentless Syrah made its debut in 1999 before capturing three spots on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, including the #1 ranking in 2012. Now in its 20th vintage, this spectacular Syrah/Petite Sirah blend continues to steal the show with its intensely captivating, indulgent style and consistently stratospheric scores from numerous critics.
 
Named for Shafer’s longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez’s relentless dedication to high-quality winemaking, this wine is an individual selection of only the top-quality fruit, just like the Hillside Select. The blend changes each year, and the 2018 vintage is 76% Syrah with 24% Petite Sirah, but what remains the same is the wine’s bold, polished style that’s been consistent for over two decades.
 
SHAFER 
RELENTLESS SYRAH
NAPA VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“A young wine with superb depth and polish that shows great depth and brightness. Full and focused with blue fruit and long, fine tannins that are compact and energetic. Slate. Graphite. Sophisticated and curated. So beautiful to try now, but be patient and open after 2026.”
97 Points
 
“…the 2018 Relentless looks to be just about sensational, offering a dense purple color as well as rich, loaded notes of blackberries, currants, smoked meats, peppery spice, and violets. Reminding me of a great Cornas on steroids with its gamy, exotic character paired with beautiful richness, it has fabulous purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. This will undoubtedly be a great vintage for this cuvée, and my money is on it being one of the best yet.”
96-98 Points