2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

2013 Chester’s Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend

CHESTER’S ANVIL

2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND

2013 Chester's Anvil Hattori Hanzo Cabernet Blend
With the price of Napa Cabernet reaching new heights, it feels great to uncover a killer Cabernet Blend at $35 that’s made by a winemaker who’s known for crafting multi-hundred dollar, high-scoring Cabs.   Chester’s Anvil combines the talents Steve Lagier and Carole Meredith, who both worked at Robert Mondavi, and Aaron Pott, who after making Quintessa, embarked on his own label Pott Wines, earning numerous scores in the high 90’s..  One sip and you’ll know you’re into something special… A precision combination of deep, penetrating flavors underlined by a silky embrace.  With a total production of 107 cases, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours.  
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “...may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years.” This stunning Cabernet Blend spent an impressive 20 months developing in oak, adding a seamless, elegance.  Those of you who’ve tasted any of Chester’s Anvil’s wines know how good they are and have probably already clicked the order button… If you haven’t had a chance to try them, here’s a chance to pick some up at a terrific price.   
 
CHESTER’S ANVIL
2013 HATTORI HANZO
CABERNET BLEND
Retails at:  $40.00/btl
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes:A harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other kindred grapes. Black currant, blackberry, roasted duck breast, cocoa, coffee, cherry, a rich finish of milk chocolate and cherries.” 107 Cases Produced
 
Customers that enjoy Chester’s Anvil’s Hattori Hanzo Blend, may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
2013 Coho Headwaters Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2013 Titus Napa Valley Malbec
COHO
2013 HEADWATERS
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
From James Suckling, “Aromas of black currants with dried leaves and hints of cappuccino. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins, lots of blackberry character, some raisiny notes and a persistent finish…” 
87% Cabernet Sauvignon | 11% Merlot | 2% Petit Verdot
93 Points ~ Number #96
Top 100 Wines of 2016 
TITUS 
2013 MALBEC
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
There are a handful of California winemakers whom many would refer to as legendary or iconic, and whose triumphs and experience are so profound that their very name rings with excellence.  Philip Titus is etched permanently onto that list…  Revered for his work authoring Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill wines for nearly three decades, leaving countless World Class wines in his wake.  
2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Grand Napa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

GRAND NAPA 2016 Grand Napa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 

 
True to it’s name, the literal definition of Grand is magnificent and imposing in appearance, size, or style.  Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon overachieves in every aspect of it’s own definition.  Magnificent is the quality and focus of this wine; imposing is the large stature of this well-built Reserve Cab; size is the fullness of the mouthfeel and style is what’s really appealing about this wine…  Silky, seductive, intense, balanced all come to mind when tasting the 2016 Reserve.
Grand Napa’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet draws you in with intense aromas of candied blueberries, black cherries, espresso roast, blackberry, camphor, cocoa, graphite and white flowers.  Silky upon entry, the 2016 seductive, rich and structured and is created in a style that you’ll love right out of the bottle, yet has the structure to go 7-10 years.  Composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot and additions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine cascades across your palate and is wrapped with velvety tannins.
 
GRAND NAPA 
2016 RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
Retails at:  $110.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: Seductive aromas of black cherries laced with minerals, cocoa and hints of espresso erupt from the glass. On the palate, the wine is silky, intense and compelling with candied blueberries, tart cherry, scorched earth and espresso. A bright beam of red plum persists through the finish.”
2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Three Sticks Estate ‘PFV’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

THREE STICKS 2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE

 
A name that rings synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir is undoubtably Bob Cabral.  Cementing his place in Pinot Noir history while winemaker at Williams Selyem, Bob crafted the 2007 Litton Estate Pinot which Wine Enthusiast awarded a perfect 100 Point Score.  This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 point score from any major wine publication.  After nearly two decades at Williams Selyem, Bob is now the winemaker at a new winery, owned by Bill Price, and they’re beginning to make some serious waves in the Pinot Noir world. Bill Price owns some of California’s most iconic vineyards, including Gap’s Crown and Durell Vineyards which are both ingredients in this brilliant Pinot Noir.  
 
Striking, penetrating, focused and surreal immediately come to mind when tasting this 2015 Pinot Noir.  The PFV Estate Pinot comes from a combination of four distinctly different sites including Gap’s Crown, Walala, Dupont and Durrell.  Expertly guided from grape to bottle by one of California’s most accomplished Pinot Noir makers, you won’t want to wait for the scores to come out on the 2015, because it’ll be too late… 
 
THREE STICKS
2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE
Retails at:  $64.99/btl
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 15%
 
Winery Notes: “This coastal Pinot Noir is a representation of classic cooler climate fruits. The nose bursts from the glass with a fresh blackberry core, and exotic spices of pink peppercorn and cardamom. Consistently bold throughout, this wine has a well balanced structure and prized concentration.”

 

Customers who would enjoy the Three Stick’s PFV Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast:This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.” 
 
 93 Points
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast:Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux

2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux

MOULIN DE TRICOT

2013 MARGAUX

2013 Chateau Moulin De Tricot Margaux
If you’ve ever wondered why Margaux is an often-used name for women, and what that has to do with wine, one sip of Chateau Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux will give you your answer. Of all the regions in Bordeaux, Margaux is most recognized for producing powerful, yet beautifully elegant wines. The best Margaux will even have you thinking about the wine for long after enjoying it.  For me, they have all of the best qualities that I love in Bordeaux.  And while First Growth Margaux can easily top $1000/btl, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux is an excellent value at under forty per bottle.  Our panel was absolutely shocked by the quality, and this wine perfectly represents classic Margaux.  
Remaining true to old-world, classical styled Margaux, Chateau Moulin de Tricot blends 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Merlot, while many producers in the area are Merlot dominant.  The 2013 offers the absolute perfect combination of striking intensity and soft elegance, gliding across your palate with penetrating black cherry, dried rose, red plum and hints of potpourri.  With few cases imported, don’t wait too long to secure your case because this one over-performs on every level.  You’ll definitely thank me later!
 
MOULIN DE TRICOT
2013 MARGAUX
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl
YOU SAVE 38%
 
Tasting Notes:With striking aromas of crushed violets, black raspberry, wild rose and plum, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux is deep, plush and remarkably elegant. Well-integrated and precise flavors of dark red fruits, spices, floral components and minerals all intermingle effortlessly throughout the looonnnng and highly-pleasurable finish…” 
 
Customers that would enjoy Moulin de Tricot’s Margaux, may also enjoy these two terrific wines…

 

2014 Department 66 Cotes Catalane Grenache 2011 Chateau Trapaud Saint-Emillion Grand Cru
DEPARTMENT 66
2014 GRENACHE
COTES CATALANES
Your Price: $37.99/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and a splash of Carignan… This inky colored, downright sexy 2014 offers terrific notes of blueberries, blackberries, violets and chalky minerality. Big, concentrated and textured, yet still playing in the more elegant style of the 2014 vintage, this beauty will drink well for a decade..” 
 
93 Points
CHATEAU TRAPAUD
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
2011 SAINT EMILION
Your Price: $31.99/btl 

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2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Cru9 ‘As Ever’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay

CRU9 AS EVER…

2016 Cru9 As Ever Russian River Valley Chardonnay2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

 
 
If you’ve been reading my emails this year, you already know how I feel about Cru9. It’s absolutely one of the best new discoveries for us this year, and with a quality-to-price ratio that you simply will not believe. The 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is created from a secret vineyard source that also sells to several high-end producers, but due to a non-disclosure agreement, the fruit source needs to be kept secret.  One taste, however, will tell you everything you need to know.  This wine competes with the best $50 Chardonnays that I’ve tasted, it’s startling how good it is. 
With just 4 barrels produced, you can almost taste the attention to every minute detail that went into producing this wine.  It was aged for 11 months sur lie, a French term meaning literally ‘on the sediment’, the sur lie style plays a large role in contributing to this wine’s rich, opulent texture.  Notably Cru9 also gives back and helps support two nonprofit women shelters, Rudy’s Place in CA and House of Hope in IA.  Every time you buy a Cru9 bottle, you also help level the playing field for survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness.  
 
CRU9 AS EVER…
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $38.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “This lovely, graciously styled Chardonnay has a beautiful nose of orange marmalade, lemon blossom, citrus oil, wild flowers and chamomile tea. The palate follows through with a mouth watering array of ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, butter cream, subtle toasted oak notes, combined with lively acidity. Nuanced, sumptuous and nicely layered, it has a beautifully soft-textured finish. Drink this classically styled Russian River Chardonnay now and over the next few years. 100 Cases Produced” 
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers who enjoy Cru9’s Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2015 Silverpoint Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SILVERPOINT
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
If the best wines were like a puzzle, this wine would have every piece laid out perfectly.  With everything from an accomplished winemaker, iconic vineyard, blockbuster vintage and a terrific price, this wine truly has it all.  It was authored by Don Van Staaveren who’s responsible for authoring the Chateau St. Jean wines from ’85-’97, and even made history when his 1996 Cinq Cepages was recognized as the #1 wine on the 1999 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  It was the first Sonoma wine to receive the honor of being the #1 Wine in the World…
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
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
2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel

2013 Valdez St Peter’s Church Zinfandel

VALDEZ

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Vineyared Zinfandel
When comparing the Valdez St. Peter’s Church Vineyard Zin to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The 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.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and fortunately it’s a Zinfandel, which happens to be the perfect complement to summer barbecues… 
Arising 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.  Carved from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality, Robert Parker alerts readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,”  this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 
 
 
Winery Notes: “… This bold zinfandel boasts flavors and aromas of dark juicy blackberries, black currants, hints of cocoa and tobacco leaf. Elegant tannins grip on the palate for beautiful long finish.”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez’s St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…

 

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Valley
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 

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Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa.
TONTI
2014 RESERVE
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 

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Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 

Huge Tax Week Savings For YOU!

Whether you’re feeling the sting from tax season or you’re celebrating another great year, I have the perfect solution… Wine is a delightful partner for times like these, and as a great friend and mentor to me in the wine business would frequently say: “In good times we might need a glass of wine, and in bad times, maybe a bottle, but during tax time, we surely need a couple of cases…”
We’ve carefully selected 4 assorted 15-bottle cases that we would be proud to have in our own cellars… AND priced them substantially lower than our everyday low prices to make anyone’s tax season that much better… To learn more about the wines featured in each case, select your preferred price range by clicking on any of the four mixed case images below. Each case includes 3 bottles each of 5 different wines, and ground shipping is included in most States.

2013 Leto Cellars St Helena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

LETO CELLARS

2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY

 
What do Grace Family, Vineyard 29, Revana and Leto Cellars have in common?  For starters, they all make classic, absolutely stunning Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Napa Valley’s prized St. Helena AVA.  There’s one glaringly obvious aspect that they don’t have in common, like being a Cherry Picked Wines Insider List selection.  When tasting this wine there’s absolutely no doubt in your mind, or on your palate that it’s a high quality, $85, absolutely gorgeous single vineyard St Helena Cabernet.  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
Emerging from a vintage unanimously recognized for its unrivaled quality… One that Robert Parker alerted readers that it “…may turn out to be the finest vintage I have experienced in tasting North Coast varietals over the last 37 years,” this stunning Cabernet spent an impressive 22 months in French Oak and reaped the rewards of more than 2 1/2 years of bottle development.  With just 8 barrels produced, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case. One taste and you won’t LET(g)O.  
 
LETO CELLARS
2013 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $85.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes:The 2013 Leto is a classically styled Napa Valley Cabernet with aromas of black cherry, red plum, Good & Plenty candy, dried mustard seed and damp earth.  These aromatics beautifully complement a mouth coating palate of red currants, Bing cherry and mixed red and black fruits. The tannins are silky and the flavors expansive. A nice lingering acidity keep the palate lively and perfectly compliments the spice box notes and toasted vanilla finish.”
94 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier 
2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot

DUCKHORN

2015 THREE PALMS VINEYARD
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT

 2015 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot
When we offered Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms Merlot last October we asked the question, where do you go after being the reference standard in your field for nearly four decades…  Predicting Duckhorn would elevate their game to an even higher level, after earning their highest score ever from the Wine Spectator, they went on to become the #1 Wine in the World on the 2017 Wine Spectator Top 100 list.  Over the last 40 years, Duckhorn has become an inspirational icon for mastering Bordeaux varietals, and particularly Merlot in Napa Valley.  I can think of no other wine brand that defines iconic for a single varietal than Duckhorn does for Merlot… 
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, the 2015 conquers your senses with mineral laced blackberry, unsweetened chocolate-raspberry souffle, graphite, cassis and dried rose petals.  Arising from another monumental vintage in Napa Valley, the 2015 blossoms after developing for 18 months in oak barrels then 12 months in the bottle before release…  Marked by the wine‘s signature dense core and beautiful satin texture, the 2015 unwinds with intensely flavored black fruits, holiday spices, plum, cassis and vanilla.  I strongly recommend securing a case of this celebrated California Merlot.  
 
DUCKHORN
2015 THREE PALMS
NAPA VALLEY MERLOT
Retails at:  $98.00/btl
Your Price: $94.99/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes:Reflecting what can be achieved from a legendary vineyard in an exceptional growing season, this wine displays captivating aromas of fresh cranberry, blueberry, fig, cedar and cocoa nibs. On the dense, mouth-filling palate, sophisticated notes of wet slate minerality add poise and definition to flavors of plum, molasses, cherry and crushed rose petals. Silky tannins carry the wine to a beautifully structured finish with hints of moist earth, cranberry and bittersweet chocolate.”
Merlot 91% | Cabernet Sauvignon 7% | Petit Verdot 1.5% | Cabernet Franc .5%
 
Customers who enjoy Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, may also enjoy these two outstanding Merlots…
2013 Paloma Spring Mountain Merlot 2014 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
PALOMA
2013 MERLOT
SPRING MOUNTAIN
Your Price: $56.99/btl 
 
DUCKHORN
2014 MERLOT
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “…Intense aromas of ripe cherry, plum and black fig rise from the glass, underscored by hints of leather and cedar. On the palate, it is lush and supple, with bright acidity and velvety tannins supporting layers of raspberry and black cherry, as well as hints of coffee and chocolate that carry through on the long finish.”
2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montalcino

PIANCORNELLO

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 

2013 Piancornello Brunello Di Montelcino
In a category filled with some of the best wines in the world, Piancornello’s 96 Point 2013 Brunello stands out as One of the Brunellos of the vintage (Vinous).  The 2013 vintage in Montalcino clearly has a lot to offer.  The Wine Enthusiast wrote: “If you want to experience the energy, elegance and age-worthy structure that first drew wine lovers and collectors to Brunello di Montalcino decades ago, then 2013 is your vintage.” Jancis Robinson wrote: “the wines of Montalcino are expected to be exceptional.”  I’ve enjoyed Piancornello’s Brunello for years and the 2013 stands out as their best ever… 
Sweeping across the palate with stunning detail, Picancornello’s 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a textbook example of this classic varietal.  Painting a tapestry of deeply mineral laced red fruits, crushed chamomile, dried rose petals and wild lavender, the 2013 is redeemingly structured, balanced and determined.  I highly recommend securing a case of this classic 96 Point Brunello. 
 
PIANCORNELLO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
2013 MONTALCINO, ITALY 
Retails at:  $70.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 28%
 
 
From Vinous: “Deep red-ruby. Highly perfumed, mineral aromas of raspberry, red cherry, violet and iron. Wonderfully sappy but youthfully imploded in the mouth, this remarkably precise and well-delineated Brunello offers an extremely refined set of flinty red and black fruit herbal flavors. Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and very good floral and spicy lift. An outstanding, very pure and deep wine that really needs about a decade of patience. One of the Brunellos of the vintage.” 96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Piancornello’s Brunello di Montalcino, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Parusso Barolo Bussia
LA RASINA
2012 BRUNELLO DIMONTALCINO
Your Price: $45/btl
 
From James Suckling, “A wonderfully precise and clear red with cherry, plum and floral character. Hints of lemons. Full body and firm and velvety tannins. Long and tannic. Yet this still shows polish. Better in 2020.”  96 Points
PARUSSO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
Your Price: $74.99/btl
From James Suckling, “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here…”  97 Points